100 years later and the show goes on for musical society

NOT even the 1916 Easter Rising or two world wars could stop the show from going on..as far as the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society is concerned.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the society that has become something of a Southside institution and it promises to be 12 months of celebration with numerous events lined up to mark the occasion.

Founded in 1913, the R&R has performed 293 musicals featuring over 4,000 people on stage in over 20 official venues.

The musical society has produced two and sometimes three shows every year in professional Dublin theatres since 1913 and it is the only one in the world that can boast of 100 years of continuous and unbroken performances.

In 2013 the R&R will celebrate with a year long programme of events to showcase 100 years of musical theatre.

The curtain was first raised for Gilbert & Sullivan’s Mikado in 1913, during a turbulent phase of Irish and world history. However, the R&R proceeded to stage musicals through the General Strike and Lockout of 1913, World War 1, the Easter Rising of 1916, the War of Independence, the Civil War, World War 2, and numerous recessions and depressions as well as this current time of austerity.

Despite these circumstances, the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society remains at the pinnacle of musical theatre in Dublin City, with performances staged in the National Concert Hall and the Gaiety Theatre.

Jimmy Dixon, a member of the R&R for 35 years and spokesperson for the Centenary Year ,explained the longevity of success the society has enjoyed.

“Whatever the members thought or did in their personal lives, the outside world did not intrude into the committee rooms or the rehearsal rooms,

? he said.

“Succeeding generations have applied themselves diligently to their performances year after year.

“The society is completely voluntary. Everyone on stage and behind the scenes gives their time and endless energy at no cost. We do this because we love musicals and we love the culture that has been developed over the past 100 years in the R&R. We are like one very big family.

?

Gay Byrne has been a long standing supporter and fan of the R&R and has attended many shows with his family. He was in attendance at the Mansion House to lend his support to the centenary launch.

“I have fond memories of attending many R&R shows down through the years,

? he said.

“The R&R always put on a polished and professional show. I am delighted to support them in their 100th year and hope that the society survives another 100 years and more.

?

Celebrations are officially underway following the launch of the Centenary Year at the Mansion House. To keep up to date with the R&R Centenary celebrations see www.randr.ie