Ogunquit News
OPA presents Irish entertainment for St. Patrick's Day
Stillson dancers in their various colorful costumes will be performing Irish step dances at the Dunaway Center on School Street in Ogunquit as part of Ogunquit Performing Arts' special Irish Evening on Friday, March 16, in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
Courtesy photo
OGUNQUIT - In a double-header of Irish grace and humor, Ogunquit Performing Arts will present its Irish Evening on Friday, March 16, at 7 p.m., featuring Irish step dancers from the renowned Stillson School of Irish Dance to be followed by a showing of the hilarious Irish film, "Waking Ned Devine."
This evening of fun will be held at the Dunaway Center on School Street in Ogunquit.
The dancers are returning to Ogunquit by popular demand. The Stillson School of Irish Dance is under the direction of Carlene Moran Stillson, who is accredited by Ad Coimisium in Dublin, Ireland, and a member of the Irish Dancing Teacher's Association of North America, IDTANA.
Stillson has a long tradition of dancing, having started at age 4. She has competed in the New England Regional, North American and World Championships.
In existence for 15 years, the school is the only certified school of Irish dancing in the state of Maine and its dancers compete all over New England and place in the New England Regional Irish Dancing Championships annually and in competitions around the world. Classes are held in Gorham, Portland and Cumberland, in addition to private lessons, for a range of ages and levels.
In addition to the dance performance, Stillson will tell about the history of the dance and costumes.
Also returning by popular demand is the showing of the film "Waking Ned Devin," a belly-bending frolicking film that is a hilarious romp through a funeral in the Irish countryside.
"It will be an evening that truly celebrates the greening of the world on this special holiday with the infinite grace and impish humor that emanates from the Emerald Isle," Stuart Nudelman of Ogunquit Performing Arts noted in his announcement of this special event.
And, as the Irish blessing goes, "May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand."
The curtain time for this event is 7 p.m. with the performance of the Stillson dancers followed by a reception; then the screening of the film.
Tickets are $5 and are available at the Dunaway Center, Ogunquit Camera Shop, Ogunquit Welcome Center and at the door the evening of the performance.
For more information, call OPA at 646-6170 or e-mail ogtpeart@localnet.com.
