The Cecilian Musical Society is showcasing the first ever Irish amateur production of the hit musical: ‘We Will Rock You’ in Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre from November 19-22. Spanning over four nights, this show promises to be their biggest one yet.
“Get ready for a show that will quite literally rock Limerick,” are the words of Chairperson Garry Murphy when speaking at the press launch event on Tuesday, October 28, in South’s Pub.
‘We Will Rock You’ is a dystopian musical based on the songs of British rock band Queen. The story follows the renegade group known as the Bohemians as they fight to bring back real music using the power of Queen’s greatest hits.
Since 1919, The Cecilians have been a prolific theatre group, with members from all over the county coming together to keep the performing arts alive. Originally founded under the name ‘The Crescent Operatic Society’, this organisation has enjoyed decades of success on the Crescent Stage, the University Concert Hall, and since 2012 they have been holding their annual show in The Lime Tree Theatre.
Previous musicals such as; ‘West Side Story’, ‘Shrek’, ‘All Shook Up’, and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ have been blockbuster sell-outs in The Lime Tree Theatre, and ‘We Will Rock You’ is on track to do the same.
How is the annual November show chosen?
Chairperson Garry Murphy explains the challenging process: “First of all, we look at what the audience wants, we want the people of Limerick to get a new experience each time so we don’t repeat shows as best we can.
“We have an unwritten ten-year rule where we leave a gap between certain productions, this keeps it fresh.
“After that, it boils down to the cost, selling factor, and what’s in it for our cast. Our members are the life and soul of the society, so we choose a show that can incorporate as many of them as possible.
“Whether they’re on the actual stage or off stage singing, there’s a lot of moving parts to get the best outcome possible.”
This important decision lies in the hands of the committee, they have a democratic system of majority rules, so 80% of the panel must be in agreement for a show to get approved. Each member can nominate a show for consideration. This then entails research such as selling point, costume costs, and the chorus number.
‘We Will Rock You’ is highly anticipated this year as Director Des Henn is pushing the boundaries in terms of staging and set design. His creative collaboration with Production Manager Glen Carr, and Stage Manager Ray Burke, will be the show’s wow factor.
Casting is also a main priority as Garry states, “we’re so lucky to have an exceptionally talented cast of 67 members.”
He continues, “Auditions are open every year in May or June to existing and non-existing members. If you get cast, you automatically become a member and pay your fee. We don’t know who is going to show up, it could be anyone, we’ve just been fortunate with the huge amount of talent around Limerick.
“Our goal is to be as inclusive and get as many people up on that stage as we can. You make friends for life in this society.”
When asked if the committee has faced any challenges with the upcoming showcase, it was a yes, but in a positive light.
“We ironically have a massive problem this year-we have unprecedented cast numbers and it’s a great issue to have.
“Normally to take a break from rehearsals we host a weekend getaway in West Clare, or North Kerry, but this year it was impossible to find accommodation,” jokes Garry.
Fundraising keeps this society alive
A show of this scale can cost upwards of €70,000 between costuming, sets, and various other factors. Garry praises his fellow committee members for their “outrageous commitment” as they arrange plays, school choirs, and running groups.
Deeply involved in all aspects of the Limerick community, The Cecilians performed ‘Stand Up and Fight’ in Thomond Park for the Munster v Connacht match on October 25.
Finances become available to the group in the forms of sponsorship, raffles, table quizzes, and council grants.
Other acts of generosity contribute to the funding of The Cecilians too, as Garry expresses his gratitude to the selfless members. He recalls: “Just recently a cast member won €1,000 on Today FM’s radio competition and donated the prize lot to the society.”
What does it mean to be a Cecilian?
Social Media Manager Jane Henry states, “It’s like almost having a second family. It’s people that you know, and share the same interests as you that contribute to lifelong friendships. You spend so much time together you form such a natural bond.
“I’ve been involved with the society since I was nine years old, my parents even met in this society. We’ve had over 20 weddings over the years in Cecilians.
“Everyone has full time jobs, but with our commitment coming up to shows, we put it all on pause and make sure to deliver something special to the audience.”
President of the Cecilian Musical society, Brian Henry, fondly reminisces on his time as part of the esteemed cast since joining in 1992, “The Cecilians has been everything in my life. All my best friends, my wife, my kids, my dad are all linked to it.
“My life would undoubtedly be very different without it.”
Grab tickets while you can
The last remaining tickets for ‘We Will Rock You’ are available to purchase here. Get them before they’re gone, this is certainly not a musical to miss.