FULL HOUSES BUT MITCHELSTOWN MUSICAL LOSES OVER 6,000 EURO
The recent AGM heard of the challenge facing Mitchelstown Musical Society in staging its annual production as losses of over €6,000 were revealed on its latest offering, ‘Phantom Of A Country Opera’.
The report of the treasurer, Maeve Lynch, highlighted the difficulties facing the musical society as it strives to stage an ambitious production each year. The outlay on this year’s show, including the hire of all equipment from seating, lighting, sound and the CBS hall itself, the payment for royalties, costumes, set construction and many other expenses, came to a massive €22,762.
“There is no way we can break even from ticket sales alone, even if all five nights are fully sold out,” Ms Lynch said.
HIGHER COSTS
“The only way to make up the shortfall is by a combination of sponsorship, the nightly raffle and programme sales,” the treasurer continued.
Even then, Maeve Lynch reported a loss of €6,003 on the show.
She concluded, “If we are to continue to offer a show of the scale we have become used to, and this is what we should be aiming for, we have to accept that it will probably result in higher costs each year too.”
As it is the musical society will have to fundraise during the year to eliminate the loss incurred during the 2011 show. The annual general meeting was hosted at the town hall where outgoing chairman, Joe McMahon and secretary, Jim Flynn recalled the main event of the past year, the very popular production of ‘Phantom Of A Country Opera’.
The chairman praised the efforts of the entire company, those who performed on stage and also the many who helped behind the scenes.
GREAT COMMUNITY EFFORT
“This is a real community effort. Without the massive support of everyone from set design and construction, those who helped with costumes and props, the front of house team, make-up people, prompters, the backstage crew, car park attendants and many others it would have been an impossible task to stage this annual event.
"For every one performer on stage there is at least one more behind the scenes making this show happen. Surely, with that kind of community spirit in Mitchelstown there is great hope for the future,” Joe McMahon said.
BUSINESS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The chairman also had special words for the support of the hard pressed businesses in Mitchelstown and beyond.
“We sincerely appreciate this vote of confidence in the society and we hope we give something back through the entertainment we provide each year,” Mr McMahon said.
Both the chairman and treasurer stood down, having held their positions for five years and three years respectively.
The subsequent election of officers resulted the following; Chairperson Maria Murphy, secretary Jim Flynn, treasurer Emma Lynch; vice chairperson James Sherlock, assistant secretary Bill MacCarter; assistant treasurer Pamela O’Sullivan; PRO Ben Lynch.
The extended committee is as follows - Joe McMahon and Maeve Lynch (both ex-officio), Seanie Chamberlain, Therese Horgan, Leona Hennessy, Billy Cahill, Siobhan Barry, Eileen Harrington and Mary O’Callaghan.
The first task for the incoming committee is the selection of a show for 2012 and that process has already begun. Every effort will be made this year to secure a show with a musical score familiar to the audience.
As in previous years, rehearsals will begin in early October with the show due to be staged in the CBS auditorium in mid February.
Published:
Friday 6th May 10:34am
