Outstanding performances make for brilliant Boyle Musical Society production

An abundance of talent, mixed with sadness, wit, and tragedy along with some outstanding singing all combined to make for one of the finest performances staged by Boyle Musical Society.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a story of love - there is the love of friendship, romantic love and then a monstrous love that focusses on nothing but getting revenge.

Boyle Musical Society, staging their 38th show, brought to life the novel of Victor Hugo and the book by Peter Purnell, in a wonderful colourful, enthralling and atmospheric performance over several nights last week.

It hard to believe there is such bleakness behind such a high-octane musical, but the darkness of the story sees death and destruction when the main characters’ emotions over run them.

Most of us may recall seeing some version of the movie years ago but few remember the intricacies of the story.

The show opened as the bells of Notre Dame sounded out through the famed cathedral in 15th century Paris. Quasimodo was the deformed bell-ringer who longed to be set free, as he watched from his lonely tower while all of Paris revelled in the Feast of Fools.

Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo he escaped for the day and joined the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda.

Quasimodo was captivated by her free spirit but he wasn’t the only one though — the handsome Captain Phoebus and the cruel Frollo were equally enthralled. As the three vied for her attention, Frollo embarked on a mission to destroy the Roma — and it was up to Quasimodo to save them all.

Darragh Beirne played the hugely demanding role of the evil Dom Claude Frollo, conveying a man on the edge of madness due to his unrequited love. Since joining the society back in 210 he has played significant roles in every show while also taking part in several drama productions with The Breffni Players in Carrick-on-Shannon.

His nephew, Quasimodo, was performed by Oisin Dowling and boy can this young man hold a note. Every song he sang met with rapturous applause by the audience highlighting the huge talents of this Newtowncashel performer. 

Longford lady Natasha Brady took on the tragic tole of Esmeralda combining some fine dancing with outstanding singing. Her love interest in the show was Phoebus de Martin, the Captain of Cathedral Guard, and this role was undertaken by Boyle man Sean McGuire.

John Kenny playing Clopin Trouillefou, King of the Gypsies and had everyone’s feet tapping while also providing some light relief to this tragic storytelling.

From Sligo, Jason first joined BMS in 2017 and has taken part in many productions some of which were with Sligo’s Pop Up theatre.

We also must give mention in this review to Tommy Commons and Tom Hannon who played the young Quasimodos with aplomb.

In total there was a cast of 55 people performing to a wonderful cathedral background, demonstrating innovative ways of conveying the story through colour and mime.

Performing such well known numbers as ‘The Bells of Notre Dame’, ‘Out There’, ‘Top of the World’ and of course the fantastic ‘Court of Miracles’ the audience reaction to this musical was wonderful to see and ended the night with a standing ovation.

However none of this could be done without the vast input of many people behind the scenes.

On the production side there was Vivienne Moran and Anne Kielty. For Vivienne this was her 10th year with BMS. A native of Boyle she is passionate about choreography and directing, herself having graduated as dance and music teacher.

She was joined by Anne who worked tirelessly with soloists and the chorus to produce vocals and harmonies for the stage.

This is the 38th time BMS has staged a production, only missing out during the Covid years. Chairperson Rhona McGrath stated: “This is a proud achievement for the town of Boyle, where music and the arts are a vibrant part of the community. We are very lucky to have a committed, talented and enthusiastic cast. They are supported behind the scenes by our hard-working experienced crew and committee without whom a show of this scale would not be possible. Thanks to these volunteers and to the hard work and exceptional talent of Vivienne, Anne and our orchestra. “ She also thanked Abbey Community College which acted as an additional rehearsal venue, along with all their sponsors.

The cast and crew of The Hunchback of Notre Dame had been in rehearsals since last September to ensure the staging of a fantastic performance. Everyone in the audience on the night the Herald attended was brought back in time to the 1400s, became immersed in a love story and felt the heartbreak of its tragic ending.

Although this is considered to be an amateur performance it can definitely be said that this fine cast could give any professional a run for their money.

Roll on next year to see what the society comes up with next -. we can’t wait.

•BMS is also running a GoFundMe page where people can still donate – just search for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. To date they have received €7,210 out of their €10,000 target.

•In an appreciation at the back of the programme the society paid a special tribute to former member Frank O’Mahoney. It stated: “Boyle Musical Society members past and present were deeply saddened to learn of the death earlier this year of our good friend and former Director, Frank O’Mahony. A member of Boyle Musical Society since its formation in 1984 Frank took on the role of Director in 1987, a position he held until his retirement from BMS in 2012.

“Frank was a talented man in many areas and he was very generous with that talent. He was an inspirational soul who had a deep understanding of people, particularly young people and there were several generations in his town that were touched by his magic and whose confidence and love of music and drama, flourished under his guidance.

“Nobody in Boyle Musical Society will ever forget the fun, laughter, the music, the camaraderie, the devilment, the after-show parties, the songs like ‘North to Alaska’, the road trips to other shows, the pranks and the biggest smile ever.

“The show must go on though and while Frank may not be standing in the wings or down in front of the stage with his rolled up script, his influence and love will continue to be an inspiration and will resonate for many years to come. May he rest peacefully.”