March 2011 – Number 96
________________________________________
How many of YOU did the Argus this year? Our new chair led the way, by getting on her bicycle this year and promptly bettering her time from last year. This was Wendy’s 16th Argus – which is almost as good as Bob’s 22 (and streaks ahead of my 3 ¾ times…)
We’re very excited about the enthusiastic new committee that CDS has – and thanks to everyone that came to the AGM and made that a success. There were plenty of smiles when the awards were presented, which was repeated not longer after when CDS members did well at the CATA Awards as well – more about these later.
IMPORTANT: We are calling a Special General Meeting on Sunday 17 April 2011 at 18h30 – this is immediately prior to the Member’s Evening so that we can ensure a good turnout. The agenda is attached at the end of the newsletter.
CDS – new committee
We’re happy to welcome some new and return faces to our Claremont Dramatic Society committee: Clifford Graham and Anthony Storr Lister join our team for the first time (Welcome!) They are joined by returning members Wendy Goddard and André Thomas (Welcome Back!).
Members evening & Special General Meeting
Here’s your chance to meet the new committee, and our fellow members; our Member’s Evening Bill for 2011 has begun!
Our first member’s evening will be held on Sunday 17 April at 7 for 7:30pm, at the Hok. This is immediately after the Special General Meeting at 18h30.
As an hors d’oeuvre for our next production, Macbeth, we are calling for ten volunteers to perform a Shakespeare monologue in the form of an ‘audition’. Our resident Shakespearophile, Ruth Allsopp, will adjudicate. After each piece, the audience will be asked to guess the character and the play. No prizes, just bragging rights!
If you’d like to take part, please contact Pam Burger by Monday 28 March on 021 657 5700 (o/h) or email: PamB@Masterparts.com .
Please also let Pam know if you’re coming to the member’s evening (whether or not you’re doing a monologue).
If you don’t have a favourite, find your monologue here: http://www.shakespeare-monologues.org/. No monologues from Macbeth, please.
It would be great if you could do a little bit of research into your monologue, so that you understand its context.
As usual, there is no entry fee, and snacks will be provided. To create an authentic atmosphere, a limited quantity of mead* will be on sale. Friends and family are always welcome.
Proceedings will terminate by 9:30pm, so that the scholarly and working classes may depart early enough not to be deprived of too much beauty sleep. For those who wish to tarry, the tavern will stay open for a short while.
*Mead is made by the alcoholic fermentation of honey. In ancient times it was believed to be a good thing to give a young couple sufficient mead that they could drink a considerable amount each night for a month after getting married. This was a term politely referred to as a honeymoon – the primary objective of a honeymoon was for a couple to conceive a child. More mead meanderings here: http://www.iqhilika.co.za/index.htm
CDS Awards 2010
We had a wonderful time presenting these awards – for which a huge Thank You goes to the judges! The complete list of winner’s is attached at the end of this newsletter. Hearty congratulations to you all!
Here some of our winners of the night:
Back row: Michele Belknap, Clifford Graham, Lesley Gill And here’s Elza-lynne receiving her Front: Elza-lynne Kruger, Brenda Gray, Vivienne Gray Outstanding Contribution to the
Society Award from our new Chair, Wendy.
CATA Awards Evening
On Monday 07 March 2011 CATA held another excellent event, presenting their awards to amateur dramatic world at the Masque.
Here too, I have attached a list of the winners at the end – with our own productions highlighted for quick reference – again, congratulations and jubilations to all!
Auditions – I have attached 2 audition notices for you at the end of the newsletter 🙂
Member news
We always love to hear from our members – and this month we’ve heard from Kaz – who must be one of our furthest-away members.
Kaz Wurzinger relocated to Japan a few years ago, and is still a member of CDS. Just after the earthquake on the 11th, he replied to an e-mail from Ralph Thornley:
Hello Ralph
How are you doing? Thank you so much for your email and thoughts.
Yes, the quake did shake us up a bit – and I am not just speaking physically.
We are situated a little lower than the epicenter and only received a
level 5 but it was still the strongest we had ever felt before. Lucky
for us we are also pretty much inland and have not been affected by
the tsunamis – we are however still trying to connect with friends and
their families here who are located in some of the affected areas.
Adriana and I were out shopping at the time and my mom and our son were at
home. Within 10 minutes we tried heading home and found my mom a little
distressed but joking about it.
Now, the house is still shaking every few minutes from various
aftershocks and quakes but we are all fine. We will try in keep everyone in the loop as to any developments – but Internet, cell phone and land-line access is limited at times.
Please send our love to all that remember us.
Love and hugs from all of us here to you and yours!
God Bless,
K, A, A and J
Our Location: Saitama Prefecture – Saitama City, Minuma Ward
Since then, Kaz has put together a website with information about the situation: http://sites.google.com/site/kazmatrix/news.
Member’s dues – have you paid for 2011?
Thank you to all of you who have paid your subs at the AGM. There are still a few members whose subs are outstanding and we eagerly await your remittance – why not kill three birds with one stone…come along to the members evening on 17 April, meet our new members and pay your subs at the same time?
Or you could make a direct deposit into our bank account – with your name as the Beneficiary Reference please:
Standard Bank Claremont (Branch Code: 025109)
Current Account Number: 072 637 676
Production updates
Brief Lives – now going to Artscape!
Brief Lives, which ran at The Masque Theatre from the 04 – 12 February, proved in every way to be a triumph of theatre. Brenda Gray delivered a production that was not only visually outstanding, but gave Brian de Kock the opportunity to show his considerable talents as an actor.
The Theatrical adaptation was written in the latter 17th Century. Originally staged in 1967 with Roy Dotrice as John Aubrey, it reached the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running One-man play, with 1782 performances, both on the West End and on Broadway. It has been revived on several occasions since, most notably by Roy Dotrice again in 2008.
As John Aubrey the 17th century diarist, Brian de Kock commanded the stage and garnered the audience’s attention from the first line to the final curtain. The feat of memory alone would have daunted the most able thespian. There are few actors who are able to dissolve into a role to the extent that Brian de Kock is capable. Audiences were rapt in there collective attention. And surely, those who know Brian de Kock were able to forget this fact and watch John Aubrey bare his soul.
Vivienne Gray’s set design was once again flawless in its concept and visual complexity. Gary Fargher’s sound and lighting created an authentic and fitting atmosphere which made the spectacle all the more alluring and believable. Claremont Dramatic Society has once again proved that we are a society able to produce theatre of the highest calibre. This born of our considerable talent pool, and a serious, hard working attitude to theatre.
Should you have missed the Masque staging, or indeed have the need for a second viewing, the production will be presented at The Arena at Artscape from 07 to 14 May.
Booking at Computicket or Dial a Seat 021 421 7695
Macbeth
Here’s an update from our director Clifford Graham:
It’s rare that a cast is gathered and so much interest and enthusiasm shown at that first gathering. This is very definitely the case with the cast and crew of Macbeth. The cast, currently numbering 27 if the production crew are included, looks to be strong, motivated and willing to undertake this daunting challenge. I know we will learn from each other and from The Bard himself. If belief in the supernatural proves to be true, I know dear Will is amongst us in muse and spirit.
To the best of my knowledge, we may have an unprecedented situation in this production. In the audition process, and despite having looked far and wide I was unable to find the Macbeth I was looking for. So in my usual way I formulated “Plan B” which to those now in the know, means I have cast myself in the role. In order to make this work, Brenda Gray has generously offered to direct the scenes that require my full attention as actor. Kyla Thorburn has also offered her services in this regard and will be keeping an eye on the production once we have moved into theatre.
There is still a bit of cast juggling to be done but suffice it to say I am confident that our Lady Macbeth, Michele Belknap will bring her wonderful skills to the fore. Macduff, to be played by Sheldon Cross is in good hands, along with Jane De Sousa as his good wife. Mike Thompson as Good King Duncan and Dean Howarth as Malcolm will also be bringing considerable skills to the production. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Nigel Sweet as The Porter equivocating his way around the set.
Apropos set and production matters, we have a new and promising Production Secretary in Leigh Mather. Our Props Manager is the very capable Angela Pratten. To these two ladies I say welcome!
Wendy Goddard will be the usual excellent Stage Manager she is, and Vivienne Gray will be designing the set. After Vivienne’s last two triumphs (Lady Windermere’s Fan and Brief Lives) we have something to look forward to!
We are still looking for a costume co-ordinator – so please contact me if you can assist: clifford@mondaymissile.co.za or 083 948 9115, alternatively Leigh Mather on 072 614 1328.
Not letting too much of the cat out of the bag, but watch this space…
Learn Thee at the Theatre!
One of the main reasons that most of you became a member a Dramatic Society was because of your enduring passion for anything to do with the stage. Some of you have been had a love affair with the boards for years. Others of you have only recently started your flirtations, and are still finding your feet and areas of interest.
Working with other members on our various productions (be it on stage, backstage, front of house or box office, sound & lighting, costumes, props, prompting, production team, hair & make-up , the list goes on…) – can be one of the most rewarding experiences. You get to learn so much from each other: either tapping into years of experience to help demystify some of the secrets of the stage. Or being infected by the enthusiasm of the newcomers, and their bright-eyed way of looking and learning, and falling in love with it all over again.
Either way, I encourage each of you to come and be a part of creating magical theatre with all of us – you know it’s rewarding
Get Thee to the Theatre!
Chapter Two
From 25 March to 02 April at the Milnerton Playhouse
This Neil Simon play is directed by our very own Chair – Wendy Goddard – so we have NO excuse to not support her.
This very funny but poignant play is based around four brilliantly penned characters and is widely perceived to be an autobiographical revelation of Neil Simon’s coming to terms with the death of his first wife, followed by his love affair and subsequent marriage to actress Marsha Mason. Although it seems like a heavy subject to deal with, Simon’s wonderful narrative and witty and humorous dialogue makes Chapter Two an immensely likeable piece.
Bookings on 021 557 3206 or 082 267 1061 or E-mail macdram@afrihost.co.za
She has a great cast, the rehearsals have gone well, and knowing her, this is sure to be a winner!
Godspell
15 – 24 April 2011 – presented by Pinelands Players.
Godspell is a fun, modern day musical, retelling the New Testament parables from The Gospel According to Matthew, presented by a young, dynamic cast.
The show is at times comedic and at times sentimental, and includes the songs, Day by Day, Learn Your Lesson Well, Turn Back O Man, By My Side, On the Willows, and many more.
Director Roche Haupt Buckle and Musical Director Justin Wardle
It will be on at The Arena at Artscape from 15 to 24 April 2011:
Evening 8.15pm R130.00
Saturday Matinee 2.30pm R110.00
Sunday 6.00pm R130.00
Booking at Computicket or Dial a Seat 021 421 7695
Get Thee to the Masque!
01 – 09 April
Come Back Little Sheba by William Inge, directed by Barrie Howard for Constantiaberg Theatre
Players at the Masque Theatre.
A chiropractor who had to quit medical school to marry is driven to occasional binges by the
constant realisation of what he might have been. A story of hope and sobriety.
04 – 08 April
Storybook at the Masque. Classic Fairy Tales (The Troll, Sleeping Beauty and Rumpelstilskin) with
a twist! Hilarious – will captivate audiences from ages 4 to 90!
Mon at 14:30, Tues, Wed, Thurs at 11:00 and 14:30 and Fri at 11:00. All shows R30.
For bookings contact Carol or Carley on 021 782 0875 or 0715697930 or email: dowling@xsinet.co.za
15 & 16 April
The Wonderful World of Operetta presented by Playbill Productions at the Masque.
Directed by Celia Musikanth, musical direction by Lorraine Rothenburg and choreography by Gladys Bullock with her captivating Viennese dancers.
Featuring soprano Liesl Hartje, tenor Matthew Overmeyer, Dermod Gloster, Margaret Hill and Cherith Bain on violin, this production showcases popular music from operettas.
Tickets: Evenings R65 (R55), Matinee R55 (R45).
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 R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Bookings on 021-7881898
See you there!
Claremont Dramatic Society Committee 2011
CLAREMONT DRAMATIC SOCIETY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
of a Special General Meeting of the CLAREMONT DRAMATIC SOCIETY
to be held at the Hok, 162 Campground Road, Newlands
on Sunday 17 April 2011 at 18h30.
A G E N D A
1. Notice Convening the Meeting
2. Apologies
3. Treasurer’s Report for the Year ended 31 December 2010
4. Adoption of Audited Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 December 2010
5. To consider any Motion from any Member of which due Notice has been lodged with the Secretary at least 14 (fourteen) days prior to this Meeting
6. To consider any business or proposed alterations to the constitution which the Committee may consider proper to bring before the meeting
7. To fix the annual subscription for the ensuing year
8. To Elect an Honorary Auditor for the Year ended 31 December 2011
9. To discuss the Society’s policy with respect to productions invited to Artscape
10. Any other business
Wendy Goddard
Chairperson
March 2011
AUDITED ACCOUNTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BEFORE THE START OF THE MEETING.
ALL PERSONS ATTENDING THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO BE PRESENT AND REGISTERED BY 18h15 TO ENABLE A PROMPT START AT 18h30
CLAREMONT DRAMATIC SOCIETY 2010 PRODUCTION AWARDS
PRESENTED AT THE 59TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: 22nd FEBRUARY 2011
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
1. Best Actress – Michele Belknap in the production “Lady Windermere’s Fan”
2. Best Actor – Trevor Joubert in the production “Gigi”
3. Best Supporting Actress – Lesley Gill in the production “Rumours”
4. Best Supporting Actor – Clifford Graham in the production “Lady Windermere’s Fan”
5. Best Production – Director: Brenda Gray for the production “Lady Windermere’s Fan”
6. Shield for Outstanding Contribution to Production –Vivienne Gray for the production “Lady Windermere’s Fan”
7. Shield for Outstanding Contribution to Society – Elza-lynne Kruger
Certificates of Merit:
1. Cameo Performances: Ruth Allsopp (Windermere), Anthony James(Gigi)
2. Outstanding Performances: Luella Holland (Windermere and Gigi), Gary Green (Rumours)
3. Set: Lady Windermere’s Fan – Vivienne Gray
4. Costumes: Lady Windermere’s Fan – Kim Harris
5. Set: Rumours – Kim Harris and Simon Sutton
CDS MEMBERS CHOICE AWARDS
Best Actor: Trevor Joubert in the production “Gigi”
Best Actress: Michele Belknap in the production “Lady Windermere’s Fan”
Best Production: “Lady Windermere’s Fan” directed by Brenda Gray
Cata Awards 2010
Junior Awards
• Julia Holzberg as Annie – Annie (G & S)
• Kirsty du Plessis as Annie – Annie (G & S)
Certificate of Excellence Awards
• Best Male Solo: Graham Boxall –Annie (G&S)
• Best Musical Ensemble: MICHELE BELKNAP, SHEILA INGLIS, LYLE WILSON, FAERON WHEELER, SVEN YAFFE –Gigi – (CDS/PP)
• Orphan’s Chorus – Annie (G & S)
• Adult Chorus – Annie (G & S)
• HELEN MATHERS – Towards Zero (Fish Hoek Dramatic Society)
Exceptional Artistic Contribution: Jill Cooke Cup
• Shared award:
Dolores Spijkers and Karin Ashdown – Little Mermaid (HHDS)
Kyla Thorburn and Roxy Levy – Annie (G & S)
Technical Excellence: Estelle Knott-Craig Shield
• JUNE and BRUCE EDWARDS – Improbable Fiction (MVDS)
Best Set: Harry Hargreaves Cup
• VIVIENNE GRAY – Lady Windermere’s Fan (Claremont Dramatic Society)
Cameo Performance: Fiona Chisholm Cup
• Best Cameo in a Play: GIZELLE WILLOWS – Lady Windermere’s Fan (CDS)
• Best Cameo in a Musical: ANTHONY JAMES – Gigi (CDS/PP)
Most Promising Newcomer: The Imps Shield
• MIA SIMONOW – Improbable Fiction (MVDS)
Best Supporting Actress in a Play or Musical
• In a play: JANE COHEN – Lady Windermere’s Fan (Claremont Dramatic Society)
• In a musical: Jennifer Moss – Annie (G & S)
Best Supporting Actor in a Play or Musical: Richard Farmer Cup
• In a play: Gordon Molloy – Nobody’s Perfect (Milnerton Players)
• In a musical: David Bolton – Annie (G & S)
Best Actress in a Play or Musical: Doris Tansley Cup
• Play: MICHELE BELKNAP – Lady Windermere’s Fan (Claremont Dramatic Society)
• Musical: not awarded
Best Actor in a Play or Musical : Geoffrey Tansley Cup/Downey Cup
• Play: Barrie Howard – God’s Favorite (Constantiaberg Theatre Players)
• Musical: Shared award
Shaun Browne – Annie (G & S) and
Graham Boxall – Annie (G & S)
Outstanding Service to Amateur Theatre: Cods Cup
• RICK MAGNIN
Most Adventurous Production: Cape Times Cup
• The Little Mermaid (HHDS)
Best Director of a Musical: Joseph Manca Cup
• Kyla Thorburn – Annie (G & S)
Best Director of a Play: Bertie Stern Cup
• COLEEN VAN STADEN – Improbable Fiction (MVDS)
Best Musical: Marcia Lawton Cup
• Annie (G & S)
Best Play: Sol Rodsell Cup
• Road to Mecca (Milnerton Players)
Audition notice
Sunday 03 April 2011 at 15h00 at The Hok in Claremont
“FRINGE PEOPLE”
A South African Comedy/Drama by Ralph Kelly and directed by Walter Hodges, will be performed at the Milnerton Playhouse on 7,8 & 9 July 2011. The cast of seven includes Pamela Burger, Gary Green, Bernie Jacobs, Heather Gibbons, and Ralph Kelly. Ralph is still looking for two more actors to fill the roles of :-
ERNIE HARRIS:- (40-ish, Big part), is struggling to make ends meet after a hijacking. He is obliged to rent his mother-in-law’s granny flat to a Malawian and his Jewish wife – this in a predominantly AWB suburb. It is 1994 with South Africa trying to adjust to the new dispensation. To add more spice to the mix, the Malawian has psychic powers! Ernie is full of bluster, with a passion for horse-racing, much to his wife’s despair.
DOMINEE MOSTERT:- (Small to Medium part) A clergyman of some years. He tries to resolve an explosive situation in which his professed Christian principles are compromised.
Auditions will be held @ The Hok on Sunday April 3rd @ 15h00. If any one would like to help backstage or Front-of-house they can contact Pamela Burger on 082 488 0442 or 696-5959 after 6pm or e-mail pamb@masterparts.com
MUIZENBERG DRAMATIC SOCIETY
AUDITION NOTICE
THE HAUNTED THROUGH LOUNGE AND RECESSED
DINING NOOK AT FARNDALE CASTLE
or
WE FOUND LOVE AND AN EXQUISITE SET OF PORCELAIN FIGURINES
ABOARD THE SS FARNDALE AVENUE
Directed By: Miranda Lewis
AUDITION DATE: Saturday 16 April 2011 at 14:00
PLACE: Rendezvous (Old Zandvlei Bowling Club), 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg
ENQUIRIES: Andrew Blake on (021) 781 0114 or 082 493 3330
Both these hilarious comedies are exercises in coarse acting. Performers in this
genre play the parts absolutely straight and it is their belief in their
characterisation that make the plays funny to the audience.
Final choice of play will be made after audition.
THE CASTS:
Both productions feature the talents of
“The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society”.
In the case of “Haunted Through Lounge” these are:
Thelma: (playing June) quick-tempered, prima donna, age 30+
Lottie (playing Marty) homely, down-to-earth, with strong accent, age 50+
Mrs Reece (playing Lady Madge Graves, Mrs Slaughter)
elegant, bossy, enterprising, age 45+
Felicity (playing Crematia) nervous, well-meaning but incompetent actress,
age 25-35
Jasmine (playing Old Yokel, Arnold Death, Dr Blood, Rev Tombs)
attractive, versatile, fraught, age 30s
Producer harassed, age under 35
In the case of “S S Farndale” these are:
Mrs Reece (playing Mr St Clair, Lillian, Steward, Mavis Smith, Captain Brown, Jolly Tar)
Elegant, bossy, enterprising, age over 45
Thelma (playing Constance Lombard, A Jolly Tar)
quick-tempered, prima donna, age over 30
Felicity (playing Daisy, Cicely, Captain Jones, Porter, A Jolly Tar)
nervous, well-meaning but incompetent actress, 25-35
Gordon (playing Noël Nightingale, Gwendolyn, A Jolly Tar)
long-suffering stage manager, frozen faced and
monotonous when acting, age immaterial
Disc Jockey slick and extrovert performer, age under 30
Read Full Post »
Claremont Dramatic Society 