More Information
Event Description
We are delighted to announce that Zandra will take to the stage as part of The Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival. A night not to be missed.
A play with original music, based on the extraordinary true story of Ireland’s first female saxophonist. Zandra Mitchell lived the later years of her life just up the road, in Rossnowlagh. Darn Skippy Productions are delighted to bring Zandra, Queen of Jazz home, for one night only at Abbey Arts Centre, after two sold-out runs at Smock Alley Boys’ School Theatre, Dublin.
With just her sax and a suitcase, Zandra Mitchell joined a jazz band and toured the world. Born in Phibsborough, Dublin in 1903, she was Ireland’s first female saxophonist. While the twenties roared she found her way through Europe to Berlin. The dictators rose; the books burned; the bombs dropped…and Zandra played her sax.
Booking is essential call Ailis/Linda 0719851375
Darn Skippy Productions present Zandra, Queen of Jazz — a play with original music, based on an extraordinary true story.
With Support from Jazz Ireland
Further support from the dlr LexIcon Library. The early development of this piece was supported by an Emerging Artist Bursary from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office.
Written and Performed by: Roseanne Lynch
Directed by: Katherine Soloviev
Original Music, Arrangements and Sound Design by: Richard Lennon
Costume and Lighting Design by Lianne O'Shea
Poster by: Eugene Korolkov
REVIEWS
Lynch…traces the fortunes and misfortunes of a trailblazer, with candour and wit...gives the impression of improvisation, though the lines are flawlessly rehearsed and the rhythms exact...
Richard Lennon's accompanying soundtrack oscillates between the jazz of the Roaring Twenties and sombre atmospheres that reflect the darker undertones of Zandra's life and times...
Lynch's labor-of-love honors Josephine Alexandra Mitchell in a way that a few lines in jazz historiography cannot.
- Ian Patterson, All About Jazz
Directed with a real sense of pace and zip, and a wonderful feeling of the style of the 1920’s, by Katherine Soloviev...
Original music written by Richard Lennon...Wonderful, original, seductive jazz...tinged with regret, nostalgia, happiness as well, and memory.
The lighting…has the smokey effect of a speakeasy in the 1920’s. A show where all the elements of theatre fused together to make a really unique and fascinating piece.
- John Dalton, Centre Stage, Dublin City FM - 4th FEB 2020
Splendid debut stage production…
Sensitively directed by Katherine Soloviev…
Enticing original music…
- Jini Rooney, Broadway World
Roseanne Lynch…is simply incredible…
Richard Lennon, who provides original music, perfectly echoes the tones and beats of the story and allows the music to have a cheeky life of its own.
This is both an invigorating and empowering performance…
- Florence McGowan, meg.ie
Katherine Soloviev uses music and movement to inject the one-woman show with a stylish dynamism. Lynch’s performance is elegant and poised.
…brings and untold story vividly to life.
- Katy Hayes, Irish Independent
Lynch tells Zandra’s story with gusto and it is a story worth the telling.
- Frank L., No More Workhorse
Zandra, Queen Of Jazz - TRAILER with Quotes from Darn Skippy Productions on Vimeo.
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Please Note: While we strive to ensure all event details are accurate at the time of listing, times and other details may occasionally change. Please double-check with the venue or your ticket provider before travelling.
Location of event
Venue Information - Abbey Arts Centre
The Abbey Arts and Cultural Centre is situated at the top of the beautiful and ancient market town of Ballyshannon. The Abbey Arts Centre offers 3 theatres of various seating capacities & hosts a variety of quality arts and entertainment throughout the year.
A flourishing Arts Centre in County Donegal offering a varied programme of events including Theatre, Music, Festivals, Workshops, Classes and so much more - We cater for those tapping into their creative side!