Story of St Brigid brought to life in new dance show

The 2014 Tour of the stage production 'The Cloak' was officially launched at the Celbridge Manor Hotel on Friday the 21st February last with over 200 guests in attendance.

The Cloak, a truly Irish story, brings to reality the epic life journey of the legendary St Brigid and her mother Broicseach, showcasing singing, Irish dancing, a choir, a full orchestra and film, shot on location, highlighting Ireland’s unique landscape.

The Celbridge Manor Hotel has become the official 'Home of the Cloak' and as such, are thrilled to be linked to such a talented show “Simply super launch night at the Manor enjoyed by all” explained Geraldine McGilvery, on behalf of Jeffrey C Leo, managing director of the Celbridge Manor Hotel.

The Cloak debuted in September 2013 in Kildare Cathedral, a four night sell out season that no doubt pleased the Producers Anne Marie and Andrew Brain and Director/Writer Padraig J. Dunne who have been on a whirlwind adventure since starting this project less than a year ago.

Andrew Brain, producer said: “The launch was a resounding success, The Cloak worked its magic again, this is not just another stage production but a phenomenon that is gathering its own momentum, the emotion of the evening was palpable, you could feel it in the air. The extracts from the production gave the invited guests a glimpse of what is to come, as one lady said “The tingles and tears are starting all over again”.

Andrew added: “We thank Jeffrey C Leo and Bernard Brogan for their support, their team must be congratulated on the presentation of the Garden Room, the service and the refreshments supplied which reflected the quality and glamour of the evening”.

The talented cast performed three snippets from the show, Irish and contempory dance performed by dancers led by Kevin Lyster (playing the role of St. Patrick). Also sharing the stage was Nicola Gainey (new to the cast singing & playing the role of Broicseach) and the four lead singers Dawn Broughan, Therese Lynch, Orla Colleton and Niamh Curley performing the stunning song The Cloak and the beautiful new song The Moment, with guest experiencing firsthand the magic that makes this production unique.

Lisa Nagle, Musical Director explains “The music within “The Cloak” is such an important aspect of the show. It's about creating a connection between the story of St Brigid's cloak and the emotions behind each one of the characters. It is simply stunning!'

Padraig Meredith, composer of the original scores of The Cloak soundtrack explains “The press launch was our first chance to share one of the new songs from the show called The Moment. We look forward to sharing The Cloak with audiences throughout Ireland,” Padraig added. “It was also amazing to see the launch party silenced by the emotion within Nicola Gainey’s voice.”

The talented Nichola Kavanagh dances the role of St Brigid and has captivated the audience with her energy and grace. “I am delighted to accept the challenge of choreographing our sequences to a new original score of music and welcome our expanding troupe of experienced dancers, stunning vocalists and hard working crew. I am excited to be involved in such an electric fusion of talent in The Cloak 2014.'

The production combines three main elements, film, dance and song which has never been done before and is an original idea from the talented Padraig Dunne. Filming will commence on Saturday the 1st March in Wexford Heritage Park, Sunday the 2nd March in Rathangan Wood and Friday the 7th March in NMCI Cork.

The Cloak 2014 Tour starts with two special performances at the Celbridge Manor Hotel on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April 2014. Seats are limited to just 200 per performance and tickets are available from hotel reception Tel: 01 6013700 or www.stbrigidscloak.com

May Tour dates are as follows:

 

Iontas Castleblaney:

Performance:- Thursday 1st May 2014

Friday 22nd May 2014

 

TLT Drogheda:

 Performance:- Saturday 10th May 2014

 

Dunamaise Theatre Portlaoise:

Performance:-Friday 16th May and Saturday the 17th May 2014

 

Mullingar Arts Centre:

Performance:- Friday 23rd May and Saturday the 24th May 2014

 

Opera House in Wexford:

Performance:- Saturday the 31st May 2014

Tickets €25.