The
University Musical
Anything
Goes
The third annual Inter-Society Musical,
Anything Goes!, ran in the Black Box Theatre from Tuesday 18th
to Saturday 22nd February 2003.
It was put together by the combined effort of members of ArtSoc,
ChoralSoc, DramSoc, DanSoc, the College Orchestra and PhotoSoc, with help from
MusicSoc, VSA, Writer’s Group and the Kayak Club. It was supported by Student Services,
USC, Flirt FM, Ents, SIN (printed and electronic) and local businesses such as
the Wig Clinic, Miss Selfridge, Japan and
Zerep. Running for six shows
over five days, it was well received by audiences and won both the NUI, Galway
Society Event of the Year award and the National Event of the Year
award at the Board of Irish College Societies Awards.
The
NUI, Galway Societies Musical is more than a piece of theatre – it’s about
community, love, faith and above all, friendship. It is a show that inspires great loyalty and devotion from its
aficionados. We love it, or we wouldn’t be here. Enough said. It isn’t about
individuals — the musical is totally about community, creativity, and
friendship. This production
extols the values of friendship, of love conquering all, the belief that
everything will be wonderful at the journey’s end. As a wise old sage once
remarked, “at the heart of the production was co-operation which saw everyone
giving.”
Anything Goes! brings together a cast of unlikely
characters shortly after the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Mix a sexy nightclub singer turned
evangelist and her ‘Angels’, some amorous sailors, a love-sick stowaway, a
beautiful debutante, a wealthy English lord, the infamous Snake Eyes Johnson, a
hapless gangster and his moll, and many more, and confusion and romance are
bound to ensue! Reno loves Billy,
but Billy loves Hope, Hope is engaged to Evelyn, Elisha loves Evangeline and the
Rev. Henry T. Dobson is shocked by them all! Evenings of music, mayhem and laughter
on the high seas!
Anything
Goes! deals with the issues
of friendship, love and loyalty, in the midst of all its crazy mayhem! True
camaraderie is the basis on which our lives are founded, judged, and lived. We
were fortunate not to have to travel the Atlantic to meet a friend – the people
on and off stage are joined together by an enthusiasm for life, a passion for
joy. The ship’s journey across the
Atlantic Ocean can be interpreted as a journey within oneself. With the
assistance of the Reno, Hope accepts her feelings and finds true love with
Billy. The three words of wisdom
given to Hope are words we can all learn from, "Just admit it!" Acknowledge what
you feel, what you want, then go for it! So many opportunities are squandered
because the time or situation “isn’t right” or because of fear, or any other
excuse. Life is for living. Anything Goes! is about seizing life with
both hands and making the most of it while it lasts, singing, smiling and
dancing our troubles away. With
acceptance, faith, and friendship along with the courage of a lion and the
tradition set by Tevye et al., anything is possible.
This year brought the
show right into the heart of student life – for the first time the director and
musical director are undergraduate students of this fine institution, having
been inspired and motivated by the wonderful David Harkin and Michel Durham and
team. The musical is based on an
“ensemble” approach that emphasizes the entire production working as a team:
“many working as one.” We’ve learnt success, however one may choose to
define it, is the result of effective collaboration; it is the combined work of
performers, directors, designers, technicians, backstage crew, and production
crew, which makes the show come alive before your eyes.
This show has inspired
loyalty, love, and seen blood (I’ve
stapled myself instead of paper!), sweat (thanks to the choreographers) and the
odd tear. Our main goal was to have fun, make friendships and challenge
ourselves while striving for a professional theatrical experience. A
collaborative team of over 100 people dedicated themselves towards one goal –
the show.
However, despite all the
frolics, toe-tappin’ and finger clickin’, tragedy is the twin mask of
comedy. The weekend before the show
opened a member of the construction crew, Michael Joyce, passed away
unexpectedly. A candle was lit near the stage for the duration of the
performance on opening night, and the show was dedicated in his memory. His passing touched many hearts. We would like to take this opportunity
to again extend our deepest sympathies to his family. May he rest in
peace.
I believe that the
odyssey of Anything Goes! will lead all of us to new roads and
experiences for the rest of our lives. That this production was one born out of
previous cast and crew is something I feel must convey hope for the future; that
the zest for life will one day come to all and that we will learn from each
experience that we are given on our journey of life.
This cast has been an absolute pleasure to work with and
direct. Their talents, good
natures, and commitment never cease to amaze me. Rehearsals took place on weekends, in
racquetball courts and even on St. Valentine’s night! Meeting new and now dear friends who are
a part of the cast and production staff and working with the most talented young
performers, technicians, and musicians that I have ever had the pleasure of
working with in a show is the pinnacle of my personal
voyage.
The musical is indeed
becoming a magnificent institution, but I believe the most exciting years are
yet to come. We are continuing to expand and deepen our talents and abilities,
acquiring the skills of promising performers, technicians and crew, who will
likely form the foundation of theatrical culture in the next century. We look forward to welcoming future
generations of students and spectators for whom we are rigorously and
energetically engaged in building a theatrical history that will continue to
make the NUI, Galway Musical a required stop on any cultural calendar of the
West.
The musical leaves fond
memories, as well as great aspirations for the future of the arts. Stories made,
romances started, tears shed, lives impacted by memories never to be forgotten:
torn hamstrings, unconscious moments, asthma scrapes, bruises and slivers that
just wouldn't let go, sore feet, backs, migraine headaches, handbag slaps that
leave their imprint, dance rehearsals in living rooms, ovations, rounds of
applause, whistles and cheers, awards received and smiles from ear to ear,
scenes left out, songs cut, songs added, cues missed, lines forgotten, lines
added, the scent of saw dust, paint, sweat, flowers, pizza, a movable jail,
wheel chairs, crutches, sign language, unworkable ramps, duct taped students,
(duct taped everything!), luggage, safety pins, smiles, and yes, one toy dog or
two!
The doors of the Black
Box seal off our imaginary world.
We hope the NUI, Galway Musical leaves you with a dance in your step, a
song in your heart, laughter on your lips, and that you smile when you think of
us in the days to come.
And so on to the future.
Here’s to get-togethers, intimate gatherings and more parties. To whomever takes
to the stage in the years to come, enjoy the magic!
Martina
Callanan
Director
