NEWSLETTER OF THE CAPE TOWN GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY
VOLUME 16 – ISSUE 3 – MAY / JUNE 2009
Hi Folks,
CONDOLENCES
I am sorry to have to tell you that John Badminton passed away on 7th March. He was our Musical Director for The Mikado (1973) and for Trial By Jury, HMS Pinafore and Yeomen Of The Guard, all in 1974.
We have heard that David Davidson’s mother has also passed away. Our condolences on his sad loss.
GET WELL SOON!
Margaret Cockburn is recuperating at home after surgery. Audrey Robinson, our EXCO Chairperson, has been to see her and the Society has sent flowers. We hope to see Margaret in action soon!
CATA AWARDS 2008
The annual Cape Town Amateur Awards took place at the Masque Theatre on Monday, 09 March. We are proud to say that G&S received two awards as well as a Merit Award!
Congratulations to Graham Boxall and Kyla Thorburn for respectively receiving the following awards for our 2008 production of “My Fair Lady”:
Graham Boxall: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his portrayal of Alfred Doolittle.
Kyla Thorburn: Artistic Contribution for the Choreography in this production.
The G&S Chorus in “My Fair Lady” received a Merit Award.
Other winners near and dear to the Society were:
Best Musical as well as Best Director of a Musical: Cabaret directed by Teddy Davies (Festival Productions)
Best Actress in a Musical: Ami-Rose Barber – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
Cameo Performance: Lisa Stallianou – Cabaret (Festival Productions)
Best Set: Wendy Goddard – Barefoot in the Park (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Merit Awards: Guilma Stander (together with Jan Barber) – Make Up/Hair – The Wizard of Oz (Pinelands Players)
WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND US?
AUDITIONS FOR PINELANDS PLAYERS’ ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ – 10 MAY
This coming Sunday, 10 May, Pinelands Players are auditioning for their end-of-year production. This Pantomime is loosely based on ‘A Christmas Carol’ written by Charles Dickens. It is being directed by Kyla Boxall. Production dates: 4 – 19 December 2009 and will be staged at the Little Theatre in Cape Town.
For more information, visit their website at www.pinelandsplayers.co.za. Chorus and Principals need to prepare for the audition, so make sure you know what they would like to hear.
For audition bookings, please call Tina Gough on 082 771 9644.
OLD WICKED SONGS GOES TO ARTSCAPE – 8 – 16 MAY
The recently acclaimed production at the Masque Theatre of Jon Marans’ play “Old Wicked Songs” has been invited to the Artscape Arena.
Quotes from the reviews:
“Of the various productions I have enjoyed attending this year, this must be among the finest. Brenda Gray dedicates her production of Old Wicked Songs to all music teachers, past and present. I would further this dedication by endorsing that anyone who is in the process of learning or instructing any aspect of the performing arts, who has instructed or who has been
instructed therein, endeavour earnestly to view this production of Old Wicked Song.”(John Caviggia – FMR)
“ ‘n ‘Juweelopvoering’ (a gem of a production). In the old days the book illustrations of Katrine Harries were the hallmark of prime Afrikaans literature. In the same way, the name of Brenda Gray guarantees excellent artistic theatre.” (Danie Botha)
“In this remarkable play every facet of the performing arts is consummately interpreted and integrated into a glorious whole.” (Lieske Bester)
Nominated as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1996, this is a striking and vivid play in which music has a pivotal role. An elderly Viennese professor is giving a series of singing lessons to an American piano prodigy, teaching him Scumann’s Dichterliebe to re-ignite the young man’s passion for his art. We gain insights into the process of mentorship and inspiration. The play becomes a reflection on the power of the arts to effect change in the hearts and lives of people.
The two characters are played by award-winning veteran actor Brian de Kock and newcomer Roland Perold. Musical direction is by the accomplished Victor Tichart.
For Bookings, contact Computicket or Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021- 421 7695
OLD WICKED SONGS by Jon Marans: ARENA May 8 – 16th @ 20:15
Saturdays @ 14:30 and @20:15 – Price: R65
Pensioners & students R45 per ticket.
Block bookings 10% discount for groups of 10 or more / Schools R35 per ticket
ALI’S ART AUCTION – 24 MAY
Alison King is auctioning a selection of her artwork which includes pastels, oils and watercolours. Refreshments will be served.
When? Sunday, 24 May
Where? 2 Russel Close, Constantia.
What Time? Preview 3pm Auction: 4pm
RSVP? Kim – 083 355 7050
HMS PINAFORE – THE MUSICAL
Rehearsals will start at the end of May! To all involved, have fun, and we are looking forward to track the progress of this new G&S production.
The Society extends birthday greetings to all members who have celebrated this happy event!
Cheers
Adrian
