Gortnamona: the Life and Times of Percy French Told through Song, Sketch and Dance
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FILE PHOTO of the original 2006 Calgary cast of Gortnamona: The Life and Times of Percy French who presented the play in Vancouver. |
VANCOUVER - Hold on, Vancouver, the Calgary Celts are a-coming! The entire cast of Gortnamona: the Life and Times of Percy French, by Frank Talbot, are returning for a limited two-night engagement March 7 and 8 at the new PAL Theater in Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver.
Catholine Butler of The Celtic Connection, called their 2006 performance "... an absolutely entertaining evening," "... a unique experience" and advised readers "If you don't see another Irish play this year, give your heart and soul a tonic and see Gortnamona. I guarantee you'll be humming the songs for days after."
Longtime favorites such as The Mountains of Mourne, Abdulla Bulbul Ameer and, of course, the political ditty Are Ye Right There Michael?, which earned Percy French a lawsuit for embarrassing the Clare Railway Company, will feel familiar, among many, many, more in this talented and prolific Irish bard's body of work.
So much do the cast themselves love the material, that all seven Calgarians were quick to pay their own airfare just to share their enthusiasm with Vancouver audiences once again.
Since the other two cast members, Frank and Moira Talbot, had relocated here and moved into PAL Vancouver, the Performing Arts Lodge, not only was a grand new theater open to them, but the opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause as well, that is to create a well-supplied, safe workshop to build sets, do repairs, etc.
PAL Vancouver, a chapter of the Performing Arts Lodges of Canada, is a charitable Society providing quality affordable housing and support to seniors (and others) in the performing arts and allied professions.
The 99 suites at Cardero and Georgia are now filled and the place is buzzing with plays, music, dance and more. Several residents are warmly opening their homes to the Calgary cast, more than happy to help out.
But great performances require great support, too, so Frank, his volunteer production team, and the entire cast of Gortnamona invite you out for a fine evening's entertainment toward a commendable goal.
By turns a lively romp and then heartwarming life story, Gortnamona is suitable for all ages, rich with Irish history and authentic talent.
Told in a storybook format, each chapter in this compelling tale leaves the audience hanging on waiting for more. French's life was filled with true human drama, but while his highs and lows, successes and heartbreaks seem common to us all, the cultural and historical contributions of the man remain truly exceptional.
Written and directed by Frank Talbot, originally of Sallynoggin, Ireland, with musical direction by Anne Cowman of County Meath, the cast features Barney Toye as the judge; Moira Talbot, Frank's wife and elegant songstress; Martin Cowman, past-president of the Irish Cultural Society Calgary; Terry Kent, tenor for some of French's most celebrated songs; Jim Hutchens from Scotland playing Phil the Fluter; Maureen Hutchens from Newcastle, County Down, singer; and Brigid O'Shea, from County Clare, actress and dancer.
Of Brigid O'Shea's dancing in particular, Catholine Butler noted "... this is the old-style of Irish dancing that might have been seen at a crossroads or house party long-ago...no tiaras here, just a plain skirt, blouse and shawl... the kind of genuine article rarely seen in these times following Riverdance..." Most refreshing and not to be missed.
Gortnamona: the Life and Times of Percy French is playing at the PAL Theater, 581 Cardero Street in Vancouver on March 7 and 8. Showtime is 8 PM, tickets $18. For more information, call (604) 633-0330 or book online at: www.ticketstonight.ca.
For more information on PAL Vancouver visit: www.palvancouver.org.
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