It’s that time of year again. The fantastic UCD Dramsoc 24 Hour Musical is back to send you into fits of giggles and uncontrollable laughter. For those unfamiliar with the concept it is remarkably simple, find a creative team will select a cast to rehearse and perform a full length musical with just 24 hours to prepare. As many previous participants, including this year’s director, Daragh Cushen, can attest to, it is “a highlight of their college experience.” It allows members of all ages and courses to bond over the hectic schedule resulting in them putting on a wacky show and making friends for life, all the while raising money for a good cause. This year all the profits from the show will go to Anam Cara Parent Bereavement Support. This great charity works tirelessly to provide support for parents following the loss of a child. They believe that everyone’s grief is their own and aim to help each individual come to terms with such a tragic loss.
On the 29th of January the curtain will open on Jafar’s Turn: A Twisted Retelling of Aladdin. For performers there are some key dates to remember, on Tuesday the 27th auditions will take place in the Dramsoc Theatre from 10am until 5:30. Then the hectic rehearsal schedule will begin on Wednesday the 28th at 7pm before show time commences at 7:30pm on Thursday in the Astra Hall. The cost of entry is €5 for students and €7 for adults, and knowing how funny this show will be, those prices are a real bargain.
As the title suggests the story revolves around Jafar, the Royal Vizier, he tells the story as he sees it where he is the misunderstood hero and not the despicable villian that he is always perceived as. The story was written and produced by Starkid, the amazingly talented American musical theatre company. Starkid Productions are the creative team behind projects like A Very Potter Muscial and Holy Musical Batman, both of which have featured as Dramsoc 24hour Musicals in the past.
Of course the cast will be unknown until Wednesday but there is already a dedicated production team in place who are ready to get the show rolling. The production team includes Sharon Ryan (Musical Director), Joyce Murphy (Vocal Director), Aly Coyne (Dance Captain), Chris Casey (Stage Manager), and the Director, Producer, and Choreographer, Daragh Cushen. This is Daragh’s first solo directorial project but he is well versed in the ways of Dramsoc having performed lead rolls in many Dramsoc plays including Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, The Full Monty Musical, and Romeo & Juliet. He has also played lead rolls in two previous Dramsoc 24 hour Musicals.
So prepare yourself for a fantastic and hilarious night of singing and dancing and a whole lot of laughing, all the while raising money for a great cause. But remember the curtains open Thursday the 29th at 7:30pm and be sure to get down to the Astra Hall early to ensure you get a ticket.
