2002 - The New Pirates of Penzance

A standing ovation on Saturday night brought a climax to what was already a wonderful week for Wexford Light Opera Society which staged 'The new Pirates of Penzance' to full houses in the Theatre Royal. The show was a blistering success for the Society, and an ovation from a critical audience, made up mainly of visiting societies, was the icing on the cake for the energy fuelled performance.

There were many high points in this year's show for the WLOS, however its exceptionally strong front line, coupled with a magnificent, and note-perfect chorus, made 'The new Pirates of Penzance' an aural feast for audiences of all ages. Powerhouse performances were given by leads George Lawlor as Frederick and Caroline Daly as Mabel, while there were also some amazing moments from supporting cast including Des Whelan as 'The Pirate King', Siobhan Fawsitt as 'Ruth', Pat Lawlor as the magnificent 'Major General' and Tony Brennan as the 'Police Sergeant'.

Choreography and comedy married happily in the show, with some magic touches direction-wise making the performance an overall slick and fast-paced endeavour. Fr. John O'Brien of course got the best out of all his singers, with high cadenzas from Caroline Daly bringing bursts of spontaneous applause. Fr. John himself even made a cameo appearance at the end of the show, as the 'Doctor of Divinity, who resides in this vicinity'. For all involved in the 'new Pirates', the enjoyment was obvious, as energy and enthusiasm exuded off the stage. The Society can look with some confidence towards the AIMS nominations, which will be announced shortly.

Six AIMS nominations for WLOS 'Pirates of Penzance' production

Wexford Light Opera Society are riding on the crest of a wave this week having scored an impressive six award nominations for their recent production 'The new Pirates of Penzance'.

The Society are also one of three groups in the country to be nominated for 'Best Overall Show' - the most coveted award in the AIMS adjudication scheme. The Society also scored four individual nominations, along with the much-prized 'Best Chorus' nomination.

Fr. John O'Brien, who was also chorus master for this years show, is nominated in the best musical director category. Meanwhile, top soprano Caroline Daly, was nominated as 'best female singer' for her role as 'Mabel', while Des Whelan scored a 'best male singer' nomination for his part as 'The Pirate King'. Siobhan Meyler-Fawsitt completes the roll of honour, having been nominated as 'best comedienne' for her roll as 'Ruth'. Wexford Light Opera Society came back in from the AIMS wilderness this year, having spent the last two years without awards success.

However, they came 'back with a bang', securing six nominations, being rivalled only by Coolmine Musical Society in Dublin, who out did them with seven nominations, three of which were 'technical'. The other 'best overall show' nominee this year is Tralee Musical Society who staged 'My Fair Lady'. The show was adjudicated by Frank Cullinan from Wicklow, and the awards will be announced at the AIMS Awards Banquet in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney on Saturday, June 15.

A large number of Society members are now preparing to head to Killarney next month for the awards ceremony, and fingers are crossed that WLOS will bring back an all-Ireland title to the Model County.

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