Dominic McGrath | Staff Writer
Trinity Hall residents, along with the Provost Patrick Prendergast, were treated to the JCR production of Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray, with the sports hall being transformed into 1960s Baltimore for two nights only.
The musical, set in 1960s, follows the teenager Tracy Turnblad, whose dream to appear on the “Corny Collins Show” leads her into conflict with the attitudes and prejudices of the time. Dealing with issues of race and integration, the show also focuses on Tracy’s attempt to win the heart of Link Larkin, and win Miss Teenage Hairspray.
Appearing in the starring role of Tracy Turnblad was Science student Caoimhe Tydall, who gave a brilliantly energetic performance, singing such hits from the show as “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You can’t stop the beat”. In keeping with the musical’s tradition, Tracy’s mother was played to perfection by Cormac Henry, while Sean Cassidy also excelled in the role of Tracy’s love interest Link Larkin.
The musical was directed by Séimí Campbell, a music education student in Trinity, who is also a student of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He praised the work rate of the students involved, who had been practising since early January, and for their dedication to the show. He was assisted by the show’s choreographer, Alicia Newton, fellow B.Mus.Ed. student and musical director, Johnny Bourke, TSM Music and Maths. At the end of the show, Trinity Hall Warden, Brenden Tagney, presented Séimí with a copy of the “History of Trinity Hall”, signed by the Provost.
Before curtain up, the Provost spoke of how impressed he always was when he came to Trinity Hall. Admitting that he doesn’t come to Halls enough, he told the audience that it was “always a pleasure to come to Trinity Hall and be reminded of the vibrant community”. Despite not having heard of the musical before last night, at the end of the night, he was suitably won over. “It’s always great to come to Halls and be entertained”.
