'Worst-case scenario': Technical issues cause mid-show cancellation of Cork Opera House musical

Wednesday’s performance of The Sound of Music was cancelled mid-show due to “significant and insurmountable technical issues"

Performances of The Sound of Music at Cork Opera House run until this Sunday, August 23.

An alternative performance of The Sound of Music at the Cork Opera House received a standing ovation this week after technical issues caused disruptions mid-show.

Wednesday’s performance of the popular sold-out musical was cancelled mid-show due to “significant and insurmountable technical issues”.

The cast instead delivered a concert performance of The Sound of Music with a 16-piece band in place of the full show, which received a standing ovation.

Wednesday marked the beginning of an additional week of performances of the musical, due to incredible demand.

Further performances are due to take place from Thursday through to Sunday.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Cork Opera House acknowledged that approximately 20 minutes into Wednesday evening’s show, “significant and insurmountable technical issues” were experienced.

The Sound of Music production shot. Picture: Shane J Horan

“The issue involved our sound desk. Unfortunately, we were at the mercy of serious technical gremlins that could not be fixed in the moment, and despite every effort by our team, we could not continue the performance,” the statement read.

“Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlín Gleeson, was present to update the audience on the night and explain the situation as it unfolded.

“In place of the full show, the cast delivered a concert performance, singing all the musical hits for the audience, accompanied by the incredible Cork Opera House Sound of Music 16-piece band.

“The concert performance received a standing ovation from the full house, all of whom remained in their seats despite the fact that we could not continue with the show.” 

The musical stars Wendy Carr as Maria, Matt Blaker as Captain von Trapp, and Majella Cullagh as Mother Abbess, all of whom stepped in on the night to deliver the alternative musical performance alongside the band, performing favourites including Do-Re-Mi, My Favourite Things, Edelweiss, and Climb Ev’ry Mountain.

Speaking following the incident, Eibhlín Gleeson said: “Cancelling a performance mid-show is truly the worst-case scenario for us. We are so grateful to all the audience members who were present on the night and who stayed to enjoy a concert performance of the show's hits, which in itself was very special.

Director Davey Kelleher with Eibhlin Gleeson CEO of the Cork Opera House at the opening night of The Sound of Music in Cork Opera House. Picture:  Gerard McCarthy.

“Our audience met us with warmth and generosity in really difficult circumstances, and we are deeply grateful for this. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the cast and crew of this show for their professionalism and the care they showed to us and to the audience as the issue unfolded.

“Moments like this don't happen often, but when they do, they remind us how fragile live performance is, and why, when it all comes together, it feels like magic. To those who travelled to see the show and didn't get to see it, please accept our most sincere and heartfelt apologies. We will do whatever we can to make it up to you.” 

Those in attendance on Wednesday night have been assured that the theatre will endeavour to facilitate them at another show and are exploring the possibility of adding an additional show later this week.

If another show is added and audience members are unable to attend, Cork Opera House will refund patrons.