Bishop Daly to Open Drama Circle’s Musical Presentation

Sligo Drama Circle’s presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof” will be officially opened at the Town hall on Sunday night by the Bishop of Derry, Most Rev. Dr. Edward Daly. Such were the complexities of the show that it was found necessary to increase the size of the stage at the Town Hall to facilitate the mammoth production. Many notable local actors are included in the cast but a feature of the production is the many people who will be making their stage debuts. The Drama Circle scored a massive success with the same formula with last year’s presentation of “Oklahoma” and the indications are that the “Fiddler” will prove even more popular.

Kieran Hickey, who gave an outstanding performance in “A Man For All Seasons” last year takes the lead role of “Tevye” in “Fiddler” and Joan Fitzpatrick, who has won the hearts of hundreds with her superb performances over the years, plays the part of his wife “Golde”. Also included in the cast are Tony Mc Niffe, Paddy Dooney, Rita Barr, Sheila Horan, Liz Mc Elhone, Mick Kilcoyne, Damien Brennan, Kieran Kelly, Martin Mc Derrmottroe, Lionel Gallagher, Kathleen Lindy and Martina Cullen. The show, which should provide delightful family entertainment, includes many well known songs, among them “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Sunrise Sunset”, “Tradition” and “Matchmaker Matchmaker”. Liam Mc Kinney, who has masterminded many of the Drama Circle’s successes, is again at the helm as far as production is concerned. Choreography is by Pat O’ Connor; Kathleen O’ Hara is Musical Director and costumes are by Derry O’ Donovan of Dublin.

“Fiddler” begins its nine night run on Sunday night and continues every night of the following week, except Thursday. The show will resume on Friday 19th January and will also be held on Saturday 20th January. The production resumes on Tuesday 23rd January and will have an uninterrupted run until 27th January. In conjunction with the “Fiddler” a Festival Club will operate at the Grand Hotel on January 16th, 19th, 23rd, 25th, 26th, and will be open to all Town Hall patrons only.

from The Sligo Champion, January 12th, 1979