Your Chance to be on TV!

Darlow Smithson Productions will be filming a series for Animal Planet in Cape Town called Infested!

It’s a drama documentary series about how people combat home infestations of various pests. They are currently looking for extras to take part in shooting of some story reconstructions, which will be filmed in Cape Town between the 13th and 26th July.

The main characters have already been cast, but they need about ten people interested in playing small roles as neighbours, friends, etc of the main cast. These would be small parts, and would only involve one or two days commitment in terms of filming time. There are both male and female roles (though slightly more males, around 70:30 ratio), and ages from 25-60 years old. Since the stories are all set in North America, they need to represent a mostly white, middle class ethnicity. At this stage they’re really just looking for anyone who is interested in taking part, and there’ll be a more rigorous casting session closer to the filming dates to fit people to specific roles.

Unfortunately they aren’t able to pay the actors, but will be reimbursing travel expenses and lunch will be provided on set.

Please pass on the information to anyone you think might be interested, as this is a brilliant opportunity to be part of a series that will be broadcast internationally.

If you would like to be considered, please email me (wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za) with your contact details before Wednesday 8 June, and I will forward them to Darlow Smithson Productions.

Read Full Post »

Audition – Honk!

PINELANDS PLAYERS
Est. 1949 Inc. The Cape Town Repertory Theatre Society
P.O. Box 131, HOWARD PLACE, 7450

AUDITION NOTICE

HONK!
The Ugly Duckling Musical

Some eggs can’t be beaten!

A musical comedy in two acts based on the
THE UGLY DUCKLING by Hans Christian Andersen

Music by GEORGE STILES Book and Lyrics by ANTHONY DREWE

DIRECTOR: KYLA THORBURN MUSICAL DIRCTOR: JUSTIN WARDLE

Production Dates:- 7th to 17th December 2011 at the Little Theatre – Cape Town
and possibly 23rd to 26th February 2012 at the Masque Theatre – Muizenberg

Since it first hatched in 1993, Styles & Drew’s musical Honk! has winged its way around the world in over 8000 productions and in many different languages. A world-wide sensation that has been seen by over 5 million people. Honk! has won multiple awards including the 2000 Oliver Award for Best New Musicalbeating the Lion King and Mamma Mia for the prize.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling”, “Honk! tells the story of an odd looking duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. Soon after Ugly is born, he is seduced away by a wily Cat who wants to eat Ugly for dinner. Eventually, Ugly manages to escape but has no idea how to return home. Along his way, he encounters a beautiful swan, Penny, tangled in a fishing line. After saving her, the two birds fall in love. However, she must return to her flock and fly south for winter. Eventually, Ugly’s mother finds him frozen in the snow. Luckily her warm tears manage to thaw him out and he comes back to life – as a handsome swan! Soon, Ugly is reunited with Penny and they decide to live the rest of their days in the same pond as Ugly’s loyal mother.

The principal theme of the show is clearly the acceptance, compassion and understanding of others who may appear different for whatever reason. The main message is that being different is OK, it is something to be welcomed, embraced and celebrated rather than feared, misunderstood or persecuted.

Honk! is family entertainment that is fun for all ages – as much about people as about ducks.

Our wish is to make this a big cast:- 3 leads, 8 supports, a double cast of children’s chorus who double up as Duckling’s and Froglets and group of chorus members (age ranging from teenagers to mature adults) who will have an opportunity to perform the multitude of cameo roles that are available. If you wish to audition for more than one role, you are more than welcome. Rehearsals will start in September.

Please feel free to go into the creator’s website which is very informative and will give you a taste of what the show is about. Enjoy. http://www.stilesanddrewe.co.uk/honk

WHAT TO PREPARE

 One of the songs from Honk! – preferably one of the songs representing the character you are auditioning for (in your voice range). This is very important.

 Please contact Tina Gough at Bgough@telkomsa.net or on 0827719644 to obtain copies of the music that you will need to prepare for the audition.

Please prepare!!!

WHERE TO GO

Pinelands Players clubhouse -The Crossing Road: Pinelands
From Forest Drive with mountain behind you, take first left after the Vincent Palotti hospital, left at the t junction into Sunny Road, right into The Crossing, brick building on left next to railway line.

WHEN – DATE & TIME

All auditionees are to arrive at the start time of the audition for administrative reasons. Everyone will then be taught a little dance as a group, and will be auditioned in groups for the dancing audition. After that, individual auditions will be held separately – so please a) wear suitable shoes and b) be prepared to stay the full length of time stipulated below.

 Saturday 25th June (10h00 to 16h00)–Lead and Supporting Roles
 Sunday 26th June (13h30 to 18h00) – Cameo’s and Chorus (no children)
 Saturday 2nd July (10h00 to 13h00) –Cameo and Chorus Recall
 Sunday 3rd July (13h30 to 18h00) – Lead and Support Roles Recall
 Sunday 17th July (13h00 to 17h00) – Children’s Chorus (Ducklings & Froglets)

Please contact Tina Gough at Bgough@telkomsa.net or on 0827719644 to advise if you are going to attend the auditions. This is very important so that we can administer correctly and not waste your time. Tina will also be able to answer any questions or requests that you might have.

Looking forward to hearing you “Honk!”

Read Full Post »

Gaslight – June 2011

GASLIGHT
NEWSLETTER OF THE CAPE TOWN GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 3 – JUNE 2011

Hello everyone

Some of you are receiving GASLIGHT for the first time, as you have joined the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in order to take part in FIDDLER. Welcome! We trust your association with us will be a happy one, and extend to future shows as well. May 29th marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Sir William Schwenck Gilbert. He died at the age of 74 whilst trying to rescue a young lady who had got into difficulties while swimming in a lake at Gilbert’s home. He suffered a heart attack and drowned. It had been some 15 years since his last collaboration with Sir Arthur Sullivan. The legacy of that collaboration lives on – and we are the happy beneficiaries. We pause to honour the memory of one of the most gifted librettists in the English language.

The Fiddler Files

Sunday 1st May saw the cast and others involved with the show getting together for the first time in a “Getting to know you”
party. What made this a little different from the usual GTKY parties was that this one started at the Jewish Museum in Hatfield Street. We were given an insight into certain Jewish customs, and, in particular, viewed a reconstruction of a typical shtetl of the kind in which Tevye and his family might have lived. We were given an explanation of their way of life with its traditions and hazards. All in all, an excellent idea as a very appropriate venue! The party then shifted to a rather more convivial location for refreshments and introductions.

Music rehearsals are now well underway and making excellent progress. It’s noticeable that a few of the gents are beginning to look a little more hairy than we are accustomed to seeing them!

Fiddler will run at the Artscape Opera House from Friday 9 September to Saturday 1 October. Ticket prices will range from R150-200 for Friday and Saturday evenings, with weekend matinee prices being R50 cheaper. Wednesdays and Thursdays, R120-170 (no performances on Mondays or Tuesdays). Pref tickets, bought through cast members, are R20-30 cheaper in each category.

CONCERT GROUP

There are already a couple of concerts on the horizon for early next year. Bearing in mind that there is an existing core ‘concert group’, if you would like to be considered when a vacancy arises, please give your name to Lorna. When there is a vacancy in the group, she will contact you. However, please be aware of the following:

* The group has to be small (max 24) as some of the venues cannot accommodate more than that.

* When a vacancy occurs in the group, it will be filled by someone of the same voice part, not necessarily by the next name on the list.
* Sometimes a vacancy needs to be filled by someone who can sing a solo or two.

* Rehearsals are few, so it helps if you can read music or have some knowledge of the G&S operas.

FROM OUR SISTER SOCIETIES

Claremont Dramatic Society presents MACBETH from 1-9 July 2011 at the Masque Theatre.
Directed by Clifford Graham. Contact him on 083 948 9115.

The Pinelands Players production for their annual mid-year Candelight Theatre at the Pinelands Town Hall is FOREVER PLAID directed by June Wells. 25 July – 7 August.

Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society will present DRIVING MISS DAISY in the Playhouse Theatre, Somerset West, from 19-30 July. Booking at Computicket.

Message from Glenda re our Wardrobe in Tenby Road, Wynberg:

Hi, everyone!

As Heather, who has managed the wardrobe so effectively for so many years, will be moving to Onrus later this year, she has asked me to take over the wardrobe management. I’d like to give her a huge “thank you” for the sterling work that she has done, in what is probably the most difficult and unappreciated job in the Society. Lorna and I have always been very happy to work with her and help whenever and wherever necessary.

I have had a long discussion with our Executive Committee, and we have decided that from now onwards, because of the huge escalation in the costs of acquiring our many wonderful costumes, and the inevitable damage and losses which occur when we lend them out, we will unfortunately no longer be able to lend or hire them to other societies or individuals.

On another note, the Wardrobe building is in very poor condition, and our tenancy will only last until the Council decide to go ahead with the Wynberg bypass, at which time it will be demolished. So, we are looking for a new storage facility, with a low rental – perhaps in an industrial area which is easy for us to access, and preferably with some sort of security. If anybody has any suggestions to make about this, please contact me at glendac@tiscali.co.za.

If you give me your attention …

In an article in a recent “Gilbert and Sullivan News” (magazine of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in London, with which our own Society is affiliated), the writer spoke of how certain Gilbertian lines from the operas suggest themselves in the course of daily life – even if not always within the original Gilbertian context. For example, when the grandchildren visit: There are one or two rules, half a dozen maybe … (I can relate to that!) Or when you’re trying to phone Telkom/SARS etc. and have been holding for 20 minutes because ‘your call is important to them’: I can’t sit up here all day; I must shortly get away … Or those occasions when someone dares to question whether you really did leave your missing keys on the sideboard: Of that there is no manner of doubt – no probable, possible shadow of doubt … Or, do you say ‘Hey, I’ve got an idea’ when you could say: If you give me your attention …
So, I wondered whether any of you out there had other examples to share of situations in life when a line or two from one of the G&S operas just seems like a perfect fit. Let me know, and I’ll publish the best ones in the next GASLIGHT. (klever@telkomsa.net )

WEBSITE

Have you checked our website recently? http://www.gilbertandsullivan.co.za Lance has been doing his best to keep it up to date.

Receiving GASLIGHT by post?

If you have an email address but still receive GASLIGHT by post, please let me have your email address. It will save the Society money, and save me time. It will also mean you get your GASLIGHT more promptly and in colour.

Till next time …

Ken

Read Full Post »

MVDS Messenger – May 2011

Apparently, the emperor Charlemagne called May “wunnimanoth” or “joy-month” – so I do hope that this is a joyful month for all!

AUDITIONS!

Constantiaberg Theatre Players : 4 June 2011 at 14:00 at the Bergvliet Girl Guide Hall, Glen Alpine Way, Bergvliet for “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling. This is to be directed by Angela Lee-Wright who requires a cast of six strong (no, I don’t mean well-muscled!) women, ages 18 to 70. For further information contact Di Thom on 0824109900 or dianathom@mweb.co.za.

Milnerton Players : 5 June 2011 at 13:30 for 14:00 at the Milnerton Playhouse (behind library) for “Forbidden Broadway” by Gerard Alessandrini. It requires a cast of four very strong singers (2 Male & 2 Female), with good stage presence and the ability to act and move well, plus a small singing/dancing chorus. Contact Director Sheila McCormick on 021 5573206 or 0798772466 or macdram@afrihost.co.za for further information.

Fish Hoek Dramatic Society is holding an audition on 19 June 2011 at 14:00 in the Foyer of the Masque Theatre for “Hay Fever” by Noel Coward. The run of this production is in October 2011 and it is to be directed by Alastair Duff, who can be contacted on 021 7884984 or alastairduff@gmail.com for further information.

MEMBERS’ NEWS

A warm welcome to Melanie Jessop and Leon Laubscher: hope your stay with us will be a long and happy one.

This just in: Founder and lifetime member of MVDS, Dave D’Alton, won the election for the DA in the Muizenberg ward!!!!!
Our heartiest congratulations.

Heather Gibbons (last seen in the hilarious Mothers of the Criminal Element) is not at all well and feels she will be unable to be in future plays but is still a strong supporter of the Masque.

CALENDAR

26 – 28 Going Places presented by Trish Notcutt at the Masque is a youngster’s tale for adults May about becoming a teenager told through song and dance. It will make you laugh, cry, think, sigh ….. Shows Thurs and Fri at 20:00 and Sat 15:00 and 19:00. All shows R50. Bookings on 0733683069.

27 May – Absurdity and Madness – A Double Bill to be presented by Milnerton Players at their 4 June Playhouse. The production is comprised of two one-act plays: firstly A Little Box of Oblivion by Stephen Bean directed by Leon Hendricks which is in the genre of ‘Theatre of the Absurd’ where actors play out ridiculous situations in a totally serious way. Secondly National Madness by local playwright James Whyle directed by Andy McPherson which is set in South Africa in 1980 and follows the story of a conscript as he goes through his National Service. Contains strong language! For further information and to book phone 021 5573206 or 082 267 1061 or e-mail: macdram@afrihost.co.za.

3 – 5 June Razzle Dazzle presented by Door 6 Entertainment at the Masque. This spectacular show incorporates some of the most memorable songs and dances from Broadway musicals. The show features Felicity Kiran who starred in Sun City’s Let There Be Rock! as well as Peter Weisz from London’s West End. The show takes the audience on a musical journey through the ages of the Broadway showstoppers. Supported by a young cast of dancers and singers, and choreographed by Jason Sisam, this show is a must see. Friday night is at 8pm and Saturday at 2.30 and 6.30pm – tickets R75 (Theatre Club R65). Sunday is at 3pm – tickets R65 (Theatre Club and pensioners R50). Bookings through Computicket (083 915 8000) or phone 021 782 8976. Tickets also available through Computicket at Shoprite, Checkers/Hyper and House & Home.

9 – 19 June The Cape Dance Company are welcomed back to the Masque to premiere their new dance works. Acclaimed for an excellent standard of dance, with performances that are both uplifting, accessible and stimulating, expect a varied repertoire of superb works from both national and international choreographers. Fridays at 19:30, Saturdays at 15:30 & 19:30 and Thursday at 18:00. Tickets R75 (Theatre Club R65). Matinees and 16 June R65 (R55).

Support your Theatre!!

12 June Truth or Lies Fundraising Social at the Masque for the Masque!! A wine-tasting with a twist! Two wine ‘buffs’ give vivid, knowledgeable but differing descriptions of the wine you are tasting; you have to decide who is telling the truth and who is telling little porky pies! No previous wine knowledge is required; it’s all about what you taste in the glass. This immensely enjoyable evening will take place in the Foyer, starting at 17:30 for 18:00. Tickets will be charged at R50 per person. The tasting will be followed by light snacks, with a cash bar. Booking is essential: phone Sue on 084 621 7833

1 – 8 July Romantic Fools written by Rich Orloff and to be performed at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Presented by On The Shoulders of Giants, a duo comprising MVDS’ members Raymond Rudolph and Kelly Kowalski, and specially adapted by the former for South Africa. Nine 2-character comedies examining love, lust, dating and romance: from a date with a caveman to the joys of dull sex and a hilariously lecherous wedding planner. With influences of Monty Python, the Marx Brothers and classic vaudeville comedy these sketches vary but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships. Bookings at the Festival or contact Raymond on 021 794 5229 or raymrud@netactive.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
Thurs eve and Sat Matinees R50 (Theatre Club members R40)
Other Nights R60 (Theatre Club members R50)
Bookings on 021-7881898

MEMBERS’ EVENINGS

So You Think You’re Smart?…
Are you young, or young at heart? Join the MADS Youth Day celebration on the evening of 15 June (the night before the public holiday) from 7pm, at Upper Crust in Marina Da Gama, as we join in teams of five and battle it out in a pub quiz! Drinks and food, especially beers and pizzas, are all very affordable, and the cover charge is only R10 per person. However, entry is free if you are a paid up member for 2011 and you pre-book with Jonathan! You can create your team before the time, or create a team on the evening. A good general knowledge is not really a must…..just bring a fun and winning attitude! RSVPs are so please contact Jonathan Duguid at jduguid@africamail.com or on 0765706686 or to reserve your spot. A few spots will be left open for people to arrive on the evening, as well as for RSVPed guests to bring friends along to join. The more the merrier! We want you, your mates, and their mates to all come and join in the festivities. Registration starts at 7pm, and the quiz at 7.30pm. See you there!

A taste of what’s to come at our August’s Members’ Evening when Richard Higgs will be directing an adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca’s unfinished one-act play Play without a Title – I’ll let him tell you all about it ………

This play is so obscure and ahead of its time that it took 40 years before anyone had the courage to publish it. Long before Peter Handke’s Offending the Audience caused a stir in theatres, this anti-play made innovative use of audience “plants” and radically questioned the concept of theatre space. There are many roles available, most of which are immaterial of gender or age, and they range from comparatively large roles to walk-on, run-on, dance-on, and shoot-indiscriminately-at-things-on roles, so anyone of any level of experience is welcome to audition (keep an eye out for notices). No acting ability required from most roles, although focus and discipline are essential, to make sure that things don’t get out of hand. Play without a Title promises to be revolting, and probably more entertaining for the actors than for the audience (although the distinction between the two is rather blurred). For those who loathe “audience participation”, don’t worry, there will be none of that.

BIRTHDAYS

Our very good wishes to all with birthdays in June:
02 Hayley Fargher 13 Miranda Lewis
14 Heather Gibbons 18 Wendy Morling
20 June Edwards 20 Joshua Knott
21 Abigail Knott 22 Scott Cooper
24 Jane Philbrick 27 Ralph Yarrow

The Romans apparently thought it unlucky to get married in May. Well, Ron and I did and we celebrate 28 years this year!
And according to the poet Ovid “bad girls wed in May”: Hmmmmm….I’ve always wanted to be known as a “bad girl”!!

Eve

Read Full Post »

HHDS Newsletter – May 2011

HHDS Newsletter May 2011

Dear Members and Friends,

May is almost over, the world hasn’t ended yet, and winter is definitely upon us.

Well done to Sume and her team for a truly spectacular dance show. Urban beat was excellent in all ways and once again the standard bar has been raised.

A big thank you as well to Bettina, and her Front of House team. All records regarding sales and income have been broken. The service was excellent. Thank you as well to all who assisted with the bar which has also done extremely well.

We have just had the directors’ forum which puts forward ideas for the 2012 calendar and I wish to thank all who participated. Once Molly and her sub committee have finished the sorting, vetting etc, the calendar for next year will be announced, and I am pleased to say there will be ample opportunity for all our members to participate in what promises to be a very busy year, full of exciting challenges for actors, back stage crew, and our audiences who can look forward to some wonderful entertainment.

When I first joined the Society, we used to have an active choir group under the leadership of Pam Ziehl. I would like to revive this group with a view to doing weekend concerts etc during the year. To do this we need a choir/musical director and choir members. Is there anyone out there who is interested? If so, please contact me per email, giving me your telephone/cell phone and I will get back to you.

I have also been advised that there are a lot of amateur musicians out there, and it would be really nice to start our own band/ orchestra. Once again if interested, please contact me per email as above.

The key to these ideas is to get someone to direct and lead these groups.

Please don’t forget Philippe’s director’s ticket show on the 11th June. I think you will be blown away.

Last, but definitely not least, “Driving Miss Daisy” is in rehearsal and promises to be a superb production. Norman has selected an excellent cast and you can expect an exciting show. Thanks for the support year to date,
See you at the theatre, Lindsay S. Chairman.

“…magician Marcel was the talking point of the evening.” – Sunday Times

For over a decade, Corporate Magician Marcel Oudejans has been requested to perform for CEOs, Presidents, Directors and VIP clients of over 100 companies and events all over Southern Africa, Nairobi, Trivandrum, London & Los Angeles .

Now for the first time, after performing for more than 10 000 hours and over 35 000 people, you can watch and participate in the show that features the most talked about and most requested tricks & illusions from his career.

For his premier 1-man show, veteran performer Marcel has selected only his very best illusions and stories for a show that is sure to keep you captivated, enchanted, laughing and talking for months to come! Be sure not to miss this unique opportunity to see why so many leading companies and professional event planners have made Marcel their first choice when choosing the best available South African entertainment for their events & functions.

June 17, 20:00
June 18, 18:30
R 60

BOOK NOW VIA COMPUTICKET ONLINE OR PHONE 083 915 8000

[ PLEASE NOTE: The content of this performance, while 100% appropriate for families, has been designed for adults. To ensure that everyone enjoys the performance, any children under 16 must be supervised & remain with their parents at all times. Children will not be allowed on stage.]

This performance is a fundraiser for the Playhouse theatre. Funds will be used for refurbishing and maintenance.

——————————————————————————–
THE POWER OF SPEECH – Director’s Ticket Philippe Pringiers

Speech is a powerful medium as proven again recently during the election campaign!

Speech is also an art and history is full of examples when truly inspirational speeches have changed the hearts and minds of people even the course of history itself!

Come and watch ‘The Power of Speech’ on Saturday June 11 at 8 pm at the Playhouse and let yourself be transported to ancient Rome, the fields of Gettysburg or the Washington Mall on Jan 21, 2009 when Barack Obama became the first African American president!

Entry is free but … the bar will be open and snacks will be available as from 7 pm and after the 1 hour during show.

——————————————————————————–
From FOH – Thank you to all the members who came to the party and helped serve nearly 2,000 thirsty and hungry patrons during Sume’s show. A particular mention to Marie and Gannicic Ogiela, Diane and Wayne Oates, Duke Opsahl and Fanie Fourie who are all relatively new members and helped FOH for the first time during this run, chatting to them they all enjoyed it tremendously! We’ve had a great variety of different products for sale and this helped raise some good money to help with the running of the theatre. Bettina Horvath

——————————————————————————–
Opportunity to advertise in our programmes

As from the next show we offer you the opportunity to advertise YOUR BUSINESS in our programme. We will give priority to our members. Prices are: cover Page R1000, half page R500 quarter R250, Back page colour half page R1000, R100 business card size. Please contact Ann 082 678 9077 am.coetzee@mweb.co.za

——————————————————————————–
The Driving Miss Daisy cast is in the thick of rehearsals, with characters starting to take shape. Thus far, we’ve been using the home of Elizabeth James, who has the title role, but thanks to the kind offer of Philippe Pringiers who is currently in theatre doing his Director’s Ticket, we’re able to rehearse on stage when he isn’t, and in the Green Room when he is. Thanks Philippe!
The cast is as follows: Miss Daisy (Elizabeth James), Hough (the driver) (Herman Hearn), Benjamin (Miss Daisy’s son) (Clifford Ekron), Fidelia (the house maid) (Lameez Khan), Reverend Jansen (Khader Khan), Policeman 1 (Anthony Bradshaw), Policeman 2 (Marc Volker)

We move into theatre once Philippe moves out on Sunday, June 12, at which point our set goes up, as minimalist as it is. There will be quite a lot of prop moving to make the scene changes work smoothly, so a dedicated and skilled back stage crew is required. Call Eppie on 082 555 1014 or email her on eppiemcf@gmail.com if you’d like to help.

The show opens on July 19, for a two week season, and bookings are due to open at Computicket shortly.
Tuesday 19 July 8.00pm
Thursday 21 July 8.00pm
Friday 22 July 8.00pm
Saturday 23 July 6.30pm (Charity night)
Sunday 24 July 2.30pm
Tuesday 26 July 8.00pm
Thursday 28 July 8.00 pm
Friday 29 July 8.00 pm
Final performance: Saturday 30 July 6.30pm

Saturday 23rd July is a charity night for the Helderberg Society for the Aged – details of this evening will follow. We hope that performance will be well supported by all members of the community.

——————————————————————————–

——————————————————————————–
What’s on at the Playhouse …
The Power of Speech directed by Philippe Pringiers (directors ticket)
11 June ONLY
Marcel Oudejans, magician
17-18 June
Driving Miss Daisy directed by Norman McFarlane
19 – 31 Jul (Computicket bookings open soon)
Balletopia dance show
15 Aug – 27 Aug (show dates tbc)
KADS production
28 Aug – 25 Sept (show dates tbc)
Days of Wine and Roses by Lawrie West
24 Oct – 6 Nov (show dates tbc)
Ann Coetzee’s first full production
28 Nov – 11 Dec (Details/show dates tbc)

——————————————————————————–
DVD’s OF PREVIOUS Productions are still available at R 120.
The Spare Room; Duets; Fawlty Towers; Allo, Allo Suite 214; Spring and Port Wine; The Boy Comes Home; Africa, My Africa; I Have Been Here Before; Midsummer Night’s Dream; Gulls; Hansel & Gretel; Flat Spin; Waiting in the Wings; Look Who’s Talking …
If you wish to buy one please contact Lindsay 021 809 1191, 076 314 8968,021 8553779 or lindsay@dcisp.co.za

Read Full Post »

Claremont Chat – May 2011

Claremont Chat

Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
12 Eden Road, Claremont 7708

May 2011 – Number 98

Isn’t autumn a beautiful season? I’ve just had the pleasure of spending the weekend with some friends on a wine farm outside Robertson – red leaves, red wine and roaring fire sounds pretty pleasant – doesn’t it?

Wishing you all a warm winter – theatre always helps!

CDS – committee changes
David Campey has resigned from the committee – we thank him for his time on the committee.

Member news
A hearty CDS welcome to Paul Geddes, Anton Schafer, Aimee Morris, Celia Musikanth and Nigel Stevenson. We hope your stay with Claremont Dramatic Society will be a long and happy one.

We also congratulate Jane de Sousa and James Skilton on their recent wedding.

Member evenings
Our next members’ evening will be on Friday 15 July, at 19h30 for 20h00.

For the first half of the evening, Guilma Stander of Siggi’s Make-up will teach three people from the audience how to transform three young ladies into three ‘old’ ladies through the effective application of make-up. She will give tips and tricks as she goes, which will prove invaluable next time you need to age up on stage. All the products used on the evening will also be available for sale, so you can stock up your make-up bag and replace all those stale Leichner 5 and 9 grease sticks…

The second half of the evening will see the ‘old’ ladies in a one-act play, ‘Café Society’, which is set in a café in Hackney. All the characters are Cockney, although not excessively so.

We are looking for three women who would like to be made up and act the following parts:

Dolly (77) Hetty (74) Amy (72)

There is also a Waitress (any age, non-speaking part).

If possible, we’d like to ‘tour’ the play to clubs or old age homes as a community service, and would like the characters to learn their lines (the script is only 20 pages). This is also an opportunity for someone who’d like to turn their hand to directing, but would prefer to do a smaller project before tackling a full-length play.

There will be about six rehearsals.

If you would like to be one of the ‘young ladies’, or direct the show, please contact Wendy on 021 671 2888, before the end of May.

Members’ subs and information update

I think that in the last few years several of us have moved around and had some details change – and we’d like to update our records, so that we have the most up to date info on each of you.

I’ve attached a new membership form for you to complete and send back please. It goes without saying that your information is only kept on CDS files and is not shared with anyone else.

This is also the last chance to check if you’re up to date with your subs please – if you have any doubt it’s only an e-mail or phone call away. It’s only R40 per annum – and the newsletter keeps coming. If not… it’s silence from these parts…

If you want to check – please drop one of us an e-mail, and we’ll let you know your status. If you no longer wish to be a member, please also let us know (although we’d hate to lose you!).

If you’re getting the newsletter in error – please drop me a line, and I’ll remove you (sorry!).

Masque Theatre feedback

The new Masque committee elected at the AGM on 16 May:

Chairman: Rick Magnin
Vice-chairman: Andrew Blake
Treasurer: Brian de Jager
Secretary: Shelley Lombard
Publicity Officer: Ruth Allsopp
Backstage Manager: Scott Gill
Repairs & Maintenance: Andrew Blake
Wardrobe, props: Lieske Bester
Theatre Club Secretary: birga Thomas
Front of House Manager: To be discussed at Mancom

A request from Mancom: Please do not phone Celia, Hayley, Mav or Rick after hours with questions that can wait until office hours, or can be resolved by email. Some people have been phoning them after 8 at night, including Sundays. This includes the booking line, as it is attached to Rick and Mav’s home phone.

Opportunity
Triple Threat Talent is a new talent agency that represents quality performers in the fields of acting, singing, modelling and dance. We provide an innovative approach to the entertainment industry. Our aim is to represent and grow our artists through personal management so that they are not just another face on the books.
We are currently searching for new talent who think they have what it takes to be successful in the film and media industry. We are particularly searching for passionate, talented individuals of any ethnicity, over the age of 30. If you would like to come in for a meeting please send your CV and 2 photos to agency@triplethreattalent.co.za, give us a call on 086 184 7328 or fill in our online application at http://www.triplethreattalent.co.za.

Lost! & Found?
Thanks so much for the return of the wooden filigree screen as well – the only item we know is still missing from the Hook is a thick black woollen trench-coat – please let us know if you have it, so we can return it to the rightful spot.

There is a “borrower’s book” in the Hok that we require you to complete on loaning and returning items.

Production update – Macbeth
We’d love some assistance with some of the props we need for Macbeth – in particular we desperately need 8 clear and expressionless masks. If you can assist please let Clifford know on clifford@mondaymissile.co.za or 083 948 9115

Get Thee to the Masque!

Razzle Dazzle
Hits from Broadway! The Producers of Door 6 Entertainment present this spectacular show incorporating some of the most memorable songs and dances from the Broadway musicals.
Razzle Dazzle runs at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg from Friday 3 June to Sunday 5 June.
Friday night is at 8pm and Saturday at 2.30 and 6.30pm. Tickets R75 (Theatre Club members R65).
Sunday is at 3pm. Tickets for Sunday matinée are R65 (Theatre Club members and pensioners R50).

Bookings are through Computicket (083 915 8000) or by phoning 021 782 8976.
Tickets are also available through Computicket at these stores; Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper
and House and Home.

Cape Dance Company – on at the Masque from 10 to 18 June

Macbeth – our very own mid-year show is on from 01 to 09 July 2011 at the Masque

Get Thee to Artscape for Andrew Merryweather!

Four and a half years ago Andrew found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and now faces the daunting prospect of a lifetime in a wheelchair. Far from giving up Andrew has made it his mission not only to walk again but enable others in a similar situation to do so too. In practical terms Andrew would like to act as a guinea pig for the Re-Walk Suit. He would demonstrate its use at Rehabilitation Centres and other medical facilities. In short the idea is that Andrew would play a vital role in marketing this product initially in Cape Town and later in other major centres. He has the personality to make a huge success of this project. The Re-Walk Suit is due on the South African market within the next 9-12 months. The cost is approximately R400 00.00 of which R117 000.00 has been raised so far. We still have a long way to to go! For further info please visit http://www.argomedtec.com
In the meantime, and to move this project forward, there are 2 exciting shows taking place at Artscape on 28th May 2011

ROCK ‘N ROUGE AT 20H15 (8.15PM) COST: R105
Now in its third year of entertaining the city of Cape Town, Rock ‘n Rouge is delighted to be performing at Artscape. With not a single ticket left unsold so far, Rock ‘n Rouge, Cape Town’s hottest musical comedy cabaret group, has been providing audiences with comedy, glamour, song and dance and a little bit of naughty, in a variety of venues around the Cape. Their repertoire features showstopping numbers from the well known musicals, including CABARET, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, A CHORUS LINE, WE WILL ROCK YOU and many others.

ROELOF COLYN AT 16H00 (4PM) COST: R105
Roelof Colyn (of a Handful of Keys) entertains with songs we all know from popular shows on Broadway and the West End of London. He has his own inimitable style and almost certain to introduce a sprinkling of numbers from the “Keys” repertoire. Roelof is kindly donating his services to help swell the coffers of the Andrew Merryweather Fund. Let’s get closer to providing Andrew and others with the Re-Walk Suit.
BOOK AT COMPUTICKET OR ARTSCAPE DIAL-A-SEAT 021 421 7695

See you there!

Masque Theatre “Truth or Lies” Fundraising Social:

A wine-tasting with a twist!

Two wine ‘buffs’ give vivid, knowledgeable, but differing descriptions of the wine you are tasting………….you have to decide who is telling the truth and who is telling little porky pies!
No previous wine knowledge is required…it’s all about what you taste in the glass.

This immensely enjoyable evening will take place on Sunday 12 June in the Masque Theatre Foyer starting at 17:30 for 18:00.
Tickets charged at R50 per person. The tasting will be followed by light snacks, with a cash bar. Booking is essential; phone Sue on 084 621 7833.

Read Full Post »

Audition – Forbidden Broadway

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY
Created & Written by Gerard Alessandrini

Direction: Sheila McCormick – Musical direction: Jeremy Quickfall
Choreography: Fiona Tanner

Venue: Milnerton Playhouse
Pienaar Road, Milnerton (Behind library)
Date: Sunday 05 June
Time: 13.30 for 14.00

Forbidden Broadway is a fun, satirical, rip off of a number of well-known Broadway musicals including: Chicago, Annie, Hello Dolly, Wicked, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Mama Mia, Rent, Cats, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray and A Chorus Line.
It also sends up several showbiz personalities such as: Carol Channing, Chita Rivera & Rita Moreno (Stage & screen Anita in West Side Story), Liza Minelli, Barbara Streisand, Bob Fossie and Cameron Macintosh.

It requires a cast of four very strong singers (2 Male & 2 Female), with good stage presence and the ability to act and move well, plus a small singing/dancing chorus.

The show will be staged at Milnerton Playhouse from 25 November to 10 December with rehearsals beginning mid to end August.

Auditionees are asked to prepare a song in their voice range from one of the above mentioned or any other popular musical show. Please bring sheet music for accompaniment or a backing CD.

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will also be required to take part in a movement audition to be arranged by the choreographer.

For further information please contact Sheila :
021 557 3206 or 079 877 2466
e-mail: macdram@afrihost.co.za

Read Full Post »

Audition – The Sum of Us

AUDITION

MILNERTON PLAYHOUSE SUNDAY 15 MAY

For

THE SUM OF US
By David Stevens
Direction: Johann van der Merwe

Widowed dad, Harry, lives with his gay son, Jeff (the part played by Russell Crowe in the poignant Australian movie, proving that you don’t have to be gay to play a gay part!). They have a very special relationship and Dad takes a keen interest –perhaps too keen – in Jeff’s love life (or lack thereof). The play is about family, understanding, tolerance and sacrifice and this production will be set it in a lower middle class neighbourhood in Port Elizabeth. Although it ends with Dad in a wheel chair after suffering a stroke, it is not a sad play and humour abounds. Greg is Jeff’s (seemingly unsuccessful) love interest, while Joyce is Harry’s girlfriend who he met through an introduction agency. All the characters have been most endearingly created by David Stevens.
THE CAST
Harry Mitchell (Dad) – Mid 40s to mid 50s
Jeff (his son) – A plumber to trade – plays rugby – 20+ (or young looking 30s)
Greg (the boyfriend) – 20+ (or young looking 30s)
Joyce – Harry’s girl friend – more or less same age as Harry or a bit younger.
.
Please phone Johann at 083 680 6160 after 17.00 daily during the week; or anytime during weekends to book your audition slot.
Contact Sheila on: 557 3206 or 082 267 1061 for copies of sections of the play if you wish to prepare for your audition

Read Full Post »

Pinelands Players Ad Lib – April 2011

The Official Newsletter of Pinelands Players
(Established 1948 & Incorporating The Cape Town Repertory Theatre Society)
P O Box 131 Howard Place 7450

Hi there readers
With all the school holidays, countless public holidays behind us and the over consumption of chocolate bunnies, we hope that the start of a new term welcomes the arrival of the Cape winter, (along with soup evenings huddling by the fire,) but does not deter our fellow thespians from supporting each other in the various shows and productions taking place over the next few months.

The conclusion of the highly successful Pinelands Players production Godspell, has left all involved completely overwhelmed by the intensity of the messages of the show, the spiritual journey each member has travelled as well as their intrinsic desire to entertain. Amidst the hard work, long hours, tears and laughter, some life-long friendships have emerged and been cemented.

So much is to be said for this fruitful production, and its success would not have been achieved without each and every person’s commitment, responsibility and dedication. The reviews, feedback, emails and influx of compliments were nothing short of awe-inspiring. This fed the cast & crew’s enthusiasm & perseverance, despite the fact that many of them suffered personal issues or the afflictions of colds and flu. Thank you too to our wonderful audiences, whom it was such a pleasure to entertain. A special thank you is also extended to Tony Murray, Louis de Kock & June Wells for their generous donations.

Godspell, for varying reasons, will be remembered and treasured by a myriad of people!

The clubhouse renovation is 98% complete, and is looking rather spiffing indeed. The official ‘roof wetting’ night will take place on Friday 6th May 2011 at 19h30. All members are welcome.

I have endeavoured to compile accurate distribution lists for the Ad Lib, but should you receive a duplicate copy, please let me know (I am only human & email servers can be temperamental). Also, I invite you to forward me names & email addresses of anyone you wish me to add to the distribution list.

The society’s aim is to ensure that as many people possible know about our exciting society, fantastic productions and the abundant amount of fun we have.

Wrap up warm. Keep dry. Be mindful of those less fortunate than ourselves.
Tanya March

News from the editor
Did you know that Nigel Stevenson has the role of Hercule Poirot in Fish Hoek’s Agatha Christie production?
Support one of our stars

Luella Holland, Roland Perold, Shannyn Fourie and David Fick have been cast in Edges. Directed by Paul Griffiths and Garth Tavares.

“One of the biggest notions that the show drives, is that we often have a vision of who we are meant to be. So we pressure and drive ourselves to try to actualize the perfect concept in our heads. Edges is driven by the modern inability to live in the moment, that leaves us all desperately looking either backwards or forwards, but never savouring the now. Edges is funny, moving, confrontational and deeply serious all at once” says Luella. More information about performance venues and dates to follow.

Opening Friday 13 May 2011
An appropriately sinister date for a murder mystery!
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd “ was the first of Agatha Christie‟s novels to be staged and the play follows the book closely. “Alibi” (with a cast of 12) is full of the usual Christie red-herrings, plot twists and well-defined characters.
Directed by Cecil Jakins.
“Alibi” runs at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg from Friday 13 to Saturday 21 May (excluding Sunday to
Wednesday). Week nights are at 8pm and Saturdays at 2.30 and 6.30pm.
Tickets are R60 for evenings and R50 for
matinees and Thursday evening.
Book through Masque Theatre Bookings on 021 788 1898 (o/h)

Godspell Memories

“Highly recommended” – Lieske Bester

“Pinelands Players have done themselves proud” – Sheila Chisholm

“Bright , colourful, beautifully cast and directed”
– Teddy Davies

My darling cast,
Thank you so much for believing in this production and for working together so well to ensure its success. It was better than I ever expected it to be, and YOU made the difference. Thank you for trusting me.
Lots of love,
Roché xx

Message from Tina Gough, Chairperson
“Godspell is over and what a production that was! Lets face it, we took some risks with this show – with the choice of show, the venue, a brand new director and choreographer. The theme of Godspell was not everyone’s cup of tea, but we were able to fill seats including 2 full houses. All involved have learnt a lot about putting a show on at the Artscape complex, which is great! We have also got ourselves some stars!!!!!! Roché, in her debut as director, has excelled herself. Kerry‟s choreography was amazing, and Justin and his band added their flair to the success. Waldo’s first bash at set design and construction (not to mention his
programmes & posters) was pretty awesome. And what a team of characters! So a huge thanks to everyone else who helped with this production… as the Cape Times review said…. You did us proud!”

Article from ”The Muse”

An interesting article, following an interview with Tina Gough and June Wells, about Pinelands Players recently featured in the Pinelands Community Magazine, The Muse. This magazine‟s focus for this issue was on the heritage and history of Pinelands, where Pinelands Players has played a big role over the decades.

From the beginnings in 1948 at the St. Stephens Church Hall, under the guidance and persuasion of Madge Harding, a repertory society was formed to bring the theatre to Pinelands. The first major production was “The Man from Toronto”, with the players being responsible for all the tasks, as they are today, of making costumes, backdrops, lighting, sound, directing, ticket sales, programmes & advertising.

Over the years the society moved from place to place to find a suitable venue for their productions. In the sixties the Pinelands Players decided to take advantage of the new Pinewood cinema complex and arranged to use the facilities to present the pantomime “Babes in the Woods”. However, the production encountered many difficulties with poor facilities for backdrops and the only available time for rehearsals being late at night after the cinema shows had finished.

Then in the early 90‟s, June Wells negotiated with the municipality for the use of an old substation belonging to the railways, at the top of Sunny Way. Chris Wells set about renovating the substation into a functioning clubhouse, which is now used for social meetings, rehearsals and storage space for costumes, props and the precious archives of a society that has been operating for more than 60 years.

Tina Gough and June Wells enthusiastic about continued success of this dramatic society, which has been instrumental in the development of the successful careers of Peter Torien, Clare Watling, pop idol Daniel Buys, Russel Boast (who has his own theatre in Las Vegas) and Daniel Jones (TV personality). There is a great spirit amongst the Pinelands Players who are serious about fun. They meet four times a year for club evenings,
which range through a variety of events such as play readings, musical quizzes, melodramas or even line dancing. They do two main productions a year, one of them being the Candlelight Suppers at the Pinelands Town Hall, which will be in July/August this year titled “Forever Plaid”.

The Pinelands Players carry on the tradition that was noted in the newspaper in 1952 when the Mayor and Mayoress of Pinelands attended the presentation of “Yeoman of the Guard”, which they said was „played with a generosity that will ensure full houses for the rest of the week‟.
Courtesy of The Muse Issue 7/May 2011.

What’s On

15 – 16 April 2011 Masque Theatre
The wonderful world of Operetta
Playbill Productions
Bookings on 021-7881898

7 – 14 May 2011 Artscape Arena
Brief Lives directed by Brenda Grey
Claremont Dramatic Society
Bookings at Computicket or Dial a Seat 021 421 7695

13 – 21 May 2011 Masque Theatre
Alibi directed by Cecil Jakins
Fish Hoek Dramatic Society
Bookings on 021-7881898

25 July – 7 August 2011 Pinelands Town Hall
Forever Plaid directed by June Wells
Pinelands Players production for the annual mid-year Candelight Theatre at the Pinelands Town Hall

1 July – 9 July 2011 Masque Theatre
Macbeth directed by Clifford Graham
Claremont Dramatic Society production
Contact Clifford Graham on 083 948 9115

9 September – 1 October 2011 Opera House Artscape
Fiddler on the Roof directed by Teddy Davies
Gilbert & Sullivan Society production

Congratulations again to Len Pye on his 80th Birthday which was on the 19th of April

24 June 2011
Remember to keep this date free!
Next club night

E – communication
It is the era of electronics!
To subscribe to our blog (which replaces our website), please visit http://pinelandsplayers.wordpress.com/
All you have to do is submit your email address and you will be notified every time someone updates the site or adds comments.
Here you are able to post comments & photos, make comments etc. We want to hear from you!

Forever Plaid – Forthcoming production
Please let us know of any shows, auditions, special
occasions, achievements and happenings
tanya@march.za.net
25 July 2011 — 7 August 2011
Rehearsals are under way at the Clubhouse for this off-Broadway musical comedy. The cast of 4 dynamic males will leave you breathless and in awe. Their culmination of good looks, humour, style and vocal talent makes this production “a must to see”. More mention of the directors at a later stage.
Varying walks of life add to the interesting characters involved in this show. Simon Speck, a well known performer in the Pinelands Players community, has performed in numerous shows among which most recent are Guys & Dolls, Rogers & Heart (Milnerton Players), An Inspector Calls (Milnerton Players), and Other Clowns (Pinelands Players Candlelight Theatre). His passion for singing and acting is enhanced by his love
for running, and he has just completed his 13th Two Oceans marathon. Simon‟s cheeky view on the show at this stage is “No comment”.
Chris Laurie has only performed with a choir and his own solo act at the Mowbray Town Hall. His genre of music is mostly classical and has written a number of songs himself (accompanied by his guitar skills), but this is his first performance in this type of musical production. Chris is Cape Town born, who had the demise of living in the “Transvaal” for 15 years, but has returned and now lives in Pinelands. His hobby is „making music‟
and raising his 7 year old daughter is a full time hobby. Chris commented “ This show is a growing experience for me. The harmonies are difficult, but it is very stimulating”.
John Lambrou, not yet a true Capetonian (as he hails from Gauteng and has only lived here for 18 months), travels from Mouille Point to rehearsals.
His show experience dates back to the lead role of Grease in high school – but refuses to tell which year that was. He is the owner of a health spa at Century City, so be nice to him for discounted prices. John sings in a male choir, where his vocal talents have been nurtured. His comment on the production so far: “OMG! The harmonies!!!”
Richard White is the youngest of the cast. His passion for music and theatre is not a surprise, as he comes from a very talented family. The apple does not fall far from the tree, is a very apt idiom. Richards states “I am very excited to be in this show, and despite the complexity of the style of show, it is a lot of fun”. Richard performed with G & S in Annie, and recently won the Christopher Brown Trophy at the SACS school singing competition.

Other Society Auditions
Please let us know of any shows, auditions, special occasions, achievements and happenings tanya@march.za.net

Muizenberg Dramatic Society
AUDITION NOTICE
Osage County by Tracy Letts
Directed by Birga Thomas
Performance dates: 28 October – 5 November 2011
Audition date: Sunday 15 May 2011 at 14h30
Place: Masque Theatre, 37 Main Road, Muizenberg
Enquiries: Birga Thomas on birgatom@iafrica.com or 021–788 5272

Constantiaberg Theatre Players
AUDITION NOTICE
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Directed by Angela Lee-Wright
Performance dates : 16 – 24 September 2011
Audition date: Saturday 4 June at 14h00
Place: Bergvliet Girl Guide Hall, Glen Alpine Way, Bergvliet
Enquiries: Di Thom on 082 410 9900 or dianathom@mweb.co.za

Read Full Post »