Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.

Subject: Alba perfoming in Ireland soon
From: Alba
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 09:24 PM

Hi All,
I am leaving for Ireland on Wednesday morning and I will be in Ireland until October 20th (maybe longer) to take part in the Theatrical Play "The Midnight Court" based on the poem "Cuirt an Mhean Oiche by Brian Merriman written in 1790.
The poem was translated by David Marcus in the 1950s from the Irish to English.
About 10 years ago Sean Tyrrell set this Poem to Music and came up with the idea to do what could be called an Operatic Stage interpretation of Merriman's work using Marcus's translation.
Sean Tyrrell has used Traditional Irish Music and set the words of the Poem to them.
Sean Tyrrell's Musical Direction is wonderful and the rest of the Cast are stunningly Talented. I am honored to be working with such fabulous Musicians...and just a bit nervous too..gulp!

After 3 weeks rehearsal in Galway the Play (which is sung, no spoken word) opens in the Galway Town Hall and runs from Monday 25th of August through till Saturday the 29th August.
Then the Play goes on Tour.
It would be great if any fellow Mudcatters who live in any of the places we will be performing or who are visiting Ireland could come see the Show and perhaps meet up!

I will also be doing some Concerts and recording a new CD while there too. Aghhh

So if anyone is around Galway, Cork, Dublin, Co.Clare or Waterford between July 25th until October 20th, (perhaps even a few weeks longer)....let me know or post to this Thread..and Ill make every effort to meet up with you.
Ill be checking into the Mudcat while gone with Venue dates and places for anyone who has expressed an interest and I have asked Katlaughing to post any additional venues for the Play and Concert dates as they become available..( Thank you Kat ma Darlin x)
So Folks hope to meet some of you on my Travels. Perhaps if we meet we can have a few Tunes together:>)
To all my Friends here on the Mudcat I wish you all wonderful Summer.

Blessings and Love.
Slainte
Jude

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon
From: Peace
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 09:31 PM

Every success to you, Alba. That voice of yours will be God's own gift to the Isles.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:42 PM

She's too modest to say she's done this before with Tyrrell, with less than a week's rehearsal!!

I am going to MISS YOU, darlin', but am SO happy for you and can't wait to hear that CD, as well as see images from the Midnight Court!!

Here's a link to some reviews of Tyrrell's previous performances of his trad.opera: clickety.

Here's a link to the Midnight Court in original and translated, with info on Merriman, too.

Watch for updates, folks!

Jude, Fare Thee Well & dont' work too hard!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon
From: Azizi
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:49 PM

Wow!!!

I am happy for you.

I wish you the best and will be sending positive vibrations your way.

Azizi

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon
From: LilyFestre
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 10:58 PM

Hey Sweet Woman,

   Can you PM an address in Ireland or would you prefer a mailbox full of postcards for when you get home? Hmmm?

   I think you are going to be beyond great and that the people are going to love your spirit (not to mention your voice) that shines through everything.

   Be well, travel safe and HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Michelle

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jul 05 - 05:58 PM

Bon Voyage, darlin' AND...Happy you know what! Hope you have a wonderful evening!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule po
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 11:09 AM

Here's the amended schedule, so far. Things will likely change, so watch here for updates. I really hope some Mudcatters can meet up with Jude. She'd love that.

Monday 25th July through Friday 12th August    Rehearsal

Monday 15th August through Saturday 20th August :    Town Hall Galway

Thursday 25th August through Saturday 27th August: Cork Opera House
Friday 26th August One night only. Concert

Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th September: Royal Spa, Lisdoonvarna

Monday 12th September through Saturday 17th September: Tallagh Community Theatre, Dublin

Monday 19th September through Wednesday 21st September: Waterford

Tuesday 27th September through Friday 30th September: Mullingar

Monday 3rd October and Tuesday 4th October: Siamsa Tire, Tralee

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule posted
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 04:45 PM

Jude, have a most happy time.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule posted
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jul 05 - 04:51 PM

Enjoy, lady. Very exciting.

You will be back in time to meet all the UK folks from the Getaway.

SINS

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule po
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jul 05 - 05:52 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule po
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jul 05 - 10:25 PM

Hope she finds a cyber-cafe and checks in soon!

Miss you and love you, darlin'!

kat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule po
From: sian, west wales
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 04:21 AM

Oh botheration. I'm going to be in northern Mayo from 18 to 21 Aug. Bad timing!

siân

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule posted
From:
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 04:47 AM

Wonderful Alba! Have fun adn we look forward to hearing all about the tour.

Love and Blessings

Khatt x

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland soon -Schedule posted
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 29 Jul 05 - 02:50 PM

We -- yrs. truly and the lady who owns the moon -- are reminded daily of how absolutely brilliant is our Alba. Mr. Tyrrell has cast his court wisely. The performances will surely be splendid. Perhaps she can send an audible postcard Mudcat's way?

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 10:28 AM

I hope she's going to come up for air in a day or two...probably not until after the first performance, though. Am just listening to a "preview" of the CD she's going to try to get down while over there. She is a BRILL singer AND songwriter. I am honoured and humbled that she includes my song, Waves of Sorrow, to which she added a couple of verses and the tune.

I'll post as soon as I hear something. I really hope some Mudcatters will be able to catch up with her. Remember, it doesn't have to be for the Midnight Court...just a meet up for music of a visit would be great.

luvyaJUDE!!!

kat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Peace
Date: 07 Aug 05 - 01:33 PM

That woman's voice knocked me flat on me arse. WOW. I don't know what brill means, but if it is anything like way-freaking-far-fantastic, then indeed she is brill.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Peace
Date: 08 Aug 05 - 07:15 PM

And so is her writing.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 06:42 PM

"Waves..." is a beautiful piece, Kat. Don't let her catch you being too modest about it.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 06:50 PM

Aw shucks...PS, thanks.:-) It was inspired right here on the Mudcat. SHE has added a lot to make it so, though.

Jude, if you read this, be sure to see the BS thread with your name and MMario's in the title...you sure do keep a secret good, womon!! What an incredible surprise!!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 11 Aug 05 - 02:30 PM

There's a preview of Midnight Court from an Irish newspaper here:
http://www.galwayadvertiser.ie/dws/story.tpl?inc=2005/08/04/entertainment/20435.html

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Aug 05 - 03:11 PM

Great article, thanks. PS!

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Felipa
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 12:07 PM

the midnight court will be the theme of the annual Merriman summer school in county Clare, 20-27 Aug
Cumann Merriman has a website you could look up for further information

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 10:54 PM

Today was the first performance...wonder if there will be a review online by tomorrow? Forgot to say, "Break a leg, darlin'!":-)

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:06 PM

Kat, Alba has a lovely voice. I'm enjoying that which you sent me from her very much!! All my best wishes go out from here with huge hopes that these will be tremendous successes---- both the show and the creating of the new CD.

Onward and upward!

Art

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:17 PM

Thanks, Art! She will be so pleased.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Aug 05 - 10:27 PM

Got a postcard of "Galway City" the other day. She says everything is going well, LOTS to tell and she'll call soon! Good to hear from her.

kat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 11:21 AM

Herself called this morning! Sounded great. They've the first week done after many long days of rehearsals. No computers available, nor time, at the moment, but soon, she'll be able to join us for a posting or two. Still hopes to meet some Mudcatters somewhere along the way.

Way to go, "Jood!"

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Sep 05 - 04:24 PM

Got another phone call, today! She has a sore throat when speaking but it seems fine while singing/performing, so..she's got all kinds of remedies and it staying off the speaking voice for a bit.

She said they have had great reviews, one by a Colin Murphy(?) which I cannot seem to find online, which mentioned her twice, when it is usual just to get one mention, if a'tall, as she'd say. Maybe someone who knows the newspapers over there better than I, could find it. They are in Merriman's native area now, at Feakle.

The people have been wonderful, remembering her and her Other Half, whom she met over there. They are also remembering that she's the woman who wrote "Sweet Ballyvaughn" a song Sean recorded which is absolutely BEE-YOU-TEE-FULL and well known.

Anyway, she asked me to say "Hello" to all of you and she misses us.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 06 Sep 05 - 11:30 AM

Glad to hear she's doing well. A little thing like a sore throat won't slow her down any (half-kidding; hope she catches a break to rest her throat. It's such a wonderful instrument). We had some hope of catching up with her in Ireland, but the fair Helen -- a friend of Jude's and mother to the lady who owns the moon -- broke her hip recently and we'll be sticking close to home to see her through her recuperation. Will keep checking here and for on-line reviews to keep abreast of her tour.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Sep 05 - 10:46 AM

I hope the hip is mending nicely, PSlim. I believe Jude is in Cork, now. Found this review online, last night:

ARTS REVIEW

Review: The Midnight Court

The Sean Tyrrell adaptation with music of Brian Merriman's bawdy Irish epic poem Cuirt An Mhean Oiche at the Cork Opera House last week, as part of the Cork Folk Festival, was a wonderful and impressive night of quality Irish music and theatrical expression of women power. Women power that is aimed a bachelor, who won't have sex, rather than at men. Of its time it pokes bawdy fun at religion and business. In its strict metre, beautifully translated by David Marcus, we got a rollicking romp that stuck mostly to the work, except for the poetic licence of introducing mobile phones.

Its early sequences were slow and ponderous but a five piece band on stage worked up a fair head of steam and amusement. The four women were the powerhouse of the production as they protested, teased and whipped these men into submission. They sang and acted with style and they pricked many a sanctimonious bubble in the course of a great evening.

Sean Tyrrell's script and musical interpretation had great passages of lyrical pastiche of country and oirish and a barbed wickedness.

Sean Tyrrell was the poet/dreamer on trial for omissions against women as was Willie Greene (son of the redoubtable Paddy Green) as the hapless, feckless, Guzzler. Waterford-born Bernie O'Mahony was a rhine-stoned Lonely Cowgirl who menaced the Guzzler bodhran between the legs to great comic effect. Debra Wallace had a strong vocal line with a nice dose of dirty lyrics as Queen Aeval. Judy McKeown was a too long in the tooth Bride In Waiting with a great sense of fun.

Tess Purcell as Anne Of A Thousand Ways was the business in a shiny S and M outfit that feeds the imagination as she lashes on the agony. She mesmerised with a routine with three lighted candles.

Waterford's Liam Rellis was the touring Production Line Manager and this set was a wonderful erection. Art O Briain's direction was effective and caught the bawdy spirit of the poem.

This show is a real gem of bawdy Irish fun and it will be at The Forum on 22, 23, 24 September.

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 20 Sep 05 - 11:53 AM

"wonderful erection..." Pun intended?
Sounds like great fun and a splendid show, as expected.
Thanks for posting -- Slim

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 02:16 PM

Last performance is today, then home. Looking forward to hearing all about it, Jude!!

Welcome home, a wee bit early!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Alba is perfoming in Ireland 8 Aug. - 4 Oct.
From: LilyFestre
Date: 04 Oct 05 - 06:18 PM

Safe Travels to you my friend! I sure have missed you around here!!!! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!!!!!!!


Michelle