Music
Don’t miss Little Miss Sunshine The Musical in Dublin this August 2019
This uplifting, modern classic celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.
The off-beat musical comedy, Little Miss Sunshine, based on the Academy Award-winning film by Michael Arndt, is coming to the Olympia Theatre in Dublin for 5 days only this 13-17 August 2019. Starring Irish actress and singer Lucy O’Byrne in the role of Sheryl and Comedian and broadcaster Bernard O’Shea in the role of Grandpa Hoover.
The Hoover family has more than a few troubles, but young Olive has her heart set on winning the Little Miss Sunshine beauty contest. When an invitation to compete comes out of the blue, the Hoovers must pile into their rickety, yellow VW camper van. Can it survive the 800-mile trip from New Mexico to California – and more importantly, can they? This inventive and uplifting musical celebrates the quirks of every family, the potholes in every road, and the power of overcoming our differences.
Little Miss Sunshine was created by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (who collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George) and William Finn (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Falsettos). This new production is directed by Arcola’s Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen with design by David Woodhead, musical direction by Arlene McNaught, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, lighting design by Richard Williamson, sound design by Olly Steel, and choreography by Anthony Whiteman.
Watch the Trailer:
Bernard O’Shea as Grandpa Hoover
Comedian and broadcaster Bernard O’Shea will tread the boards this August, in his first theatrical acting role, when he steps onto the stage of the Olympia Theatre in the role of Grandpa Hoover in the musical comedy Little Miss Sunshine.
In radio, Bernard has written sketches for TodayFM and co-hosted two breakfast shows on 2FM and iRadio. In television he first made his name on RTÉ’s Republic of Telly, co-wrote and co-starred in the sitcom Bridget & Eamon, and more recently can be seen in Marty and Bernard’s Big Adventure. In the course of his stand-up career he has won the 2000 Harp Newcomer Comedy Award, and performed at the BBC Newcomer Awards the same year. He has performed at comedy festivals around the world, including Montreal and Edinburgh and is a full-time comedy writer and performer.
Lucy O’Byrne as Sheryl
Bernard will star alongside Irish singer / actress Lucy O’Byrne who shot to fame on The Voice (BBC) in 2015 and was the runner-up that year.
Her theatre credits include Eva Peron in Evita (UK, Ireland & Germany Tour), Fantine in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre – West End), Maria in The Sound of Music (UK and Ireland Tour), River Woman in Therese Raquin (Park Theatre) and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof (Gaiety Theatre-Dublin). She has appeared on Friday Night is Music Night-Live from the London Palladium (BBC Radio 2), BBC Proms in the Park (BBC) and as Sam & Jessica in Ballybraddan (RTÉ/Monster Animation). Lucy appears on The Sound of Music (EP), NOW That’s What I Call Classical and Therese Raquin (Original Cast Recording) Her album ‘Debut’ is available now.
Watch the Audience Reaction:
Check out some production shots featuring the original London cast:
Credit: Manuel Harlan
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Book by JAMES LAPINE
Music & Lyrics by WILLIAM FINN
Based on the film “Little Miss Sunshine,” written by Michael Arndt.
Originally Directed by James Lapine
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited Directed by Mehmet Ergen
at the Olympia Theatre
for FIVE days only
Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 August 2019
Starring Irish actress and singer Lucy O’Byrne in the role of Sheryl and Comedian and broadcaster Bernard O’Shea in the role of Grandpa Hoover.
