CLAREMONT CHAT
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
www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com
No 76 NOVEMBER 2008
Hi Folks
The Hok is looking quite spiffing after the makeover. Curtains have been hung over the parking area windows, shelves have been installed to show off our collection of hats, from formal toppers to confections to make our mothers’ hearts green with envy! And all in see-through plastic bags – what an inspired thought, thanks to Jill Cooke. Our library has been culled, thanks to Nava who applied her mind and skills in a quiet corner. Our archiviste, Kim sorted through mountains of paper; Riaan Hunter proved to be a capable pair of hands, wielding an angle grinder with streams of sparks; Wendy Goddard exercised her oversight and organisational skills; Sheila Inglis had a wonderful time sorting through costumes (your scribe is in the process of preparing a list to ensure easy access for future productions) The ‘dustbusting’ team of Jennifer Moss and Kim Harris-Dalla plied vacuum cleaners with vigour – quite tiring to watch! Simon Sutton rearranged the gallery, among a plethora of activities; he is also responsible for the makeover of the front door, which looks good. Simon Dutton worked on a pull-out storage unit which showed signs of decrepitude and then, as Victualler-in-Chief, retired to a shady spot and proved to be a very good braaier – most delicious ‘wors and kebabs and the team relaxed and enjoyed the food and company in a perfect setting. The next major change will be to the bar. The Society is most grateful to the team for their efforts.
And a gem of a ‘crit’ from Simon Sutton:
‘A tremendous thanks to all of you for attending this historic performance. Fine renditions were presented by each every player and the execution, both technically and artistically was of the highest standard. Simon Dutton’s use of his extensive arsenal of tools was masterful and his handling of the braai tongs was reminiscent of Benjamin Britten. Jen Moss on the vacuum cleaner was absolutely enchanting and Riaan’s curtain rails took him to even greater heights. Jill’s prompting from the wings could not be faulted; such sensitivity in this challenging role is rare. The Belknap duo was a pleasure to behold; I have seldom seen such accomplished dust-dabbing by anyone except, perhaps, in Madam and Eve, and the way the corrugated hat shelves (sic) were handled was awe inspiring. And our Maid of all work, Elza-Lynne, beavering away between frantic ADT calls, the “Mayor’s Office” and relieving us of unwanted tuxes for biblical lexicographers. Nava! Nava turned in as accomplished a display of bookkeeping as any aspirant professional I have come across in years. As regards Kim’s finely tuned choreographic bending and stretching in the minstrel gallery, tossing bags of fabric and then………..curtains. Props and costumes: Well, Sheila’s attention to detail would have discombobulated the best at La Scala or the Albert Hall. The panache and finesse of her rearrangements were quite unique. And Wendy. Never has one experience the thrill of Stage Management to such a degree. Absolute poetry in motion with seamless flying in and out; everything positively glid.
All in all, a production worthy of a Brenda Gray award any day. Well done! ‘
CHRISTMAS PARTY
A final reminder about our Christmas party this Sunday 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. We would like to finalise the line-up soon, so please give Kim a ring before the 28th ( this Friday).
INTER-SOCIETY QUIZ
The good news is that we fielded four teams – surely this is a record? The ‘bad’ news is that because one of our teams won, the Golden Duck has returned to Claremont. And it’s all Jill Cooke’s fault for knowing that a camel hair paintbrush is made of squirrel hair! Congratulations to the rest of the team too – Richard Farmer, Wendy Goddard and Cindy Nixon (who kindly filled in at the last minute. Thanks Cindy)
We have already booked the Masque as the venue for next year – so get out those spanking new diaries and make a note that you will be spending the evening of Sunday 22 November 2009 at the Masque
PAST PRODUCTIONS
Brenda and her team did the Society and the Masque proud with yet another magnificent production. Isn’t it wonderful to see standing ovations and the ‘House Full’ sign? Thank you and well done to all those involved with this superb piece of theatre.
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
Sue Bolton will be directing David Hare’s The Breath of Life for Claremont in our first slot next year. There will be a special Gala Performance on Saturday 10 January at 18:15 for the Masque’s 50th Birthday, with a celebration afterwards. If you would like to be involved with the show backstage, please give Sue a ring on 021 786 2565. She will be delighted to hear from you. We are also looking for people to help with Front-of-House and Box Office, and would really appreciate it if you’d give Wendy Goddard a call on 021 671 2888.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Some of you may not know that Roy Oldfield is in ICU at Vincent Palotti hospital with a twisted bowel, of which some section has turned gangrenous. That latest news is that he is off the ventilator, is cheerful and on the mend. He asked June Wells to pass on the message that all the emails and cards have meant so much to him. Some were read out to him while he was still unable to move much; others he was able to read himself as he improved. He said he’s already torturing the staff with his one-liners!
Roy, we wish you a speedy recovery, and look forward to our turn at being the recipient of your torture again soon!
Wedding bells have been tolling: Our heartiest felicitations to Norman Rasmussen and Caroline Hartley who recently tied the knot; as well as to Christina Dimopoulos. Mazel Tov!
Ruth Allsopp, who has been a member for 39 years(!), has recently had a hip op. We wish you well, Ruth, and look forward to seeing you on the hip-hop again.
One of our newer members, Carin Bester, is running a Holiday Acting Workshop, and would like to invite members, friends and families to sign up:
Creative Art Solutions: Holiday Acting Workshop
Have you always wanted to be an actor, presenter or just want to improve your self-confidence and public-speaking skills? Then this is for you!
We provide quality training in the areas of theatre- and film acting. The training is presented in the form of interactive workshops. We discuss and tutor topics such as:
- Theatre and Film Acting,
- Voice Training and Public Speaking,
- Movement (How to utilize your body on stage and in front of camera),
- Creativity,
- Self Confidence,
- Preparation for Castings (improving success rate of kids already attending castings)
This is a great opportunity as you will be exposed to a talent scout and may be chosen to join an agency and start working in our fast growing Media industry. This workshop is suitable for anyone and no previous experience needed.
If you would like to attend the workshop, please book your place before the day of the workshop by e-mailing your Name, Age and School to info@creativeartsolutions.co.za, or by phoning 084 529 0384. You can also download an entry form or enter online at book.creativeartsoloutions.co.za. Places are limited to don’t hesitate.
Venue: Paul Bothner (upstairs venue), Richmond Centre, Main Road, Plumstead
Date: 8-10 Dec 2008 (for school learners only), or
11-13 Dec (for school learners only)
Time: 10:00-16:00
Cost: R600 (Lunch, snacks and beverages included)
NEWS FROM MARGARET HILL
Playbill Productions presents A Night at the Opera with Georges Bizet’s Operatic Masterpiece, CARMEN.
The opera will be staged by award-winning director Teddy Davies and conducted by Victor Tichart, leading a musical ensemble playing his score, especially orchestrated for this production. The opera is abridged and adapted from the original masterpiece into a concise two-act version (which will be sung in English) without losing any of the glorious and popular Bizet operatic highlights and vibrant gypsy choreography or the tragic love story. This will be the world premiere of this new adaptation using an experienced young cast of postgraduate singers now making their mark on the professional stage.
Margaret Hill is co-ordinating the production and (together with Tichart) has adapted the score.
GALA OPENING “DRESS-UP” NIGHT: Wednesday 4th February 2009 @ 20h15
Tickets: R110 (includes wine & snacks)
Fri 6th, Sat 7th, Sun 8th, Tue 10th, Thur 12th, Fri 13th, Sat 14th February 2009
Weeknights 20h15, Saturday 14h15 & 18h15, Sunday 15h00.
Tickets: Thursday evening and matinees: R60 (R50 Theatre Club members)
All other evenings R70 (R60 members). Bookings at 021 788 1898
THEATRE DIARY
27 November – 6 December: Masque Theatre. Beautiful Noise. Music of the late 1960s/early ‘70s conceived and directed by Cecil Jakins for Fish Hoek Dramatic Society. A musical trip down memory lane with hits songs from the late 1960s and early ‘70s by such artists as the Carpenters, Abba, Paul Simon and the Bee Gees. Fabulous music, fabulous costumes and wonderful singing! Normal times & prices.
28 November – 13 December: Milnerton Playhouse. Aladdin, directed by Sheila McCormick. Bookings: contact Sheila on 021 557 3206 / 082 267 1061 or email her at macdram@absamail.co.za
30 November: 5pm – 2 Russell Close, Constantia. CDS Christmas Party. Phone Kim on 083 355 7050 with details of your party piece.
30 November: 2pm – Milnerton Playhouse. Audition for a production of Special Occasions by Bernard Slade. Director Yvonne Copley. This is a two-hander (male and female). Production dates 20-28th March 2009. For further details please contact Yvonne on 083 441 9937.
12 – 13 December: Masque Theatre – The Glenn Robertson Band. A veritable jazz smorgasbord for music lovers. Friday 20:15, Saturday 16:00 and 20:15 (N.B. different times)
17 – 20 December: Masque Theatre. For Generations written and performed by Kurt Egelhof, directed by Nic Fine. Back by popular demand! Don’t miss it this time (or, even better, see it again.) Week nights 20:15 and Saturday 15:00 and 19:30 (NB different times)
09 – 17 January 2009: Masque Theatre. The Breath of Life by Sir David Hare directed by Sue Bolton. Special Gala Performance on Saturday 10 January at 18:15 for the Masque Birthday with celebration afterwards Tickets R75 (R65 for Theatre Club members). All other shows – normal times & prices.
TAILPIECE: Letter to Bank Manager
Dear Sirs,
In view of current developments in the banking market, if one of my cheques is returned marked “insufficient funds”, does that refer to me or to you?
Yours faithfully…
Cheers,
Adrian
