Back To School
The 1991 Davitt College Production
FOREVER YOUNG
In February 1991, Davitt College transformed the College Hall into a vibrant stage for this original three-act musical, capturing the spirit and iconic music of the 1980s.
⚡ The Story
Originally conceived as an adaptation of Dirty Dancing, Back to School evolved into a celebration of 80s pop culture. The story follows Maria and Dave, whose breakup sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery, fueled by a high-stakes class talent show presentation and an unlikely romance between Maria and the school biker gang leader, Spike.
■ The Production
Written and compiled by producer Michael Brett, the 1991 production was a massive collaborative effort. With the invaluable support of Acting Principal Patsy Noone, the production featured choreography by Michael Devaney, Toni Devaney, and Jason Guthrie, and benefitted from the tireless work of our Transition Year students who managed everything from prop creation to programme compilation.
Production Year
An original three-act musical performed in the Davitt College Hall.
Acts
A three-act pop musical written and compiled by Michael Brett.
Musical Tracks
Featuring a massive setlist of 80s pop classics from Dirty Dancing and beyond.
Student-Led
Transition Year students drove the production, from set design to programme compilation.
Musical Numbers
Relive the rhythm and energy of the original score that powered our 1991 production.
Back To School
Full Chorus
School Anthem
Noelle Horan and Chorus
You Don't Own Me
John King
I Need A Little Time
Mary Reddington & John King
Forever Young
Noelle Horan
Fame
Monica Ellicott and Chorus
Hungry Eyes
Richard Heneghan
Hey Baby
Sean Mulroy
Cool Rider
Anita Deasy
Over Load
John King
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Monica Ellicott & Girls Chorus
Footloose
Richard Heneghan
Lady In Red
John King
Out Here On My Own
Mary Reddington
Woman In Love
Mary Reddington
Should've Known Better
John King
Wicked Game
John King
Be My Baby
Anita Deasy
Stay
Sean Mulroy
Show Me Heaven
Mary Reddington
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
Mary Reddington and Richard Heneghan
Life Ain't Worth Living
Anita Deasy
Everybody
Sean Mulroy & Michael Horkan
Time of My Life
Mary Redington and Richard Heneghan
The College Hall Archives
Explore highlights from our historical photo archive showcasing the cast, chorus, and creative team behind the 1991 production.
Richard Heneghan (Spike)
Sean Mulroy (Angel Face)
Mary Reddington (Maria)
Anita Deacy (Toni)
John King (Dave)
Monica Ellicott (Viv)
Noelle Horan (Miss Hamilton)
The Cast
The Boys Chorus
The Girls Chorus
The Band
Choreographers
The Production Team
Michael Brett
Mick Baynes
Craig Donaldson (Bass), Michael Buckton (Guitar), Michael Baynes (Percussion), Gary Wynne (Piano)
Donna Jennings
Reg Smith and C. Conway
Liam Butler
Michael Devaney, Toni Devaney, Jason Guthrie
Frankie McDonald
Terry Coleman & Tom Jennings
Bonnie Burke and Catríona Owens
Ger King
Administration & Support
Tommy O'Malley, Sinead Demspey, Hilda Carson, Michelle Quigley, Andrea Lyons, Hayley Kenny, Martina Quinn
Patsy Gibbons
Patsy Noone
Reg Smith
The Cast
Richard Heneghan
Mary Reddington
Michael Reddington
Noelle Horan
John King
Anita Deasy
Sean Mulroy
Shane Canny, Cormac O'Reilly, Martin Carney, James Gibbons, John Bourke, Michael Horkan, David Loftus, David Devanney, Gary Canny, Myles Cresham, Richard Heneghan, John King, Peter Doherty, Keith Brennan, Andrew Rattigan, Damien McDaid, Nollaig McGuinness, Michael Reddington, Sean Mulroy
Anita Deasy, Kathleen Duffy, Catherine Holmes, Maria Barrett, Ann Marie Moran, Martina Lydon, Róisin O'Toole, Yvonne Lally, Lorraine Sammon, Linda Coyne, Ethel Tolan, Rachel Clarke, Petrina Jordan, Hayley Kenny, Elaine Moran, Clare Carroll, Michelle Malone, Mary Reddington, Monica Ellicott, Elaine Feeney, Edel Feeney, Marie Finnerty, Niamh O'Brien, Angela O'Connor, Deborah Conroy, Jo Jo Keane, Helen Bennett, Catherine Geraghty, Tracey Quinn, Laura Flannelly, Georgina Gaughan, Rowena Gillespie, Siobhan Devanney, Geraldine Heneghan, Noelle Heneghan, Sandra Corley
Special Thanks
With sincere gratitude to the staff, students, and local supporters who made our 1991 production of "Back to School" possible.
School Leadership
Acting Principal Patsy Noone, for his support and encouragement. Thanks also to the staff and students of Davitt College for their cooperation.
Backstage Crew
Stage Construction: Liam Butler. Set Design: Reg Smith and C. Conway. Costumes: Bonnie Burke and Catríona Owens. Make-up: Ger King.
Publicity & Operations
Programme & Publicity: Tommy O'Malley, Sinead Dempsey, Hilda Carson, Michelle Quigley, Andrea Lyons, Hayley Kenny, and Martina Quinn. Front of House: Patsy Gibbons.
Sponsors & Support
Castlebar Town Hall for loaning lights, and our many local sponsors for their generosity. A special thanks to our Transition Year students for their hard work on props and programmes.
