Extra rows and standing ovations for premiere of Eamon Friel's first musical

Celebrated musician Eamon Friel's much anticipated new musical was hailed as a roaring success this week at The Playhouse Theatre.

Extra rows of seats were put in the theatre to accommodate the large crowds queuing to see the premiere of THE MUSIC MAKERS.

The show opened for its premiere at the Playhouse on Wednesday night and will run until this Saturday (November 13).

Friel, who wrote and directed the new production, said he was delighted with the feedback from audiences.

"I am just thrilled to get such a warm response. The cast and crew have put so much work into every aspect of the show, and they thoroughly deserved it!

The show, which Friel calls a "musical comedy" tells the story of a group of actors about to stage a crazy musical, and are being rehearsed by a director who is a martinet. It makes no sense to them and they know it will probably turn out to be a disaster on opening night. So there is always the possibility of a cast mutiny.

"That's what it used to be called-musical comedy- before the musical began to take itself a bit too seriously" he said. "It's a musical of ideas as well but there's a lot of scope for humour ranging from satire to knockabout visual stuff that can be very funny too."

"There's a mix of brand new songs and a few of my very best from my other albums."

"With Eddie O'Donnell as Musical Director and an experienced, talented and enthusiastic local cast, I know I couldn't go wrong!"

Pauline Ross, founder of The Playhouse said: "I just love to see the work of such a great talent as Eamon thrive on stage here at The Playhouse. I have loved every minute of this project, and it was just fantastic to see people come out in their droves to see it!"

'The Music Makers' will run until Saturday 13 November. Tickets are £11/ £8. To book contact The Playhouse Box Office on (028)71 268027 or visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk.

Playhouse competition winner Anne Murray with Eamon Friel and Playhouse manager Niall McCaughan. Anne added her name to the Playhouse mailing list and won two tickets to the premiere of The Music Makers on Wednesday night.

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