12th February 2012
We had a great week's rehearsal. The Principals finished their dialogue and the chorus started Munchkinland on wed with Martina. Many thanks to Kerry for helping with singing and warmups in absence of Mairead. It was a great help.
Rehearsals continue this week.
The Principals are in on Tuesday at7.30pm in "Studio 55", on the main street.
Chorus Rehearsal for Munchkinland is on Wednesday in St Mary's with Mairead and Martina.
Childrens Chorus rehearsal is 7.30pm to 9pm
Adults and children who are in the Adult Chorus have rehearsal from 7.30pm to 9.30pm
29th Jan 2012
Rehearsal Schedule for this week:
Wed 1st Feb - Everyone needed at 7.30pm in St Mary's.
This will be Maireads first rehearsal so everyone is needed.
This means all adults and all children.
Rob is finalising schedule with Bill, Martina and Mairead and hopes to have a full schedule for everyone on wed night.
Apologies for delay but there are some quick scene changes in the show which means some people will be in some scenes and not in others. This is proving tricky to sort out. All will be explained on wednesday night.
However rehearsals will be every Wednesday from now on and will increase to Sundays from 26th of February. All times will be given on Wednesday.
Principal rehearsals will continue to be every tuesday with Bill unless otherwise instructed.
23rd Jan 2012
Rehearsal Schedule for this week:
Wed 25th jan 2012 - Adult chorus at 8pm in Studio 55 with Martina for dancing. No kids needed this week.
Rest of the schedule will posted up soon.
21st Jan 2012
A great start to rehearsals this week. Bill had his first rehearsal with the principals on tuesday and Martina started with the adult and kids chorus on wednesday. Bill and Martina met on friday and they have made a rehearsal schedule for the next few weeks which should be on the website tomorrow.
Rehearsals will continue with tuesdays for principals and wednesday for chorus. However due to the large number we have, and the structure of the show, the chorus will be split in different scenes. Everyone who is needed for rehearsals this week will be contacted and the information will also be on the website.
We still have space for adult chorus members and anyone interested in taking part is asked to come along on wednesday night at 8pm to Studio 55, main street, Arklow. However you must be transition year age or over.
13th Jan 2012
Here we go
Rehearsals start next week
Principals Rehearsal :
Tues 17th Jan, St Mary's College, 7.30pm to 10pm
Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and The Wicked Witch.
Glinda and The Wizard not needed on tues night.
Childrens Rehearsal and Adult Chorus Rehearsal :
Wed 18th Jan, Studio 55, Main St, Arklow, 7.30pm to 9pm
We will be having a talk with all chorus members at 7.30pm on Wed and we would like a parent/guardian of each of the childrens chorus to stay as well for a little while to receive some information about rehearsals and Avonmore procedures.
We are now looking for adult members for the chorus. You must be aged 16 or over, or in Transition year, and we have no upper limit. New members are always welcome so please spread the word.
Following the rehearsal on Wed night the Production team will be meeting to formulate a rehearsal schedule for the next number of weeks.
We have a lot of work to do to prepare "The Wizard of Oz" for stage but we promise you it will be fun.
Apology for typing error. Well spotted by Niamh Dunne. Thanks Niamh. All details correct now. Hope it didnt confuse anyone.
31st Dec 2011
Happy New Year
to all our Friends and Members
Wishing you all a Wonderful 2012
Roll on
"The Wizard of Oz"
27th Dec 2011
Another Successful "Kats" night in the Arklow Bay Hotel last night. The numbers were small but everyone there was up for a good night and danced away until 2am. Special thanks to Victor Ryan who was our DJ again assisted by his son Kian. We would also like to thank Oisin Molloy and Eamonn Delaney for all their help. And to Kerry Reid, Tomas Byrne and Mick Russell, a big thank you. It wouldnt have happened lads without all your hard work.
Next event Rehearsals for "The Wizard of Oz". Coming Soon.
22nd Dec 2011
Happy Christmas
to all our Members and Friends
Hope you have a wonderful festive season.
See you all at Kats on St Stephen's Night
Rehearsals for "The Wizard of Oz" starting in January.
Details coming soon.
3rd Dec 2011
Special Alert
December is going to to another great month for Avonmore. We are delighted to announce that we have retained our Main Sponsor P. Boland for another year. The Fogarty family have been great supporters of Avonmore for many years and their support and help has been invaluable to us.
As a Thank You we will be Carol Singing in their store on the Emoclew Rd next Sunday 11th from 2pm to 4pm and on Saturday 17th from 1pm to 3pm.
However we will also be officially launching "The Wizard of Oz" on Sat 17th.
We would like all of our members and friends to be there with us on both days.
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"Kats at Kristmas"
St Stephen's Night, 26th December
Kats is being revived again. Following the success of Kats earlier this year we have been inundated with requests to hold the popular 80's disco again.
So on St Stephen's Night "Kats" will return to the Arklow Bay Hotel.
Come out to dance off your Christmas excesses and relive the magic of the 80's.
Doors open 9pm
Tickets are €10
(On sale from Fri 9th December)
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2nd Dec 2011
We had a great night in The Old Ship on thursday night. Many Thanks to all who turned up. We just had 8 teams but the competition was fierce with 5 of the teams tied with just 2 rounds to go. The quiz was won by "The Lullaby League" of Ann Walker,Fiona Walker, Kerry Reid and Sharon Kenny. Well done girls!!!!
It could have been so different if "The Lollipop Guild" got their Warlock lost in Langley, Virginia. (You had to be there. Ask Tomas and Niamh)
28th Nov 2011
The Wizard of Oz Fundraising Quiz
is back on.
It will now take place this
Thursday 1st Dec in The Old Ship.
Tables of 4 are €20.
Please support if you can
14th Nov 2011
"Strictly Come Dancing" was a resounding success last night. Over 500 people crammed into the Arklow Bay Hotel to support the Celebrity Dancers and the Charities & Local Groups they were representing.
The standard of dancing was very high and all the contestants had been rehearsing really hard for the past number of weeks. Congratulations to all the competitors.
Ann Walker representing the Arklow Viking Special Olympics and Avonmore Chairman Rob Donnelly were the overall winners. Marion Galvin representing the Arklow Rocks and her dance partner Tomas Byrne were the runners up.
The presenters for the evening were Jim Furlong and Elaine Sweeney and they ensured the evening went without a hitch. The judges were Proud Prizzy, Martina Lynch and Colm Moules and they were cheered and booed by the large crowd depending on their scores. Kerry Reid and Mick Russell manned the door and Sean Hendley was also there to help out. Kane Molloy and Amy Penston looked after sound and Society President Padraig Reid was there to keep an eye on proceedings.
Chairman Rob Donnelly thanked Niamh Dunne and Tomas Byrne who were the organisers of the event and said that "Strictly Come Dancing" would not have happened without their drive and determination.
He also thanked Martina Lynch for all her help and for the use of "Studio 55" for all the couples to rehearse in.
11th Nov 2011
Regrettably we had to cancel last night's table quiz. Thanks to those who were there. However due to low numbers the quiz could not go ahead. All those who were there stayed for drinks and we did have a good night. Apologies to Geraldine and Sean Condren from the Old Ship who are great supporters of Avonmore.
9th Nov 2011
Avonmore Musical Society
Table Quiz
The Old Ship
Thurs
10th Nov 2011
8.30pm
Table of 4 €20
Please support if you can
17th Oct 2011
Avonmore Musical Society present"Strictly Come Dancing" on Sunday Nov 13th at 7pm in The Arklow Bay Hotel. This promises to be a great fun evening with members and friends of various local clubs putting on their dancing shoes to try and win some badly needed funds for their respective clubs.
3rd October 201
We have all the human character parts cast. But there is one vital part that is still to be filled.
"The Search for TOTO"
is now on
We will have full details on the website next week.
1st October 2011
Apologies everyone. I made one omission from the cast list last night. I have updated the list below.
Paula Mc Loughlin is playing the part of Aunty Em.
Congratulations Paula and I'm sorry.
30th September 2011
"Wizard of Oz"
Cast List Announced
Auditions are over and I am delighted to announce that the production team of Bill, Mairead and Martina have selected who will play the leading Character roles in our production of "The Wizard of Oz". It was a tough job due to the large numbers and quality of those who attended auditions. We are delighted to have this major job done now and look forward to rehearsals in January. There is lots of work to be done between now and then. Please keep an eye on the website for updates on what is going on in Avonmore or pay a visit to our facebook page.
Congratulations to all who were successful
& Many Thanks to all who came and took part in the audition process.
The Childrens Chorus is being finalised and everyone will be notified tomorrow (Saturday). Over 50 attended the Children's Auditions but sadly only about 30 will be selected.
HERE WE GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Wizard of Oz"
Cast List
Dorothy Gale: Amy Penston
Scarecrow: Tomas Byrne
Tinman: Sean Hendley
The Lion: Patrick Bracken
Glinda: Elaine Sweeney
Uncle Henry: James Kearon
Aunty Em: Paula Mc Loughlin
The Wizard: Ken Moroney
The Wicked Witch: Fiona Walker
26th September 2011
49 children attended our "Wizard of Oz Workshop" at the weekend in Martina Lynch's fantastic new dance studio "Studio 55". The talent on display was amazing. Sadly we will only be able to take between 25 and 30 into "The Wizard of Oz". This is going to be a tough selection for our production team. Good Luck to everyone next Friday. Many Thanks to Martina and Mairead for running the Workshop. Thanks also to Fiona Walker, Tomas Byrne, Mick Russell and Elaine Sweeney for all their help on the day.
In the meantime it's the adults turn. This Wednesday 28th Sept main character auditions will be held in "Studio 55", entrance from the main street car park, at 7.30pm. Parts being auditioned on the night are Dorothy, The Lion, The Tinman, The Scarecrow, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, Glinda, The Wicked Witch and The Wizard. Character description and audition pieces are on "The Wizard of Oz" page. Please print off and bring them with you to the auditions.
The format of auditions will be a group reading of the audition pieces and then there will be individual singing auditions in front of the Production team of Bill, Mairead and Martina.
Anyone intending on auditioning is asked to let Fiona know on 086-8722010.
Important note for all taking part in "The Wizard of Oz"
Rehearsals for Adult Principals and Chorus will be every Tues and Wed in Jan and Feb from 8pm to 10pm. Sundays will used as well from the start of March and more rehearsals will be needed nearer showtime.
Childrens Rehearsals will be every Wed in Jan and Feb from 7pm - 9pm. As with the adults rehearsals will increase from the start of March.
24th September 2011
"It's Showtime"
(Well we're getting started)
Today we take our first step down the yellow brick road. Our Children's Workshop is taking place today from 4pm - 6pm in "Studio 55",(Main Street, Entrance from Main Street Car Park). Martina and Mairead are all set and ready to go. The purpose of the Workshop is to give children, aged between 8 and 13, who would like to take part in "The Wizard of Oz" an idea of what to expect should they get through the audition. They will be singing and dancing today. The main childrens auditions will take place next Fri 30th Sept in "Studio 55" at 4.30pm.
Admission is €5 and children are asked to bring a photo.
Tomas, Rob and Fiona will be on hand today to answer any questions or queries anyone has about our production of "The Wizard of Oz"
Also a reminder that the auditions for lead character parts is on Next Wed 28th Sept at 7.30pm in "Studio 55". All information is on the "The Wizard of Oz" page. Please read it carefully.
10th September 2011
Due to size of files it may take a while to download. We split them up as small as we could.
Many Thanks to Paula Mc Loughlin for all her help.
24th August 2011
21st August 2011
We've set up a "Wizard of Oz" page to keep you updated on audition dates and audition pieces. Children are also needed for this show and details for them will also be on this page. So as the week goes on we will keep updating this page
We're really looking forward to this show.
"IT'S GONNA BE GREAT"
20th August 2011
Avonmore would like to thank all the visitors to our website and facebook pages. Both of these are great ways for us to keep you, our members and friends updated on all Avonmore news.
Most people are familiar with the use of FaceBook, however you can also leave messages here on the website. You can click on Contact Us, Come in for a chat or Guest Book to leave a message. Tell us your ideas or thoughts on Avonmore and help us make our great society even better. All messages will be viewed and considered by the committee. Please leave your name or contact details and we can put you on our contact list and keep you updated on all future events.
We're off to see the Wizard
Tomas Byrne(Scarecrow), Kerry Reid(Wicked Witch) & Fiona Walker(Dorothy) at the launch of Avonmore's "The Wizard Of Oz" which will be staged in Arklow next year from Tues 10th to Sat 14th April 2012.
11th August 2011
The Search For Dorothy Begins.
Bill Stafford finds the RUBY SLIPPERS.
Who will play the part of Dorothy ?????
Bill, Tomas, Niamh, Kerry, Martina and Rob.
The committee had a meeting tonight with Bill and Martina. We will have Scripts, Score and Audition pieces available on the website in the next week or so. We are looking at having auditions in September.
Watch this space.
There will be kids needed for this show. The number and ages etc. will also be posted here on the website.
Avonmore Members At The Recent Launch & BBQ
1st August 2011
Follow The Yellow Brick Road
It's decided, show is picked, the production team is confirmed, rights received and IT'S GONNA BE GREAT.
All of you who attended the very successful weekend BBQ, (Many Thanks Tomas), will have heard and everyone else probably knows by now.
Avonmore Musical Society will present
"The Wizard of OZ"
from Tues 10th to Sat 14th April 2012.
Bill Stafford will Direct for the 3rd year in a row, Martina Lynch will Choreograph, also for the 3rd time and Mairead Mc Kenna will be Musical Director and Chorus Mistress. This will be Mairead's 10th show with Avonmore.
Audition pieces and dates will be up on website in next week or so.
Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21st July 2011
Avonmore would like to wish Amy Penston every success with "Hear My Song" which is on in The Arklow Bay Hotel next thursday 28th July at 8pm. Tickets are €15. Amy is holding this evening of musical theatre and classical music as a fundraiser for her production of "Songs for a New World" which will take place in The Mermaid Theatre in Bray in August. There will be plenty of guest performers on the night and it promises to be a great evenings entertainment. Please go along and support if you can.
Break a Leg Amy!!!!
20th July 2011
Hi all. The new committee met for the first time on tuesday last, 19th July, and are already working hard trying to pick next year's show and production team. We hope to have both finalised in the next few weeks.
Watch this space
9th July 2011
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Mrs Teresa Reid. Mrs Reid is the mother of Avonmore's President Padraig Reid. Mrs Reid has been a supporter of Avonmore's since our inception in 1979.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Padraig and all of the Reid family.
"Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis"
Funeral arrangements
Leaving Sweeney's Funeral home at 5.30pm on Monday 11th July arriving at Church for 6pm.
Funeral mass at 11.30 on Tuesday 12th July and burial afterwards in Tara Hill cemetary.
30th June 2011
At last nights AGM Avonmore's new committee was elected for the 2011/12 season. A six man committee was proposed and ratified by the members present. The committee is as follows:
Chairman :Rob Donnelly
Hon Secretary: Fiona Walker
Hon Treasurer: Kerry Reid
PRO: Tomas Byrne
Members: Danielle Armstrong & Michael Russell
Rob congratulated the society on another very successful year and spoke of how the society is growing year on year. Avonmore have a wonderful team that is much like a family and works really well together. However he did say that this year was a tough one for Avonmore but he expected next year to be even tougher. The choice of the next show is critical. There is a facility on the website to nominate shows and he asked members for their input in this area. He also asked for support for any upcoming fundraisers that Avonmore holds.
He had words of great praise for all our many patrons and sponsors for their continued support. And special thanks to the Fogarty family of P. Boland Ltd for their continued support.
25th June 2011
Reminder:
Avonmore's AGM will take place next Wednesday 29th June 2011 upstairs in the Arklow Bay Hotel at 8pm. The AGM is for paid up members only. Anyone who would like any issues raised or discussed, this is your chance. If you cannot attend contact us and we will raise them on your behalf.
Avonmore is Arklow's Musical Society and we are growing year on year because of the hard work and dedication of our members. Please attend this year's AGM and help us move forward for next year.
20th June 2011
Success in
Killarney
Amy Penston - Winner of the Best Actress (Supporting) Award
Jim Furlong (MC) -Winner of Best House Management Award
Martina Lynch - Runner Up in the Best Choreography Award
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25 members of Avonmore attended the AIMS HB Awards Ceremony in the INEC in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney last saturday night the 18th June. They were present with 950 others who were there to cheer on and celebrate the success of another great year for The Association of Irish Musical Societies.
Avonmore were nominated for 3 Awards this year, 1 more than last year when we won the Best Stage Management Award (Stage Manager Barry Ryan) and were runners up in the Best Choreography section (Choreographer Martina Lynch).
Jim Furlong was standing on the stage for the third time in Killarney and he was delighted to lift the Best Front of House Award for the second time. Jim and his wife Bridie were there representing all of Avonmore's dedicated and hard working Front of House Team.
Congratulations Jim
Amy Penston was nominated for and won her first AIMS Award, Best Actress (Supporting) on saturday night for her amazing performance of Holly in our production of "The Wedding Singer". A multi talented performer Amy is a young lady with a great career ahead of her on stage.
Congratulations Amy
Avonmore were nominated again this year for Best Choreography (Choreographer Martina Lynch) and were runner up for the second year in a row. "The Wedding Singer" was only Martina's second full musical to choreograph and her second nomination. Thats a great achievement for another of our very valued young members. Martina also celebrated her ** birthday on Saturday in Killarney. "Happy Birthday Martina"
It's also great testament to the great bunch of members we have in our society who were able to dance and move to all of the routines Martina had choreographed for them.
Congratulations Martina
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Avonmore's committee shall and did go to The Ball
"I TOLD YOU IT WAS GONNA BE GREAT"
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Special congratulations to Jonny Holden who won the Best Actor (Supporting) Award for his portrayal of Moritz
in the National Youth Musical Theatre production of "Spring Awakening"
Congratulations Jonny
Avonmore had a great night and a great weekend in Killarney ( despite the rain). Thanks to all involved for making it a very special occassion.
See you all next year.
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The Wedding Singer
Tues 26th - Sat 30th April 2011
Rob Donnelly, Niamh Dunne & Tomas Byrne celebrate at the HB AIMS AWARD NOMINATIONS
in New Ross
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23rd May 2011
We have been very busy since we finished our production of "The Wedding Singer". No sooner had the show finished and we were back into rehearsals for "From Broadway to the West End". This was a concert we were asked to perform in New Ross on Sat 21st May as part of the AIMS Choral Festival. 22 of us took part in the concert which was produced by Mairead Mc Kenna and Naoimh Penston. We had a great time in New Ross and the concert was well received.
However better news was to follow.
3 AIMS Award Nominations
"The Wedding Singer"
At 1pm on Sunday 22nd May Rob Donnelly, Tomas Byrne, Niamh Dunne, Mick Russell and Bill Stafford sat down in St Michaels Theatre, New Ross, hoping for an AIMS Award nomination for our production of "The Wedding Singer". And they were not disappointed. We received 3 nominations again this year, the same as last year, where we won the award for Best Stage Management and were runners up for Best Choreography and Front of House.
Jim Furlong and his Front of House Teamhave been nominated for the 3rd time in 4 years and with 1 win and 1 runner up under his belt Jim is hoping to get back to winning ways this year.
Martina Lynchhas also been nominated again this year for her work as choreographer. This is a great achievment for this young lady. 2 shows and 2 nominations. Well done Martina. Congratulations also go to everyone on stage who performed the choreography. All the rehearsals paid off. Well done everyone.
The 3rd nomination went toAmy Penston. Amy has been nominated for Best Suporting Actress for her portrayal of Holly. This is Amy's first nomination.
Congratulations to all and best wishes in Killarney on Sat 18th June.
No matter what happens Avonmore are extremely proud of the achievement and we plan on having a big party in Killarney as 23 members of the society will attend the HB AIMS Awards ceremony.
Congratulations to all the other nominees and best of luck from all in Avonmore.
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1st May 2011
Well what a week we had with "The Wedding Singer". We entertained the people of Co.Wicklow and guests from afar. The show was a huge success thanks to the people who came to see it and also down to the support we received from our many sponsors and patrons.
Thanks to our main sponsors again this year the Fogarty Family of P.Boland Ltd. Also, a big thank you to Sr. Sior and the Board of Management of St. Mary's College, Arklow for allowing us to use their hall.
Thanks to all who helped out during the week of the show, I wont list names for fear of leaving people out but you guys know who you are.
A big thank you to Dave Thomas from Dtmedia Ireland for designing the poster.
Thanks to Mick Russell for all his hard work and of course to Siobhan for letting us have him for the last number of weeks.
Well done to Tomas Byrne on designing a great set.
Thank you Mairead McKenna, Martina Lynch and Bill Stafford, our brilliant production team. To Barry Ryan and his back stage crew, very slick work. To Jim Furlong and the front of house team, what can we say. Fantastic !!!
And of course finally a job well done to the cast of "The Wedding Singer", you are all amazing people.
Here's to a job well done and we hope to see you all for our production of ************ in 2012!!!!
The AGM will be on in a few weeks. Details will be finalised in the next few days. We'll be in touch.
Please let us know in the meantime what you would like Avonmore to perform next year. Leave a message on the website or text us at 086-8722010.
Here is a few pictures for you all taken at rehearsals.
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Let us know your thoughts on Avonmore.
All messages will be screened before they are published.
We will try to get all ideas posted on the same day we receive them.
