The annual school musical takes place in February. Participation is mandatory and students take part in performing, planning, art, program design and set construction.
This year's musical was "Hello Dolly!". This is the 28th musical that Maynooth Post Primary has undertaken in its illustrious Musical history.
Hello Dolly! is a musical stage show based on a 1964 musical with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder's 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder revisited and retitled the Matchmaker in 1955. We are most certain that the high standard we have established over the previous years has been maintained, if not surpassed.
History
The musical is a highlight on the school calendar. It was the brainchild of former chaplain, Fr. David Boylan. He understood the value of music and wanted to engrain it in the fabric of school life in Maynooth Post-Primary. In 1995, he, along with a small group of teachers and students, staged the first show, Oliver, in the local parish hall.
Although, the musical has evolved over the last 24 years, Fr. David’s vision of commitment, teamwork, inclusivity and the development of each individual’s talents, remains at the heart of each production. This philosophy has made each musical a success; a success that has attracted recognition in the community and amongst theatrical companies including the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.
Process
In 2012, the musical was established as a core module in the Transition Year programme. Preparations commence with auditions in November and rehearsals begin in early January. Students get involved in all aspects of production - performance, stage design and construction and fundraising. The show therefore, is a key part of each student’s school experience and it instils memories that last a lifetime.
Past Musicals in Maynooth Post-Primary School
1995 Oliver
1996 Calamity Jane
1997 Oklahoma
1998 Fiddler on the Roof
1999 Grease
2000 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
2001 South Pacific
2002 Oliver
2003 Little Shop of Horrors
2004 Guys and Dolls
2005 Les Miserables
2006 Grease
2007 My Fair Lady
2008 Me and My Girl
2009 Pirates of Penzance
2010 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
2011 Hairspray
2012 The Phantom of the Opera
2013 West Side Story
2014 Wizard of Oz
2015 Jesus Christ Superstar
2016 Evita
2017 Les Miserables
2018 Beauty & The Beast
2019 Grease
2020 All Shook Up
2023 The Addams Family
2024 Hello Dolly!