Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
P O BOX 37569, VALYLAND, 7978
Tel 021 785 2466 (h) 083 301 0808 (c)
Fax 021 785 3419 Email infomo@infomotion.co.za
No 75 OCTOBER 2008
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Hi Folks
Bumper edition this month, so here goes…
MEMBERS EVENING
The members’ evening on 9th October was very well patronised. It was to have had a slight ‘night club’ theme (my idea, very loosely (feverishly?) suggested, more in jest than in earnest), ladies in fishnet stockings, serving the necessary refreshments. With the utmost regret, the idea was scuppered by a Knysna Oyster which almost put paid to Kim Harris-Dalla who, mercifully, survived and is looking fine!
Our thanks to Roy Oldfield for manning the bar, and for ‘eats’ supplied by Sue Hallinan which revived the inner man and woman.
The members were entertained by Simon Dutton’s expert quiz. The topics were varied and the questions quite tough but intriguing. The marvels of modern technology continue to amaze me – whatever happened to the old magic lantern? Nowadays the dreaded laptop linked to a cunning gizmo throws a picture onto a screen and we all accept it as normal! I dunno.
INTER-SOCIETY QUIZ
Speaking of quizzes, please note that the annual intersociety quiz takes place at The Playhouse, Milnerton on Sunday 16th November at 18h00 for 18h30. The organising Society, G&S, is hoping that last year’s cost per head will be maintained at R40. The menu will include a vegetarian option. Teams will be sponsored by participating societies but other members, and guests, will need to pay at the door. A welcoming sherry should set the tone. To assist with numbers, guests and visitors should phone me at 021 532 3271 or email adriankettle@telkomsa.net, without delay.
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
OLD WICKED SONGS
Rehearsals for Old Wicked Songs are in full swing, and by the looks of it, Brenda and her cast will be delivering another superb production. Brenda has found her post-war gramophone player, and is now looking for a Rococo wall clock. Any ideas where she could find one? On the technical front, we are still looking for someone to operate sound and lights. If you would like to be part of this wonderful show, please let Simon Sutton know as soon as possible, on 021 794 1923.
Old Wicked Songs moves into the Masque on Sunday 26 November, and some of our usual setbuilders are not available. We would be most grateful if you could come along and lend a hand. And a drill. Even if the only thing you can do is hold a flat in place, while someone else goes to look for a bracket/screw/drill/ladder you are still Very Useful, and would be most welcome. Please let Simon Sutton know if you’ll be joining us.
THE BREATH OF LIFE
Sue Bolton will be directing David Hare’s The Breath of Life for Claremont in our first slot next year. The Breath of Life first opened at the Theatre Royal in London, on 4 October 2002, with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Our production will open at the Masque Theatre on 9 January 2009 and stars Yvonne Copley and Su Cunningham. If you would like to be involved with the show backstage, please give Sue Bolton a ring on 021 786 2565. She will be delighted to hear from you.
HOK SPRING-CLEAN
The Hok doors are undergoing a make-over, thanks to Simon Sutton’s efforts and should give our Hok a look of real class. The interior is much improved and is beginning to look quite bookish, with the bookends from “My Fair Lady” covering the parking lot wall. Thanks again to Simon Sutton for his indefatigable efforts. Our trophies will soon be housed in a cabinet, and wonder of wonders, there is a light inside!
Final reminder: Sunday 9th November at 10am. Even though Simon has had an admirable headstart on us, there is still plenty of work to be done. Please bring old clothes. We’ll supply grub, and grog will be available at the bar.
Talking of the bar, we have come in for some good-natured flack over the quality of our wine (we are not alone, The Masque Bar is on the back foot too!) and steps are being taken to upgrade to better products, probably with an increase in our modest prices.
Dig out that festive headgear and dust it off, it’s time for our
CHRISTMAS PARTY
All are reminded of the CDS Christmas Party on the 30 November at Simon Sutton’s House, 2 Russell Close, Constantia, at 5pm.
Please bring a long a plate of eats. There will be braai facilities for the carnivores and don’t forget your favourite tipple (beverage).
Those who wish to do a little entertaining, be it a song, story, rhyme, dance need to book their slot. Kim will co-ordinate them so there is a variety of variety. Please contact Kim Harris-Dalla on 083 355 7050
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Yes, already! Our AGM and Awards Evening will be at Kelvin Grove, on Tuesday 17 February 2009. You will be given more information closer to the time, but please put the date in your diary now. There were a few mutters about the menu this year. If you have any suggestions, please let your committee know, and we’ll see what we can do without bankrupting the society!
MEMBERS NEWS
ALI’S ART AUCTION: Alison King is auctioning a selection of her artworks. They include pastels, oils and sketches. She would love you to attend.
Date: Sunday, 23 November 2008
Place: 2 Russell Close, Constantia
Time: 3pm preview, 4pm auction
Cheese and wine will be served
RSVP: 083 355 7050 (Kim)
NEWS FROM NATAL
Hi There C.D.S. Friends,
Firstly – thanks for all the news via Claremont Chat. It is great to feel in touch with the current happenings.
Here in Kloof, K.Z.N., Peter and I are settling in well. We have had the best winter weather ever – three months of dry, windfree, warm days and cool nights. This has given us the opportunity to sort out the house and patio – get to know the neighbours, join the Amblers walking group, Bird Club and W.I. (The latter is very reminiscent of ‘Calendar Girls’).
Theatre is struggling here – venues are too expensive for amateur groups, the members keep transferring abroad or to other provinces and audiences are reluctant to venture out in the evenings. Our daughter, Clare, a committee member of Highway Intimate theatre for many years, says they are reduced to taking shows round to homes for the elderly. I notice that Ralph Lawson’s latest production is only mentioning Jo’burg and Cape Town in its advertising – what of Durban? We are desperate for plays, not stand up comedians and musical revues. Our local ‘Heritage Theatre’ in Hillcrest, does supper theatre at R180 p.p. and has not produced a single play since we arrived in February. Needless to say, we have not attended.
We have been to see David Davidson’s wonderful Chelsea Flower Show exhibit at the Pietermaritzburg Show. It was fantastic. Enough from me – do come and visit us if you can. Our email address is now pjbrun@telkomsa.net and telephone is 031 764 2809. Love to all…Frances
THEATRE DIARY
17- 25 October – Masque Theatre: Hotel Paradiso written by Georges Feydeau & Maurice Desvallieres and directed by Alastair Duff for MVDS. Normal times & prices.
7-15 November – Masque: Old Wicked Songs, directed by Brenda Gray.
9 November: 10am – Hok: Spring-clean
9 November: 7pm – Masque: A Twilight Soiree of Song. A repeat performance by the amazing young teenage singer Kate Olmesdahl
16 November: 6pm – Milnerton Playhouse. Inter-Society Quiz. If you haven’t phoned Adrian yet, do so now! 021 532 3271.
23 November: 3pm – 2 Russell Close: Auction of Alison King’s artworks
30 November: 5pm – 2 Russell Close, Constantia. CDS Christmas Party. Phone Kim on 083 355 7050 with details of your party piece.
TAILPIECE – Why Some Men Have Dogs and not Wives:
* The later you are, the more excited your dogs are to see you.
* Dogs don’t notice if you call them by another dog’s name.
* Dogs like it if you leave a lot of things on the floor.
* A dog’s parents never visit.
* Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.
* Dogs find you amusing when you’re drunk.
* Dogs like to go hunting and fishing.
* A dog will not wake you up at night to ask, “If I died, would you get another dog?”
* If a dog has babies, you can put an ad in the paper and give them away.
* A dog will let you put a studded collar on it without calling you a pervert.
* If a dog smells another dog on you, they don’t get mad. They just think it’s interesting.*
* Dogs like to ride in the back of a pickup truck.
* If a dog leaves, it won’t take half of your stuff.
Cheers,
Adrian
