Claremont Chat – January 2009

Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
Box 50, Eppindust, 7475 

Tel: 021 671 2242              

Cell: 082 821 4353            

Fax: 021 528 2299 

E-mail: andrethomas@vodamail.co.za 

January 2010 – Number 86 

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Happy New Year to you all! 

Now that 2009 and the Naughties are over, it’s a great time to reflect on the highs and the lows of the last 12 months and the last decade. It’s quite interesting to see how we’ve all grown.  

So here’s wishing each and every one of you that 2010 brings you lots of memories, growth and experiences! 

 Member news 

We do however start with sad news. One of our Life Members, Sally Stonehouse, passed away on 6 January. 

Sally joined CDS in 1976 and was involved in all aspects of the theatre.  Her last stage appearance was as Mavis Partridge in ‘Day of Reckoning’ in 2005.  We will miss her wicked sense of humour and willingness to help. 

Those of us who were at her memorial service were touched by the depth and the breadth of her life, and she shall be sorely missed on our commitment. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. 

On a more positive note, we are happy to welcome several new members to the Claremont Dramatic Society –  

Ufabia Abrahams 

Leslie Hendricks 

Samantha Jeftha 

Joshua Knott 

Mathley Meintjies 

Ashwin Scott 

Angela Scholto-Douglas 

Morag Tison 

A hearty welcome to you all – we hope to see you at many functions, shows and, and, and…! 

CDS Christmas Bash 2009 

Our get-together on 6th December was a happy affair:  Brenda Gray directed “Dinner For One” with Pam Ross as Miss Sophie and Robin Rattle as James. The table setting was opulently grand; Jack Matthee’s Tiger looked menacingly lethal as James continued to navigate around, over, and occasionally, passed it by, despite an almost palpable feeling of increasing distress as the multiple toasts made serious inroads on his ability to function at all. All the while Miss Sophie sat in regal splendour, while James grew more and more desperate.  His “Same as last year, Miss Sophie?” as he  escorted her upstairs , had the cry of genuine desperation!  Thank you director and cast for a refreshing take on a classic. 

We also had a very entertaining contribution from Brian de Kock with his hilarious “Riddle me this, Riddle me that” having us all in stitches. Thanks Brian! 

And as an added bonus we had a very enthusiastic dance contribution from our own Red Perils – thanks a million! 

We had a grand spread; André’s barrel braai worked beautifully.  Good food and great company made the day memorable. Thanks to all who worked behind the scenes. 

Membership perks  

One of the perks of being a member of our esteemed society, is that you have the opportunity to help out in many different ways with the productions we put on each year. 

One of these, if you are not on stage or part of the extensive behind-the-scenes crew for that production, is to be the face of the production for our patrons when they come and see the shows. 

We are always happy to train members on how to run the box office, how to run the bar or how Front of House works – all essential parts of running a show. So, if you would like to give one of these a try and have the opportunity to interact with our audiences, give us a shout, and sign up for a session nce or twice per show – of which we have 3 in a year. These really are a lot more fun than you might think! 

Just to whet your appetite even more, we have also received this invitation from the Masque Theatre: 

Dear friend of the Masque Theatre, 

You are invited to a Thank-You Party for all our volunteers on Monday, 08 February 2010, at 19:00 in the foyer of the Masque Theatre  

You have contributed so much to the running of our theatre during the last year. We feel you deserve a very special “thank you”. 

If you usually come with a friend who helps too (e.g. for the refreshment counter or bar), please bring her/him along too. 

Please note that as yet “uninvolved” members of our societies, who would like to become volunteers in the near future, are also very welcome. – And since there seems to be a bit of confusion about the role and duties of the foyer managers (or hosts), the evening will include a short orientation about this. No, we are not going to spoil the fun! I’m sure you will feel much more comfortable afterwards … it’s just easier if one knows who is in control of what. 

Please RSVP to birga by Sunday 31 January 2010 on: 

 birgatom@iafrica.com or leave a message on 021–788 5272 

[the answering machine kicks in after seven rings]. 

With kind regards 

birga Thomas 

(Hon. Secr.: Stern Masque Theatre Association Management Committee) 

Claremont AGM 

Our AGM takes place on Tuesday 09 February 2010 at Kelvin Grove in the Palmyra Room at 19h00 for 19h30. Tickets cost R85 which includes a dinner at one of the most exclusive venues in Cape Town. Please note that nominees do not receive complimentary tickets, as the evening is already being partly subsidized by the Society. Please bring the R85 with you on the evening, preferably in the correct change 

Please see the attached Agenda for more details. It is vital that as many members as possible attend. RSVP to Wendy by 01 February 2010 to confirm your attendance (021—6712888 or e-mail wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za) not only for catering purposes but also to ensure that we have a quorum. If you are unable to join us, please send us your apologies. 

After the business end of the meeting has been dealt with, we switch to award mode and our honoured CDS Awards Panel will present the Claremont Dramatic Society Awards for 2009. 

Exciting stuff!  

CDS Member’s Award 

The annual Members’ Choice Awards is, of course, going to be decided upon again at the AGM. Upon arrival at the AGM, paid up members will be given a ballot paper, and will be asked to vote for their favourite actor, actress and production of the year.  Non-members are also eligible for an award. Completed forms will be handed in, and the results will be announced after the main awards have been presented. YOU, the member, decide on the criteria.  Which has been the most memorable, funny, noteworthy, etc. performance or play of the year?  It’s YOUR choice. 

And just to jog your memory, here is a list of the 2007 plays and performers, so that you can start thinking about it now… 

Play:                 Breath of Life 

Su Cunningham and Yvonne Copley  

Play:                 Isn’t it Romantic 

Lesley Gill, Faeron Wheeler, Philip Gordon, Barbara Mayers, Clifford Graham, Michele Belknap, Darren Telford, Gary Green   

Play                  Return from Oz 

Su Cunningham, Frances Sholto-Douglas, Gizelle Willows, Matthew Browne, Anthony James, Bruce Sanderson, Victoria Harris, Allison Blair, Joshua Knott, Christopher King, Bronwen Harris, Faeron Wheeler, Ufabia Abrahams, Ashwin Scott, Daylene Damons, Liesle Hendricks, Mathley Meintjies, Samantha Jefta, Angela Burgess, Cailynn Burgess, Faeron Wheeler, Janice Budd, David Campey, Benjamin Goble, Shane Budd, Joshua Knott, Christopher King 

Remember – only paid-up members may vote.  The treasurer will be present to confirm your status, and will relieve you of your subs on the night, should it be necessary.  

 

CATA Awards Evening 

It is almost time again for the CATA Awards! This evening of awards will take place on Monday 22 March 2010. 

Bookings will open on Monday 18 January 2010. There is no cost to attend, but due to limited space you must book in advance. 

Please contact Hayley Fargher to make your bookings on 021-788 6999.   

She is available for booking on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.00am till 1.00pm.  

We encourage all nominees and members to book early to ensure you don’t miss out! When you call to make booking, please tell Hayley if you are a nominee or not.  

Some notes :- 

We will assemble at 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start 

Dress is Smart not formal 

Champagne will be served upon arrival 

Finger supper will follow proceedings 

Prizes will be presented by Paul Griffiths, well known professional actor and director. 

 Our heartiest congratulations to this year’s nominees: 

BEST PLAY, BEST MUSICAL, MOST ADVENTUROUS PRODUCTION, BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY, BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL:

Birga Thomas – Hello, Goodbye (MADS) 

Marlisa Doubell – Private Lives (Milnerton) 

Barrie Howard – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Sue Bolton – Breath of Life (CDS) 

Graham Boxall – Isn’t it romantic (CDS) 

Teddy Davies – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Kyla Thorburn – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

BEST CHOREOGRAPHER OF A MUSICAL:

Kyla Thorburn – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Kim Harris-Dalla – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL:

Wesley Figaji – Hello, Goodbye (MADS) 

Trevor Joubert – Private Lives (Milnerton) 

Dennis Benneyworth – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Riaan Hunter – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Shaun Browne – A Christmas carol (Pinelands)   

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL:

Yvonne Copley – Breath of Life (CDS) 

Suzy Gehr – Hello, Goodbye (MADS) 

Tamryn Spiers – Private Lives (Milnerton) 

Jane Cohen – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Carey Wallace – Haunting of Hill House (FHDS) 

Jo Darby – Abigail’s party (Constantia) 

Sian Atterbury-le Roux – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Julie Harris – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL:

Theo Swartz – A lesson from aloes (HHDS) 

Alastair Duff – No sex please, we’re British (FHDS) 

Gordon Molloy – Trap for a lonely man (Milnerton) 

Scott Cooper – Appointment with death (MADS) 

David Bolton – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

John Carne – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Michael Harris – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL:

Denise Dubber – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Trish Sutton – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Michelle Belknap – Isn’t it romantic (CDS) 

Victoria Harris – Return from Oz (CDS) 

Laura Bosman – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

Jennifer Moss – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

BEST CAMEO PERFORMANCE:

Lynn Moss – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Jane Philbrick – Haunting of Hill House (FHDS) 

MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER: 

Kevin Smith – Play Misty for me (HHDS) 

Angela Lee-Wright – Haunting of Hill House (FHDS) 

Thomas Agates – Spring and port wine (HHDS) 

Curtis Dunn – Abigail’s party (Constantia) 

BEST SET:

Jane Philbrick and Margi Blewett – No sex please, we’re British (FHDS) 

Anne Coetzee – Play Misty for me (HHDS) 

Debbie Bentley-Buckle and Barrie Howard – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Finn McCormick – Trap for a lonely man (Milnerton) 

Debbie Bentley-Buckle and Barrie Howard – Abigail’s party (Constantia) 

Richard Whittaker – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE:

Roland Sweet – Special occasions (Milnerton) 

John Blewett – Time of my life (Constantia) 

Gary Fargher – Isn’t it romantic (CDS) 

Andrew Ward-Cox – Trap for a lonely man (Milnerton) 

Gary Fargher – Haunting of Hill House (FHDS) 

Dylan Ford – Haunting of Hill House (FHDS) 

Grant Faiers – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

Kyla Thorburn – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTION:

Margaret Mortelmans – Private lives (Milnerton) 

Heather Earp-Jones – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Gary Kok – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Riaan Hunter – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Sian Atterbury-le Roux and Fredi Oosterhuizen – HMS Pinafore (G & S) 

Kim Harris-Dalla, Victoria Harris, Jennifer Moss, Christine Thonissen – HMS Pinafore Phoebe Snayer – Rodgers and Hart, a celebration (Milnerton) 

Glenda Carmichael – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

Jennifer Moss – A Christmas carol (Pinelands) 

Laura Bosman and Graham Stabler – A Christmas carol (Pinelands)  

  

Audition Notices 

 We have 2 productions that you can audition for in the next little while – see notices below: 

“Rumours”, directed by Sue Bolton, is Claremont’s first production for 2010. 

“Romantic Comedy”, directed by Wendy Goddard for Constantiaberg Theatre Players. 

 MVDS invitation 

Directors’ Forum 

for Mvds’ 2011 productions will take place on Saturday, 27 March 2010, 14:00 at the Madhouse, 57 a Promenade Road, Lakeside 

If you would like to apply for one of their 2011 slots, please prepare a short presentation of the production you have in mind (it would be ideal if the committee could get a copy of the script in advance in order to have read it by the time of the forum), including pros and cons as well as a preliminary budget and any information you might think useful for the committee. 

Non-members and members of other societies are also welcome to make a presentation. 

Newcomers (i.e. people who have not yet directed for the Masque Theatre) will be very much appreciated. Why not make a presentation for a one-act play to be presented at one of the 2011 (or even 2010) members’ evenings? 

Please let birga know by Monday, 01 March, if you will participate. You can also discuss delivery or collection of a script with birga: 

birgatom@iafrica.com or leave a message on 021–788 5272 

Get Thee to The Masque! 

 A Night at the Theatre presented by the Wynberg Girls High School at the Masque Theatre from 21 to 23 January 2010. A variety show directed by Shelley Robertson and Sarah Thackwray, including popular numbers from Broadway shows such as “All that Jazz”, “Chicago”, “Mama Mia” and “Porgy and Bess”. The cast of over 20 will also be showing their skills in a variety of dance mediums.  A show for the whole family. Thurs & Fri shows at 19:30.  All evening shows R60 (R50) 

Fish Hoek is doing an Agatha Christie this year, directed by Jane Philbrick. It is the unusual “Towards Zero”. 

Val Mulligan, Ralph Thornley and Aubrey Hindle appearing after an absence of some time. There is also an extremely strong group of young people, some of whom will be familiar from “Appointment with Death” and some who are new to both the Masque and FHDS. 

The show runs from the 5^th-13^th March 2010.  

Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions 

(unless otherwise stated) are Thurs & Fri performances at 20:00, 

Saturday matinee at 14:30, Saturday evening at 18:30 

Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40) 

Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50) 

Bookings on 021-7881898 

See you in a few weeks time at Kelvin Grove! 

   ___________________________________________________

Claremont Dramatic Society 

Notice is hereby given of the 57th Annual General Meeting of the Claremont Dramatic Society to be held at Kelvin Grove, Campground Road, Newlands on Tuesday 09  February 2010 at 19h00 for 19h30. 

A G E N D A 

1                 Notice Convening the Meeting 

2                 Apologies 

3                 a)      Minutes of the 56th Annual General Meeting 

                  b)           Matters Arising 

4                 Chairman’s Report for the Year ended 31 December 2009 

5                 Treasurer’s Report for the Year ended 31 December 2009 

6                 Adoption of Audited Financial Statement for the year ended 31 December 2009 

7                 To consider any Motion from any Member of which due Notice has been lodged with the Secretary at least 7 (seven) days prior to this Meeting. 

8                 To Elect the Committee for the Year ended 31 December 2010 

9                 To Elect an Honorary Auditor for the Year ended 31 December 2010 

10             Any Other Business 

Simon Dutton 

Secretary 

January 2010 

AUDITED ACCOUNTS AND COPIES OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BEFORE THE START OF THE MEETING. 

ALL PERSONS ATTENDING THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO BE PRESENT AND REGISTERED BY 19h15 TO ENABLE A PROMPT START AT 19h30 

_____________________________________________
 

Claremont Dramatic Society invites you to audition for 

 

Production dates:  23 April to 1 May 2010   

Venue: ‘The Hok’ club house 

Date: Sunday 24 January 2010 

Time:    2.30 p.m. 

  

This riotously funny farce centres around the efforts of 8 party guests to spare their unfortunate host and themselves, from scandal. It opens with Ken and Chris who have found their host, Charley, a prominent Government official, in his bedroom, too dazed to speak, with a bullet wound in his ear lobe! His wife, Vivian, and domestic help are nowhere to be seen. Len and Claire arrive, themselves injured in a car crash, and are soon joined by Ernest and Cookie, Glenn and Cassie, each with their own problems. Following a second, accidental, gun shot that leaves Ken temporarily deaf, the police arrive and Len, drawing the short straw, pretends he is Charley. He concocts a touching and fantastic explanation, that in the end proves more credible than anyone dared hope. 

Cast Descriptions  

Chris Bevans – mid 30’s to early 40’s.Attractive, elegant, nervous lady striving to be the ‘Perfect wife’ to a well placed husband. 

Ken Bevans – her husband – 40 + Dominant man with a mission. He is excitable, bossy, and controlling. Has to be ‘deaf’ for a short section of the play. 

Claire Cummings – 30 to 40 years old; Very chic socialite gossip. Tends to be superficial and is not the brightest pebble on the beach. 

Leonard Cummings – 30 to 40; Tax consultant, and has known Charley, the host, since their school days. Demanding to the point of rudeness, competitive, upwardly mobile. He has the crowning monologue of the play. Married to Claire. 

Cookie Cusack – late 40’s. She is a famous chef with her own T.V. Show. She is a self assured bohemian oddity, who is very reliant on her husband’s support. They adore each other. 

Ernest Cusack -  50+  He is a popular psychiatrist to the rich and famous. He is sharp and observant, and is his wife’s biggest admirer. 

Cassie Cooper – Very attractive, edgy, jealous young wife who is very unhappy and insecure and relies on the properties of her ‘crystal’ to give her strength. 

Glenn Cooper 40+  Very ambitious politician, arrogant, self assured, a ladies man, and very conscious of his public image. 

PC Conklin – appears in the last scene only – a lovely cameo role. 

PC Casey – is a woman or can be a young man. Has very few words – is just Conklin’s junior back up. 

Please direct all enquiries to Wendy Goddard at ph. 021—6712888 cell 0834147003 or e-mail wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za 

_________________________________________________

AUDITION NOTICE 

 ROMANTIC COMEDY 

 BY BERNARD SLADE 

 Directed for Constantiaberg Theatre Players by Wendy Goddard 

 Performance Dates:  14-22 May 2010, Masque Theatre, Muizenberg 

 Audition Date:  Sunday 21 February  

Time:  14h30 

 Venue:  Guide Hall, Off Children’s Way, Bergvliet  

Romantic Comedy is a light-hearted confection about love, friendship and theatrical trauma between a man and a woman who become writing partners. They try, unsuccessfully, not to fall in love while growing up along the way.  

Cast of Characters:

Jason Carmichael:               Arrogant, charming, sophisticated. 
(Mid 30’s-mid 40’s)
Lead – large part.

Blanche Dailey:                   Thrice married literary agent.  Ex-showgirl. 
(Mid-50’s)                             Nobody’s fool. 
Medium part.

Phoebe Craddock:                Pretty but hides it.  Covers shyness with forthright
(Mid-20’s-mid 30’s)              manner.  Fitness freak. 
Lead – large part.

Allison St.James:                 Jason’s wife.  Beautiful, friendly, open, direct
(Mid 20’s-mid-30’s)                manner. 
Medium part.

Leo Janowitz:                       Rumpled appearance.  Serious, reserved
(Mid  30’s-mid 40’s)               demeanour which almost masks a
Medium part.                             very dry sense of humour

Kate Mallory:                      Pretty with a deceptively gentle, feminine manner (Mid 30’s)                             and sweet smile.  No sense of humour. 
Tiny part.         

For a copy of the script, please contact Wendy on 021 671 2888 or 083 414 7003.

MVDS Messenger – December 2009

DECEMBER 2009

Does everyone feel that this year has flown by or is it just me?!?!  It has however been a wonderful year for MVDS with four vastly different productions at the Masque and Hello & Goodbye’s very successful venture to Grahamstown.  Here’s hoping 2010 will be even better!

 

  

EVENTS TO DIARISE

Laughing Room Only a compilation of three hilarious comedies performed by the brilliant Deon Bisschoff and the Waterfront Theatre Company at the Masque Theatre from 02 to 19 December (Wed to Sat & Sun 13^th).  Evening shows at 19:30.

A Christmas Carol, A Pantomime presented by Pinelands Players at the Little Theatre, Gardens, from 4 to 19 December 2009.  Evening shows (19:30) R80, Matinees (14:30) R80 adults, R40 children under 12.  A traditional pantomime with music, dance, comedy, dames and audience participation.  Info and bookings on www.pinelandsplayers.co.za or 0729231035

 

  

Tribute to Mario Lanza presented by Fuad Sawyer from 8 to 10 January 2010 at the Masque Theatre.  This Cape Town-born tenor has graced the stage both locally and internationally, singing with the Eoan Group and Capab/Artscape.  . Join us in our beautiful foyer and be serenaded by Fuad with wonderful evergreens such as “Golden Days”, “The drinking Song”, “Be my Love” and much more.  Fri and Sat evening shows at 20:00 and Sun matinee at 15:00

A Night at the Theatre presented by the Wynberg Girs High School at the Masque Theatre from 21 to 23 January 2010. A variety show directed by Shelley Robertson and Sarah Thackwray, including popular numbers from Broadway shows such as “All that Jazz”,“Chicago”, “Mama Mia” and “Porgy and Bess”. The cast of over 20 will also be showing their skills in a variety of dance mediums.  A show for the whole family. Thurs & Fri shows at 19:30.  All evening shows R60 (R50)

Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions (unless otherwise stated) are Thurs & Fri performances at 20:00, Saturday matinee at 14:30, Saturday evening at 18:30

Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)

Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)

Bookings on 021-7881898

 

  

PRESENT PRODUCTION

 

Rehearsals for Improbable Fiction are going well with some very interesting props being constructed by June and Bruce Edwards with assistance from Ronnie Carr – necessity certainly is the mother of invention!!  They will be having a break over the festive season, restarting rehearsals on 6 January 2010.  Urgently required are more back-stage helpers – specifically dressers as the second half of the production has a vast number of quick costume changes.  June Edwards would love you to volunteer – contact her on sunshinedesign@intekom.co.za or 0825577873

 

  

INTER-SOCIETY QUIZ

An account by birga Thomas:

This year’s annual quiz (on Sunday, 22 November, at the Masque Theatre) involved most dramatic societies in the greater Cape Town area. Claremont Dramatic Society organised a memorable event, and their quizmaster (also a Mvds member!), André Thomas, did a perfect job: friendly, displaying a great sense of humour, very pleasant but pleasingly firm and with spot-on timing. Thank you, Claremont and all involved!  The four “Masque societies” were represented with six teams (in addition, there were the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Pinelands Players and Milnerton Players as well as a team representing the production Return from Oz).  Somerset West was sadly missed this year.  The vibes were great, refreshments served during “interval” and the bar – of course – open all evening.  Questions were cast far wider then usual – a lot more general-knowledge was called for than specific theatre/drama-related facts.  Listening to the participants, this was welcomed with enthusiasm.  Elza-lynn Kruger and Kim Harris-Dalla counted and calculated the points, also for the brain teasers which served as warm-ups for the teams as well as the “off the wall” (which was on the wall in the foyer) questions for individuals (we didn’t do too bad there either, especially our vice-chair Alastair Duff – who otherwise played on the Fish Hoek team, and see where that got them!).  The results were (on the whole) quite close: “Oz” achieved 40 points, followed by Claremont 1 with 56 ½ and Pinelands with 57 ½ points.  We were under strict instructions, not to come first, so we decided to play it “safe” and stay exactly mid-field.  Guess what? Mvds B with 58 and the Mvds A team with 60 ½ points achieved that quite easily. Team B was formed by Hayley Fargher, Suzi Gehr (who celebrated her birthday with us), Lynda Jennings and stalwart Val Stephens. The A Team consisted of Angela Lee-Wright, Celia Musikanth, birga Thomas and Brenda Gray, who stepped in “last second” to replace Raymond Rudolph (whose dry wit was sorely missed) – thank you, Brenda!  Then came G&S with 63 points, Claremont 2 with 65 ½, Milnerton with 66 ½ and Constantiaberg Theatre Players with 67 ½ points. The winners were the Fish Hoek Dramatic Society who earned 70 ½ points and therefore “have to” organise next year’s annual quiz.  Congratulations! Well done to all the teams! And wasn’t it fun? Can’t wait for the 2010 quiz …

MEMBERS’ EVENING

 

And another report by our chairman, Andrew Blake:

The evening commenced with a report back on Grahamstown Arts Festival by Terry Best and Celia Musikanth.  This humorous review (with props!) served not only to share some of the practicalities of going to the festival, but also engendered some discussion on the value of the experience for performers.  This was followed by the directors of our shows this year relating some of the amusing and terrifying moments from the rehearsals of their shows.  Many humorous anecdotes were appreciated by the audience and even some of the performers in the shows were able to chip in from the floor with their own recollections.  After a delicious meal of assorted pastas prepared by our very own committee members, Tom, Celia and birga, a presentation was made of a 1:20 scale model of the stage with all of the lighting bars, legs and assorted paraphernalia to Rick Magnin of Mancom.  The model had been expertly manufactured to exact scale by Bruce Edwards, who gave a short description of all the parts.  After the presentation, there were a number of light and amusing readings from various sources by Wendy Morling, Bruce Edwards, John McConnell and Raymond Rudolph.  The evening was rounded off with champagne and chocolates to celebrate the end of another successful year and MADS’ 31^st birthday.

 

  

A SPECIAL OFFER

One of our newer members, Ryan Cyster, has opened his own small production company which records, edits and documents all types of events no matter how big or small.  Should any Society want a DVD of a production he is happy to offer his company’s services at a very special rate.  He can be contacted on 0217062381 or 0828128537 or cysterproductions@yahoo.com

  

WELCOME

 

Our newest member is Norman Murray – no stranger to MVDS but now official!!

BIRTHDAYS

Again we have a terribly small crop of birthdays in January!!  We in fact utilize only two days of the month.

Andrew Blake, Jenny Seabrook and Wolfgang Thomas all share the 19^th.  Three interesting facts (for three interesting people) about that day in 1955:  “Millionaire” TV program premiered on CBS; “Scrabble” debuted on board game market; first presidential news conference filmed for TV (Eisenhower).

Ronnie Carr celebrates on the 29^th together with Tom Selleck who was born in 1945 in Detroit, Michigan – best known for his role in Magnum PI.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

You should all by now have had official notice of our Annual General Meeting which will be held on Wednesday, 27 January 2010, 19:30 for 20:00, at the Rendezvous (Old Zandvlei Bowling Club), 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg.

******

Last month I advised that the Cape Amateur Theatre awards evening was scheduled for 28 March – this has been changed to Monday 22 March but more details will of course follow.

******

Looking ahead to 2011, a directors’ forum will be held on Saturday, 27 March 2010 when proposed productions for the 2011 year can be presented.

 

THE NOTHING-TO-DO-WITH-DRAMA BIT

I thought I would join in the spirit of the “silly season” and give you some facts (??) specific to this time of year.

*****

OK, let’s start with reindeer:  their favourite food?  Duck droppings!!  Oh, sorry, you KNEW that did you?  In 2001, Harrods Department Store in London had to replace Santa’s reindeer and sleigh with a horse and carriage because the movement of reindeer in Britain was limited by an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.  A spokesman for the store said that this was the first time in living memory that Harrods had not used a reindeer.

*****

Moving on to Mistletoe: of which there are some two thousand species!!  Traditionally, a berry should be plucked for each kiss beneath the mistletoe – when the berries run out, no more kisses may be claimed.

*****

In 1647 the English Parliament abolished the celebration of Christmas.  Eating mince pies and plum puddings was also made illegal!

*****

The total number of gifts given in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas adds up to 364!

*****

And a very last one that will probably stop you EVER buying a real tree again: The average Christmas tree has about thirty thousand bugs and insects on it according to Mr Arne Fjellberg, a Norwegian scientist.  Microscopic examination of the trees revealed midges, fleas, lice, parasitic wasps, spiders and beetles.  Anyone for plastic?

Myself and the MVDS committee wish you all well over the festive season!

If you drive ANYWHERE – please take care! 

Eve

Claremont Chat – December 2009

Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
Box 50, Eppindust, 7475

Tel: 021 671 2242               Cell: 082 821 4353             Fax: 021 528 2299

E-mail: andrethomas@vodamail.co.za

www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com
December 2009 – Number 85

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Greetings to all CDS-ers and our friends!

There is a saying in German that states, “Die Vorfreude ist die beste Freude”, which roughly translates to “anticipation is the greatest joy of all”. That certainly was the case with my recent holiday – I could hardly contain myself before I left for Djenne and Timbuktu (in Mali, West Africa). A dream that had been brewing for 8-and-something years. Well, I’m back, and it was so different to what I expected in so many ways. Not always an easy destination to travel in, but fantastic as far as being in a completely different world.

The main point though is that we should always give our very best towards fulfilling our dreams. I don’t mean just getting or doing things we’d like. But actually achieving a dream through hard work and preparation – that feeling of achieving a goal that has so much personal meaning – that is a truly wonderful feeling J

But back to matters of the stage:

 

Return from Oz

Return from Oz played at the Masque until last night, sadly to small houses, but I do hope all of you had a chance to see this delightful Christmas offering.

Yvonne, Roland and Barrie worked very hard to mould a young and inexperienced cast into entertainers and they deserve all the support we can give them. In spite of a somewhat negative review, we must bear in mind that Claremont is not in the business of constantly mounting sure fire winners; how else do we encourage fresh blood, offer opportunities to potential members and develop wider audiences? It takes pluck to write a piece like Return from Oz, guts to   cast it according to developmental criteria and selflessness to let a talented artistic team make their mark.  The two galas where very well attended and their patrons highly appreciative.

 

CDS Christmas Bash 2009 – a reminder!

Our Christmas party is going to be held at the Hok on Sunday, 6^th December. It will be a bring & braai, not forgetting your party pieces. Brenda Gray also has a little surprise for the party…

Please plan to arrive between 17h00 and 17h30.

We have booked tickets for the matinee performance of Pinelands Players Production of A Christmas Carol at 14h30 that day – Pam may still have some seats available, so please let her know if you want to attend that with us.

So – A Christmas Carol at 14h30 and Bring & Braai at 17h00 / 17h30

Please RSVP Pam Burger, our Social Convenor by 30 November, at pamb@masterparts.com or on 082 488 0442 (cell)         021 657 5757(work)                   021 696 5959 (after 6pm)

Inter-Society Quiz 2009

** NB: A pair of spectacles were left on the “podium-table” at the end of the quiz – if they are yours, please pick them up at the Masque Theatre.**

The 2009 Inter-Society Quiz was held last week, and the Claremont committee is very happy to have received such positive feedback – it seems that everyone who attended had a good time. We certainly enjoyed putting it together – we together worked as an excellent team. This “review” was on the Muizenberg website:

This year’s annual quiz involving most dramatic societies in the greater Cape Town area, was held on Sunday, 22 November, at the Masque Theatre. Claremont Dramatic Society organised a memorable event, and their quizmaster André Thomas did a perfect job: friendly, displaying a great sense of humour, very pleasant but pleasingly firm and with spot-on timing. Thank you, Claremont and all involved!

The four “Masque societies” were represented with six teams (in addition, there were the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Pinelands Players and Milnerton Players as well as a team representing the

production Return from Oz, presently showing at the Masque). Somerset West, we missed you!

 

The results were on the whole quite close: “Oz” achieved 40 points, followed by Claremont 1 with 56 ½ pts, Pinelands 57 ½, MVDS B with 58 and the MVDS A team with 60 ½ points. Then came G & S with 63, Claremont 2 with 65 ½, Milnerton with 66 ½ and Constantiaberg Theatre Players with 67 ½ points. The winners were the Fish Hoek Dramatic Society who earned 70 ½ points and therefore “have to” organise next year’s annual quiz.

 

Congratulations! Well done to all the teams! And wasn’t it fun?

Can’t wait for the 2010 quiz …

We also look forward to being hosted by Fish Hoek next year, and trust they will the treat the Golden Duck with care and love J

Claremont AGM

Our Annual General Meeting is booked for Tuesday 09 February 2010 at Kelvin Grove in the Palmyra Room. Notice and details will follow closer the time.

Fish Hoek donation request

Angela from Fish Hoek Dramatic Society sent through this request:

We have been accepted as host parents and will be having a little boy with us for the holidays, he is 1 yrs old. We need a car chair and a pram for him and am asking everyone we know if they have one to donate to us. We dont’t mind the condition as Garth can fix anything and I can sew new covers etc. If you know of anyone who might have, please pass this onto them.

If YOU can help in any way, please contact her directly: angela@natraloesa.co.za

Can you help MVDS?

Mvds’ first production in February 2010 is Alan Ayckbourn’s Improbably Fiction (directed by Coleen van Staden, who is great fun to work with).

The production has quite a number of very QUICK costume changes, and we therefore need SIX dressers (one per actor). Every dresser will be dedicated to just ONE actor, and each actor has her/his own dressing station, i.e. everything will be pretty streamlined and as easy as possible for all concerned.

Also needed is a costume co-ordinator (overseeing the combined dressing stations and any additional costume requirements – no designing, sewing involved since the show has Robyn Wainwright as costume designer). Nevertheless, this person should have some experience.

These people are also needed during most rehearsals, since the fast costume changes have to be rehearsed very well.

You should be available from 09 to 16 December 2009 (since year-end break in rehearsal), and again from 04 January 2010.

The production runs 05 to 13 February 2010 at the Masque Theatre.

 

PLEASE contact the production secretary June Edwards as soon as possible (also if you need more information):            082 557 7873   or   021–762 9446   or   sunshinedesing@intekom.co.za.

birga from MVDS says: It’s a great way to get involved in a production … costumes are usually fun, exciting and “easy” to memorise (easier than “lines” anyway). It’s also something for newcomers: You get to know the actors and backstage crew quite well, esp. when attending the rehearsals, the whole process of staging a show becomes much clearer to you AND (most importantly) you are involved in it. … and for those with an “Ego” (with capital “e”): Your name will be in the programme!

Get Thee to The Masque!

Laughing Room Only

A compilation of three hilarious comedies performed by the brilliant Deon Bisschoff and the Waterfront Theatre Company at the Masque Theatre from 02 to 19 December (Wed to Sat & Sun 13^th).

Matinees at 15:00 R50 (Theatre Club members R40).

Evenings at 19:30 R60 (R50).  Bookings on 021-7881898

08 to 10 January 2010 Bookings open 15.12.

Tribute to Mario Lanza

Fuad Sawyer is a Cape Town-born tenor who has graced the stage both locally and internationally. This operatically trained performer has sung with the Eoan Group as well as Capab/Artscape. The late and great Mario Lanza has always been a favourite of Fuad’s, and his popular and famous songs suit his voice perfectly. Join us in our beautiful foyer and be serenaded by Fuad with wonderful evergreens such as “Golden Days”, “The drinking Song”, “Be my Love” and much more.

Friday 08, Saturday 09 and Sunday 10 January 2010.

N.B. Both evenings 20h00, Sunday matinée 15h00

TICKETS: Matinée: R50 (R40 Theatre Club members),

all evenings: R60 (R50 Theatre Club members)

Get Thee to The Theatre in Milnerton

Milnerton Players presents” RODGERS & HART – ‘A Celebration’

A revue with music & lyrics by the renowned song writing team

Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart

Concept Richard Lewine and John Fearnley

Direction: Sheila McCormick             Musical direction: Keith Benjamin

A rousing pastiche of almost 60 songs by the prolific song-writing team of Rodgers & Hart.

The first act sets the stage for romance while the second act is comprised of their more satiric gems with a brief narration highlighting the Rodgers & Hart story.

Featuring such standards as ‘Manhattan’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’, this fast paced revue is a guaranteed evening of enjoyable musical entertainment.

The cast of seven singers includes: Phoebe Snayer, Evan Witten, Nicole Nefdt, Carl de Lange, Lisa Stiliano, Simon Speck and Julie du Plessis.

Bookings: 021 557 3206 or 082 267 1061 E-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za

At the Milnerton Playhouse from 27 November to 12 December 2009

Ticket prices: R60 evenings and R50 Saturday matinees

  Audition Notices

See an attached notice for Claremont’s production of Neil Simon’s “Rumours”.

So that leaves me to wish you all a splendid festive season – be it Christmas, Hanukkah or Eid. Enjoy the time with family and friends

Claremont Dramatic Society invites you to audition for

 

‘ Rumours’ 

By   Neil Simon

 

Directed by Sue Bolton 

 

Production dates:  23 April to 1 May 2010 

 

Venue: ‘The Hok’ club house

Date: Sunday 24 January 2010

Time:    2.30 p.m.

 

This riotously funny farce centres around the efforts of 8 party guests to spare their unfortunate host and themselves, from scandal. It opens with Ken and Chris who have found their host, Charley, a prominent Government official, in his bedroom, too dazed to speak, with a bullet wound in his ear lobe! His wife, Vivian, and domestic help are nowhere to be seen. Len and Claire arrive, themselves injured in a car crash, and are soon joined by Ernest and Cookie, Glenn and Cassie, each with their own problems. Following a second, accidental, gun shot that leaves Ken temporarily deaf, the police arrive and Len, drawing the short straw, pretends he is Charley. He concocts a touching and fantastic explanation, that in the end proves more credible than anyone dared hope.

Cast Descriptions

Chris Bevans – mid 30’s to early 40’s.Attractive, elegant, nervous lady striving to be the ‘Perfect wife’ to a well placed husband.

Ken Bevans – her husband – 40 + Dominant man with a mission. He is excitable, bossy, and controlling. Has to be ‘deaf’ for a short section of the play.

Claire Cummings – 30 to 40 years old; Very chic socialite gossip. Tends to be superficial and is not the brightest pebble on the beach.

Leonard Cummings – 30 to 40; Tax consultant, and has known Charley, the host, since their school days. Demanding to the point of rudeness, competitive, upwardly mobile. He has the crowning monologue of the play. Married to Claire.

Cookie Cusack – late 40’s. She is a famous chef with her own T.V. Show. She is a self assured bohemian oddity, who is very reliant on her husband’s support. They adore each other.

Ernest Cusack –  50+  He is a popular psychiatrist to the rich and famous. He is sharp and observant, and is his wife’s biggest admirer.

Cassie Cooper – Very attractive, edgy, jealous young wife who is very unhappy and insecure and relies on the properties of her ‘crystal’ to give her strength.

Glenn Cooper 40+  Very ambitious politician, arrogant, self assured, a ladies man, and very conscious of his public image.

PC Conklin – appears in the last scene only – a lovely cameo role.

PC Casey – is a woman or can be a young man. Has very few words – is just Conklin’s junior back up.

Please direct all enquiries to Wendy Goddard at ph. 021—6712888 cell 0834147003 or e-mail wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za

Further to my message last week about the various roles in the theatre, I thought I’d get the ball rolling by sharing something with you that I wrote while I was stage manager for a show of Wendy’s last year.

 

If any of you have funny or serious, long or short descriptions of some of the various essential roles in the theatre – please send them along. It’s always nice to hopefully inspire more people to help out, and not everyone is made for acting!

How to smuggle matches onto the stage

So, there is Corrie, on stage in her ‘apartment’, 5 minutes away from having to light a fire.

I am standing backstage, behind the ‘front door’ wondering how to smuggle a small yellow box of matches onto the stage, that should have been there already…

The rest of the cast and crew are in the dressing room listening over the tanoy to what is happening on stage – how is she going to save the situation of needing to light a fire without matches?

The audience, oblivious, is laughing at all the right places

Corrie, her mind frantic with how to light the fire, and “why did I forget my handbag with the matches”?

And I am still trying to find a way to get the matches on stage. Can I quickly dress up as a delivery man and deliver matches to the apartment? Too contrived. Can I leave her to cope without them and improvise? No- I need to try and help her till the last possible moment. Will the audience notice if I drop them over the apartment wall into the kitchen? Yes! And will Corrie know it is even there then… what to do…

And that is just one of the things a stage manager needs to do during the course of an evening supporting the crew on stage.

A performance evening would start with my arrival about 90 minutes before curtain up, unlocking the theatre and dressing rooms, preferably before anyone is there yet. Gives me a few minutes of peace to settle myself and get the doors open. Then I climb the steep stairs to the mezzanine level to switch on the tanoy. This is the moment from which people need to beware that what is said on stage can be heard in the green- & dressing rooms…

Reverse back down the stairs (the only safe way) and begin to set the stage for act I.

in the current case, this involves manoeuvring a 4 metre long ladder from the green room into the wings and setting up without knocking any of the lights or curtains out of position… then ascend the 4 metres into the cavernous space above the stage with a jug of water in hand to fill the “tap-pipe” with about a litre of water. The cut-open plastic coke bottle is an ingenious idea to get real water onto the stage when the tap below is opened.

Then manoeuvre said ladder through the wings and the front door of the set onto the middle of the stage to set the snow-contraption. This involves climbing up, releasing a cloth contraption, thereby releasing dozens of snowflakes onto the stage. Obviously after refilling the snow-contraption with snowflakes, it is returned to its lofty perch ready for release at the right moment.

And while I manoeuvre the ladder back through a door, around a flap, under the wings and bars into the green room, the cast & crew are arriving and need to be let in at the stage door.

They need to be there by 60 minutes to curtain up, otherwise the “where-are-you” phone calls begin… in one instance where I couldn’t get hold of the one cast member I was busy learning his words when he arrived, seemingly oblivious to the consequences of his not informing us that he was on his way, but stuck in traffic.

Another time, the lead was called 45 minutes prior to the start to find out where he is. His casual “thanks for the SMS you sent last night” confirmed my worst fears, that he was nowhere near the theatre… upon asking where he is, and mentioning that curtain-up is in 45 minutes, he remarked that there isn’t a show today… but he made it with 15 minutes to spare!

In the period between this call and his arrival, I moved my car and blocked a bay so he had somewhere to park in front of the theatre without having to search; we sent someone into the wardrobe to find shirts for him in case he didn’t bring his; we endeavoured not to tell the director who was schmoozing in the foyer with the charity guests; we asked his co-lead to help calm him on his arrival and get him into character.

Oh, and during all of this the normal other activities took place – assisting the props team to get the goulash & alcoholic drinks ready for the stage, giving the cast and crew their 45 / 30 / 20 / 10 and 5 minute calls. Making sure that the sandbag is behind the bathroom door, so that it doesn’t open too far. Making sure that all personal props are in the personal possession of the cast.

Then in the last 15 minutes, I need to close the tabs (curtains) so that the audience can come in, make sure I have a walkie-talkie to be able to communicate with the lighting & sound team. They are situated closest to the foyer, so they are my link to front of house.

They let me know when the 5 minute call is played in the foyer to advise the audience to start moving in (or back in, if it is during interval).

They give me clearance when the last audience member has come in. I let them know when everyone is in place backstage so that they can start playing the intro music. All over a walkie-talkie.

By this time I’ve called “beginner’s on stage” and made sure the curtain-opener is in place to open the tabs at the correct cue in the music.

I’m sitting backstage and watching the action through a narrow gap in the back of a cupboard, through the beads hanging in the front of the cupboard, waiting for my cues to ring the doorbell when it is needed in the script. I also watch what is happening on stage to give other actors their “go-on-now!” or backstage “speak now!” cues (which can be as subtle as the opening of a fridge door, a nose-blowing or the bottom of a bottle of gin making contact with the coffee table. exciting stuff!

All the while, there you sit in the darkness of backstage, with a slight blue light to show the obstacles to avoid and only a shaft of light from the stage to read my script by. All the while only whispering if you need to talk to others, or tiptoeing if you need to walk to others.

And everytime the audience laughs, you give an involuntary smile.

Every time they don’t laugh when you expect them to you wonder what’s wrong with them.

You stop breathing every time someone forgets a line.

And you start breathing every time they save each other and continue – the audience non the wiser.

In the end I poked my hand through the back of the cupboard at a moment that Corrie looked my way. I showed her the matches and dropped them onto the floor of the cupboard.

Did she really notice?

 

She did – and changing her moves a little – doing a little sashay move across the stage to get the matches to light the fire. All in character. All good!

Close curtain. For interval. Of 20 minutes.

That means our work really begins – as we need to set the whole stage for the next act. from an ostensibly empty apartment to one that is fully furnished with net and normal curtains, pictures, mirrors, books and trinkets, carpets, bowls of fruit and cans for tea & coffee. No detail is spared in the quest for authenticity.

In one case I even needed to make small repairs to an in-stage wooden screen – to hammer a few nails into a narrow piece of wood. Once that was done, I spotted a piece of cladding that came off the front door, so quick actions to repair that:

Find double–sided tape

Try to separate double-sided tape from its backing

Find brown paint

Find knife to take off blotches of glue on the back

Cut myself

Hear “5 minute call” from lighting box

Reply with “we need 8 minutes”

Find plaster

Apply plaster (ever noticed how long that can take?)

Find screws

Go to stage and try to screw into place

Fetch hole-maker to aid screwing in

Hear audience’s chatter as they return to seats

Fasten second screw in place while assistant is already painting brown paint over the first

Quick check of stage that all is in place

Go backstage and advise cast of wet paint on front door

Call beginner’s to stage

Check personal props of beginners in place

Tell lighting we’re clear to go

Get a reply that we are all go

Check that colleague to open curtains is in place

Get message that we are waiting for 1 person

Have a quick wee (no flushing allowed)

Get the all-clear

Music begins

Sit down and wait for paint can to touch fireplace on stage so that I can ring doorbell

Wait backstage with feet up following the words, laughter and smiles.

Actors come off stage and go back on. One of them needs to take of her dress on stage, and remembers at the door that she has forgotten to put her petticoat on…

So I run backstage and brainstorm a way to get the nightie to her. My colleague has an idea that there is a moment when she thinks she change. So colleague goes and stands back stage in the “bathroom” of the apartment and waits for the change scene. Actress arrives, is super thankful, and does a lightning change behind the door instead of in front, and the audience is none the wiser. (have I said that before?)

Drinks are made backstage – voiceless hand requests are made in the shape of a T or a C. I choose a C – I need coffee.

The scene continues.

The scene nears its ending.

Make it snow.

Stop the snow.

Close the curtain.

Sweep up the snow.

Change the set.

Beginners on stage.

Curtain up.

All systems go.

Again.

Laughter.

Smiles.

Nearing the end now… all in place for curtain call!

You stand backstage and watch. And listen.

Bow of the cast

Bow of the leads

Bow of them all

Black out

Bow of them all

Is there enough applause to warrant another bow?

Close the curtain.

Applause dies. Chatter starts. Laughter continues.

Tell the actors how well they did (ego-stroking is an important part all the way through)

Clear the stage.

Let out the troops.

Lock the dressing rooms.

Climb the steep stairs to switch off the tanoy.

Switch off the lights.

Set the alarm.

Lock the theatre.

Go home.

Sleep.

Repeat after work tomorrow.

 And the next day when people ask how it went, you will only remember how well the cast did. How happy the audience was, how much they enjoyed it. How well we overcame little obstacles.

It’s been compared to a child. At times frustrating as hell, but overwhelmingly lovable.

 ** of course, not all of these happened on one single evening. sometimes evenings run without any of the additional challenges that i also described above; but other nights we do have one or two of them to deal with**

Audition Notice – Rumours

Claremont Dramatic Society invites you to

AUDITION  FOR ‘ RUMOURS’   

BY   NEIL   SIMON

DIRECTED BY  SUE  BOLTON  

PRODUCTION DATES:  23 APRIL TO 1 MAY 2010 

VENUE   ‘THE HOK ‘ CLUB HOUSE

DATE    SUNDAY 24^TH Jan  2010

TIME    2.30P.M.

This riotously funny farce centres around the efforts of 8 party guests to spare their unfortunate host and themselves, from scandal. It opens with Ken and Chris who have found their host , Charley, a prominent Government official , in his bedroom, too dazed to speak, with a bullet wound in his ear lobe !  his wife,Vivian, and domestic help are nowhere to be seen. Len and Claire arrive, themselves injured in a car crash, and are soon joined by Ernest and Cookie ,Glenn and Cassie, each with their own problems. Following a second, accidental, gun shot that leaves Ken temporarily deaf, the police arrive and Len, drawing the short straw, pretends he is Charley. He concocts a touching and fantastic explanation, that in the end proves more credible than anyone dared hope .

 CAST  DESCRIPTIONS

 Chris Bevans – mid 30’s to early 40’s. Attractive, elegant, nervous lady striving to be the ‘Perfect wife’ to a well placed husband.

Ken Bevans – her husband – 40 + Dominant man with a mission. He is excitable, bossy, and controlling. Has to be ‘deaf’ for a short section of the play.

 Claire Cummings – 30to 40 years old Very chic socialite gossip. Tends to be superficial and is not the brightist pebble on the beach.

Leonard Cummings – 30—40  Tax consultant, and has known Charley, the host, since their school days. Demanding to the point of rudeness, competitive, upwardly mobile. He has the crowning monologue of the play. Married to Claire .

Cookie Cusack  – late 40’s  She is a famous chef with her own T.V. Show. She is a self assured bohemian oddity, who is very reliant on her husband’s support . They adore each other.

Ernest Cusack  – 50+  He is a popular psychiatrist to the rich and famous. He is sharp and observant, and is his wife’s biggest admirer.

Cassie Cooper  – Very attractive, edgy, jealous young wife who is very unhappy and insecure and relies on the properties of her ‘crystal’ to give her strength.

Glenn Cooper  – 40+  Very ambitious politician, arrogant, self assured, a ladies man, and very conscious of his public image.

PC Conklin – appears in the last scene only – a lovely cameo role .

PC Casey – is a woman or can be a young man . Has very few words  – is just Conklin’s junior back up .

All enquiries  please direct to Wendy Goddard at ph. 021—671 2888 cell 083 414 7003 or email wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za

Constantiaberg Cue – November 2009

“CONSTANTIABERG CUE”

 NEWS OF CONSTANTIABERG THEATRE PLAYERS

NOVEMBER 2009

_______________________________________

 

Here we are again after an absolutely amazing trip to Namibia. We took family from the UK and when they left they were totally spellbound by the place, swearing that they would return for more! We live on a beautiful, wondrous continent people and should never take that for granted.

 

As this will be the last Newsletter of 2009, on behalf of the Constantiaberg committee, wish you and your loved ones a very blessed, joyful and peaceful Christmas, a Happy Chanukah to our Jewish friends, and a Happy New year to our Moslem friends on 18^th December. And however you choose to celebrate the holidays, please be safe, especially on the roads.

 

INTER-SOCIETY QUIZ

This was hosted by Claremont Dramatic Society in the Masque Foyer on Sunday 22^nd November at 7.30p.m. Our team consisted of Scott Gill, Barrie Howard, Wally Hodges and I. AND I am proud to report that we came a very respectable 2^nd place – loosing to Fish Hoek – well done to them, and they will be hosting next years quiz – mmmwaahahaha! (supposed to be an evil laugh?). I won a box of smarties for winning the wall quiz (they have already been eaten!) Thank you to Claremont for a lovely evening – it is always so nice to meet up with all our friends from the other societies.

 

OUR END OF YEAR “DO” IMPORTANT NOTICE

We have decided to be a little different this year. We are going to have a Braai (at me and Tone’s house with lots of G&Ts & crisps – yeah? – ha ha ha) But seriously it will be at our house on Wednesday 16^th December, which is a public holiday so please bring spouses etc. Time will be 1.00p.m and aiming to eat about 4.00ish. If it is a lovely day (which it better be or we will all be going down the road to the Spur!) please bring your cosies and towels to swim. The whole day is to be casual and relaxing. The meat and salads will be supplied by the society as will wine, beer and cooldrink. If you prefer another poison, please feel free to bring it along as well as anything else you might fancy. It is free for members and R10 for non-members. We will also have a bit of fun and exchange gifts. We would like the ladies to bring a wrapped ladies gift and the men, likewise. We will put them into two bags to be drawn and thus avoid Walter going home with a new g-string! The cost of the gift can be between R30 – R50. We will need to know numbers attending in order to cater correctly so we ask you to please let us know as soon as possible, how may of you are coming. Please email Lee on lee.deandrade@ogilvy.co.za or phone her on 0835474386 or work 021 4671165 by Monday 7^th December.

LAST MEMBERS EVENING

Was the Opening night of “Abigail’s Party” and on that note – what a fabulous production it was. A real theatrical treat. A huge well done to Wesley on this, his directorial debut. The cast were all brilliant and I can honestly say that I have not enjoyed a production so much for a long time. Well done to everyone involved. In closing….I have noticed that I do, in actual fact call my husband “Tone” and since seeing this, I have been acutely conscious of it – arghhhhhhhhh!!!!

NEXT AT THE MASQUE

Currently Running Return from Oz written and directed by Yvonne Copley for Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque Theatre from 20 to 28 November.  Full of familiar songs from The Wizard of Oz that dovetail with popular songs.  Great family entertainment. Matinees R60 (Theatre Club members R50); Children under 12 are R40 for matinees; all evening shows R70 (R60).

 

Laughing Room Only a compilation of three hilarious comedies performed by the brilliant Deon Bisschoff and the Waterfront Theatre Company at the Masque Theatre from 02 to 19 December (Wed to Sat & Sun 13^th).  Mmatinees at 15:00 R50 (Theatre Club members R40).  Evenings at 19:30 R60 (R50).

 

Bookings: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00, Saturdays 08:00 to 12:00 on 021–788 1898

Weekday start at 8.00p.m

Matinees start at 2.30p.m

Saturday start at 6.30p.m

OTHER SOCIETIES NEWS

 

Rodgers & Hart – ‘A Celebration’ presented by Milnerton Players at the Milnerton Playhouse from 27 November to 12 December 2009.  A revue, directed by Sheila McCormick, concept by Richard Lewine & John Fearnley and musical direction by Keith Benjamin.  Bookings on 021 5573206, 0822671061 or macdram@absamail.co.za.  R60 evenings and R50 matinees

 

 

A Christmas Carol, A Pantomime presented by Pinelands Players at the Little Theatre, Gardens, from 4 to 19 December 2009.  Evening shows (19:30) R80, Matinees (14:30) R80 adults, R40 children under 12.  A traditional pantomime with music, dance, comedy, dames and audience participation and lots of other fun stuff.  Info and bookings on www.pinelandsplayers.co.za or 0729231035

 

AN APPEAL FROM BIRGA AND OTHERS

Does anyone out there have a script/book of Milan Kundera’s “Jacques and his Master”?

We (the Mvds committee) would like to borrow it for a short while. There is no copy in the National Drama Library, and I thought that a society member might perhaps have one. Please let me know if you have it and are willing to lend it to us.

 Kind regards birga birgatom@iafrica.com

 

Hi, we have been accepted as host parents and will be having a little boy with us for the holidays, he is 1 yrs old. We need a car chair and a pram for him and am asking everyone we know if they have one to donate to us. We don’t mind the condition as Garth can fix anything and I can sew new covers etc. If you know of anyone who might have, please pass this onto them.

 Regards Garth and Angela

Angela is secretary of the Fish Hoek Dramatic Society.

If YOU can help in any way, please contact her: angela@natraloesa.co.za

 

 

MANY HAPPY RETURNS TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WHO CELEBRATE THEIR BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH & NEXT

 

Pam Ross          5^th November

Peter Moxley      28^th November

Jane de Sousa    2^nd December

Florence Reddy    27^th December

Well – hope I haven’t left anything out!

Till next time

Lotsa Luv

Fiona x

MVDS Messenger – November 2009

Now for a busy November newsletter! But first …. did you know that the November Theatre is a Canadian theatre company committed to producing unique pieces with a heightened performing style that incorporates text, music, and movement? In 1998 it produced the world English premiere of the expressionist operetta The Black Rider, which was created through the collaboration of singer-songwriter Tom Waits, William S. Burroughs, and avant-garde stage director Robert Wilson. Well, if you didn’t you do now!! More November facts later!

INTER-SOCIETY QUIZ

The 2009 Inter-Society quiz, hosted by Claremont Dramatic Society, will take place on Sunday 22 November at the Masque Theatre, 18:30 for 19:00. We already have one team comprising Angela Lee-Wright, Celia Musikanth, Raymond Rudolph and birga Thomas and are well on our way to fielding a second team. If you are interested email birgatom@iafrica.com. Team members have their entrance fee sponsored by MVDS. Spectators are welcome at R20 each – respond directly to adriankettle@telkomsa.net.

MEMBERS’ EVENING

By now you should have Wednesday, 25 November, diarised as our members’ evening. And are you ever in for a treat! The evening’s activities will start promptly at 19:30 with oodles of entertainment being provided by our members. Aside from a variety of pasta dishes (with a vegetarian option) prepared by members of our willing and able committee, the evening will end with champagne and chocolate for a birthday toast! And it is FREE, GRATIS and FOR NOTHING to you as members with your guests paying a paltry R10! As usual a minimal cash bar will be provided although you are more than welcome to bring your own tipple. So, for catering purposes please advise birga on 021 7885272 (just be patient and you will get a message tone) or email birgatom@iafrica.com before 20 November.

PAST PRODUCTION

Mothers of the Criminal Element did exceptionally well for the Masque with 117 bums-on-seats over only four shows! Well done and we hope that cast and crew are enjoying a break before tackling their next projects.

EVENTS TO DIARISE

Return from Oz written and directed by Yvonne Copley for Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque Theatre from 20 to 28 November. Ever wondered what happened to Dorothy when she clicked her red shoe heels together? This light-hearted story tracks Dorothy’s journey with her three friends as they travel back to Kansas. Full of familiar songs from The Wizard of Oz that dovetail with popular songs. Great family entertainment. Extra show at 15:00 on Sun 20 Nov. Matinees R60 (Theatre Club members R50); Children under 12 are R40 for matinees; all evening shows R70 (R60). Bookings on 021-7881898

Rodgers & Hart – ‘A Celebration’ presented by Milnerton Players at the Milnerton Playhouse from 27 November to 12 December 2009. A revue with music and lyrics by this renowned song writing team, directed by Sheila McCormick, concept by Richard Lewine & John Fearnley and musical direction by Keith Benjamin. Bookings on 021 5573206, 0822671061 or macdram@absamail.co.za. R60 evenings and R50 matinees

Laughing Room Only a compilation of three hilarious comedies performed by the brilliant Deon Bisschoff and the Waterfront Theatre Company at the Masque Theatre from 02 to 19 December (Wed to Sat & Sun 13th). Matinees at 15:00 R50 (Theatre Club members R40). Evenings at 19:30 R60 (R50). Bookings on 021-7881898

A Christmas Carol, A Pantomime presented by Pinelands Players at the Little Theatre, Gardens, from 4 to 19 December 2009. Evening shows (19:30) R80, Matinees (14:30) R80 adults, R40 children under 12. A traditional pantomime with music, dance, comedy, dames and audience participation. Info and bookings on www.pinelandsplayers.co.za or 0729231035

WELL WISHES

Our “hearts” are with Lieske Bester and Brian Commins, the former having recently received a pace-maker and the latter having had a heart attack a little while back. Both of them were however seen at the Masque recently – you can’t keep a good am-drammer down!

WELCOME

We welcome John Dickerson and Bronwyn Garlick to MVDS and hope they will both join us on 25 November 2009.

THE DELIBERATE MISTAKE

When I was blathering on last month about months and calendars and stuff, I had a “finger slip” and typed Georgian instead of Gregorian which mistake was picked up by the alliterative duo of Raymond Rudolph and Simon Sutton. Just checking that you actually READ this missive, guys!

AUDITIONS

Fish Hoek Dramatic Society’s audition for their April production of Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero will be held at 2.30pm on Saturday November 21 at the Methodist Church Hall, Muizenberg. The production requires four women (ages 30 to 65+) and seven men (ages 18 to 65+). Enquiries to Jane Philbrick, Director, on 021 782 3608 (a/h)

****************

Milnerton Players are having auditions for their March production, Educating Rita, at the Playhouse on Sunday 29 November at 14.00. For more info contact Yvonne Copley, Director, on 083 441 9937

A SPECIAL OFFER

Ex-MVDS’ members Wendy and Trevor Le Gonidec moved to Robertson a while back and have asked me to share the following special offer with you:

Hi Evie,
Thank you for your MADS newsletters. I find it great to hear what’s going on in the amdram world. I for one miss the stage terribly, and I wonder how far afield your newsletters go to ex-thespians. Anyway, I’d like you to tell everyone that Wendy & I have now started a B&B here in Robertson. Unfortunately as yet they don’t have a dramatic society but I’m working on it. Apart from that we’re enjoying Robertson immensely. Being in the heart of a wine growing area is wonderful. The river, mountains, walks, and country life are a bonus. We’d love to see people involved in the stage, so please tell everyone that we are offering a 10% reduction on our B&B rates for members of any of the societies in the Cape. Just give us a ring on 023 626 5507 and advise us that you wish to take up this amdram offer or email us at wendytrevor@telkomsa.net.

Best of luck in all current shows on the go! Cheers, Wendy and Trevor

BIRTHDAYS

Few and far between they are for December!!
Starting with Jane De Sousa on the 2nd, on which day in 1978 Neil Diamond and Barbra Striesand’s “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” hit number 1 AND Britney Spears, singer, songwriter, dancer and entertainer was born in Mississippi in 1981!

****************

Then we have a l..o..o..n..g gap to Andre Thomas on the 27th on which day in 1991 the “Carol Burnett Show” last aired on CBS-TV AND Thomas Wilson Brown, who acted as Jason in Knots Landing, was born in 1972.

****************

Tracey Cahill and Beverley Webster share the last day of the month with Joanna Johnson who acts as Caroline in Bold and Beautiful and was born in 1961. The day, incidentally, that The London Eye, the world’s largest Ferris wheel, was opened in 1999.

THE YEAR AHEAD

Our AGM will take place on Wednesday, 27 January 2010. This of course includes awards for the previous year’s shows which means …. all those who received trophies for 2008 need to return them!! A good plan would be to bring them to the members’ evening or hand to any member of the committee. Improbable Fiction, our production for February, is fully cast and has started rehearsals. The Cape Amateur Theatre awards evening is scheduled to happen on Sunday 28th March at the Masque Theatre – more details next year. We may have some very exciting news regarding our third and final slot for 2010 but you will have to wait a while ….

MORE ABOUT NOVEMBER …

Since this newsletter was going to be more than three pages and since I HATE sending out one side blank to the snail-mailers, I did a little searching for more interesting November facts and came up with:
Novembers Doom is a death/doom metal band from Chicago, Illinois. They are currently signed to The End Records and are one of the earliest U.S. doom/death metal bands that are still active today.
The November Moth (Epirrita dilutata) is a moth of the family Geometridae and is found throughout Europe. The wingspan is 38–44 mm, the forewings being variably marked with alternating pale and dark bands. The caterpillar is green with red markings and feeds on a wide range of trees and shrubs.
“November Spawned a Monster” is a song by Morrissey, released as a single in 1990. The track is one of Morrissey’s personal favourites, something shown in the high number of times it has been played live by the singer. The song tackles the plight of the disabled, a remarkable subject matter for a pop single. As ever with Morrissey the tone and sentiments are riddled with ambiguity. His use of words such as ‘monster’ and ‘twisted’ creates a strange mix of revulsion, sympathy and black comedy, all used to enlighten, and disturb, the audience. By forcing the ambivalent persona of tormentor and saviour, Morrissey forces the listener to confront their own prejudices head on.

Well, having now happily filled up the page …
till next month then
Eve

Gaslight – November 2009

GASLIGHT
NEWSLETTER OF THE CAPE TOWN GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY
VOLUME 16 – ISSUE 6 – SPECIAL NOVEMBER 2009 EDITION

Hi Folks!

INTER – SOCIETY QUIZ

The much anticipated Annual Inter-Society Theatre Quiz, hotly contested by erudite members of our various Dramatic Societies, is fast approaching.
If you are interested in entering a team or would like to form part of a team, you are most welcome to contact the Theatre Quiz Team Convener, yours truly, Adrian Kettle on adriankettle@telkomsa.net with your team names and numbers. I will need these names by 13 November.

REMINDER!!! “OPSKOP” AT THE THEATRE!!!

This year we are going to have the annual “Opskop” at the THEATRE!! Yes, you read quite right. And we would like as many of you to join us on the public holiday, 16 December, for the evening performance of Pinelands Players ‘A Christmas Carol’ A pantomime.

Script: Alistair Clinton
Diroetor: Kyla Thorburn
Musical Director: Bill Holland
Choreographer: Kim Harris-Dalla

Date: 22nd November 2009
Place: Masque Theatre, Muizenberg
Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm
Snacks: Light Finger Snacks
Cost Per Person: R20.00

With no less than 23(!) current and past Gilbert and Sullivan members involved in this production, joining them on this traditional “Getting Together & Having A Great Time With G&S Friends” – Day just seems like a very good idea!!
Apart from the names mentioned above, other friends include Benita Faires (Stage Manger), David Bolton (Marketing), Clifford Graham & Shaun Holley (Technical Co-ordinators), Richard Whittaker (Set Designer & Construction). And that’s just the guys in the background!! The great cast includes some of the aforementioned people, as well as Shaun Brown (Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, The King & I) as Scrooge, Mike Harris (My Fair Lady) portraying the dual roles of Ghost of Xmas Present & Mr Daughty, Laura Bosman (The Sound of Music) as Sandra, Simon Sutton (G&S Life Member) as Mr Smithers.

Other friends include: Rudolph Mare, Martin Heinrich, Ronnie & Eve Carr, Greg Tinney, Jennifer Moss, Alex & Douglas Middlebrook, Lyle Wilson, Graham Stabler and Andrea Faires.

Sounds like a plan?!

Well, let us know as soon as possible (and by no later than 01 December!) if you would like to join the G&S Group for the 7:30pm show on Wednesday, 16 December. Ticket Prices: R80 per adult / R40 for children under the age of 12.
Instead of bringing your tjops and wors, just bring your wallet along! The G&S Society will provide snacks from 6pm and a cash bar will be available.

Contact Yolanda or Guilma if you have any questions or if you would like to join the group!
They will be able to provide you with banking details to deposit your ticket money and give out additional info you might require closer to the time. Yolanda’s contact details: 082 877 8766 / 021 555 1957 (w) / yolanda@gilbertandsullivan.co.za. Guilma’s contact details: 084 589 1812
/ 021 555 1957 (w) / guilma@gilbertandsullivan.co.za.

OTHER EVENTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN!

Return from Oz – Claremont Dramatic Society
While some G&S members and friends might be taking part in Pinelands Player’s “A Christmas Carol” others like Matthew Browne, Giselle Willows, Victoria Harris, David Campey and Chris King (all having found their way off the “HMS Pinafore” in grand style) are having fun with Claremont Dramatic Society’s “Return of Oz”!! And Morag Tisson is making her
debut as Stage Manager! Well done, Morag!

[This] is Claremont’s big end-of-year production – “Return
from Oz” written by and directed for Claremont by Yvonne Copley. Musical direction is by Roland Perold, and Choreography by Barrie Howard.

Ever wondered what happened to Dorothy when she clicked her red shoe heels together? This light-hearted story tracks Dorothy’s journey with her three friends as they travel back to Kansas. Full of those familiar songs from The Wizard of Oz that dovetail with popular songs, and great family entertainment.
We do hope you will join Dorothy and her friends, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on the yellow brick road as they “Return from Oz”.

Extracts courtesy of the Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter “Claremont Chat”

20 November – 28 November @ The Masque Theatre (Bookings: 021 788 1898)
Thursday evenings and weekend matinees R60 (Theatre Club members R50); Children under 12 are R40 ; Other nights R70 (Theatre Club members R60)

RODGERS & HART – ‘A Celebration’– Milnerton Players

So now we know who’s involved with both “A Christmas Carol and “Return of Oz” but what are our friends at Milnerton Players up to?
Join Director, Sheila McCormick and Musical Director, Keith Benjamin for a rousing pastiche of almost 60 songs by the prolific song-writing team of Rodgers & Hart.
The first act sets the stage for romance while the second act is comprised of their more satiric gems with a brief narration highlighting the Rodgers & Hart story.
Featuring such standards as ‘Manhattan’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’, this fast paced revue is a guaranteed evening of enjoyable musical entertainment.
The cast of seven singers includes: Phoebe Snayer (“King and I”), Evan Witten, Nicole Nefdt,Carl de Lange, Lisa Stilianou (or Lisa Wener as many might remember her from “Annie get your Gun”), Simon Speck (“Yeoman of the Guard, Mikado, Iolanthe”) and Julie du Plessis.
At the Milnerton Playhouse from 27 November to 12 December 2009
Ticket prices: R60 evenings and R50 Saturday matinees
Bookings: 021 557 3206 or 082 267 1061
E-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za

Whatever you might be planning for the Festive Season, may it be blessed! See you at the Opskop on the 16th!!!

Cheers

Adrian

Return From Oz – Update

Hi everyone,

A quick update for you:

Return from Oz

This Claremont production, which is on at The Masque from 20 – 28 November, has 3 matinees during it’s run (in each Saturday, as well as Sunday the 22nd). We are offering a special price for children under 12 for these afternoon performances. Please see pricing here:

Please note days, times and prices for Return from Oz are:

Thursday & Friday performances at 20h00,

Saturday matinee at 14h30, Saturday evening at 18h30

Please note extra show at 15h00 on Sunday 22 November

Weekend matinees R60 (Theatre Club members R50); children under 12 are R40

Other nights R70 (Theatre Club members R60)

Masque Theatre Bookings on 021-7881898

Inter-Society Quiz

Please remember to send Adrian Kettle your name if you want to take part in the Quiz, or if you want to attend as a guest. He will need to know by 13 November 2009 please on adriankettle@telkomsa.net

IMPORTANT

Please note that I am out of the country from 05 November to 22 November, and will not have any access to my e-mails.

Cheers,

Andre

Fish Hoek Dramatic Society – Audition

AUDITION – AGATHA CHRISTIE’S – TOWARDS ZERO

Where : METHODIST CHURCH HALL MUIZENBERG

When: Saturday 21st November 2009 at 2.30 pm

Before a murder is committed, events collude and juxtapose in such a fashion as to set up the scene of the crime; indeed, it is only a matter of time until the clock points towards zero and violent death occurs…
The story begins as Lady Tressilian, an old and humourless woman confined to her bed, invites several guests into her seaside home of Gull’s Point for the summer. However, handsome tennis star Nevile Strange, former ward of Lady Tressilian’s deceased husband, incurs her displeasure by re-uniting his new wife, Kay, and his ex, Audrey, under her roof, thus causing no end of romantic misunderstandings. But events soon take on a much less whimsical turn when Lady Tressilian is killed where she sleeps and Superintendent Battle, who is meant to be recuperating in the home of his nephew, Inspector James Leach, finds himself pawing his way along a labyrinthine maze of clues and deception…

List of characters:

Mathew Treves 65 plus

Superintendent Battle 50

Inspector Leach 50

P.C Benson 18

Thomas Royde 35

Neville Strange 35

Ted Latimer 30

Lady Tresselian 65 plus

Mary Aldin 40 plus

Audrey Strange 35

Kay Strange 30

The ages given are a guide only. Those interested in auditoning and would like a copy of the script for reading before the audition – Please contact: Jane Philbrick 021 782 3608

Claremont Chat – November 2009

 Claremont Chat

Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
Box 50, Eppindust, 7475

Tel: 021 671 2242               Cell: 082 821 4353             Fax: 021 528 2299

E-mail: andrethomas@vodamail.co.za

www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com
November 2009 – Number 84

---

Hello my fellow thespians!

Here’s a bit of a countdown clock wake up call for us all – where has 2009 gone? I do hope it’s been a good year for you as well!

9 weeks…                     till the end of the year

8 week…                     till Christmas

4 weeks…                    till the end of November

3 weeks…                     till we’re back from Oz

Yes, the big news this month (and this is a bumper edition) is Claremont’s big end-of-year production – Return from Oz written by and directed for Claremont by Yvonne Copley. Musical direction is by Roland Perold, and Choreography by Barrie Howard.

Ever wondered what happened to Dorothy when she clicked her red shoe heels together?  This light-hearted story tracks Dorothy’s journey with her three friends as they travel back to Kansas.  Full of those familiar songs from The Wizard of Oz that dovetail with popular songs, and great family entertainment. 

Rehearsals have been filled with lots of laughter and the bringing together people from all walks of life. We have been lucky to have a group of 6 teenagers from the Generation For Change organisation in Vrygrond to join us as the Red Perils; they dance with such enthusiasm and keep our choreographer, venerable Barrie Howard on his toes.

You should hear the warm ups led by our dishy Musical Director, Roland Perold, last seen in Brenda Gray’s Old Wicked Songs at ArtsCape. He has their voices all warmed up and ready for director, Yvonne Copley, to get the dramatic dynamics going.

The whole show is blocked; the music is all covered and books are down. Now its drill, drill, drill, polish, polish, polish. Simon Sutton is desperately trying to get extra space for us from the ‘deaf’ neighbours, because the Hok is too small for our 30-odd cast.

Frances Sholto-Douglas plays Dorothy, supported by ex-pinafore startlets, Matthew Browne, Giselle Willows and Victoria Harris. Anthony James, who debuted in MADS Beatles together with Alison Blair and her son Matthew, and from the Atlantic seaboard, we have veteran character actor Gordon Malloy. They are supported by an eager chorus consisting of members David Campey, Chris King and newcomers from all over the peninsula.

And… our Stage Manager, Morag Tisson, who is taking time off from shadowing at Artscape to run this show. A very big welcome!!

We do hope you will join Dorothy and her friends, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on the yellow brick road as they “Return from Oz”.

It opens on Friday 20 November at the Masque and runs until 28 November. Please note that there is an extra show at 15h00 on Sunday 22 November.

Bookings through Masque Theatre as always: 021 788 1898

Member’s Evening

We had so many laughs on Friday evening J While Eric Sykes and his movies are new to me, The Plank was marvellous. And no matter how many times you see Dinner for One – you always end up near teary-eyed with laughter.

And when it was spotted that there was another film lurking on laptop, the audience cried out for more – and they got more – more laughs by Eric Sykes. So – 3 movies and a good evening had by all.

Thanks to everyone that joined us, including not only our longest standing members, but also our very newest member.

Member Missives

So without further ado then, a hearty welcome to our newest member – Saras Chinsamy. We look forward to seeing you at the auditions and the theatre and the set-building… and and and J

Friends & Fans

Lieske Bester and Terry Best are both in our thoughts this month – they’ve both had operations in the last few days, which have gone well we hear. So, in keeping with their names, we wish them all the very… Best!

2010 News

Please see an update on our exciting collaboration with Pinelands for 2010 attached at the end of the newsletter!

The Hok

A big Thank You to Alison King for repairing our Piano – merci beaucoup!

CDS Christmas Bash 2009

Our Christmas party is going to be held at the Hok on Sunday, 6^th December. It will be a bring & braai, not forgetting your party pieces. Please plan to arrive between 17h00 and 17h30.

And in the spirit of our association and the season, we are also making a block booking for the matinee performance of Pinelands Players Production of A Christmas Carol at 14h30 that day.  Kyla Thorburn is directing this with choreography by Kim Harris-Dalla. It also includes both our present and past chairmen, Simon Sutton and Dennis Benneyworth. Tickets are R80.

So – A Christmas Carol at 14h30 and Bring & Braai at 17h00 / 17h30

Please RSVP Pam Burger, our Social Convenor, at pamb@masterparts.com or on

082 488 0442 (cell)        
021 657 5757(work)                  
021 696 5959 (after 6pm)

Please RSVP by:

09 November if you want to see A Christmas Carol with us

30 November if you are only coming to the braai at the Hok.

Get Thee to The Theatre!

There’s lots to talk about in this section this month – but then that’s what we’re all about! Watching each other on stage – and who doesn’t want lots of people to see their work? So only fair to support from the seats when you can J

 

“Abigail’s Party”

Wesley Figaji’s production “Abigail’s Party” by Mike Leigh runs at the Masque from 30 October to 07 November 2009.

It is described as a dark comedy: This very funny social satire is set in London in the 1970’s. The cast includes a few of our own CDS members: Wendy Goddard, Jane De Sousa, James Skilton and Jo Darby.

“Love’s old sweet Songs”

One show only, 15:00 Sunday 1 November, at the Masque Theatre featuring Leon Dreyer, Veronica Miller, Paul Stevens and Desiré Walker accompanied on piano.

Included in the enjoyable programme are “Love is a many-splendoured Thing”, “You are my Heart’s Delight”, “As Time goes by”, “Merry Widow Waltz”. Tickets: R50 (R40 Theatre Club members).

“Return from Oz”

Our own end-of-year production! Written and directed by Yvonne Copley for Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque Theatre from 20 to 28 November.

Please note extra show at 15:00 on Sunday 20 November.

Please note days, times and prices for Masque Theatre productions

(unless otherwise stated) are:

Thursday & Friday performances at 20h00,

Saturday matinee at 14h30, Saturday evening at 18h30

Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)

Other nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)

Masque Theatre Bookings on 021-7881898

Get Thee to The Theatre in Milnerton
Milnerton Players presents” RODGERS & HART – ‘A Celebration’
A revue with music & lyrics by the renowned song writing team
Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart
Concept Richard Lewine and John Fearnley
Direction: Sheila McCormick            
Musical direction: Keith Benjamin

A rousing pastiche of almost 60 songs by the prolific song-writing team of Rodgers & Hart.

The first act sets the stage for romance while the second act is comprised of their more satiric gems with a brief narration highlighting the Rodgers & Hart story.

Featuring such standards as ‘Manhattan’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’, this fast paced revue is a guaranteed evening of enjoyable musical entertainment.

The cast of seven singers includes: Phoebe Snayer, Evan Witten, Nicole Nefdt, Carl de Lange, Lisa Stiliano, Simon Speck and Julie du Plessis.

Bookings: 021 557 3206 or 082 267 1061 E-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za
At the Milnerton Playhouse from 27 November to 12 December 2009
Ticket prices: R60 evenings and R50 Saturday matinees

Get Thee to The Theatre in Somerset West

Hottentots-Holland’s next production, Robin Hood, a co-production between the HHDS and KADS, is in rehearsal and opens on 13 November. It was written by and will feature 48 young students from the KADS Drama School. This production will delight younger Patrons, both in age and spirit.

It is directed by Kelly Prior.

Bookings open 02 November on 021 852 5182

Audition Notices

So that we can all take part in the fun!

Auditions for all-male “Nunsense”

Award-winning director Teddy Davies will stage the South African premiere of “Nunsense A-Men” for Festival Productions at the Artscape Arena in May 2010. Now with an all-male cast, the world’s funniest international hit musical “Nunsense”, has just got funnier. The New York Times has described the show as “A hail of fun and frolic!  Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical anything-goes sense of fun!”

See attached audition notice

Educating Rita

The Milnerton Players are having auditions for their March production, Educating Rita, will take place at the Playhouse on Sunday 29 November at 14.00. See attached audition notice for details. This wonderful two-hander, to be directed by Yvonne Copley, offers two challenging roles portraying the light-hearted verbal battle between the University English tutor, who needs cash to support his drinking problem, and his first Open University student, a hairdresser with little formal education but a whole lot of ‘life’ wisdom.

‘Allo ‘Allo

The HHDS is looking for 13 parts both male and female actors & actresses for the hit British

comedy ‘ALLO ‘ALLO. The show is set in occupied France during World War II. Backstage

crew are required who will also double up and appear on stage to play small roles. (See attached)

Roles at the theatre

Most of us will be aware that there many many roles to play in a stage production – which all work hand in hand to make it a success. And by these “roles” I don’t only refer to the acting roles – but all the under-sung heroes without whom it would not be possible to stage a production.

These are some of the crucial players:

Actors – to learn lines and portray that which the director and writer hope to show

Director – to bring it all together

Stage Manager – to hold it all together back stage

Lighting – to throw the right light on it all

Sound – to make sure we are audibly entertained without squeeks

Props – to make realistic looking non-alcoholic whiskey for stage, and to make sure that items are in the right place at the right time

Make-up – to ensure we all look our best on stage

Costumes – to make sure we have something appropriate to wear

Set design – to create that realistic setting on the empty stage

Set construction – to bring that design to life

Backstage – to make sure everything is moved as and when it should be. And you get to wear black!

Front of House – to make sure that our patrons have tickets, open doors and a friendly smile when they arrive and depart

We’re always looking for members to take part in all of the above. There are often opportunities to learn from our cumulative experience – and enough members willing to teach it. So when you want to try something new, or when you don’t get that acting role – it’s just as much fun behind the scene – and just as important!

If anyone would like to submit a story of their own about their experience in one of more of the above roles – to show what it’s like – please feel free to send it to me for inclusion in a future issue of the Chat.

Masque Theatre Club update

Many of us are Masque Theatre Club members as well, and we have been asked to let you know of this update:

Terms and conditions of membership in the
Masque Theatre Club have changed.

Membership now runs concurrent with a calendar year, i.e. from 01 January (or whenever during a year one joins) to 31 December.
Membership fees for the year (or part thereof) are R50/person.
Members receive quarterly programmes,
notice of shows by post or e-mail and also discounted tickets.

Application forms available in the foyer,

from the Theatre Club secretary birga Thomas (birgatom@iafrica.com)

or from the Masque Theatre marketing office, tel. 021–788 7911

And so we enter the month of November – may it be smooth and as stress-free as possible for you all J 

2009 INTER-SOCIETY THEATRE QUIZ

2009 Event – Hosted by Claremont Dramatic Society

Fellow Thespians,

The much anticipated Annual Inter-Society Theatre Quiz, hotly contested by erudite members of our various Dramatic Societies, is fast approaching.

Below are some essential details that we’d like you to pass onto your members:

Date:	22nd November 2009
Place:	Masque Theatre, Muizenberg
Time:	6:30pm for 7:00pm
Snacks:	Light Finger Snacks
Cost Per Person:	R20.00

Please confirm your Society’s participation in this year’s event as well as anticipated number of members attending to assist us with catering estimates.

RSVP directly to Theatre Quiz team convener – Adrian Kettle on adriankettle@telkomsa.net with your team names and numbers.

 

(André will not be in the country from 05 November until 22 November, so will not be able to assist with queries – please direct these to the committee)

Big news for next year!!!

 

We are excited to announce the 2010 year-end production. As mentioned in our September Chat, the collaboration with Pinelands has been confirmed and the joint steering committee has selected Gigi to be directed by Clifford Graham.

 

This stage play version will be blended with the musical libretto to create a suitable presentation at the Masque.

 

Open auditions are expected to be held in May next year to fill the 8 main roles and a dozen dancers and chorus. A stunning set design has been proposed based on the recent Regent’s Park production starring Topol.

 

Uniquely, this show runs the first three weeks of December and should attract bumper crowds. 

Auditions for all-male “Nunsense”

Award-winning director Teddy Davies will stage the South African premiere of “Nunsense A-Men” for Festival Productions at the Artscape Arena in May 2010. Now with an all-male cast, the world’s funniest international hit musical “Nunsense”, has just got funnier. The New York Times has described the show as “A hail of fun and frolic!  Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical anything-goes sense of fun!”

An all-male cast play the now famous roles of the five deliciously Wacky nuns:

Sister Mary Regina, Mother Superior  – a feisty Sophie Tucker-type who can’t resist the spotlight;

Sister Mary Hubert, Mistress of Novices – the second in command, she is always competing with the Mother Superior;

Sister Robert Anne – A streetwise tough character from Brooklyn. A constant source of aggravation for the Mother Superior;

Sister Mary Amnesia – a very sweet nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head and

Sister Mary Leo – the novice, who entered the convent with a firm desire to become the first nun ballerina.

All the men must have good singing voices and sense of comedy.

Musical direction is by Victor Tichart with choreography by Kyla Thorburn.

The set design is by David Davidson (of Chelsea Flower Show fame) and costume and lighting designs by Heather Earp-Jones and Gary Fargher respectively who complete the award-winning artistic team.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday 4 November at 7.30pm with recalls on Sunday 15 November at 2.00pm and will be held in Rehearsal Room 308

Artscape Theatre Centre (entrance via Stage Door) Men who wish to audition are requested to phone Pat McDonald 021 531 8261 to book a time slot. For further information phone Teddy 083 396 3132.

AUDITION NOTICE

 

for

EDUCATING RITA

by Willy Russell

DIRECTION: YVONNE COPLEY

PRODUCTION DATES: 19^TH TO 27^TH March 2010

AUDITION DATE: 29^th NOVEMBER 2009

PLACE:  MILNERTON PLAYHOUSE

TIME: 14H00

CHARACTERS:

FRANK – a cranky university English tutor.

Disillusioned and a drunk, who seeks refuge in the bottles of whisky he hides behind his books.

RITA – a young hairdresser from the north of England with little formal education. Forthright and sassy.

As there is a considerable age difference between the two, Yvonne will therefore be casting the right “match” between the two characters, but at this stage is not prescriptive.

Further information – Yvonne 083 441 9937

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Hottentots-Holland

AUDITIONS for hit British comedy ‘ALLO ‘ALLO

 

The HHDS is looking for 13 parts both male and female actors & actresses for the hit British comedy ‘ALLO ‘ALLO. The show is set in occupied France during World War II. Backstage crew are required who will also double up and appear on stage to play small roles.

Audition date: Sunday 1 November 2009

Time: 7 for 7.30pm

Where: The Playhouse Theatre, Lourensford Road, Somerset West

This production will go into rehearsal immediately and will be presented to the public in February 2010.

For more information call Lindsay on 076 3148 968 or Ann 082 678 9077 or email info@hhds.org