30 years of Now and Then; Zoom performance of Jesus Christ Superstar
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A multidenominational music and drama group for young people and adults celebrated their 30th anniversary recently, by getting together to record a Zoom performance of the title track from the musical, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.
Over 25 members of the Now and Then Production Company, which is based in the Priory in Tallaght Village, took part in the soaring rendition which was led by lead singer Catherine Griffin, playing the role of Judas.
The ensemble were supposed to perform the music on stage, but these plans had to be shelved as a result of the pandemic.
The company’s music director, Ken Whelan, decided to get the participants together to sing the song – marking the 30th anniversary of the production company, while also giving them the chance to show what they’d been rehearsing.
“We had to cancel the musical, and we were all devastated,” explained Orla Griffin from the Now and Then Production Company, “but we understood why it had to happen.
“Our musical director, Ken Whelan, then started doing Zoom meetings with us just to pop in and say hello, and then he asked us if we wanted to practice, and how we’d feel about putting a song together.
“Ken worked tirelessly on it and encouraged all of us. First and foremost, we obviously appreciate everyone who is in Now and Then, but Ken has gone above and beyond for us – and he’s always so modest.”
The production company is still going strong following its 30th anniversary and, looking ahead, Orla is proud of everything that participants have achieved, and is optimistic about the future of the group.
“We’re just overjoyed that we’ve reached this point, and to think that it all started off from an idea that Pat Dunne had,” Orla added.
“And even Covid can’t stop us – the company will go on, down to the commitment of everybody in it and the people who support us.”
The video can now be viewed on the Now and Then Production Company Facebook page.
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