An original musical drama from the pen of John Cribben comes with a great story of community spirit, but is not without its light moments too.
‘The Gate’, which will be staged by Moyne College, Ballina, Co. Mayo next week, tells the story of a fictional pub in Ballina of the same name, under threat from forces beyond their control…or are they?
Long-suffering Auntie Rita runs The Gate. She has survived more than her fair share of storms, from a parade of unwanted suitors and a pair of lazy nephews, to a lifetime without a moment’s peace. But just when Rita thinks she has seen it all, local TD Gordon O’Driscoll announces that The Gate will be flattened within a fortnight to make way for a new motorway connecting Ballina to Dublin. Suddenly, the pints stop flowing, and the panic starts pouring.
Her hapless nephews, Dara and Cormac, musicians with more dreams than sense, rally the locals in a last-ditch fight to save the pub, led by the reformed drunk Tim Foyle who chains himself to the adjacent gate. Hope arrives in the form of Buzz Brady, a smooth-talking American who might sweep Rita off her feet… or off her guard.
This new production in Ballina Arts Centre on Thursday, January 15 is a heartfelt and humorous celebration of community, resilience and the places that are home to us all.
The cast includes Daniel Dyksy, Ethan Devaney, Emin Kelly, Kayn Kellegher, Kyle Walsh, Mia Marion Cafolla, Nikodem Zahoroda, Olivia Jakobowska, Sara Raba, Shane Harper, Sean Collins, Tom Kerrigan, Veera Helin and Zach Halligan.
The band comprises Tiernagh O’Neill, Jordan Igoe and Michael Durcan. Backing vocalists are Andrea Gallagher, Ellie Igoe, Fiorela Rivera, Lisa Htoo, Malika Reape, Megan Keane, Niamh Long and Rebecca Igoe.
Directors of ‘The Gate’ are Michael Devaney and Sinéad McCarthy, with Tara Doherty as Musical Director.
Moyne College has thanked Áine Egan and Cliodhna Rogan for their contribution in choreographing one of the dances, the school’s teachers who covered classes to facilitate their colleagues involved in preparing the show, and Tommy Cooke for loaning his set.
Tickets cost €15, plus booking fee. These can be purchased online at www.ballinaartscentre.com. You can also call 096-73593 or email info@ballinaartscentre.com. Further information is available from Moyne College at 096-21472.
