Gaslight – September 2009

GASLIGHT

NEWSLETTER OF THE CAPE TOWN GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY

VOLUME 16 – ISSUE 4 – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2009

Ahoy!

Very appropriate as HMS Pinafore gets ready to sail! Alexander Graham Bell favoured that as the word to answer the telephone; it was not too well received and ‘Hello” became the English language introduction – telephonistes were known as “Hello Girls!”

HMS PINAFORE – THE MUSICAL

18 SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER

The Artscape Theatre, Cape Town

With the theme of the show being set in the 1950’s our young and energetic cast will be taking you back to an era characterised by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.  “The story takes place aboard the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore.  The captain’s daughter, Josephine [Sian Attebury], is in love with a lower-class sailor, Ralph Rackstraw [Ferdi Oosthuizen], although her father intends her to marry Sir Joseph Porter [David Bolton], the First Lord of the Admiralty. She abides by her father’s wishes at first, but Sir Joseph’s advocacy of the equality of humankind encourages Ralph and Josephine to overturn conventional social order. They declare their love for each other and eventually plan to elope. Her father, the captain [Riaan Hunter], discovers this plan, but, as in many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, a surprise disclosure changes things dramatically near the end of the story.”

(Summary courtesy of Wikipedia)

Get R10 off the normal ticket price by purchasing your ticket through our preferential cast ticket sales!

 

Feel free to contact Lance Kotze should you wish to purchase preferential tickets or have any other queries regarding this show. lance.kotze@gmail.com / 082 770 7782 /

www.gilbertandsullivan.co.za/vbo.html

Alternatively, you can book your tickets though Computicket (083 915 8000) or log onto

http://www.computicket.com/web/event/h_m_s_pinafore/18909635 / 083 915 8000

WHAT IS HAPPENING BEHIND THE SCENES?

Raymond Rudolph lets us in on a few secrets… (Thanks, Raymond!

Reflections on ‘HMS Pinafore’ Rehearsals

 

) – From ‘Unseemly Sound Malaise’ to ‘Dreamy Sound Amaze’ –

Since mid-May 2009, the boards of the Congregational Church in Pinelands have been resounding with the muscular sounds of stamping feet, curling lips & flashing eyes, and the dainty sounds of gaily-tripping feet & lightly-skipping legs, oftentimes simultaneously.

Under Alastair’s patient musical direction, the initial ‘Unseemly Sound Malaise” has been transformed into something almost slightly harmonious. Helen has provided the necessary musical accompaniment, always so obligingly and with impressive technical consistency.

Kyla has managed, despite obstacles like fifteen sets of two left feet, to instill some sort of artistically logical pattern to the movements. Heather and Gary, have managed, totally

obtrusively, to pull the performers off the floor at various critical times, for measurement & fittings… (a necessary evil, I guess?) All the while, Teddy’s eagle eye has carefully observed the whole process, interjecting where necessary, amending the tempo or lyrics or dialogue (or ALL THREE) while surprisingly always (… well, except for once) maintaining a remarkably calm & controlled outward demeanour.

It seems only right that each of these folk be accorded the honour of his/her own Pinafore song:

MUSICAL DIRECTOR:

(Alastair Cockburn)

When Alastair was a lad he took on the job

Of harmonising this naughtycal mob.

His energetic wrist ..

is not so easy to resist.

And he himself has not said it ….

… and it’s greatly to his credit,

That he IS a Gentle-man.

YES, he is a Ge-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-entle-man !

CHOREOGRAPHER:

(Kyla Thorburn)

When Kyla was a lass she took a chance

at teaching this bunch to try to dance.

With a step .. cross .. heel-toe .. here,

A cross .. step .. heel-toe .. there.

Here a step – click; there a step – click;

Every-where a step – click ….

Old Macdonald’s farm had NOTHING on this ..

Ee-eye .. ee-eye … oh-ver the Bright Blue

Sea-ea !

COSTUMIER:

(Heather Earp-Jones)

When Heather was a lass she served a spell

as Pinafore’s costumier from hell.

The sailors’ measurements were written in a book,

…

.. at which the tailor CLEARLY took no look.

We KNOW the trousers are supposed to be slinky,

But the zips won’t close on even the TINIEST

winky!

ACCOMPANIST:

(Helen Broekmann)

When Helen was a lass she wanted something

more,

So she became accompanist for Pinafore.

She’s an over-achiever & a consummate Diva,

And when she’s finished playing, we don’t WANT

to leave-er.

The OTHER night she was a REAL hit …

Played a wrong note and cried out “Oh SH%T!!”

DIRECTOR (“TD”):

(Teddy Davies)

TD: My gallant cast, Good Morning

Chorus: Teddy, good morning.

TD: I hope you’re all quite well.

Chorus: Quite well. And you, Ted?

TD: I’m in reasonable health, and happy to direct you once again.

Chorus: You do us proud, Ted.

TD: (singing) I am the Director of the Pinafore ..

Chorus: (singing) … and a right good Director too.

.. he’s very, very, good and be it understood .. he directs us very good too !

For in spite of much consternation, He shows no sign of irritation

And he’s only had ONE tantrum. YES, he too is a Ge-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-entle-man !

 

2010 G&S PRODUCTION

The Cape Town Gilbert & Sullivan Society is proud to announce that its 2010 production will be the popular Meehan/Strouse/Charnin musical, “Annie”, to be staged in the Artscape Theatre during September and October. Direction is by Kyla Thorburn, with musical direction by Alastair Cockburn and General Management by Adrian van Stolk.

“Annie”, which is based on the famous US comic strip,”Little Orphan Annie” was one of the biggest Broadway hit musicals of the 1970’s.

The story, set in 1933, concerns the 11-year old Annie, who is in an orphanage presided over by Miss Hannigan, who keeps the little girl orphans in line by bullying and threatening (“It’s the Hard-Knock Life”). Annie decides to escape to find her parents, running into a friendly dog, Sandy (“Tomorrow”) and the people made homeless because of the Great Depression (“We’d Like To Thank You, Herbert Hoover”). However, she is returned to the orphanage. Her luck changes when Grace Farrell, assistant to Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks” picks her to live in the millionaire’s palatial home over Christmas (“I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here”). Warbucks wants to adopt her, but Annie insists that her parents will come for her. Assisted by President and Mrs Roosevelt, Warbucks offers a reward for the parents (“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile”). Miss Hannigan, her brother, Rooster, and his ditzy girlfriend, Lily, pretend to be Annie’s parents so that they can collect the reward (“Easy Street”). When they are found out and arrested, and it transpires that Annie’s parents have died, Warbucks and Annie become a family (“I Don’t Need Anything But You”).

This musical gives plenty of opportunity for the members of the large chorus to sing in the well-known choruses, and also to play the different cameo roles of all ages, for example Mr Bundles the laundry man, a policeman, Bert Healy the radio announcer, members of Roosevelt’s cabinet, the “doo-wah” Boylan sisters and many more.

Auditions will be held in early 2010.

SOMETHING THAT MIGHT INTEREST YOU…

THE CAPE TOWN SCHOOL OF SONGWRITING (

www.songwriters.co.za)

…is the brainchild of Clive Ridgway, Program Director for Kfm 94.5 from 1999 to 2007, leader of legendary country-rock band Rocking Horse and author of the book “Crack the Songwriting Code.”

The next 8 week / 8 module Songwriting Course starts on

The course culminates with a Demo Recording, Certificate Presentation & End-of-Course Party.

Course Fee – R1 950 (terms available) includes a copy of Clive’s book “Crack the Songwriter Code”, a Workbook, Refreshments as well as a Demo Recording.

Chenara Fenton recently attended this course and had the following to say about her experience: “I had a wonderful time over the 8 weeks, and found the song-writing process challenging, but so worth it! At the end of the course, we recorded a song which we had written in collaboration with another student from the course.

My song is a bit corny, but it has a catchy tune and being in studio was wonderful. I made some great new friends would highly recommend the course for any aspiring song-writer!

Monday, 12 October @ 7 pm.

Bookings: Clive – 082 3194500 / Elaine – 082 777 3133 / clive@songwriters.co.za

DANCE SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS with SAIM

The South African Improvisation Meeting (SAIM) invites you to join them from

The SAIM, an initiative by Jori Snell (Baba Yaga Theatre), in collaboration with UCT – School of Dance, Stellenbosch Drama Department and Illinois University, provides a unique opportunity to learn from artists: Kirstie Simson (Chicago) and Bo Madvig (Denmark).

Both of them are directly associated with Contact provisation- and Improvisation pioneers like Steve Paxton and Julyen Hamilton.

“This series of workshops, master classes, discussions and jamming during SAIM will be a reconnecting, evolving experience for all who join” says joint partner, Gerard Samuel of UCT, School of Dance.

The classes will be open to all level participants and be built on very simple physical principles allowing students to explore their experience of moving and to understand their own

bodies more profoundly. Contact Improvisation and Improvisation are ways for dancers to rediscover the authentic joy of movement. It develops a “readiness” in the body for the unexpected and therefore has both technical and choreographic uses. For a performer the study of improvisation is the most exquisite way of becoming present and learning to adapt creatively to any situation.

For more information on the programme or should you wish to attend this event, contact Jori Snell on 076 0205772 or email her at

 

22 September – 02 October to be part of a meeting between some of the leading international exponents of Contact Improvisation as a dance practice, and Cape Town dancers, movers, teachers & performers.babayagatheatre@gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations go to Gwen Sharland who has become grandmother to Benjamin Richard Sharland!

GOODBYE

Dr Rowena McKenzie is going to live in London. Our good wishes go with her. One hopes that email will keep her informed, and that we will have news from her, from time to time.

GONDOLIERA

Venice has been rocked to its watery foundations by the news that the first female ‘gondoliera’ has joined an almost feudally run fraternity (frasority/sorfranity?) The testosterone-laden gondoliers grumble that she is too big for her britches and she has been warned to reign in her new-found celebrity or risk being expelled! Her father feels she needs a bit more muscle as the boats weigh more than half a ton and seat more than a dozen passengers. She agrees it’s physically taxing, ‘but try childbirth.’ (LA Times / Cape Argus,18 August 2009)

It’s time for us to raise the anchor, say “Bon Voyage” and we’ll see you at HMS Pinafore –

The Musical!!

Cheers

Adrian

More Claremont Chat – September 2009

Hello again all,

 Now that I can type again after being rapped over the knuckles for leaving it out of the newsletter, I want to remind you about the Claremont Dramatic Society’s next Members Evening.

 

I could say I left it out on purpose so that a separate e-mail about this event would be more noticeable, but that would be lying.

 

This time around we have a movie evening planned and we’ll be showing two short films, one of which most of you will know, and another that may be new to some of you.

 

One if the timeless classic “Dinner for One” (or “Der 90. Geburtstag”) – which doesn’t need any introduction. I’m already smiling at the thought of seeing this one again, it’s certainly an all-time favourite of mine.

 

The other movie is called “The Plank” –

 

The Plank is a popular 1967 British slapstick comedy short film. It follows the misadventures of two builders who require a floorboard. It was written and directed by Eric Sykes, and produced by Jon Pennington. The story was based on a comedy sketch called “Sykes and a Plank”, which was written by Eric Sykes for his comedy television series Sykes.

Although not technically a silent film it is unusual in having little spoken dialogue; instead the film is punctuated by grunts, other vocal noises and sound effects.

Two builders buy a floorboard for a house they are building. They return to the house with the plank on top of a battered car, but the journey is fraught with unexpected difficulties.

The film is a series of “plank jokes” elaborating on the “man with a plank” slapstick routine seen in vaudeville and silent films, and adding new ones. For instance, at one point the plank is tied to the top of the car and projects backward into the open back of a large van. A man enters the back of the van and sits down. The van drives away, leaving him suspended in mid-air sitting on the end of the plank.

It stars Eric Sykes & Tommy Cooper

 

This evening should be in your diary already – but please check again – on Friday 23 October 2009, from 19h30.

 

Have a great week everyone,

André

Fish Hoek Newsletter – September 2009

Hi everyone
First off I apologise for the lateness of this issue. I know Angela, our secretary, has kept everyone updated with the notices of the current production in my absence in India.
I write on a date etched in the collective memory of the modern world – September 11, 2009. On this day the World Trade Centre and its occupants were victim to terrorist action which claimed thousands of lives. The
horror of that day will surely live forever in the minds of those of us who were party to the media reports. So many lives cut short, so many heroes who gave their lives in service of others – we saw how indomitable the
human spirit can be in times of extremity. Let’s give a thought and a prayer to the victims and their families and for a sustainable path to world peace.

But onto lighter matters now!

Several members of the Committee saw Angela Lee Wright’s play “The Haunting of Hill House” in rehearsal last night and we’d like to give you all a taste of what is to come. To say we were riveted to our seats by superb
performances, is no exaggeration. Angela has drawn fine performances from the cast and must be
congratulated. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which she tackled this, her directorial debut at the Masque. The only snippet of cast information that I’m going to give away is that finally Jane Philbrick makes it back to the stage! So for most of us, that already makes it a must see! However, I noticed last night, old habits die hard. Neatly parked in the Stage Manager’s bay was Jane’s car! So hopefully the lure of the lights will not be too strong! Cecil Jakins has even exceeded the complexity and ingenuity of his last set. You will be amazed at what can be achieved on the Masque stage. And, as to the plot – come and see for yourself, you will be sucked right in to the atmosphere created by the principle character of the play!

Good news is that Zack Hartley, whom most of you will remember for his wonderful singing in “Beautiful Noise”, has joined the committee to fill the place vacated by Cecil Jakins, who has moved up the line. Zack and Angela Burgess will be championing the music side of FHDS and we will keep you posted in that regard. We are
intending to put on a show to go to Old Age Homes and Hospitals. This will be in the next news letter with dates of auditions, description of genres of music, etc

EXCITING PRODUCTION—FRINGE PEOPLE.

False Bay Hospital would like to follow the successful example set by Groot Schuur Hospitl whereby H.I.V.
people can be employed to do beadwork which will be sold on the overseas market. This POSITIVE
BEADWORK project, needs funds to buy equipment to get it up and running, which can be done by buying a ticket to see a delightful South African play – set in the NEW South Africa -calledFRINGE PEOPLE. The play is staged by a talented cast from the OFF ROAD PLAYERS and directed by Sue Bolton . The Author is Ralph Kelly who also wrote MURDER IN THE COMMON ROOM , which was staged at the Masque Theatre last year to full houses. By seeing this play you will not only be helping to alleviate unemployment , but you are guaranteed a delightful romp with South African characters you will all identify with, as well as having a good few belly laughs as well.! Hope to see you there !

PRODUCTION DATE 10 OCTOBER 2009
VENUE Paul Greyling School Sunray Rd. Fish Hoek
Mattinee 2.30 PM Evening 6.30 PM

Tickets available at A P Jones Dept. Store and Fish Hoek Methodist church .First ave, Fish Hoek . Price R 35.00 per ticket.

Please turn out to support Sue Bolton who has been a member of FHDS for many years and contributed greatly to our Society. It is time to repay the kindness by all booking to raise funds for this excellent cause in the heart of Fish Hoek, our “homeland”.

That’s the news for now, but the next newsletter will be hot on this one’s heels as we are entering a period of
excitement and growth!

Best wishes

Margi on behalf of FHDS Committee

YOUR COMMITTEE ;

Margi Blewett – Chair – 021-7884664 / 083 628 6295 / MargiB@zoomadvertising.co.za
Helen Mathers – Vice Chair
Aubrey Hindle – Treasurer
Angela Burgess – Secretary
Jane Philbrick
Alistair Duff
Heather Gibbons
John Blewett
Zack Hartley

Claremont Chat – September 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

September 2009 – Number 82

---

 

Welcome to the latest edition of the Claremont Chat. I hope you’re all getting ready for spring, if it is indeed ready to spring on us sometime soon!

 

I have taken over the editorship of the monthly newsletter – and want to give Simon Dutton a big Thank You for taking care of it the last few months.

 

It is of course a newsletter for and of the members of the Claremont Dramatic Society, and as such I would like to encourage you to comment on anything you like or dislike, and to submit content or interesting information for inclusion in future editions. So that, like a true chat, it can be a two-way experience.

 

Blowing our own trumpet

 

First off, a little brag: During the Masque cleanup, we realised that the backstage vacuum cleaner for the Masque is hopelessly inadequate. Simon suggested that CDS should donate a replacement, which we have subsequently done. We’ve already had feedback that it has been much appreciated!

 

 

The Big News of the Month

 

Claremont Dramatic Society and Pinelands Players have joined forces and will be collaborating on a joint production at the Masque Theatre in December of 2010.

This idea goes back to discussions held between their respective chairpersons, Simon Sutton (CDS) and Clifford Graham (Pinelands), last year, when Pinelands had had to rethink their planning for 2010, due to the proposed refurbishment of The Little Theatre on UCT’s Hiddingh Campus in the Gardens.  Pinelands have long been resident at this historic venue and have come to regard it as their home. “It’s hard to think that we won’t be staging a production at The Little Theatre next year” says Clifford Graham. “However that does give us an opportunity to spread our wings during 2010 and this collaboration will not only cement an already good relationship with CDS, but also give us an opportunity to explore another creative space”

Pinelands brings a wealth of musical know-how to the table; CDS a solid track record for straight plays so, while this is sure to provide a challenge to both societies, their combined expertise is bound to produce spectacular results.

 

To this end, the joint steering committee is calling for prospective directors, confident of delivering a production of a high standard in a challenging space, to put forward innovative proposals. Submissions should be in by 30th September, 2009 and interested persons are invited to contact Clifford Graham at clifford@mondaymissile.co.za or 083 948 9115 for more details.

 

 

Member Missives

Jane Baard has left SA for nine months travelling in Africa in a 4×4 and she can be tracked on www.dizzydoesafrica.com

 

We are proud to introduce Alexander Kazuhiro Wurzinger Edwards – a son born to Kaz and Adriana on 01 September 2009 @ 14h32 (and the stats, because I know you’re all interested: 3.144kg, 49.5cm)

 

 

Film opportunity

 

Student film – “Making Lemonade”

We’ve received an e-mail from Pholile Hlope looking for “Older Actors” for their film production student production.

 

My name is Pholile Hlope and I am a third year film production student. For our research project, we have to shoot a ten minute film scripted by the Screen Writing students. Our film is called “Making Lemonade”.

We are looking for older actors to play the mother and father figures within the film. They should be in their forties onwards. Those in their late thirties can also try out if they think they can pull it off. The actors should also be first language English speakers. A knack for comedy is a bonus.

The shoots in which the parents will be in are scheduled for the evening so it shouldn’t be a problem for those who work full time jobs.

Thank you so much for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Pholile Hlope

Please contact Pholile directly on HLPPHO001@uct.ac.za. And let us know if any of you get a part!

 

 

Get to the theatre – “Fringe People” (2 shows only, for a worthy cause!)

 

False Bay Hospital would like to follow the successful example set by Groote Schuur Hospital whereby HIV  people can be employed to do beadwork which will be sold on the overseas market. This positive beadwork project, needs funds to buy equipment to get it up and running, which can be done by buying a ticket to see a delightful South African play, set in the new South Africa, called  “Fringe People”.

 

The play is staged by a talented cast from the “Off Road Players” and directed by Sue Bolton. The Author is Ralph Kelly who also wrote “Murder in the Common Room”, which was staged at the Masque Theatre last year to full houses.

 

The cast comes mainly from Claremont membership and includes Brian Notcutt, Phyllis Early, Gary Green, Ralph Kelly, Pam Burger and Bernie Jacobs.

 

By seeing this play you will not only be helping to alleviate unemployment, but you are guaranteed a delightful romp with South African characters you will all identify with as well as having a good few belly laugh as well! Hope to see you there!

 

Fringe People by Ralph Kelly – for 2 shows only!

on 10 October 2009 at 14:30 (matinée) and 18:30

at Paul Greyling School, Sunray Road, Fish Hoek

                                                                                      

Tickets available at A. P. Jones Department Store and the Methodist Church, First Ave, Fish Hoek at R 35.

 

 

Get to the theatre – “The Haunting of Hill House”

 

Based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, directed by Angela Lee-Wright for Fish Hoek at the Masque from 18 to 26 Sept.  A group of people spend a summer at Hill House to gain solid evidence of haunting…but the house is gathering its powers…

 

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 evening and Saturday matinees R45 (Theatre Club members R35)

Other nights R55 (Theatre Club members R45)

Masque Theatre Bookings on 021-788 1898

 

 

Get to the theatre – “HMS Pinafore” – The Musical

An old favourite is back, courtesy of The Cape Town Gilbert & Sullivan Society, showing at Artscape from 18 September to 03 October 2009. Book at Computicket.

 

 

The Hok

Our Hok Manager Adrian has sent me this update on our home:

 

The Hok is beginning to look world-class, new mirrors, tiling and countertops.  Thanks largely to Simon Sutton for all the hard work, to Alison for her beautifully sewn curtains; to Chris King for setting up the HiFi, donated by Simon Dutton. Kim Harris-Dalla has had a hand in re-organising the record-keeping, among many other tasks. The fluffy carpet looks good enough to sleep on.  The general tenor is one of excellence. Our grateful thanks to all.

 

 

Inter-Society Quiz 2009

As many of you will know, the 2009 Inter-Society quiz is to be hosted by Claremont Dramatic Society, and scheduled for Sunday 22 November.

 

I’d like to out a new spin on the event this year, and ask for submissions of questions from you – our members and supporters. I know that there is a lot of knowledge and information out there… so please send me your questions (and answers!) in the categories mentioned below. If you have another category that you find interesting and intriguing, please feel free to send that as well.

 

This is not limited to CDS members – so please invite all societies’ members to send me their submissions. If I could have them by 30 September, that would be great. The categories are:

 

Shakespeare                                         James Bond

TV                                                        Children’s Literature

Musicals                                               SA Theatre

Logos                                                   Politics

World History                                        Technical

 

 

And that is it for this month – have a great September – see you at the theatre!

MVDS Messenger – August 2009

AUGUST 2009 

An abbreviated affair this newsletter ……… so let’s get right to it:

MEMBERS’ EVENING

For catering purposes we need to know how many people are attending our members’ evening which will be held on the opening night of Appointment with Death, namely Friday, 28 August.  We will be providing snacks and some free champers after the show and …. to really make it worthwhile all bookings made by MVDS’ members will receive a R10 discount!  That’s right, you, your family and friends get to see the show for a paltry R45 each!  All you need to do is book on 021 7881898 and advise Mav that you are taking up the MVDS’ special offer.  Bookings open on 12 August (not 15^th as I mentioned last month) so make sure you book a seat!  THEN we also need to know how many will be staying afterwards so please phone me (Eve) on 021 7977286 or email me at everon@absamail.co.za to let me know numbers.  By Friday 21 August please.

 

WELCOME

A warm welcome to Ryan Cyster who, with his interest in both sound and lighting, is sure to be a great asset to MVDS; and to Scott Cooper – he of the twinkling blue eyes who is very ably portraying Jefferson Cope in Appointment with Death.

 

BIRTHDAYS

Only two birthdays in September …. or am I missing some?!?  PLEASE if your birthday doesn’t appear in my newsletter – let me know!

So all the best to Aubrey Hindle on the 20^th, on which day in 1989 FW De Klerk was sworn in as president of South Africa and the musical “Miss Saigon” premiered in London.  In 1985 Walt Disney World received its 200-millionth guest!

Happy birthday also to Celia Musikanth on the 29^th when, in 1994, the Pointer Sisters received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in 1989 Zsa Zsa Gabor was convicted of slapping a police officer in Beverly Hills!

 

HELP!

 Wesley Figaji is directing ‘Abigail’s Party’ for Constantiaberg Dramatic Society and is looking for one more cast member – for the part of Tony: male, 35 to 45 years, doesn’t say much, cockney accent.  If anyone is keen to audition, they should please contact him on 073 286 9871.

 

EVENTS TO DIARISE

Appointment with Death Bookings open 12 August – book now on 021 7881898.

Perfect Score 2 shows on Sat, 15 Aug.  Matinee R55 (R50), Eve R45 (R40).  This group of 7 youthful male singers will show you what can be done with the human voice.

Trap for a Lonely Man by Robert Thomas, directed by Mike Tompson at the Milnerton Playhouse from 14 to 21 August.  Bookings on 021 5573206/0822671061
Little Shop of Horrors the movie, will be screened at the Pinelands Players clubhouse on Friday, 21 Aug at 8pm.  There is NO CHARGE for the screening, although R10 raffle tickets will be sold and there will be a cash bar, open from 7pm.  The movie slams together twisted humor, a singing plant, a sadistic dentist, and sweet and oblivious love between two skid-row denizens into a rollicking musical well worth watching.
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie, directed by Alastair Duff for MVDS at the Masque from 28 Aug to 5 Sept.  Sometime in the late 40s a group of characters meet in Jerusalem and then travel to Petra.  It is obvious from the start that something is wrong with the Boynton family and soon someone dies.
The Haunting of Hill House based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, directed by Angela Lee-Wright for Fish Hoek at the Masque from 18 to 26 Sept.  A group of people spend a summer at Hill House to gain solid evidence of haunting … but the house is gathering its powers …

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 R45 (Theatre Club members R35)

Other Nights R55 (Theatre Club members R45)

Bookings on 021-7881898

THE “NOTHING-TO-DO-WITH-DRAMA” BIT

“The Roman Emperor Augustus was 5ft 7in tall and wore thick-soled shoes so that he would look taller.  According to the historian Suetonius, his teeth were small, few in number, and decayed.  He softened the hairs on his legs by singeing them with red-hot walnut shells and he carried a sealskin amulet, which he believed protected him from his greatest fear – lightning.”  Sounds like a bit of a weirdo to me!

 

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL ON 28 AUGUST!

Eve

 

MVDS Messenger – July 2009

Jim Lovell ………. Name mean anything to you? Nah, me neither!  BUT he should have been on Apollo 11 in July 1969!  Michael Collins was originally slated to be the Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8 but was removed when he required surgery on his back and was replaced by Lovell, his backup for that flight.  After Collins was medically cleared he took what would have been Lovell’s spot on Apollo 11.  So the world turns, hey?  More about that historic mission later.

MEMBERS’ EVENING

As mentioned previously, our August members’ evening will be held on the opening night of Appointment with Death, namely Friday, 28 August.  We will be providing snacks and some free champers after the show (once the hoi polloi has left!).  Bookings open on 15 August so make sure you book a seat – we all know how popular the Christies are!

 

GRAHAMSTOWN FESTIVAL

Raymond Rudolph reports back on the Festival in general and our MVDS show, Hello & Goodbye, in particular: 

 Grahamstown was great – we had summer weather the whole week – three quarters of my case had warm winter clothes which I didn’t touch – ran out of T-shirts!  The trip in the Kombi went off well, despite strong winds buffeting us on the way there and mist slowing us down on the way back.  But I’ll never again drive 900km through the night, as I did on the way back: it’s very hard to stay awake, even stopping at all the towns en route.  Hello & Goodbye was brilliant, despite a badly sited and too-big venue.  Great ovations at all 5 show:  we had reasonable but not spectacular houses to begin with, but we got a lovely review (lead article with photo) in the Arts and Entertainment page of the EP Herald, on the morning of the last performance, and we had almost a full house for that show.  We were described as “one of the must-see shows of the festivel”  Full review at www.theherald.co.za/entertainment/article.aspx?id=441571.

I managed to see about 10 other plays and musicals and a jazz concert.  It’s an amazing experience and well worth repeating, probably much better without having the stress of being in a show at the same time.  The accommodation in the students’ res was ok, but a pain to have to walk downstairs to the communal showers and loos!  The Res breakfasts were outstanding.  Would you believe Wesley Figaji and I were chosen (forced!) to participate in Nicholas Ellenbogen’s latest play (A Midsummer Night’s Raders – a send-up of Shakespeare):  it’s just he and his son onstage, but they pull in people from the audience, giving them costumes and directions on what to say and do.  We were allocated the parts of Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern (from Hamlet) but it turned out that these were the names of the two HORSES which had to pull a carriage of actors onstage – so we hammed it up onstage for about three minutes, to much applause.  What a surprise to read the review in the Cue (the daily festival newspaper ) the next day – together with a colour pic of the two horses!

We can all be immensely proud of MVDS –  birga, Suzi, Wesley, Roland, and very hard-working Raymond deserve huge accolades for flying the flag so high and so professionally.  Terry Best and Celia Musikanth were also there and saw 40 shows in 9 days (Phew!!) which shows Celia describes as “some brilliant, some good, some average and a few down there”.

 

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS

 

Appointment with Death welcomes new cast members Janice Budd and Jonathan Duguid on board!  Still looking for a wood/canvas deckchair!  Tom Byrne looks forward to a good turn-out for his audition on 25 July at 14:00 for Mothers of the Criminal Element.

 

MASQUE THEATRE

 

Our beloved theatre had a face-lift in all departments recently!!  This was headed by Simon Sutton, whose short report follows:

Masque Maintenance got off to a slow start but this escalated like Cape Town audiences with many missing the show for waking up too late. Nevertheless, we managed to achieve about 70% of our target, which I must say was exhaustive.  Thanks must go to our Trustees, Mancom and resident Societies for their openhandedness in this exercise: it has cost a lot of money but we can be confident that many essential and, perhaps, long neglected items have now been attended to.  The scope of work was extensive, from completely repainting the exterior of the Theatre to replacing lavatory seats in the patrons’ loos with every area getting its fair share of treatment.  As far as the folk involved are concerned, the list is long and hard; mention must nevertheless be made of, in no particular order, Helen Mathers, Sue Bolton, Brett Radloff and Wendy, Shirley Chips, Wally Hodges, ElectroWatts, Wendy Goddard, Scott Gill, John McConnell, Ralph Thornley, M. Ryan Plumbing, Alison King and her boys (Christopher, Timothy, Andrew), Ronnie and Eve Carr, Kim Harris, Michael Samuels, Bob Goode, Andy and Sally-Jane Fletcher, Hayley and Gary Fargher, Celia, Rick and Brian de Jager.  And others that don’t come to mind at present, my apologies. 

Sincere thanks to everyone, Simon.

Well, as Ron and I are in Appointment with Death which moves into the Theatre on 16 August, we are really looking forward to experiencing all the “updated” features in the dressing and green rooms!  A full and impressive list of projects undertaken is attached hereto!!

 

BIRTHDAYS

I had a little fun with our August birthdays – I have found them all a “twin”!  Starting with:

John McConnell on the 10^th: shares with Robert Lee “Bobby” Hatfield, born 1940 – an American singer, best known as one half of the Righteous Brothers singing duo.

The 15^th sees Tobie Beele’s birthday as well as that of Jimmy Webb, born 1946 – a songwriter whose  compositions include “Up, Up and Away”, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman”, “Galveston” and “MacArthur Park”.
Sandy Gee and Ralph Lawson share the 20^th as does Rājiv Ratna Gāndhī, born in 1944 who became the 9th Prime Minister of India at the age of 40.
Joan Hitchcock shares the 25^th with Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born 1930), perhaps best known as the first actor to portray James Bond and repeatedly mentioned as one of the most attractive men alive by magazines.

Lastly, Jabu Hallinan on the 27^th shares with Mark Alan Webber, (born 1976) the first Australian to race in Formula One since David Brabham in 1994.
So if you haven’t yet had YOUR fifteen minutes of fame at least you share with someone who has!

 

EVENTS TO DIARISE

Isn’t it Romantic by Wendy Wasserstein, directed by Graham Boxall at the Masque from 17 to 25 July.  Essentially a comedy, it takes place in the late 1980’s in New York City and looks at the bittersweet side of relationships.
Mothers of the Criminal Element MVDS Audition at the Rendezvous, Lakeside, 2pm Saturday 25 July, Enquiries Tom Byrne 021 6741470 or 083 962 7233

Quartete Le Jidd plays Bolling at the Masque for three shows only on 31 Jul & 1 Aug. Four musicians perform the “crossover music” of internationally acclaimed Claude Bolling.

Desperate Divas meet Cape Town Tenors at the Masque for three shows only on 7 & 8 Aug.  An opera programme including songs from popular musicals.

Wonderful Women – Poetry & Music in the Masque Foyer on Sunday, 9 Aug at 19:00.

Tickets at R60 (R50) include Gluhwein.  This showcase of music and art by women celebrates National Women’s Day.

Perfect Score 2 shows on Sat, 15 Aug.  Matinee R55 (R50), Eve R45 (R40).  This group of seven youthful male singers will show you what can be done with the human voice.

Trap for a Lonely Man by Robert Thomas, directed by Mike Tompson at the Milnerton Playhouse from 14 to 21 August.  Bookings on 021 5573206/0822671061
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie, directed by Alastair Duff for MVDS at the Masque from 28 Aug to 5 Sept.  Sometime in the late 40s a group of characters meet in Jerusalem and then travel to Petra.  It is obvious from the start that something is wrong with the Boynton family and soon someone dies.
The Haunting of Hill House based on the novel by Shirley Jackson, directed by Angela Lee-Wright for Fish Hoek.  A group of people spend a summer at Hill House to gain solid evidence of haunting … but the house is gathering its powers …

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

NOTE THE NEW STARTING TIMES INTRODUCED FROM 1 JULY 2009!!

Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R45 (Theatre Club members R35)

Other Nights R55 (Theatre Club members R45)

Bookings on 021-7881898

THE “NOTHING-TO-DO-WITH-DRAMA” BIT

Well, I really shouldn’t head it that way ‘cos it certainly was dramatic!!  I’m talking, of course, about Apollo 11:  the first manned mission to land on the Moon.  You all know the “famous facts” so here is a slightly lesser known one:  Charles Duke, responsible for capsule communication from the ground during the landing phase, acknowledged the landing with a very flustered “Roger, Twank…Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue here. We’re breathing again. Thanks a lot!”, expressing the relief of a Mission Control made nervous by a landing that almost expended all of the lunar module Eagle’s fuel.  And why was it called the Eagle?  After the bald eagle, national bird of the United States.

                                    AND THAT’S IT FOR NOW FOLKS!

Eve

PROJECTS COMPLETED DURING MASQUE MAINTENANCE WEEK

FOH       Box Office           Pilot carpeting of the box office; Installation of new computer system; Servicing or all cupboards and cables; relocation of battery recharging facility to the lighting box; rationali-sation of seating

Foyer                    servicing of all chairs and tables (ferrules, feet, lubrication, etc.); servicing of all doors, lubrication, locks and alignment; installation of dedicated Perspex poster holders; relocation of A0 signage board to the stoep; replacement of canopy down lighting cabling; rehanging of patrons’ board and other paintings; fitting curtain tie backs for balcony door curtains

Kitchen                servicing all cupboard doors and shelves

Bar                         repainting in line with foyer décor; recoating of top counter

Toilets                  repainting Disabled and gents walls, curtaining; replacing toilet seats; servicing all door closers, washers and plumbing

Balcony                skirting and parapet wall top, water proofing; eaves treated and painted; air-condition unit treated for rust; US running lights removed; Signage boards dollied-up and up-lights repositioned; all bolts and nuts lubricated;

Lighting Box  – seating rationalized; general tidying up;

                    – certain control switches cleaned

                    – 24 hour electrical power plugs installed

                    – cable to green room laid

Auditorium    – all suspect seating secured, lubricated and upholstery attended to

                    – all aisles repainted, and cover strips secured

                    – all light bulbs checked

                    – working light fitting replaced

                    – hand rail ends attended to

                    – safety tape checked on all uneven surfaces

                    – doors and plugs checked

Stage            – fly bars and winches serviced

                    - legs and borders repaired

                    – faulty lighting extensions repaired

                    – front tabs mechanism checked

                    – middle traverse curtains sorted and repaired (rear trav is missing three drops

                    – blues checked: one fitting replaced

                    – donation of an industrial steam cleaner for the curtains secured

Green Room  – Sinks relocated

                    – cupboards and shelves installed or repaired

                    – floor painted (mostly)

                    – flat bays secured and flats reorganised

                    – collapsible 450mm rostra bases replaced with 18mm shutterply boards

                    – most contents of cupboards sorted

                    – carpet replaced

                    - donation of radiant heaters secured

                    – fire extinguishers and hose checked and one f/e relocated 

                    – Xanita board mezzanine repacked

                    – scaffolding poles relocated to cellar

                    – dimmer board relays renovated (all 24 circuits now operational) 

                    – special brackets for projection screen supplied

                    – 24 hr  power supply installed for fridge

Dressing Rooms    – curtains installed; donation of chairs secured; lighting addressed;

                            – all material and curtaining tidied-up; carpeting and dress rails sorted to a degree

Toilets    - curtains made; walls waterproofed and repainted

Cellar    – cleaned and sorted; extractor fan cleaned and lubricated; lighting neatened up

Exterior      painted; light fittings serviced; bird spikes installed (experimental); storm water pipe installed on SE side of building; down piping modified

General    – pavement and plant mulch, station side chipped stone and drainage attended to

               - padlocks oiled, security fencing modified

Claremont Chat – July 2009

    CLAREMONT CHAT
Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter

P O BOX 50, Eppindust, 7475
Tel 021 683 8630 (h)  083 327 7350 (c)
Fax 021 431 3410    Email   simon.d@mweb.co.za

www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com

No 81                                                        JULY 2009

---

 

Hello everyone!

 

When our scribe hasn’t been overworked, he’s been ill.  Or both.  So I’m going to fill you in on all the doings until Simon’s life returns to merely frenetic.

 

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC

 

Our most important piece of news is that our production of Wendy Wasserstein’s ‘Isn’t it Romantic’ opens Friday 17 July (tomorrow!), and runs until Saturday 25 July.  Essentially a comedy, it takes place in the late 1980’s in New York City and looks at the bittersweet side of relationships.  Bookings:  021 788 1898.  Please note that the starting times have changed:  Weeknights: 8:00 pm; Saturdays: 2:30 and 6:30pm

 

MEMBER’S EVENING

 

Our member’s evening on 10 July was well-attended despite the ffffrrreeeezing weather.  Thanks to Pam and Elza-lynne for the hearty soup and rolls which kept us fortified.  Thanks too to Adrian Kettle, Jen Moss and Adrian Kettle for the delightful entertainment. 

 

The next member’s evening is on 23 October – put that in your diary now!

 

NEW MEMBERS

 

A hearty welcome to our newest members:  Eva Adams, Jen Crossland, Bernie Jacobs, Francis White, Philip Gordon and Chris King.  We hope your stay with CDS will be a long and happy one. 

 

NEWS FROM MEMBERS

 

Ondine has moved to the UK – we wish you all the best with your adventures!

 

Kaz and Adriana have invited everyone to their Baby Shower on 24 July.  The only problem is that you’ll have to go to Japan to be part of the fun.  Junior is due sometime between the end of
August and the first few days of September.  If you haven’t visited their website, they’d really appreciate it if you could take the time to take a look at the baby news (especially the “baby installer”), pictures, and names, and if you can/want, leave your votes & messages:  http://www.kazmatrix.com/baby

 

Norman and Caroline are moving to Dublin in August.  A wonderful opportunity to be sure, to be sure.

 

DATES TO DIARISE

 

17-25 July – Masque Theatre:  Isn’t it Romantic by Wendy Wasserstein.  Directed by Graham Boxall for Claremont Dramatic Society.  Bookings:  021 788 1898

 

25 July – Audition:  Mothers of the Criminal Element by Tom Byrne.  Directed for MVDS by Tom Byrne.  American accents required.  Enquiries:  Tom Byrne – 021 6741470 or 083 962 7233

 

14-21 August – Milnerton Playhouse:  Trap for a Lonely Man by Robert Thomas.  Directed for Milnerton Players by Mike Tompson.  Bookings open 20 July:  021 557 3206 / 082 267 1061 e-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za

 

TAILPIECE

Did you ever wonder why you never see dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica?

Ever wonder where they go?  Wonder no more.

It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life.

The penguins have a very strong community bond.  They are very committed to their family and will mate for life.

They also maintain a form of compassionate contact with their offspring throughout its life.

If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried.

The male penguins then gather in a circle around the freshly dug grave and sing…
 …”Freeze a jolly good fellow.”

 

Cheers for now,

 

Wendy

 

Constantiaberg Cue – July 2009

NEWS OF CONSTANTIABERG THEATRE PLAYERS

Greetings all.

“Row Row Row your boat gently down the road………” Well we have been able to in our road that’s for sure!!! How about the rest of you? And how flippin cold is it as well? I can’t wait for spring to arrive!!!

Well so much has happened since our last Newsletter. Lots going in on in all our lives. We are very sorry to report that in May, Di’s brother Ed passed away in the UK after a long illness. Di is back in the UK at the moment to spend some time with her family and will be back with us again at the end of August.

Debbie is also off globetrotting on the 17^th July and we wish her the very best on her travels.

I am back working in the suburbs and very happy to be doing so!

Our production of “The Time of my Life” was a great success and our hearty congratulations go out to Barrie and his cast and crew for an outstanding and stunning production!

We also congratulate Jane Cohen for being awarded the Best Actress trophy by Milnerton Players for her role in “Not 104” by Finoula Dowling. Well done Jane!

AGM

We held our AGM in May. The current committee were once again asked to stand and all agreed. We also welcome Janice Budd onto our committee and we are sure she is going to be a huge asset to the committee and our society. Lieske Bester had been asked to adjudicate our plays from last year and once again treated us to a wonderful talk on the productions themselves and theatre in general. The following awards were made:

• Best Actress          : Denise Dubber for The Rainmaker
• Best Actor                      : Max Tichauer for The Rainmaker
• Best Supporting Actress  : Robyn Robson for Accommodations
• Best Supporting Actor     : Deryck Broom for The Rainmaker
• Best Play                         : Sue Bolton for The Rainmaker
• Best Technical                 : Cecil Jakins & Debbie Bentley Buckle for set – The Rainmaker

Congratulations to everyone.

After the business was concluded everyone enjoyed a rather superb selection of soup and rolls and a lively quiz conducted by Roy Oldfield

 

NEW MEMBERS

We warmly welcome the following new members and look forward to seeing them at future functions;

Denise & Maureen Dubber

Jabu Hallinan

Wendy Goddard

Jane de Sousa

James Skilton

 

NEXT MEMBERS EVENING

This will be on Wednesday 29^th July at 7.45p.m in the Guide Hall Bergvliet. Wesley has just returned from the Grahamstown Festival where they presented the MADS production of Athol Fugard’s Hello & Goodbye. He is going to give us a very interesting talk about their experiences at the festival and if we are lucky we may inveigle Wesley and Suzy Gehr to present a snippet from the production. After this we will have another feisty session of 30 seconds to keep the old brain cells turning over! In order to keep out the winter chills we will be serving Gluhwien and cheese and biscuits – yummy (well hopefully – as it will be my first time making Gluhwien so………..)

 

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

We are very excited to have Wesley directing for us in our next slot which will be opening on 30^th October. It will be “Abigails Party” by Mike Leigh. Described as a dark comedy, this very funny social satire is set in London in the 1970’s. It is going be a very interesting project for our society and we ask that you give Wesley all the support that you can, if approached to help. An audition was held on 12^th July at which I believe it has been almost cast. I will report back once this has been finalised

 

NEXT AT THE MASQUE

Isn’t it Romantic by Wendy Wasserstein, directed by Graham Boxall at the Masque from 17 to 25 July.  Essentially a comedy, it takes place in the late 1980’s in New York City and looks at the bittersweet side of relationships.
Bookings Monday to Friday 9.00 – 16.00 Saturdays 9.00 12.00 021 7881898

PLEASE NOTE NEW MASQUE STARTING TIMES WITH EFFECT FROM 01 JULY 2009 

Weekday now start at 8.00p.m

Matinees now start at 2.30p.m

Saturday evenings now start at 6.30p.m

OTHER SOCIETIES NEWS

           MUIZENBERG DRAMATIC SOCIETY AUDITION NOTICE ‘MOTHERS OF THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT”       

           BY TOM BYRNE and Directed by: Tom Byrne

DATE:              SATURDAY 25^TH JULY 2009
TIME:              14:00
PLACE:             RENDEZVOUS (OLD LAKESIDE BOWLING CLUB), PROMENADE ROAD, LAKESIDE                      ENQUIRIES:      TOM BYRNE – 021 6741470 OR 0839627233
DATES OF RUN:  9 TO 17 OCTOBER 2009

SYNOPSIS:  The play takes place in the kitchen of Lilly Delorio in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA one very hot afternoon and evening in 1973. Louie Delorio (Lilly’s son) is in prison for bigamy, eleven or twelve counts of bigamy depending on whether you count the Gravecci twins as one or two. Louie is on a work release program decorating wedding cakes for the Sitting Bull Bakery when he realizes he is decorating a cake for one of his ex-wives. This is too much for him, so he runs away. Where does a son run to when escaping from prison, his mom’s house of course? Unfortunately the shock of his surprise appearance kills Lilly. While Louie is trying to get her into the chest freezer so she won’t spoil, Lilly’s friend Rose calls to remind her that the girls are coming to her place tonight to play Scrabble. To cover his escape Louie must pretend to be his mother for the evening. Things go down hill from there.

The cast calls for four men and four women whose ages range from twenties to seventies. Readings will be taken from the script, so those who audition need not prepare an audition piece. The director wishes to note that although American accents are necessary, actors and actresses will not be expected to audition with an accent.  At least one man must be comfortable wearing a dress, but not too comfortable.

 

Milnerton playhouse:

TRAP FOR A LONELY MAN 14, 15, 20, 21 August at 20.15 and 22 August at 14.15 & 20.15

Bookings open 20 July 021 557 3206 / 082 267 1061 E-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za

 

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

 

Di Thom            11^th July

Fiona Carling       21^st July

Lee de Andrade    29^th July

YOU ARE INVITED

To Lee & Fiona’s debut performance as Belly Dancers! You can contact Lee or me if you would like tickets. Judging by what we have seen on our Belly Dancing travels so far it should be very colourful and entertaining. The costumes are always amazing – I love it!!!!!

 

Till next time

Lotsa Luv

Fiona x

Audition – Abigail’s Party

AUDITION NOTICE

CONSTANTIABERG THEATRE PLAYERS

ABIGAIL’S PARTY

By Mike Leigh

Directed by Wesley Figaji

At the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg, from 30 October to 7 November 2009

WHEN: Sunday, 12 July 2009, at 2:30pm

WHERE: The Guide Hall, Glen Alpine Way, Bergvliet

PLAY SYNOPSIS

This cult play was first performed in 1977, when it was directed by Mike Leigh himself.  Described as a dark comedy, this very funny social satire is set firmly in the 1970’s when José Feliciano and Donna Summer competed with The Sex Pistols.  Smock dresses, three-piece suits, bell-bottoms, big hair and kitsch were in fashion.

The plot revolves around a party hosted by a barely functional, but highly aspirational, middle-class couple to impress and entertain a couple who are new to the neighbourhood and a divorced neighbour (whose daughter is Abigail, but she is never seen).  As the alcohol flows freely, the situation unravels into one-upmanship, marital power plays, petty competitiveness, humiliation and general social discomfort, and it gradually becomes clear that outward appearances seldom reflect true human nature.

It’s a wonderful play that requires strong characterization from all the performers.  All characters should preferably be in the 35 to 45 year range.  Cockney accents are essential (think Michael Caine).

CAST OF CHARACTERS

BEVERLY Beverly is the ultimate hostess from hell.  Aspiring to the good life, she is flamboyant, dominating, snobby, pretentious and completely oblivious to the meaning of shame and embarrassment.  She has lots of outward flash, but very little inner substance.

LAURENCE Laurence is Beverly’s husband.  He attempts to appear more cultured than his wife, but is harassed, downtrodden and henpecked and therefore tends to overwork.  He is frustrated and highly stressed and barely conceals his contempt for Beverly.

ANGELA Angela is bubbly, talkative and full of simple humour and innocence.  She appears naïve and allows her husband to control her.  She seldom thinks before she speaks and is somewhat oblivious to the impact her words have on others.

TONY Tony is Angela’s husband.  He doesn’t say much and when he does it’s usually in grunts or single-word sentences.  He is not a violent man (although he has the potential for violence), but is dispassionate, grumpy and broody with a deep disdain and contempt for his wife.  There is a simmering tension just below the surface.  His body language and facial gestures speak volumes.

SUSAN Susan is a divorcee and the mother of teenage Abigail (who is having a party down the road and is never seen during the play).  Susan is timid, shy, reserved and would rather be somewhere else, but hasn’t the courage to say no.  In a sense, she is the only ‘real’ person at the party, but is clearly in the wrong place at the wrong time.

PRODUCTION and BACKSTAGE assistance will be welcome.

For further information and directions, please contact

Lee de Andrade on 0835474386

Or

Wesley Figaji on 073 286 987

MVDS Messenger – June 2009

Jumping jellybeans!!  It’s JUNE already!  What is a “June Bug”??  I’ll tell you a little later on…….. but first to business:

MEMBERS’ EVENING

As birga’s soup was incredibly popular at our May evening, the recipe is attached for those who would like to re-create it! (Ron has promised to make it one day this week).

Our August members’ evening will be held on the opening night of Appointment with Death, namely Friday, 28 August.  More details to follow but do diarise it now!

GRAHAMSTOWN FESTIVAL

Your assistance please!  Birga is looking for the following for the run of Hello & Goodbye at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown:

For the kitchen of really “poor whites” in the early 1960s: an old(!) kitchen table, not too large (wooden, preferably really “rotten” looking) and two old wooden chairs (do not have to match; so if just one is offered, that’s fine).  If you can help, please email or phone her: birgatom@iafrica.com / 021 7885272.

Those details again for those going: PJ’s on Thurs, 02 July (opening day of the festival) at 20:00, 03 July at 14:30, 04 July at 22:00, 05 July at 20:00 and 06 July at 14:30

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS

Rehearsals for Appointment with Death are well under way.  This production is set in the 1940s and will require camping equipment from that period – wood/canvas chairs and hurricane lamps specifically.  If you can assist, contact Alastair on 021 7884984.  He is also looking for one more cast member: a monied guest of the hotel in Jerusalem, who has come abroad to catch the sun.  This is a cameo role – she appears only in the first act – and curtain call if she likes.  It can be a speaking or non-speaking role:  a European accent is necessary (not British, preferably Italian) and it would call for beach- or swimwear of the period to be worn.  Again, contact Alastair.  Oh, and backstage people are also required!

Attached please find the audition notice for our final production of the year!

MASQUE AGM

The Masque Theatre’s AGM was held at the Theatre on 17 May 2009.  In terms of its constitution, members must be provided with the Minutes so I am dutifully attaching them in PDF format.

THEATRE CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Fish Hoek Dramatic Society is hosting a series of workshops at the Masque from 21 to 28 June – details attached.  The price is LAUGHABLE, the content will be INVALUABLE, and you must make sure it’s DO-ABLE!

WELCOME!
A very warm welcome to Roland Perold who has no sooner become a member than he is off to Grahamstown to do lighting and sound for Hello & Goodbye! And a big Hi also to Grace Brain.

BIRTHDAYS
Our July Birthday-ers are Di Thom and Nick Lee on the 11^th, Sandy Mann on the 14^th, Tom Byrne on the 18^th (my lips are sealed, Tom!), Fiona Carling on the 21^st, Leah Apollis on the 25^th with Adrian Chellew the day after and Lee de Andrade on the 29^th.  Have a wonderful day and a wonderful year, guys!

EVENTS TO DIARISE
Theatre Craft Workshops Masque Theatre, 21 to 28 June (see page attached for details.
Red Hot in Amsterdam and Other Clowns Pinelands players is hosting a supper theatre at the Pinelands Town Hall on 2,3 and 4 July.  Ticket prices are R70 which includes a finger supper.  Contact Tina on 021 6834477 for more info.

Isn’t it Romantic by Wendy Wasserstein, directed by Graham Boxall at the Masque from 17 to 25 July.  Essentially a comedy, it takes place in the late 1980’s in New York City and looks at the bittersweet side of relationships.
Rodgers and Hart – ‘a celebration’, to be produced by Milnerton Players.  The audition will be held at the Playhouse on Saturday, 4 July 13.30 for 14.00.  Further info, contact Sheila on 021.557.3206 or 079.877.2466 or E-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za

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

THESE ARE THE NEW STARTING TIMES FROM 1 JULY 2009, GUYS!!

Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R45 (Theatre Club members R35)

Other Nights R55 (Theatre Club members R45)

Bookings on 021-7881898

THE “NOTHING-TO-DO-WITH-DRAMA” BIT

Ok, I know the suspense has been killing you!  A “June Bug” is a tropical cocktail, consisting of a mixture of a strong spirit, usually vodka, with coconut rum, melon liqueur, orange or pineapple juice, and lime juice, shaken with ice and served in a highball glass.  It may range in colour from bright green to a sludgy orange-brown.  Sound YEUGH in my opinion but to each his own!  I will stick to my glass of wine and say:

CHEERS!

Eve

Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Carrots

Helen Zille’s favourite soup; she makes it to perfection. — Serve it as a first course or for

lunch/supper with turkey or ham sandwiches. Makes 6 first-course servings. We all love it.

1 large onion, sliced

2 tablesp. butter/margarine

appr. 28 oz. chicken broth

minimum of 2 medium-sized carrots (we take a lot more; at least a whole bunch), sliced

1 medium cauliflower, cut in pieces and sliced

1 cup light cream

ground nutmeg

salt

pepper

1 tablesp. sherry (optional) (we always use it, but far more than a tablesp.)

¼ cup (packed) parsley sprigs, finely chopped

Place onion and butter in a 3-quart pan and cook over medium heat until onion is limp (about

5 minutes). Pour in chicken broth and bring to the boil.

Add carrots and cauliflower to boiling broth, reduce heat and simmer (covered) until

vegetables are tender (about 15 minutes).

Put soup into blender until smooth. Return puréed soup to pan; add cream, nutmeg, salt and

pepper and sherry. Heat to simmering. Sprinkle parsley over soup before serving

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MUIZENBERG DRAMATIC SOCIETY
AUDITION NOTICE
‘MOTHERS OF THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT’
BY TOM BYRNE
Directed by: Tom Byrne

DATE:                    SATURDAY 25^TH JULY 2009
TIME:                     14:00
PLACE: RENDEZVOUS (OLD LAKESIDE BOWLING CLUB), PROMENADE ROAD,
LAKESIDE
ENQUIRIES:         TOM BYRNE – 021 6741470 OR 0839627233
DATES OF RUN:  9 TO 17 OCTOBER 2009

SYNOPSIS: The play takes place in the kitchen of Lilly Delorio in Leavenworth, Kansas, USA one very hot afternoon and evening in 1973. Louie Delorio (Lilly’s son) is in prison for bigamy, eleven or twelve counts of bigamy depending on whether you count the Gravecci twins as one or two. Louie is on a work release program decorating wedding cakes for the Sitting Bull Bakery when he realizes he is decorating a cake for one of his ex-wives. This is too much for him, so he runs away. Where does a son run to when escaping from prison, his mom’s house of course? Unfortunately the shock of his surprise appearance kills Lilly. While Louie is trying to get her into the chest freezer so she won’t spoil, Lilly’s friend Rose calls to remind her that the girls are coming to her place tonight to play Scrabble. To cover his escape Louie must pretend to be his mother for the evening. Things go down hill from there.

The cast calls for four men and four women whose ages range from twenties to seventies. Readings will be taken from the script, so those who audition need not prepare an audition piece. The director wishes to note that although American accents are necessary, actors and actresses will not be expected to audition with an accent.  At least one man must be comfortable wearing a dress, but not too comfortable.