Kildare actress stars in musical adaptation of The Karate Kid

FORMER St Mary's College student and West End performer, Sharon Sexton, has landed a leading role in the brand-new stage musical adaptation of The Karate Kid.

The new production features music and lyrics by acclaimed New York composer and musical theatre writer Drew Gasparini, with a book by original Karate Kid screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen.

Ms Sexton was selected from thousands of performers to create the role of Lucille LaRusso, Daniel's widowed mother.

The character uproots their lives from New Jersey and moves across the country to California during a pivotal year in Daniel's life. The musical follows Daniel's unlikely friendship with karate master Mr Miyagi, who teaches him not only martial arts but also the importance of balance, discipline and finding his place in the world.

At the heart of the story is the relationship between Daniel and his fiercely loving mother, and audiences have embraced Ms Sexton's portrayal throughout the show's UK run.

“Special mention goes to Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso, Daniel's hard-working mother. Her voice is on point, and she brings real emotional valour to the part.” — Edinburgh Reviews.

Speaking about the role, Ms Sexton said: "It is an honour to be selected to create another role from scratch in a new musical. It's not something I ever take for granted. this is the third time, and it's what every actor dreams of."

One particularly memorable moment came after the show's first preview in Wimbledon, when Sharon met Karate Kid writer Robert Mark Kamen.

She said: "It was a surreal moment meeting Robert after the first preview. He grabbed my hands after the show with tears in his eyes and said he was unable to speak because he was so moved and proud. It was an incredibly special moment."

Ms Sexton also collaborated closely with Gasparini in developing a new song for Lucille, titled ‘If I Could Take His Pain Away’, which critics have described as a “superb showstopper” (Cheshire Live).

Local audiences will soon have another opportunity to see Ms Sexton perform closer to home at the Moat Theatre in Naas, Saturday 19 December.

Following the success of her sold-out concert appearance earlier this year, Sharon will return alongside her husband, award-winning West End star Rob Fowler, for their festive concert, ‘Home for Christmas’, joined by a selection of local musical talent, to be announced in the coming months.

Tickets €30 are on sale now via Moat theatre's website or by calling box office on: 045 883030