Crucial events in Ireland's struggle for independence recounted in Tullamore Musical Society's production

THE 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War period is dramatically brought to life in Tullamore Musical Society's production of “Michael Collins: A Musical Drama”.
The production opened in the new Esker Arts Centre on Sunday night last and continues until this Friday, May 5.
The drama is ultimately an intimate human story focusing on the interwoven plight of four extraordinary characters - Michael Collins, his adversary Eamon de Valera, his close friend and colleague Harry Boland and the object of his affections, Kitty Kiernan.
The production received a rapturous response from the capacity attendance on Sunday night last with theatre goers glued to the stage as the seminal moments in Ireland's bid for freedom were portrayed by the talented TMS crew.
Jordan Bass, who played the lead role of Michael Collins, was undoubtedly the star of the show. The actor, who bears a remarkable resemblance to the patriot, played the key role with intense passion throughout.
Speaking at the end of the performance on Sunday last, TMS chairperson Colin Hughes, who played Joe Emmet in the production, said the society was delighted to stage its performance at their new home, the long awaited Esker Arts Centre.
He also extended thanks to all the sponsors and said without their financial support it would be impossible to stage the show.
The production opens in Dublin's famous Abbey Theatre in 1916 and continues to chart the pivotal moments in the struggle for independence and the tragic Civil War.
It skilfully recounts Collins immense contribution during the key periods in the birth of an independent Ireland.
The production has some stirring musical numbers most movingly “Fly the flag of freedom”.
While politics and the independence struggle are naturally the main focuses of the musical the show also devotes much time to Collins relationship with his beloved Kitty Kiernan.
All the main players produced top class performances with Liam Egan excelling as Harry Boland, Collins devoted friend who takes the anti-Treay side in the Civil War much to Collins heartbreak.
Audrey O'Meara, a former Offaly Rose, is excellent as Kitty Kiernan while relative newcomer George Ross splendidly portrays the complexities of Eamon De Valera.
Mother Ireland, played by Joan White, forms the backdrop to much of the proceedings as do Jay Origan, Tom Maher, Valene Green and John Doyle Peredo, the four players.
Kitty Kieran's sisters are brilliantly portrayed by the capable trio Aisling Geoghegan, Ruth Kelly and Sinéad Handy while the role of De Valera's wife Sinéad is played by Aoife Fitzsimons.
Stephen Keegan excels as the Young Volunteer while versatile performer Jim Smyth is the Viceroy.
CAST
Principals
Jordan Bass: Michael Collins; Liam Egan: Harry Boland; Audrey O'Meara: Kitty Kiernan; George Ross; Eamon De Valera; Colin Hughes: Joe Emmet.
Abbey Theatre Players
Jay Origan: Player 1 Bridget; Tom Maher; Player 2 Peter; Valene Greeer: Player 3 Delia; John Doyle Peredo: Player 4 Michael; Joan White: Mother Ireland.
Named Characters
Brian Gunning: Cathal Brugha; Simon Byrne: Arthur Griffith; Jim Smyth; Viceroy; Stephen Keegan: Young Volunteer; Aoife Fitzsimons: Sinead De Valera.
Kitty's Sisters
Ruth Kelly; Aisling Geoghegan and Sinead Handy.
The Four Privinces
Ulster; Eimear Doolin; Munster; Natalee Connolly; Leinster: Patricia Fleming; Connaught: Ruth Kelly.
Ladies Ensemble
Mairead Brennan, Carla Carey, Roisin Carruthers, Sarah Casserly, Niamh Clarke, Sheila Crowe, Emma Dench, Margaret Dunne, Shaina Donnellan, Grainne Donoghue, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Blathnaid Fitzsimons, Fiona Geoghegan. Fiona Goulding, Clannait Goulding, Dubhán Goulding, Gillian Harrington, Ruth Kelly, Siún McGrath, Yvonne Murray, Kaithlin O'Brien, Georgie O'Toole and Katie O'Toole.
Men's Ensemble
Harry Adlington, Rory Byrne, Jason Carroll, Dillon Coyne, Martin Crowe, Ron Kelly, Ultan Keena Robinson, Kelvin North, Jamie O'Callaghan, Zion Powell, Aidan Ryan and Mark Sheehy.
Children's Ensemble
Eoin Byrne, Niall Byrne, Juno Carroll, Penny Carroll, Conor Clarke, Lily Rose Dempsey and Freya Grennan.
Orchestra
Enda O'Connor, conductor, Barbara Dowling, reed, Petrina Mills, French horn, Rick Harris, guitar, Dave McGauran, keyboard, Jimmy O'Donnell, bass, Paul Byrne and Derek Doyle, percussions.
Director
Pat McElwain
Choreographer
Deirdre Browne
Music Director
Enda O'Connor
Set Design and Construction
Wayne Handy