CHAIRMANS WELCOME...

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome once more to the fabulous Grand Opera
House, Belfast. Our Opera house experience is as ever made pleasurable by the GOH staff
both back stage and front of house. A sincere thank you goes to the Chief Executive Mary
Clare Deane and her excellent staff, with a special mention to Brian McMahon for his devotion
and expertise in helping New Lyric realize their performances on stage.

presents...

Westside Story celebrated its golden anniversary in 2008. An unforgettable score by Leonard
Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, it changed the face of musical theatre forever. The groundbreaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins still wagers a challenge for any
dancer. A modern day Romeo and Juliet, this production never fails to pull at the heartstrings
of both performers and audience alike.
This year our company is delighted to welcome a new Director and Choreographer to our New
Lyric family in the form of Kieran Griffiths and Sarah Collyer. Together, with our own Musical
Director Mr Wilson Shields, this production of West Side Story promises to be something
very special and I know you will agree. Our production team and cast have been both challenged and moved by this show
but how could you not love it!!? On behalf of the company I would like to thank Kieran, Sarah and Wilson for their incredible
dedication and commitment to the company and the production - we are delighted that you are all on board again for our
next show. Te Adore!

ALISON MCCALLISTER

I would like to take this opportunity to pay personal tribute to the NLOC committee. We have had a very busy year; there has
been an amazing amount of work done by this group of people. If you have ever been on a committee you will appreciate
the work that goes on behind the scenes, its a full time job!! My thanks go to Gillian, Gaile, Jim, Ande, Jamie, Jenn and John.
I would like to pay special tribute to Niamh McGurk for putting together our education section of the programme - this was a
huge job, thank you Niamh. We have a wonderful company secretary in Karen Hawthorne - her dedication to the company is
exemplary - she eats, sleeps and drinks NLOC - without her, the company wouldn't run - Karen thank you for everything that
you do.
The New Lyric Operatic Company is immensely proud to be officially recognized by the Association of Irish Musical Societies
(A.I.M.S.) as the Number 1 Company in Ireland. We are also indebted to our non-playing members for their loyalty, and we
thank you, our audience, for your continued support without which we would cease to exist. We hope to see you all again
next year for the Irish Premiere of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" - this show will run from Tuesday 17th - Saturday 21st
November 2015. There will also be matinee performances of this production and we are tremendously excited to begin
rehearsal on this wonderful piece.
All that remains is for me is to wish you an enjoyable evening Westside Story is a very special show we
have had a special week we hope you have a very special night.
Best Wishes to you all
Alison McCalister Chairman New Lyric Operatic Company.

PRINCIPAL

FUNDER

Box Office:
028 9024 1919 or
book online at
www.goh.co.uk

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner
Additional book material by
Douglas Carter Beane

An amateur production by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd. on behalf of MTI New York

PRESIDENTS ADDRESS

FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE: WEST SIDE STORY

Having been a playing member of the New Lyric Operatic Company for many years, I am
honoured, in my retirement, to have been invited by the Company to be its President.
This group of young and talented men and women will gain much from their experience in
musical theatre. I wish them well and recommend that you, the audience, continue to give them
your support.
An entertaining West Side Story requires many weeks of dedication and rehearsal, so sit back,
relax and enjoy the show.
Dorothy Boyle - Hon. President - NLOC

DOROTHY BOYLE

West Side Story was the first Broadway musical in which dance and drama were fully integrated. Between 1955 and 1957 they
worked to create a form of musical theatre unlike anything done before. The aim, Robbins said, was to see if all of us
could bring our acts together and do a work on the popular stage the idea was to make the poetry of the piece come out
of our best attempts as serious artists. West Side Story was a daring, innovative experiment, seemingly ahead of its time; yet
the show also represented the culmination of the integrated concept musical. Under the direction of Robbins all elements of
the script, score, choreography and design would be integrated seamlessly to support what he defined as the shows central
theme: the futility of intolerance.
While past efforts to turn Shakespeare into musical theatre had always involved adaptations of his comedies, West Side Story
was the first attempt to use one of the tragedies as the basis for a musical. Laurents chose to let the story wind its own way,
using the original as a reference point but sticking as close as possible to Shakespeares original plot. A film adaptation of
West Side Story was released on October 18th 1961; the film won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

SCENES
The action takes place on the West Side of New York City during the last days of summer.
ACT ONE
Prologue
5:00pm
The Street
5:30pm
A Back Yard
6:00pm
A Bridal Shop
10:00pm
The Gym
11:00pm
A Back Alley
Midnight
The Drugstore
The Next Day
5:30pm
The Bridal Shop
6pm - 9pm
The Neighbourhood
9:00pm
Under the Highway

In 1949, dancer and choreographer Jerome Robbins suggested to composer Leonard Bernstein that they collaborate on
a modern musical version of Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet. He thought the love story, set against a background of family
feuds, had a universal appeal. Six years later, Bernstein with Arthur Laurents discussed the project and Stephen Sondheim
was enlisted to write the song lyrics.

ACT TWO
9:15pm
10:00pm
11:30pm
11:40pm
11:50pm
Midnight

The Bridal Shop

Another Alley
The Bedroom
The Drugstore
The Cellar
The Street

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

KIERAN GRIFFITHS
Director
Kieran Griffiths is a Producer, Director, Writer and Actor. He is currently the Creative Producer
and in house Director of the Playhouse Theatre in Derry City and Artistic Director of Ki
Productions. As Derry was awarded the prestigious UK City of Culture Award, he was put in
position to deliver a vast Theatre program producing 13 shows in 2013 from Gary Mitchells
punk comedy Re-Energize which toured stopping at the Lyric to Seamas Keenans gripping
and critically acclaimed Over the Wire, which also toured to Glasgow to name but a few. 2014
sees him implement the Theatres Legacy Strategy. He is extremely honoured to direct their
2014 production of West Side Story.

SARAH COLLYER
Choreographer
Sarah hails from Northern Ireland, and trained in dance and musical theatre for three years at
Laine Theatre Arts. Upon leaving college, Sarah was one of the original Sky Strikers for Sky
Television and worked as a dancer on the My Fair Lady tour and on The Royal Variety Show.
After working with The Compania do Bailado in Oporto, Portugal, as a classical dancer for
some time she went on to choreograph various modern works for the companys repertoire.
Upon returning to London Sarah was appointed the role of choreographer for Ata productions
and with them she worked on; To Die For - Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Life on Earth -London
Palladium. The Tour - London Palladium., Time of our Life - Royal Albert Hall. She also founded
Limelight Academy of Performing Arts which had five centres based around the home
counties of Southern England continues to thrive today. She returned to Northern Ireland in
2005 and used her experience to train young dancers studying at SERC.

WILSON SHIELDS
Musical Director
Wilson is in constant demand as both a musical director and repetiteur/ accompanist. He
works as Musical Director for New Lyric Operatic, St Agnes Choral Society and Belvoir Players.
Having been musical director of the Grand Opera House pantomime for 15 seasons he is very
proud to have amassed well over 1200 performances in the Opera House during his career
Wilson is also musical director of the GOH Summer Project which this year involved 240 of our
most talented young performers in a production of Guys and Dolls.
He has also conducted the N Ireland premieres of Mack and Mabel, Camelot , Witches of
Eastwick , Copacabana , Chess and West Side Story ( amateur premiere).
This past year has included theatrical productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie; Hello
Dolly; Les Miserables and Miss Saigon ( schools editions) The forthcoming season includes
productions of three new shows - The Addams Family (Belvoir Players) and Hairspray and
White Christmas here at the Opera House.
He will also be musical director of the Association of Irish Musical Societies 50th Anniversary
concert next year in Dublin.
Wilson is delighted to be returning with New Lyric in this production of what is his favourite
musical - West Side Story

THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL
SOUND I
EVER HEARD

THE CREATIVE TEAM

LEONARD BERNSTEIN - Composer

ARTHUR LAURENTS - Librettist

An American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer, and pianist. He was among the first
conductors born and educated in the United States of America to receive worldwide acclaim.
According to Donal Henahan, he was "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful
musicians in American history. His fame derived from his long tenure as the music director of
the New York Philharmonic, from his conducting of concerts with most of the world's leading
orchestras, and from his music for West Side Story, Peter Pan, Candide, Wonderful Town, On
the Town and his own Mass.

Arthur Laurents (July 14, 1917 May 5, 2011) was an American playwright, stage director and
screenwriter. After writing scripts for radio shows after college and then training films for the
U.S. Army during World War II, Laurents turned to writing for Broadway, producing a body of
work that includes West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959), Hallelujah, Baby! (1967), and La Cage
Aux Folles (1983), and directing some of his own shows and other Broadway productions.

Bernstein was the first conductor to give numerous television lectures on classical music,
starting in 1954 and continuing until his death. He was a skilled pianist, often conducting
piano concertos from the keyboard.As a composer he wrote in many styles encompassing
symphonic and orchestral music, ballet, film and theatre music, choral works, opera, chamber
music and pieces for the piano. Many of his works are regularly performed around the world,
although none has matched the tremendous popular and commercial success of West Side
Story. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century.

JEROME ROBBINS - Conception & Original Choreography

Jerome Robbins (October 11, 1918 July 29, 1998), was an American theater producer,
director, and dance choreographer known primarily for Broadway Theater and Ballet/Dance,
but who also occasionally directed films and directed/produced for television. His work ranged
from classical ballet to contemporary musical theater. Among the numerous stage productions
he worked on were On the Town, Peter Pan, High Button Shoes, The King And I, The Pajama
Game, Bells Are Ringing, West Side Story, Gypsy: A Musical Fable, and Fiddler on the Roof.
Robbins was a five time Tony Award winner and a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors.
He received two Academy Awards, including the 1961 Academy Award for Best Director with
Robert Wise for West Side Story.

STEPHEN SONDHEIM - Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim (born March 22, 1930) is an American composer and lyricist known
for his immense contributions to musical theatre for over 50 years. He is the winner of an
Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special
Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, eight Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize
and the Laurence Olivier Award. Described by Frank Rich of The New York Times as now the
greatest and perhaps best-known artist in the American musical theater, his most famous
works include (as composer and lyricist) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,
Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George and
Into the Woods. He also wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy.

THE CAST

REBECCA MURPHY
Maria

DAVID MCCROSSAN
Tony
This will be David's second production with New
Lyric, the first also being 'West Side Story' in which
he played the part of Riff. David has participated
in a number of shows over the past 3 years and has
found success in a number of roles. Most recently
he played 'The Phantom' as part of Fusion Theatre's
'Phantom of the Opera' and was subsequently
nominated by the Association of Irish Musicals
Society for Best Male Singer. This was a reprisal
of the role for David; initially having starred in the
same production in the Royal Harrogate Theatre,
Harrogate.
Previously he played the role of 'Thomas' in 'The
Boys in the Photograph', earning another AIMS
nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In addition,
he was also involved in Ulster Operatic's production
of 'Grease', playing the part of 'Johnny Casino'.
David has been trained by Mr. Ashley Fulton and
has attained his DipLCM, ALCM, and LLCM Diploma
qualifications in Music Theatre, and will hopefully
be working towards his Masters Level Fellowship
(FLCM) in the near future. He hopes you enjoy the
show.

Rebecca aged 20, from Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, is

currently in her final year of the BMus degree at Queens
University Belfast, in which she specialises in Classical
Singing. Rebecca has performed across the local
community from a very young age and also takes lessons
in piano and violin. Rebecca has been vocally trained
in Classical singing both by Meta Bell and by Scottish
mezzo-soprano Debra Stuart. Rebeccas theatre credits
include roles in My Fair Lady, Wizard of Oz, Ls
Miserables and 50 Shillings and New Suit of Clothes,
an original show performed at The Grand Opera
House (2013). She has also sung the protagonist
role of Dido in Purcells Dido and Aeneas with
Queens Opera.
Rebecca has sung with the QUB Chamber
Choir, and has performed in Brahms
Requiem, Bach Magnificat and Rutter
Magnificat with the Belfast Philharmonic
Choir, accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra.
Rebecca holds several awards from local
Classical Music festivals, including Holywood
and Ballymena as well as receiving an award
for the Most promising vocalist. Also a keen
violinist, Rebecca is a member of the Queens
University Symphony Orchestra, and has
toured with the Orchestra. This is Rebeccas
first production with New Lyric and she feels
extremely blessed to be playing Maria.


BREAK A LEG !

.. not literally ... but ..

If you need to speak to a claims solicitor in respect of an

accident at work or in a public place, medical negligence
or industrial disease, call us for free at:

0800 840 9289

FRONT OF HOUSE ... and the rest of it !

Buying, selling or remortgaging a property? We offer a
full postal service, online case tracking, and have a team
of expert property conveyancers. Call us for free at:

0800 840 9290

Dance
Act
Sing
MARRY A JET .. who turned out to be a SHARK?

Need legal advice from a family law solicitor on divorce,

prenuptial agreements, child custody and contact,
financial settlements or another issue? Call us for free at:

0800 840 1363

Belfast Office: Hamilton House, 3 Joy Street, Belfast, BT2 8LE

Bangor Office: 33 Hamilton Rd, Bangor, BT20 4LF

OTHER SERVICES

Business Issues
Commercial Disputes
Criminal + Motoring
Debt Recovery
Employment Claims

Commercial Property
Mental Health
Professional Negligence
Wills/ Estates
Gifts/ Powers of Attorney

Wilson Nesbitt would like to

wish our very own Vijay
Sharma, and the rest of the
cast, all the best with the
show. Break a leg !!

www.wilson-nesbitt.com

Dance
Act
Sing

Belfast - Lisburn
Ballymena
in association with
Belfast Operatic Company

NIS LEADING
MUSICAL
THEATRE
SCHOOL

Dance
Act
Sing

Classes every Saturday during term time

for 8-9, 10-12 and 13-16 year olds
1 hour of Dance

1 hour of Drama

1 hour of Singing

And lots of fun while we learn!!

in association with
Belfast Operatic Company
visit us at

www.thebspa.co.uk

The Belfast School of Performing Arts

is situated in the home of
Belfast Operatic Companys
purpose built rehearsal studio at
22 Heron Road,
Sydenham Business Park,
Belfast BT3 9LE.

in association with
Belfast Operatic Company

Classes every Saturday during term time

for 8-9, 10-12 and 13-16 year olds

e-mail info@thebspa.co.uk

E: info@thebspa.co.uk
T: 028 9266 4594

1 hour of Dance

1 hour of Drama

1 hour of Singing

KAREN HAWTHORNE
Anita
Karen joined the award winning New Lyric
in 2007 to take part in 42nd Street as a
chorus member and hasnt stepped out
the door since. Karen is in her third term
now as Hon. Secretary of New Lyric and
very much enjoys the organisational side
of things. Seeing so many new faces join
the company and enjoying their experience
makes all the hard work worthwhile.
This will be the third time Karen has
played Anita and it is quite possibly her
favourite role in musical theatre to date.
Previous roles include; Juliet in the Regent
House production of Romeo and Juliet,
Scaramouche in the SERC production of
We Will Rock You, Mimi Rent, Mary
Magdelene Jesus Christ Superstar,
Ado Annie Oklahoma and has had the
privilege to perform in a few professional
productions here in Belfast with GBL
productions.
The Grand Opera House is a magnificent
theatre to perform in and Karen is
extremely honoured to be back on stage
with her home company. She would like
to thank Kieran, Sarah and Wilson for
their guidance and creativity through this
production and the whole cast for their
dedication to this beautiful and emotive
piece. Please enjoy the experience as much
as Karen has. Heres to a wonderful week!

VIJAY SHARMA
Bernardo
Vijay started singing at the age of 4, when his mum
would give him 50p in exchange for a few songs
(bare in mind this was the 1980's, so 50p was a
princely sum). Little did he know that, 27 years later,
this would be the financial pinnacle of his musical
endeavours, having never had a paid gig since. Vijay
became involved in the amateur dramatic scene in
2008, when he joined Fortwilliam Musical Society,
and has played Mendel in Fiddler On The Roof
(winning best on stage beard), Lon Jr in Meet
Me In St. Louis, Bobby Child in Crazy For You,
Fagin in Oliver! and most recently Ching Ho in
Thoroughly Modern Millie.
He joined Ulster Operatic Company in 2009 and
has been involved in Rent, High School Musical 2,
Boogie Night, Guys And Dolls and Jesus Christ
Superstar. Vijay was drafted in at the last minute to
St. Agnes Choral Societys production of The Hot
Mikado, more recently performing with them in The
Sound Of Music. And this eagerness to help is what
led him to New Lyric Operatic Company, when he
was invited to play the coveted role of half-naked
Red Indian in their 2013 production of Calamity
Jane. Now hooked on the spirit of the company and
the people involved, he is absolutely delighted to be
playing the role of Bernardo in West Side Story,
having always wanted a principle part in a Grand
Opera House show, not for himself, but so that his
mum can make the 250 mile journey for a nice night
out, and maybe give him 50p again! Vijay would like
to thank Kieran, Sarah and Wilson for their guidance
and support, and wishes his fellow cast members
every success.

Belfast Operatic Company presents...

SHANE MCKEEVER
Riff
20 year old Shane McKeever is from
Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh. He has been
Line dancing since the age of 3 and
won his first World Championship at
the age of 6. Since then he has won 18
World Titles and is currently World Male
Superstar Champion and World Allstars
Young Adult Male Champion. Shane also
currently holds the WDSF Line Dance
Male Gold medal, which he won in
Taiwan, representing Ireland. He
is now a fully qualified WDM
judge in Line Dancing and
travels all over the world
judging and teaching.
At the age of 7, he
began to train
at the AnnMarie Morgan School of
Dance. When Shane turned 12 he
decided to turn his back on dancing and
instead started Gymnastics. He trained
in Sports Acro taking 2 All-Ireland Gold
Medals and a European Gold Medal in
the Mixed pairs division. However Shane
greatly missed his first love and after 4
years he returned to dancing. In 2001,
Shane won a tv talent show called Steps
2 the Stars, hosted by H and Claire from
Steps, which lead to performances on
other shows such as Blue Peter, Live
and Kicking and RTE's StarStream.
Shane also trains in Hip Hop with
Ajendance Dance Company in Belfast
with company boss Annika Graham.
Shane recently appeared on Britain's
Got Talent 2014 as the front man on
Line Dance troupe CountryVive, making
it to the Semi Finals. He has appeared
as ensemble in Grease and danced in
Fiddler on the Roof. He has also worked
with MT4Uth. Shane is currently studying
a HND in Dance at Belfast Metropolitan
College and wants to continue a career
in dance, travelling the world teaching,
choreographing and performing.

Musical Director
Colin Scott
Orchestra led by
Stephen Cullen

g
fe at u r i n
Belfast

pops

tra

Orches

December 6th 2014

The Ulster Hall, Belfast
Box Office: 028 9033 4455 or
Book Online at www.waterfront.co.uk
Tickets cost 15, show starts 7.30pm

ANDREW O'HARE
Big Deal
As a relative newcomer to the world of theatre, Andrew has thoroughly enjoyed the process of
preparation for such an iconic and memorable show. While he is no stranger to performing, Andrew
has been a competitive gymnast for many years with Flight Gymnastics Academy and dancer with
Ajendance Dance Company. He has had to develop a brand new range of skills to help him deliver his
role of Big Deal - one of the mighty Jets. He has had a lot of fun learning from this amazing production
team of Kieran, Sarah and Wilson, who are second to none. Having been surrounded by a great cast of
singers, dancers and actors this has made his first experience with New Lyric Operatic Company very
relaxed and enjoyable.

BOYD RODGERS
Diesel
Boyd has had a passion for musical theatre from an very early age. He joined Stagecoach in Belfast at
age 7 and performed with St Agnes Choral Society in Olivier and The King and I. Boyd performed
with BBC Talent in their 2004 televised opera The Little Prince and also in Carmen with Castleward
Opera in the same year. Since joining Fusion Theatre Lisburn in 2005, Boyd has performed as
Gavroche in Les Miserables, The Artful Dodger in Oliver! and returned in 2012 to play Jean
Valjean in Les Miserables and Monsieur Firmin in the Phantom of the Opera. He has also performed
in the Ensemble in My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, The Mikado, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Outside of Fusion Boyd has performed as Monsieur Firmin in Phantom at Classicfest in Harrogate,
Fat Sam in Bugsy Malone for MT4TH, Rooster in Annie and Motel in Fiddler on the Roof in school
productions. A pupil of vocal coach Ashley Fulton Boyd has achieved 2 diplomas from the London
College of Music in Musical Theatre and is thrilled to be a new member of New lyric Operatic Company
playing the part of Diesel in West Side Story. Boyd would like to thank New Lyric for the opportunity
and for being so welcoming. #Jets

JACK BOYLE
Action
This is Jacks first time performing with New Lyric and he is very grateful to the production team for
giving him the opportunity to play the role of Action. This will be the third time he has performed in
the Grand Opera House, previously appearing in the ensemble in Ulster Operatics Oklahoma and St.
Agnes' Hello Dolly. He is currently in his second year studying Drama at Queens University, Belfast and
hopes to pursue a career in the theatre.

ASHTON MONTGOMERY - Arab

Ashton hails from Carrickfergus and is delighted to playing his first speaking part at the Grand Opera
House as A-Rab in West Side Story with New Lyric Operatic Company. Whilst studying at the University
of St Andrews, Ashton served as President of the Just So Musical Theatre Society. He played Jesus in
Godspell, Horst in Bent, Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Romeo
in Romeo and Juliet, Angel in RENT, the Narrator in Piramania! The Musical, and Xanthias in
The Frogs (and fitting in his degree in his spare time!). He also produced the St Andrews productions
of Spring Awakening and VOTE! and appeared in both St Andrews and Edinburgh Fringe Festival
productions as the Tin Woodsman in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Jamie in The Last Five Years and
Cillian in Scene of the Titans, a role he also originated. Since returning home, Ashton has been heavily
involved with New Lyric Operatic Company, having recently been elected onto its Social Committee, as
well as performing in Peter Corrys The Music Box in both Theatre at the Mill and the Waterfront Hall,
and St Agnes Choral Societys production of Hello Dolly! and Belfast Operatic Companys production
of Cinderella, both in the Grand Opera House. Ashton is particularly looking forward to getting stuck
into the rhythmic challenges that West Side Story will bring, both musically and physically!

BEN MCDAID - Baby John

Ben (19) is an undergraduate student of Primary Education with Music at St. Mary's University College,
Belfast. This is his first production with New Lyric and is excited to be playing the role of Baby John.
Ben has also played Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Dan Dad in Spelling Bee, Rolf in The
Sound of Music and Barnaby in Hello Dolly. Being a member of Belvoir Players, Ravara Productions,
MT4UTH and St. Agnes' Choral Society, Ben has also had the opportunity to play Ruben in Joseph,
Ensemble in Godspell, Doody in Grease, Ryan in High School Musical and The Bishop in Les
Misrables. Over the past few years, through his interest in theatre, Ben has had the opportunity to
work under Mary Hammond (Royal Academy of Music), Michael Vivian (Guildford School of Acting) and
West End casting director Pippa Ailion. Outside musical theatre, Ben has achieved Grade 8 in Classical
singing and piano, while also attending dance classes at Katy Chambers School of Dance.
Ben would like to thank everyone in New Lyric for making him feel so welcome and wishes the best of
luck to all involved in the show!

MEABH QUINN - Anybodys

Meabh is 17 years old and is currently studying for her A levels at St Dominic's High School, Belfast.
She hopes to go on to study Drama next year. Although involved in drama from an early age, Meabh
first became involved in musical theatre only last year, in BSPA's production of the school edition of
Les Miserables. Since then she has performed the role of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz at
Theatre at the Mill for Belfast Youth in the Arts, and BSPA's second production of the school's edition of
Miss Saigon in the Mac theatre. Meabh has learned so much in the preparation for this production and
has loved every minute of it! She hopes you enjoy the show and wishes all the cast and crew a fantastic
run.

CAITLIN MCCLURG - GRAZIELLA

Caitlin first performed at the Grand Opera House aged 4 taking part in her very first Christmas
Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. This continued until the age of 13. She was a member of McMaster
Stage School in Bangor for 16 years were she got to perform with great actors such as Paul Nicholas,
Sue Pollard and the West End Cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat She then went
on to do a two year course in Musical Theatre at SERC in Bangor.
Caitlin also became the winner of the Youngstar Citybeat Competition in 2008 and turned on the
Christmas lights at the City Hall Belfast. She cannot wait to perform with New Lyric in one of her
favourite musicals West Side Story - She wants to dedicate her performance to her biggest fan, her
mum Natalie, who sadly passed away at the end of May 2014.

ADAM MCILVEEN - SNOWBOY

Adam is thrilled to playing the role of Snowboy in NLOCs West Side Story. This show has been an
incredible experience and a serious challenge. Sarah, Kieran and Wilson have pushed me so much and
the whole process has turned me into a more seasoned performer. Snowboy is a fiercely loyal and
passionate member of the jets. He is a soldier and knows his place in the gang is to follow Riffs orders.
This is my fourth show with New Lyric and look forward to many more.

THE CAST
Tony

Maria
Anita

Bernardo
Chino
Riff

David McCrossan
Rebecca Murphy
Karen Hawthorne
Vijay Sharma
Matthew Quinn
Shane McKeever

The Adults
Doc

Shrank
Krupke
Gladhand

Paddy McNally
Jamie Ewing
Andy McKnight
Timothy Bell

Jets
Snowboy
Big Deal
Arab
Baby John
Diesel
Action
Jet

Anybodys

Adam McIlveen
Andrew OHare
Ashton Montgomery
Ben McDaid
Boyd Rodgers
Jack Boyle
Alex Morrow
Meabh Quinn

The Jet Girls

Graziella
Caitlin McClurg
Velma
Rachel McAdan
Ally Walker, Charlotte Elliott,
Clare Montgomery, Ellen Whitehead,
Gemma Quigley, Helena Hendron,
Tracy Moore

Sharks
Pepe
Marius Birsanu
Donald Montgomery, John Brannigan,
Patrick Lynch, Kieran McKavanagh,
Thomas Kerr.
The Shark Girls
Rosalia
Sophie Laverty
Consuela
Alexandra Moyna
Francisca
Nuala Mannion
Bronislava Urban, Cherelle Hinds, Jenn
Woods, Oprah Devitt
Ensemble
Claire McNarry, Niamh McGurk,
Rachel Nealis, Ruthanne Williamson,
Sharon Fletcher, Suzanne McConville

PRODUCTION TEAM

ORCHESTRA

Director Kieran Griffiths

Musical Director
Wilson Shields
Choreographer
Sarah Collyer
Dance Captain
Oprah Devitt
Stage Manager
Jemma Snell
Asst. Stage Manager Raya Smyth
Lighting Design
Alistair Kerr
Sound Design
Michael Kielty
Scenery

Phil Ruddock
Costumes Triple C
Wig Mistress
Sandra Byrne
Make-Up Design
Lisa Cunningham-Black
Properties

Valerie Greenlee
PR/Marketing
Gillian Grattan
Paula Donaghy
Programme Design
Gary Redpath
Programme Photos
Davy Scott

Violin
Violin
Cello
Cello
Bass Guitar
Percussion
Percussion
Trumpet
Trumpet
Trumpet
Trombone
Trombone
Reeds
Reeds
Reeds
Sax
French Horn

Dervilagh Cooper
Coleen McMullan
Elias Rooney
Kerry Bryson
Nick Scott
Brian Rice
Jeremy Hoy
Al Wallace
Phil Ferguson
Pamela Snell
Jim Kitchen
Adrian Morris
David Mayes
Andrew Thompson
Gillian McCutcheon
Kevin Lawless
Charlie Doherty

RACHEL MCADAM - Velma

Rachel has been performing on stage since she was 5 years old with companies such as Belvoir Players
and MusicTheatre4uth. She has performed various roles including Nancy in Oliver! Audrey in
Little Shop of Horrors, Eva Peron in Evita and Fantine in Les Miserables. Rachel studies History at
Queen's University Belfast and is very excited to be performing with New Lyric for the first time in West
Side Story!

ELLEN WHITEHEAD - Ballet

DONALD MONTGOMERY - Ballet

Ellen (aged 16) currently attends Dominican College,

Fortwilliam. She began performing at the age of 5 in dance
shows before becoming more interested in music theatre.
She appeared in her first musical Annie with Guildford Youth
Theatre. Ellen has played a range of roles such as Reno
Sweeney in Anything Goes, Rizzo in Grease, Hodel in
Fiddler on the Roof, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, The
Narrator in Joseph and most recently Kim in the NI Premiere
of Miss Saigon for which she was lucky enough to sing in a
concert with Simon Bowman (the original male lead on London's
West End). She has also featured in some professional shows
such as The King and I UK tour playing one of the King's
children, The Nutcracker and Copplia with The European
Ballet Company. Ellen attends the Laura Walker School of
Ballet and had the opportunity to attend the Laine Theatre Arts
Summer School in London for which she realised her love for
dance. She is very excited to be performing in her first show
with New Lyric and is very grateful to the production team for
giving her this opportunity. Ellen has had an incredible time
working on this production and hopes you enjoy it!

Donald is a 21 year old classically trained baritone from

Carrickfergus, who has recently graduated with a 2.1 (Hons)
degree in Music from Cardiff University. Donald began formal
classical training with the late Marie O'Sullivan at the age of 13.
At Cardiff University, he received operatic training under the
tutelage of Pierre-Maurice Barlier. Donald has sung with the
Cardiff University Chamber Choir (under renowned choirmaster
John Hugh Thomas), the BBC National Chorus of Wales (leading
to performances at the prestigious St.David's Hall and Wales
Millennium Centre), and Cardiff University Operatic Society.
He has performed in workshops with Welsh National Opera
performing highlights from La Traviata, Mary King, Stile
Antico and Paul Deegan. He has also performed as part of
ensembles on BBC Radio Three, BBC Radio Wales, and on
BBC4, performing Handel's Messiah. Donald has previously
performed in productions of Die Zauberflte, Pride and
Prejudice The Opera, Rambo: The Opera, My Fair Lady,
Wonderful Town and Hello Dolly! He also has a passion for
dance, having trained in Ballet, Jazz, Ballroom/Latin, Broadway
and Commercial dance styles. This is Donald's first show with
New Lyric Operatic Company, and he hopes it is the first of
many.

ANDY MCKNIGHT - Krupke

Andy is no stranger to West Side Story - he has appeared in this show before as a Shark and has
played 'Big Deal' a number of times. Andy is an active member if many local companies including St
Agnes Operatic Society, Newcastle Glees, and Lisnagarvey Operatic Society. Andy recently performed
with 'Toccata' touring India and Sri Lanka in the summer. Andy has directed Lisnagarvey Operatic
Youth project, Bangor Operatic's 'West Side Story', Crazy for you' and his own production company
''Curtaincall Productions' enthusiastic and lively portrayal of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'. Andy
is delighted to be back on the Opera House stage - now he's 'grown up' he feels his role of Krupke is
fitting!!! He hopes you enjoy the show.

JAMIE EWING - Shrank

Jamie is 24 years old and lives in Newtownards. He has worked extensively with Peter Corry and has
had leading roles in Corrys productions of Les Misrables and Oklahoma! at the Theatre at the Mill.
He gained critical acclaim for his performance as Leo Bloom in the Northern Irish Premiere of The
Producers. He has also performed as a soloist in The Music Box for the last four years. Jamie has
performed in the Grand Opera House in shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma!, Calamity
Jane, Annie and Hello Dolly! Earlier this year, Jamie directed his first musical I Love You, Youre
Perfect, Now Change at the Strand Arts Centre. He attends vocal lessons with one of the U.Ks leading
coaches, Ashley Fulton and is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a drama teacher. Jamie would
like to thank New Lyric for the opportunity to perform in the Grand Opera House and cant wait to be
a part of one of his favourite shows. Jamie would also like to thank his parents, extended family and
girlfriend Nuala for their unwavering support.

TIMOTHY BELL - Gladhand

Timothy is delighted to have been asked to join New Lyric Operatic to play the role of 'Gladhand' for
their exciting production of West Side Story. Timmy's stage experience began at the age of 4 with
McMaster Stage School, Bangor, with whom he now teaches and choreographs. Over the years he
has performed and choreographed with numerous societies and youth theatres in the North and
workshops in Dublin with Festival Productions. Timothy won the Association of Irish Musical Society
award for Best Supporting Male Award in 2006 for his role of 'Will Parker' in 'Oklahoma'. He has
worked with the National Youth Theatre, Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, Churchill Theatre, Bromley
and Qdos Productions. He was also assistant choreographer for the Grand Opera House Youth
Productions of 'Bugsy Malone', 'Honk', 'Annie' and 'Guys and Dolls'. Next year Timothy looks forward
to choreographing Belfast Operatic Company,s 'Sister Act' and the NI Premiere of Newcastle Glee's
production of 'Adams Family - The Musical'.

PADDY MCNALLY - Doc

Paddy has performed in concert with many of the leading musical societies in Northern Ireland and is
no stranger to the Opera House stage, having been cast in shows including; Me and My Girl; Annie
Get Your Gun; and Fiddler on the Roof. He has previously played the part of Doc in Bangor Operatic
Societys West Side Story and is delighted to reprise the role. Paddy was a regular soloist at the
AIMS Cavalcade of song and is an annual feature in Peter Corrys Music Box at Christmas. He initially
studied classical singing with Margaret Boyd but has since gained a diploma in Vocal Technology and
Performance from London Music School, adding Swing and Jazz to his repertoire. Earlier this year he
fulfilled a life-long dream by singing with the Belfast Jazz Orchestra. Paddy trained as an actor at The
Poor School in London and has recently provided a number of character voices for Biowares latest
blockbuster computer game Dragon Age Inquisition.

MATTHEW QUINN
Chino
Matthew is 17 years old and studying for his A levels at St Malachy's College, Belfast. He hopes to
study Music and is currently preparing for his Diploma in singing, Grade 7 Piano and Grade 8 Violin
as well as playing guitar and viola in his spare time!
He has been a member of the St Peter's Cathedral Schola Cantorum since 2007 and the Ulster
Youth Choir since 2011. He travelled with UYC to perform Britten's War Requiem with other UK
youth choirs and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert
Hall in August 2014. Although most of Matthew's musical training to date has been classical, he
became involved with musical theatre for the first time in August 2013, when he played the part
of Prouvaire in the BSPA production of Les Miserables in the MAC. Since then he has been very
fortunate to have the opportunity to play roles such as Sky Masterston in his school production
of Guys and Dolls, Mitch in Spelling Bee with Belvoir Players, and John in Fusion Theatre's
production of Miss Saigon. He has learned so much over the last year, from so many talented
people and is positive that musical theatre is his future. Matthew is really excited to be involved
with this show playing the role of Chino in West Side Story. The rehearsals have been intense,
but he has gained so much from all the New Lyric team and the super talented cast. Enjoy the show!

MARIUS BIRSANU
Pepe
Marius is totally thrilled to be performing with New Lyric Operatic Company and playing the role of
'Pepe' in West Side Story. He is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to be part of such
an amazing cast and talented group of people. Marius has thoroughly enjoyed all rehearsals for this
very special week in the Grand Opera House and has learned so much in the process. He would
like to thank everyone for making him so welcome and looks forward to his first show on the Opera
House stage. Te Adore NLOC!

Festive Brass
and Voices

Saturday 13th December 2014 at 7:30pm

Compere - Wilfred Pyper

New Lyric Operatic Company

Director of Music Wilson Shields

Festival Brass

Conductor Alan Corry

Conduc

Venue
Glenmachan Church of God

Glenmachan Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT4 2NN

Tickets 12.00 - Available from:

Matchetts Music
6 Wellington Place
Belfast
028 9032 6695

Belfast Music
24 Hanwood Business Park
Kings Road, Belfast
028 9048 1010

Festival Brass
07980 306 425
Glenmachan Office
028 9076 1676

E- davy@davyscott.co.uk
M- 07710 339953

SOPHIE LAVERTY
Rosalia
Sophie is 26 years old and has been singing from a very young age. Influenced by a musical family
she developed her passion as a member of the Hazel Wand Theatre School, Omagh. Sophie moved
to Belfast in 2002 became a member of the Belfast School of Music. She achieved her grade 8 in
Classical Voice and travelled to Prague as a soloist with the Belfast Youth Chorale in their 2005
summer tour. She is a member St Agnes Choral Society and has taken part in their productions in
the Grand Opera House. Sophie studied law at University and played the part of Rosalia in the
UCD production of West Side Story. She was a student at the Leinster School of Music during her
time in Dublin. Sophie studied in Paris for 2 years and during her time there was a member of the
Irish Chamber Choir of Paris. Since her return to Belfast, Sophie has been a member of the Belfast
Philharmonic Choir and sings with the NI Law Society Choir (The Pro Bono Choir). She joined New
Lyric Operatic Company in 2013 and is very excited to be back on the Grand Opera House stage
playing the part of Rosalia with this wonderful company!

NUALA MANNION
Francisca
Nuala is 27 years old and is currently studying Primary Education with Music. Nuala sings with
Ensemble Group - Adoro and has performed with them in venues such as the Waterfront Hall,
Hillsborough Castle, Montalto Estate and more. Nuala has performed with many choirs and
she travelled, as a soloist, with the Belfast Youth Chorale to Prague in their 2005 tour.
Previous theatrical credits include Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Agnes in Agnes
of God, Lydia Pride and Prejudice and 'Laurey' in Ulster Operatic's production of
'Oklahoma!' in the Grand Opera House. Most recently Nuala starred in a premiere
professional production of 'The Moulin Rouge Spectacular'. Nuala is a Licentiate of
the London College of Music in Musical Theatre Performance and Classical Singing.
She also performed as a soloist on Peter Corrys Showtime at Sea Mediterranean
cruise and has been a soloist for the past three years in Corry's annual Christmas
Extravaganza 'The Music Box'. Nuala is thrilled to be part of New Lyric's production
of West Side Story and it will also be her first show with the company!

ALEXANDRA MOYNA
Consuela
Alexandra (19) has recently finished her Level 3 National Diploma in Performing
Arts, next year she hopes to study stage makeup and beauty therapy in
Belfast Metropolitan College. She has been in many New Lyric shows to
date and is excited to play the role of the only blonde Puerto Rican Consuela.
Alex has also played Annabella in Kandu Theatre's 'The 39
Steps', playing Tituba in The Crucible, Babette in Beauty
and The Beast, The Judge in the Northern Ireland Premiere
of The Producers. Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Genie in
Aladdin and Sebastian in The Tempest in the Royal
Shakespeare Festival. Alexandra is currently a member
of New Lyric Operatic, Ulster Operatic, Kandu Theatre,
Ravara Productions and part of Peter Corry's The
Music Box. Outside of musical theatre Alexandra
has performed in different dance workshops and
Irish Dancing competitions. Alexandra is an
enthusiastic member of New Lyric and loves
the company. She has built so many strong
friendships within the time she has been
a member and hopes to be there for a
long time.

I FEEL
PRETTY

HISTORY OF NEW LYRIC OPERATIC COMPANY

CONCERT HIRE - BOOK US!

BECOME A FRIEND!

New Lyric Operatic Company has a long and illustrious history, spanning the last 60 years. The company, originally known as
the Lyric Opera Company, was founded in 1948 as an amateur operatic society in Belfast, Northern Ireland and opened with
its first production New Moon at the much missed Empire Theatre. The company disbanded and re-formed in 1951 as the
New Lyric Opera Company. A name which endured till 2002, when its members voted to re-christen the company the way
it is known today, the New Lyric Operatic Company. From its inception, New Lyric has never failed to present at least one
production each year, even at the height of the troubles here in Northern Ireland. And as such, it has provided a forum for so
many local people to meet like-minded performers and feel part of a community. Our company is a registered charity, and
our work cannot continue with the generous support of its members, audiences and friends.

Our popular and ever-changing concert programme has proved

a fantastic evenings entertainment for community groups,
churches, golf clubs and charities all over the province. The
New Lyric repertoire ranges from classic operetta to modern
West End and Broadway musicals, and even chart classics from
iconic groups such as ABBA and The Beatles. Furthermore,
many of our works are original arrangements, specially created
for our concert season. The company can provide our own high
specification PA system for your event and will liaise closely
with you to ensure that all technical aspects of your concert are
carefully organised.

The New Lyric Friends Scheme

is an easy and efficient way to
keep in touch with New Lyrics
shows and concerts and continue
to be a loyal supporter of New
Lyric Operatic Company.

Perhaps just as importantly, our concerts offer all of our host

venues a prime opportunity to raise funds. Once we have issued
you our final quotation, we can help you agree your final ticket
price, meaning that all profits can go to your valuable cause.
Indeed, many organisations for which we have performed have
benefitted from raising thousands of pounds in just one evening.
If you would like to discuss organising a concert for your
organisation or society, our 2015 season is now open for booking
and we would love to hear from you.

Updates via email or post of NLOC news and events

Past Shows
2013 (March) Calamity Jane
2012 (November) Fiddler on the Roof / (May-June) Guys & Dolls
2011 (November) Beauty and the Beast / (April) West Side Story
2010 (November) The Wizard of Oz / (May) Pirates of Penzance
2009 (April) My Fair Lady; Broadway Blockbusters
2008 (November) The Witches of Eastwick [NI Premiere]
2008 (May) Calamity Jane
2007 (November) The Merry Widow / (April) 42nd Street
2006 Me and My Girl; "Broadway and Beyond"
2005 Copacabana [NI Premiere]
2004 (November) Oklahoma! / (March) Guys and Dolls
2003 My Fair Lady; Musical Journey
2002 Hot Mikado; Lyric Beat & Dancing Feet
2001 The Pirates of Penzance; Magical Moments from Musicals
2000 Hello, Dolly!; Sounds Lyrical
1999 Fiddler on the Roof; Salute to the 20th Century
1998 Carousel; Festival Brass and New Lyric
1997 Hot Mikado; A Grand Night for Singing
1996 Guys & Dolls; Fascinating Rhythms
1995 The Merry Widow; New York
1994 Hello, Dolly!; London Showtime
1993 Brigadoon; Way Out West
1992 Call Me Madam; Songs from the Shows
1991 My Fair Lady; Songs from the Shows
1990 Oklahoma!
1989 The Sound of Music
1988 The Pirates of Penzance
1987 White Horse Inn
1986 Carousel; Songs from the Shows
1985 Showboat
1984 Orpheus in the Underworld

1983 The Mikado

1982 Viva Mexico
1981 Lilac Time
1980 Trial by Jury / The Pirates of Penzance (concert version)
1979 Rose Marie
1978 La Perichole; Songs from the Shows
1977 The Great Waltz
1976 The Great Waltz
1975 Carousel
1974 The Merry Widow
1973 Iolanthe
1972 Oklahoma!
1971 The Gondoliers
1970 Annie get your Gun; Music Man
1969 The Mikado
1968 The Mikado; Desert Song
1967 Pink Champagne
1966 The Merry Widow
1965 New Moon
1964 The Student Prince; Oklahoma!
1963 The Gondoliers
1962 Rose Marie
1961 Desert Song
1960 Yeoman of the Guard; Naughty Marietta; The Gondoliers
1959 The Mikado; Song of Norway
1958 The Gondoliers
1957 Three Musketeers
1956 Lisbon Story
1955 Rose Marie
1954 New Moon
1953 Pink Champagne
1952 Song of Norway

COMMITTEE

OUR FRIENDS

CONCERTS

Office Bearers
Chairman
Alison McCalister
Vice Chairman Gillian Grattan
Secretary
Karen Hawthorne
T: 07544958095
E: secretary@newlyric.co.uk

Mr Joe Adams
Mr & Mrs Brian & Myrtle Agus
Mr & Mrs L Cairns
Mrs Elizabeth Carser
Mrs Jill Eadie
Mrs E Forsythe
Mr & Mrs S Forsythe
Mr & Mrs W Hewitt
Mrs J Hughes
Mr S Jackson
Mrs S Kane
Mr & Mrs Lindop
Mr & Mrs K McCartney
Mr & Mrs M Mills
Mr & Mrs W Stewart
Mrs M West
Mr R Whyte
Mrs C Williams
Mrs M Graham
Mr G Russell
Mr M Vicary

Friday 5th December

Garvaghy Presbyterian Church

Treasurer
Librarian

Gaile McCorriston
Jim McBride

Members
Niamh McGurk, Ande Gray, John McMichael,
Jenn Woods, Jamie Ewing
Social Committee
Ashton Montgomery, Oprah Devitt,
Johanna Johnston, Sharon Fletcher,
Adam McIlveen, Alexandra Moyna,
Catriona Lilley

Saturday 13th December

Festive Brass and Voices,
Glenmachan Church of God

THANKS
New Lyric Operatic Company
would like to thank the following
for their generous support:
Pond Park Primary School
Eddie Fallon Scaffolding
Media Design and Print

More information on our company and upcoming productions

is available from our website: www.newlyric.co.uk (see our
Book Us page). However, please do not hesitate in contacting
us directly by emailing concerts@newlyric.co.uk or calling the
number below.
We look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits of the scheme include

Priority booking of New Lyric Shows
Discount concert hire for your sports club, church or
social club
Hire of New Lyric members for private parties,
weddings or receptions
Free theatre programmes for NLOC productions

If you wish to become a member of the

friends scheme please email your details
to:- marketing@newlyric.co.uk or call
07843099964

Yours faithfully, Niamh McGurk

Concert Coordinator - New Lyric Operatic - 07545889994

he Association of Irish Musical Societies was established in 1965. Its mission is to

entertain, educate, support and engage through exceptional musical productions.
To foster the development and promotion of musical theatre in Ireland and
make it accessible to all.
It is an umbrella organisation now representing well over 10,000 people directly
involved in bringing musical entertainment to their local communities. With around
130 member societies it offers a range of services including:
Adjudication and Awards Scheme
Annual Choral Festival
Workshops on a regional and national basis
Residential Youth Summer School for 15-18 year olds
Comprehensive Insurance Scheme
Bursaries for talented and dedicated people seeking to
train professionally in performance
Informative website and regional and national Facebook
pages promoting shows and activities
Annual Awards Weekend - attended by around 1,000
people each June

GET COOL, BOY!

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box oFFice / 028 9038 1081

online / www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
in Person / 55 riDGeway street belfast bt9 5fb

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