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
November 2009 – Number 84
Hello my fellow thespians!
Here’s a bit of a countdown clock wake up call for us all – where has 2009 gone? I do hope it’s been a good year for you as well!
9 weeks… till the end of the year
8 week… till Christmas
4 weeks… till the end of November
3 weeks… till we’re back from Oz
Yes, the big news this month (and this is a bumper edition) is Claremont’s big end-of-year production – Return from Oz written by and directed for Claremont by Yvonne Copley. Musical direction is by Roland Perold, and Choreography by Barrie Howard.
Ever wondered what happened to Dorothy when she clicked her red shoe heels together? This light-hearted story tracks Dorothy’s journey with her three friends as they travel back to Kansas. Full of those familiar songs from The Wizard of Oz that dovetail with popular songs, and great family entertainment.
Rehearsals have been filled with lots of laughter and the bringing together people from all walks of life. We have been lucky to have a group of 6 teenagers from the Generation For Change organisation in Vrygrond to join us as the Red Perils; they dance with such enthusiasm and keep our choreographer, venerable Barrie Howard on his toes.
You should hear the warm ups led by our dishy Musical Director, Roland Perold, last seen in Brenda Gray’s Old Wicked Songs at ArtsCape. He has their voices all warmed up and ready for director, Yvonne Copley, to get the dramatic dynamics going.
The whole show is blocked; the music is all covered and books are down. Now its drill, drill, drill, polish, polish, polish. Simon Sutton is desperately trying to get extra space for us from the ‘deaf’ neighbours, because the Hok is too small for our 30-odd cast.
Frances Sholto-Douglas plays Dorothy, supported by ex-pinafore startlets, Matthew Browne, Giselle Willows and Victoria Harris. Anthony James, who debuted in MADS Beatles together with Alison Blair and her son Matthew, and from the Atlantic seaboard, we have veteran character actor Gordon Malloy. They are supported by an eager chorus consisting of members David Campey, Chris King and newcomers from all over the peninsula.
And… our Stage Manager, Morag Tisson, who is taking time off from shadowing at Artscape to run this show. A very big welcome!!
We do hope you will join Dorothy and her friends, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on the yellow brick road as they “Return from Oz”.
It opens on Friday 20 November at the Masque and runs until 28 November. Please note that there is an extra show at 15h00 on Sunday 22 November.
Bookings through Masque Theatre as always: 021 788 1898
Member’s Evening
We had so many laughs on Friday evening J While Eric Sykes and his movies are new to me, The Plank was marvellous. And no matter how many times you see Dinner for One – you always end up near teary-eyed with laughter.
And when it was spotted that there was another film lurking on laptop, the audience cried out for more – and they got more – more laughs by Eric Sykes. So – 3 movies and a good evening had by all.
Thanks to everyone that joined us, including not only our longest standing members, but also our very newest member.
Member Missives
So without further ado then, a hearty welcome to our newest member – Saras Chinsamy. We look forward to seeing you at the auditions and the theatre and the set-building… and and and J
Friends & Fans
Lieske Bester and Terry Best are both in our thoughts this month – they’ve both had operations in the last few days, which have gone well we hear. So, in keeping with their names, we wish them all the very… Best!
2010 News
Please see an update on our exciting collaboration with Pinelands for 2010 attached at the end of the newsletter!
The Hok
A big Thank You to Alison King for repairing our Piano – merci beaucoup!
CDS Christmas Bash 2009
Our Christmas party is going to be held at the Hok on Sunday, 6th December. It will be a bring & braai, not forgetting your party pieces. Please plan to arrive between 17h00 and 17h30.
And in the spirit of our association and the season, we are also making a block booking for the matinee performance of Pinelands Players Production of A Christmas Carol at 14h30 that day. Kyla Thorburn is directing this with choreography by Kim Harris-Dalla. It also includes both our present and past chairmen, Simon Sutton and Dennis Benneyworth. Tickets are R80.
So – A Christmas Carol at 14h30 and Bring & Braai at 17h00 / 17h30
Please RSVP Pam Burger, our Social Convenor, at pamb@masterparts.com or on
082 488 0442 (cell)
021 657 5757(work)
021 696 5959 (after 6pm)
Please RSVP by:
09 November if you want to see A Christmas Carol with us
30 November if you are only coming to the braai at the Hok.
Get Thee to The Theatre!
There’s lots to talk about in this section this month – but then that’s what we’re all about! Watching each other on stage – and who doesn’t want lots of people to see their work? So only fair to support from the seats when you can J
“Abigail’s Party”
Wesley Figaji’s production “Abigail’s Party” by Mike Leigh runs at the Masque from 30 October to 07 November 2009.
It is described as a dark comedy: This very funny social satire is set in London in the 1970’s. The cast includes a few of our own CDS members: Wendy Goddard, Jane De Sousa, James Skilton and Jo Darby.
“Love’s old sweet Songs”
One show only, 15:00 Sunday 1 November, at the Masque Theatre featuring Leon Dreyer, Veronica Miller, Paul Stevens and Desiré Walker accompanied on piano.
Included in the enjoyable programme are “Love is a many-splendoured Thing”, “You are my Heart’s Delight”, “As Time goes by”, “Merry Widow Waltz”. Tickets: R50 (R40 Theatre Club members).
“Return from Oz”
Our own end-of-year production! Written and directed by Yvonne Copley for Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque Theatre from 20 to 28 November.
Please note extra show at 15:00 on Sunday 20 November.
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 evenings and Saturday matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Masque Theatre Bookings on 021-7881898
Get Thee to The Theatre in Milnerton
Milnerton Players presents” RODGERS & HART – ‘A Celebration’
A revue with music & lyrics by the renowned song writing team
Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart
Concept Richard Lewine and John Fearnley
Direction: Sheila McCormick
Musical direction: Keith Benjamin
A rousing pastiche of almost 60 songs by the prolific song-writing team of Rodgers & Hart.
The first act sets the stage for romance while the second act is comprised of their more satiric gems with a brief narration highlighting the Rodgers & Hart story.
Featuring such standards as ‘Manhattan’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘The Lady is a Tramp’ and ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’, this fast paced revue is a guaranteed evening of enjoyable musical entertainment.
The cast of seven singers includes: Phoebe Snayer, Evan Witten, Nicole Nefdt, Carl de Lange, Lisa Stiliano, Simon Speck and Julie du Plessis.
Bookings: 021 557 3206 or 082 267 1061 E-mail: macdram@absamail.co.za
At the Milnerton Playhouse from 27 November to 12 December 2009
Ticket prices: R60 evenings and R50 Saturday matinees
Get Thee to The Theatre in Somerset West
Hottentots-Holland’s next production, Robin Hood, a co-production between the HHDS and KADS, is in rehearsal and opens on 13 November. It was written by and will feature 48 young students from the KADS Drama School. This production will delight younger Patrons, both in age and spirit.
It is directed by Kelly Prior.
Bookings open 02 November on 021 852 5182
Audition Notices
So that we can all take part in the fun!
Auditions for all-male “Nunsense”
Award-winning director Teddy Davies will stage the South African premiere of “Nunsense A-Men” for Festival Productions at the Artscape Arena in May 2010. Now with an all-male cast, the world’s funniest international hit musical “Nunsense”, has just got funnier. The New York Times has described the show as “A hail of fun and frolic! Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical anything-goes sense of fun!”
See attached audition notice
Educating Rita
The Milnerton Players are having auditions for their March production, Educating Rita, will take place at the Playhouse on Sunday 29 November at 14.00. See attached audition notice for details. This wonderful two-hander, to be directed by Yvonne Copley, offers two challenging roles portraying the light-hearted verbal battle between the University English tutor, who needs cash to support his drinking problem, and his first Open University student, a hairdresser with little formal education but a whole lot of ‘life’ wisdom.
‘Allo ‘Allo
The HHDS is looking for 13 parts both male and female actors & actresses for the hit British
comedy ‘ALLO ‘ALLO. The show is set in occupied France during World War II. Backstage
crew are required who will also double up and appear on stage to play small roles. (See attached)
Roles at the theatre
Most of us will be aware that there many many roles to play in a stage production – which all work hand in hand to make it a success. And by these “roles” I don’t only refer to the acting roles – but all the under-sung heroes without whom it would not be possible to stage a production.
These are some of the crucial players:
Actors – to learn lines and portray that which the director and writer hope to show
Director – to bring it all together
Stage Manager – to hold it all together back stage
Lighting – to throw the right light on it all
Sound – to make sure we are audibly entertained without squeeks
Props – to make realistic looking non-alcoholic whiskey for stage, and to make sure that items are in the right place at the right time
Make-up – to ensure we all look our best on stage
Costumes – to make sure we have something appropriate to wear
Set design – to create that realistic setting on the empty stage
Set construction – to bring that design to life
Backstage – to make sure everything is moved as and when it should be. And you get to wear black!
Front of House – to make sure that our patrons have tickets, open doors and a friendly smile when they arrive and depart
We’re always looking for members to take part in all of the above. There are often opportunities to learn from our cumulative experience – and enough members willing to teach it. So when you want to try something new, or when you don’t get that acting role – it’s just as much fun behind the scene – and just as important!
If anyone would like to submit a story of their own about their experience in one of more of the above roles – to show what it’s like – please feel free to send it to me for inclusion in a future issue of the Chat.
Masque Theatre Club update
Many of us are Masque Theatre Club members as well, and we have been asked to let you know of this update:
Terms and conditions of membership in the
Masque Theatre Club have changed.
Membership now runs concurrent with a calendar year, i.e. from 01 January (or whenever during a year one joins) to 31 December.
Membership fees for the year (or part thereof) are R50/person.
Members receive quarterly programmes,
notice of shows by post or e-mail and also discounted tickets.
Application forms available in the foyer,
from the Theatre Club secretary birga Thomas (birgatom@iafrica.com)
or from the Masque Theatre marketing office, tel. 021–788 7911
And so we enter the month of November – may it be smooth and as stress-free as possible for you all J
2009 INTER-SOCIETY THEATRE QUIZ
2009 Event – Hosted by Claremont Dramatic Society
Fellow Thespians,
The much anticipated Annual Inter-Society Theatre Quiz, hotly contested by erudite members of our various Dramatic Societies, is fast approaching.
Below are some essential details that we’d like you to pass onto your members:
| Date: | 22nd November 2009 |
| Place: | Masque Theatre, Muizenberg |
| Time: | 6:30pm for 7:00pm |
| Snacks: | Light Finger Snacks |
| Cost Per Person: | R20.00 |
Please confirm your Society’s participation in this year’s event as well as anticipated number of members attending to assist us with catering estimates.
RSVP directly to Theatre Quiz team convener – Adrian Kettle on adriankettle@telkomsa.net with your team names and numbers.
(André will not be in the country from 05 November until 22 November, so will not be able to assist with queries – please direct these to the committee)
Big news for next year!!!
We are excited to announce the 2010 year-end production. As mentioned in our September Chat, the collaboration with Pinelands has been confirmed and the joint steering committee has selected Gigi to be directed by Clifford Graham.
This stage play version will be blended with the musical libretto to create a suitable presentation at the Masque.
Open auditions are expected to be held in May next year to fill the 8 main roles and a dozen dancers and chorus. A stunning set design has been proposed based on the recent Regent’s Park production starring Topol.
Uniquely, this show runs the first three weeks of December and should attract bumper crowds.
Auditions for all-male “Nunsense”
Award-winning director Teddy Davies will stage the South African premiere of “Nunsense A-Men” for Festival Productions at the Artscape Arena in May 2010. Now with an all-male cast, the world’s funniest international hit musical “Nunsense”, has just got funnier. The New York Times has described the show as “A hail of fun and frolic! Wacky and outrageous with a hysterical anything-goes sense of fun!”
An all-male cast play the now famous roles of the five deliciously Wacky nuns:
Sister Mary Regina, Mother Superior – a feisty Sophie Tucker-type who can’t resist the spotlight;
Sister Mary Hubert, Mistress of Novices – the second in command, she is always competing with the Mother Superior;
Sister Robert Anne – A streetwise tough character from Brooklyn. A constant source of aggravation for the Mother Superior;
Sister Mary Amnesia – a very sweet nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head and
Sister Mary Leo – the novice, who entered the convent with a firm desire to become the first nun ballerina.
All the men must have good singing voices and sense of comedy.
Musical direction is by Victor Tichart with choreography by Kyla Thorburn.
The set design is by David Davidson (of Chelsea Flower Show fame) and costume and lighting designs by Heather Earp-Jones and Gary Fargher respectively who complete the award-winning artistic team.
Auditions will be held on Wednesday 4 November at 7.30pm with recalls on Sunday 15 November at 2.00pm and will be held in Rehearsal Room 308
Artscape Theatre Centre (entrance via Stage Door) Men who wish to audition are requested to phone Pat McDonald 021 531 8261 to book a time slot. For further information phone Teddy 083 396 3132.
AUDITION NOTICE
for
EDUCATING RITA
by Willy Russell
DIRECTION: YVONNE COPLEY
PRODUCTION DATES: 19TH TO 27TH March 2010
AUDITION DATE: 29th NOVEMBER 2009
PLACE: MILNERTON PLAYHOUSE
TIME: 14H00
CHARACTERS:
FRANK – a cranky university English tutor.
Disillusioned and a drunk, who seeks refuge in the bottles of whisky he hides behind his books.
RITA – a young hairdresser from the north of England with little formal education. Forthright and sassy.
As there is a considerable age difference between the two, Yvonne will therefore be casting the right “match” between the two characters, but at this stage is not prescriptive.
Further information – Yvonne 083 441 9937
*************************************************
Hottentots-Holland
AUDITIONS for hit British comedy ‘ALLO ‘ALLO
The HHDS is looking for 13 parts both male and female actors & actresses for the hit British comedy ‘ALLO ‘ALLO. The show is set in occupied France during World War II. Backstage crew are required who will also double up and appear on stage to play small roles.
Audition date: Sunday 1 November 2009
Time: 7 for 7.30pm
Where: The Playhouse Theatre, Lourensford Road, Somerset West
This production will go into rehearsal immediately and will be presented to the public in February 2010.
For more information call Lindsay on 076 3148 968 or Ann 082 678 9077 or email info@hhds.org
/ yolanda@gilbertandsullivan.co.za. Guilma’s contact details: 084 589 1812
Claremont Dramatic Society 