CLAREMONT CHAT
Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
P O BOX 37569, VALYLAND, 7978
Tel 021 785 2466 (h) 083 301 0808 (c)
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www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com
No 78 JANUARY 2009
Hi Folks
2008 was a sad year for amateur dramatics; G&S mourned the loss of Richard Sharland in mid year, and Claremont the passing of Christine Dickenson in November and Jill Cooke on 31st December. Jill’s memorial service took place in St Thomas’ Church, Rondebosch. It was attended by a large and representative crowd from across the amdram world. Loving tributes from family, neighbours and friends attested to the enormous influence Jill had on so many lives. I always found her kind and helpful, and prepared to assist me with the odd pieces of wood that I presented for cutting and shaping: her attention to precision cutting on her circular saw was a lesson in craftsmanship – nothing left to chance; precision to the millimetre. I have a pair of jeans, one of those abominations beloved of ‘designers’, with ‘yards’ of material dragging on the ground. In sheer desperation I asked her to shorten the legs which she did, again with precision and skill. I think I have the smartest pair of jeans in all the known world! As we know, the sets and flats she built for the Masque show a mark of genius, and the days of hit and miss set construction, followed by unscriptural language, are, mercifully, a thing of the past. May she rest in peace.
And a few words from Lieske:
If you were at the beautiful memorial service for JILL COOKE on Friday 16 January at St Thomas in Rondebosch, you will have learned a great deal about a very special person, who strived for perfection in everything she did. . Acting, directing, expert designing and making of costumes and props, imaginative set design and execution, décor and ingenious backstage facilities – she practised and shared her theatrical crafts and taught many others in the process. Her wide general knowledge of the theatre made her a valuable member of any quiz team, but more important, a natural mentor to many. When you got to know Jill, you could not do other than love and admire her. She lived life to the full, maybe not always wisely, but oh so well. We will remember her with much love and gratitude.
PAST PRODUCTIONS
“The Breath of Life” by David Hare, written for Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith, marked the opening of The Masque’s Golden Jubilee year, and the twelfth since the disastrous fire. To quote from Director Sue Bolton’s programme notes, Su Cunningham and Yvonne Copley took on these huge parts with panache and sensitivity. Their performances delighted the large audience. Champagne and snacks rounded off an evening to remember.
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
Brenda Gray’s production of ‘Old Wicked Songs’ has been invited to the Artscape Arena from 8 to 16 May. Diarise these dates now – don’t miss this chance to see this superb show if you didn’t catch it first time round.
CLAREMONT DRAMATIC SOCIETY’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The most important event of our Society’s calendar is upon us. Our AGM takes place on Tuesday 17 February 2009 at Kelvin Grove in the Palmyra Room at 19h00 for 19h30. Tickets cost R75 which includes a very scrumptious dinner at one of the most exclusive venues in the Cape. Please note that nominees do not receive complimentary tickets, as the evening is already being partly subsidised by the Society. Please see the attached Agenda for more details. It is vital that as many members as possible attend. RSVP to Pam Burger before 9 February 2009 to confirm your attendance (pamb@masterparts.com or 021 696 5959 a/h) not only for catering purposes but also to ensure that we have a quorum. Even if you are unable to join us, please send Pam your apologies.
Now without further hesitation, let’s deal with the exciting stuff! As you know, 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 2008. So, drum roll please, here are this year’s nominees, with categories purposely omitted:
Jane de Sousa, Richard Farmer, Brian de Kock, Trista Gamble, Nava Sarracino, James Skilton, Brenda Gray, Wendy Goddard, Yvonne Copley, Jo Darby
Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you all on the night. Good Luck!
But wait, there’s more! We introduced new awards last year, called The Members’ Choice Awards. 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 2008 plays and performers, so that you can start thinking about it now…
PLAY: UNORIGINAL SIN
ACTORS: Simon Dutton, Luke Gillott, James Skilton, André Thomas
ACTRESSES: Jane de Sousa, Jo Darby
PLAY: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK
ACTORS: Richard Farmer, Philip Gordon, Gary Green, Walter Hodges
ACTRESSES: Trista Gamble, Nava Sarracino
PLAY OLD WICKED SONGS
ACTORS: Brian de Kock, Roland Perold
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.
2008 CAPE AMATEUR THEATRE AWARDS
If you haven’t seen coveted list via email, here are the nominations for 2008:
BEST PLAY, BEST MUSICAL, MOST ADVENTUROUS PRODUCTION, BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY, BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL:
Sorrows and Rejoicings directed by Mari Mocke (Milnerton Players)
Witness for the Prosecution directed by Brenda Gray (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Barefoot in the Park directed by Wendy Goddard (Claremont Dramatic Society)
The Rainmaker directed by Sue Bolton – (Constantiaberg Players)
Old Wicked Songs directed by Brenda Gray (Claremont Dramatic Society)
All You Need is Love directed by Coleen van Staden and Celia Musikanth (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Show Stoppers Encore directed by Giles Scott and Shiraz (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Cabaret directed by Teddy Davies (Festival Productions)
The Wizard of Oz directed by Clifford Graham (Pinelands Players)
BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL
Willie Sass – Sorrows and Rejoicings (Milnerton Players)
Dennis Cunningham – Three the Hard Way (Milnerton Players)
Dennis Benneyworth – Witness for the Prosecution (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
James Skilton – Hotel Paradiso (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Brian de Kock – Old Wicked Songs (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Brian Winter – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Darren Telford – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Jeremy Quickfall – Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp (Milnerton Players)
Greg Tinney – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
David Bolton – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL
Jane de Sousa – Unoriginal Sin (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Jo Darby – Unoriginal Sin (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Sharon Wood – Three The Hard Way ( Milnerton Players)
Trista Gamble – Witness for the Prosecution ( Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Denise Dubber – The Rainmaker (Constantiaberg Players)
Julie Summers – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Ami-Rose Barber – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
Christine Thonissen – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
Shirley Sutherland – My Fair Lady (C.T Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL
John McConnell – Anne of the Thousand Days (Fish Hoek Dramatic Society)
Richard Farmer – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Deryck Broom – The Rainmaker (Constantiaberg Players)
Tobie Beale – Hotel Paradiso (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Graham Boxall – My Fair Lady (C.T Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Michael Harris – My Fair Lady (C.T.Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A PLAY OR MUSICAL
Megan Landry-LeRiche – Last of the Red Hot Lovers (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Phoebe Snayer – Sorrows and Rejoicings (Milnerton Players)
Trista Gamble – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Trish Sutton – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Ruth Allsopp – My Fair Lady (C.T.Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Nichol Nefdt – Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp (Milnerton Players)
Laura Bosman – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
Roche Haupt – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
Luella Holland – Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp (Milnerton Players)
CAMEO PERFORMANCE
Lisa Stallianou – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Robin Rattle – Witness for the Prosecution (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Gary Green – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
Yvonne Pedretti – Last of the Red Hot Lovers (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Elton Jansen – All you Need is Love (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
Philip Gordon – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Gary Green – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Selwyn Epstein – Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp (Milnerton Players)
BEST SET
Nigel Sweet – Unoriginal Sin (Claremont Dramatic Society)
David Davidson – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Wendy Goddard – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Cecil Jakins and Debbie Bently-Buckle – The Rainmaker (Constantiaberg Players)
Tobie Beale – Hotel Paradiso (Muizenberg Dramatic Society)
David Davidson – Old Wicked Songs (Claremont Dramatic Society)
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AND ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTION
Cecil Jakins – Costumes – Anne of the Thousand Days (Fish Hoek Dramatic Society)
Roland Sweet – Soundtrack Mix – Unoriginal Sin (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Amanda Peacefull – Choreography – Show Stoppers Encore (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Isabelle Weyer – Costumes – Show Stoppers Encore (Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society)
Gary Fargher – Lighting – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Chris Smith/Grant Faiers – Sound – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Roxy Levy – Choreography – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Heather Earp-Jones – Costumes – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Brett Radloff – Lighting – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Kyla Thorburn – Choreography – My Fair Lady (C.T. Gilbert & Sullivan Society)
Gary Fargher – Sound/Lighting/Effects – Old Wicked Songs (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Gillian Hollander – Costumes – Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp (Milnerton Players)
Mandrie Haupt/Karin Matthee/Jan Barber – Costumes – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
Roxy Levy – Choreography – The Wizard of Oz (Pineland Players)
Jan Barber / Guilma Stander- Make Up/Hair – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
There will also be a number of Certificates of Merit awarded on the night.
Congratulations to you all! Every single one of you deserves the recognition you have received. And not only that, with Claremont Dramatic Society receiving 16 nominations in all 9 categories for all three of our 2008 productions, it’s an enormous pat on the back for our society and its marvellous volunteers (that’s you, guys!) and says a lot about our standards.
SO YOU WANNA BE IN THE MOVIES?
Anyone interested in acting in film?
Magda Zukowski has met a director who is constantly searching for actors to star in her short films. Great Exposure. Zero Budget! (Well, most of the time). So if you are looking to try something different, and give on screen acting a go, send Magda your spheel, photo… to magda.zukowski@gmail.com
THEATRE DIARY
29 – 31 Jan: Masque Theatre. Fire and Grace. Flamenco guitarist Saudiq Khan is joined by Robert Davids, André Web and Maria Cortes. Normal times (Note: no matinee) Bookings: 021 788 1898
4 – 14 Feb: Masque Theatre. Georges Bizet’s Carmen, directed by Teddy Davies, conducted by Victor Tichart. Bookings: 021 788 1898.
17 Feb: Kelvin Grove: CDS AGM. 7pm. Bookings: Pam Burger pamb@masterparts.com or 021 696 5959 a/h
19 – 21 Feb: Masque Theatre. La Sylphide. Cape Town City Ballet. Normal times. Bookings: 021 788 1898
6 – 14 March: Masque Theatre. Athol Fugard’s Hello and Goodbye. Directed by birga Thomas for MVDS. Normal times and prices. Bookings: 021 788 1898
9 March: Masque Theatre. CATA Awards evening. Bookings: 021 788 1898
Cheers,
Adrian
P.S. A spectacles case was left at St Thomas’s at Jill’s memorial service. They were found on the pew behind the organ. If they are yours, please let Wendy know and she will make a plan to get them back to you.
