Claremont Chat
Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
12 Eden Road, Claremont 7708
Tel: 021 674 4863 Cell: 083 948 9115 E-mail: clifford@mondaymissile.co.za
http://www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com
December 2011 – Number 105
Deck the Halls or Bah Humbug? Whatever your perspective, it’s that time of the year again;
mad crowds, tourists, forgotten gifts, and way too much indulgence. Personally I love it, and I’ve decided that turning over a forest come the 31st of December may not be such a bad idea. You never know just what will be under the 3rd leaf on the left.
For those musically endowed, Respighi wrote a beautiful piece dealing with Christmas decorations named Pines of Cone (sorry, my off the wall sense of humour knows no boundaries).
It’s also a time to reflect, and what a year it’s been: Three productions, numerous performances at the members’ evenings, and a lot of theatre. Not just our own.
To recap, we started the year with Brenda Gray’s production of Brief Lives. A one-man play superbly performed by Brian De Kock. What a production it was! I think the plaudits are yet to come?
I followed this up with Macbeth. I don’t think there was a single member of the cast who did not express the joy of the Shakespeare experience. As stressful as it was for me, in retrospect I enjoyed the whole process immensely! Brenda Gray was my co-director and once again a huge thank you for all the effort and insight Brenda!
Then came Terence Rattigan’s Separate Tables. Sue Bolton, I’m sure you will agree, staged an excellent production. All the right elements, with some superb performances. The booking figures bear testimony to its success!
I think for many of us it was also a year of bonding. There is such a good atmosphere of fellowship within the society at current. Let’s build on this and make 2012 a great year!
Next year I’m sure will be just as busy. We start the year on the 9th of March with Brenda Gray’s production of Marvin’s Room. It’s an unusual piece with some very funny moments. Believe it or not, rehearsals are already underway!
This will be followed in July by The Odd Couple (female version), directed by Sheldon Cross.
See the audition notice below.
Wendy Goddard will then be taking on Calendar Girls which, I am sure is going to be the project of the decade from every aspect. Calendar Girls has been released for amateur performance for a limited time. The idea is to see how many productions of this play can be performed worldwide in a twelve-month period. It’s all in a good cause, and cancer research will benefit from the performing rights fees.
CDS Update
Our online presence continues to grow:
Our blog (or website) is taking ever growing (in numbers) hits at http://www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com.
Our Facebook page – make sure you go and “Like” it, the more likes we get, the stronger our Facebook presence becomes. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claremont-Dramatic-Society/252816564804
Subscribe to: http://groups.google.com/group/claremont_dramatic_society/topics
Extra notifications and news are also via The Monday Missile Dot Coza. This little project is making theatrical waves, averaging around 20 000 hits a month, it’s sure to grow! http://www.mondaymissile.co.za or visit the Facebook Page: Monday Missile Dot Coza.
I’ve tried these all out to make sure they are all working. If you do experience any problems please contact me at the above telephone numbers. I’m only too happy to “talk you through” these processes.
Members’ Evenings
Our last member’s evening for the year was held on Sunday 11 December and took the form of our traditional end of year bash. A bring and braai social, followed by a short performance of a few of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Many thanks to Pamela Burger for the phoning around and organisation that goes into these evenings. Also Simon Dutton, for all his work re-stocking the bar, and being The Gaffer on the night!
To sum up the evening here is a little paragraph that Mike Tompson shared with us:
Many of the common expressions now thought to be clichés were Shakespeare’s creations. Chances are you use Shakespeare’s expressions all the time even though you may not know it is the Bard you are quoting. You may think that fact is “neither here nor there”, but that’s “the short and the long of it.” Bernard Levin said it best in the following quote about Shakespeare’s impact on our language:
If you cannot understand my argument, and declare “It’s Greek to me”, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you claim to be more sinned against than sinning, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you recall your salad days, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you act more in sorrow than in anger, if your wish is father to the thought, if your lost property has vanished into thin air, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you have ever refused to budge an inch or suffered from green-eyed jealousy, if you have played fast and loose, if you have been tongue-tied, a tower of strength, hoodwinked or in a pickle, if you have knitted your brows, made a virtue of necessity, insisted on fair play, slept not one wink, stood on ceremony, danced attendance (on your lord and master), laughed yourself into stitches, had short shrift, cold comfort or too much of a good thing, if you have seen better days or lived in a fool’s paradise – why, be that as it may, the more fool you, for it is a foregone conclusion that you are (as good luck would have it) quoting Shakespeare; if you think it is early days and clear out bag and baggage, if you think it is high time and that that is the long and short of it, if you believe that the game is up and that truth will out even if it involves your own flesh and blood, if you lie low till the crack of doom because you suspect foul play, if you have your teeth set on edge (at one fell swoop) without rhyme or reason, then – to give the devil his due – if the truth were known (for surely you have a tongue in your head) you are quoting Shakespeare; even if you bid me good riddance and send me packing, if you wish I were dead as a door-nail, if you think I am an eyesore, a laughing stock, the devil incarnate, a stony-hearted villain, bloody-minded or a blinking idiot, then – by Jove! O Lord! Tut, tut! for goodness’ sake! what the dickens! but me no buts – it is all one to me, for you are quoting Shakespeare.
Separate Tables
Shirley Nixon shared some of her experience from this superb production:
“Separate Tables” Experience ………. by Lady Gladys Matheson
Having been in the cast of St. Stephens Reps’ production of Terence Rattigan’s “The Winslow Boy” in 1976, and feeling that old ducks were no longer eligible to strut about in musicals, I was absolutely delighted when I learned that Sue Bolton was going to direct “Separate Tables” for Claremont.
As I had only recently joined CDS I was very grateful to Sue for taking a chance and giving me the part of Lady Matheson (one of the three old ducks in the play). Mrs Railton Bell (Sheila Inglis) had me under her thumb most of the time but occasionally my character managed to speak her mind when she felt strongly about something. (Mr Rattigan certainly knew how to portray his characters!)
It was quite funny during rehearsals when somebody would call another person by the wrong stage name and we would all pack up laughing. Throughout the show, Mrs R.B. was always bossing me for various reasons. Once, during the run of the show, Mrs R.B. called her daughter Sybil “Gladys” – and quite naturally Sybil replied “No, Mummy, I’m Sybil!”
Sue was so patient with us and spent endless hours on characterization. Once we got onto the stage at the Masque our hearts sank when we saw how little space we had in the dining area – disaster! At this point amazingly Sue kept her cool! But the problem was overcome and by the next night Clifford and helpers had extended the rostra on one side! What relief!
Behind the scenes Angela and Leigh provided food for us to eat on stage and coped with endless washing of dishes and other chores!
All in all we had a great cast and crew – good camaraderie – experienced and inexperienced folk working together with much fun and laughter, playing to good houses at every performance…..
and making a healthy profit!!
Shirley Nixon
Apropos this production’s success, each year CDS choose a production and the proceeds from that production are then donated to The Masque Theatre for running expenses etc. This year Separate Tables success ensured that we were able to give an amount of R38 382! These funds are essential to the continuance of our beloved Masque Theatre. Running expenses for the theatre are steadily climbing year on year, and our support is desperately needed to keep a facility such as this going. Given the amount of pleasure we derive from using The Masque, such gestures seem very small.
2012 Production News:
Rehearsals are underway for Brenda Gray’s production of Marvin’s Room.
The production will open on the 9th of March at The Masque Theatre. It’s sure to be a hit so as soon as a 2012 diary comes into your possession, be sure to make a note!
We need a Disneyworld style costume for ‘Marvin’s Room’ – any character will do, but it should preferably be one with an oversized head. If anyone has one, or knows where to get one, please contact Brenda on 021 686 3554
The cast:
Marvin: Barrie Howard
Bessie: Julie Summers
Lee: Trish Sutton
Dr Wally: Dennis Benneyworth
Dr Charlotte: Sheila Inglis
Aunt Ruth: Ruth Allsopp
Hank: James Strong
Charlie: Quinlan Seegers
Retirement Home Secretary: Harley Spracklen
Bob: Nigel Sweet
Okay, new heading, because this is an Audition Notice:
Odd Couple (female version)
Director: Sheldon Cross
Production Dates: 20-28 July 2012
When: Sunday 5 February at 14:00
Where: The Hok
What to do:
Auditions will consist of a prepared short comic monologue and selected readings from the script.
In this modern adaptation of Neil Simon’s 1965 Tony Award Winning comedy, Olive Madison, a successful television producer and slob, and Florence Unger, a meticulous housekeeper, superb cook and decorator, are complete opposites and are thrown together when Flo breaks up with her husband. The consequences are dynamic and hilarious.
The original “The Odd Couple” opened on Broadway in 1965 starring Art Carney and Walter Matthau and directed by Mike Nichols. The play led to a television series and a movie. “The Odd Couple (Female Version)” opened in 1985 starring Rita Moreno and Sally Struthers and directed by Gene Saks and ran for about a year.
The Players are casting for all roles comprising of two leading women’s roles, four excellent supporting women’s roles, and two great supporting men’s roles, all in the 30+ age range.
The characters are:
Olive Madison – A successful television producer. She is intelligent, attractive, and wisecracking, with a good sense of humour – and she’s a complete slob when it comes to her surroundings. She has an encyclopaedic understanding of sports, is a complete pushover for her ex-husband, and a good friend.
Florence (Flo) Unger – is attractive, very well groomed, neat and has just broken up with her husband. She takes herself very seriously, likes to clean, decorate and cook and is very good at all three. Flo is also intelligent, although she doesn’t realize it, warm-hearted (in her own way), and has no sense of humour (at least about herself) – she does NOT make jokes. She can also, without meaning to, make Olive feel guilty.
Sylvie – is desperately trying to stop smoking, and so sucks on lollipops or chews gum. (Occasionally her jittery hands reach for a cigarette.) She can get irritated with her friends, but has a good sense of humor, especially about her husband. Oh, yes, she is pregnant in the last scene.
Renee – Sylvie’s best friend, can be very plain-spoken, especially when she points out Olive’s failings as a hostess – and then Flo’s. She is single and dating a doctor.
Vera – is very sweet, very nice, somewhat spacey, and, although quite smart, is often a step or two behind her friends. She’s very funny, but doesn’t realize it. Vera is married to Harry – and they are off to Miami in the middle of July because they can get better rates!
Mickey – is a police officer, who is down-to-earth, plain talking, and has a good understanding of people. Sometimes she can take the “police bit” too far and she tries very hard to be in control of all situations.
Manolo Costazuela – Spanish with a Castilian accent. He is every woman’s dream-date and showers both Olive and Flo with attention. He must have good comic timing, as he gets VERY emotional. He is sensitive and appreciates Florence’s sensitivity.
Jesus (pronounced Hay zoos) Costazuela – is Manolo’s younger brother – well-groomed, very romantic – and he also gets very emotional, and truly appreciates Florence.
News from Other Societies
As if you need reminding, it is that time of the year and so not a lot of news is available from the other Societies. Celia Musikanth (MVDS President etc. etc. ) is up and about after her back operation and I’m sure feeling a lot better. Speedy recovery Celia, from all at The Hok!
By all accounts, Pineland’s Players production of Honk was a great success. I found it to be an absolute charmer. Ideal entertainment for the season. Well done to Kyla Thorburn and crew!
A review of this production can be found at: http://www.mondaymissile.co.za/rvws2ctch_ooo_st.html
Fish Hoek Dramatic Society have auditioned for their production of The Winslow Boy by Terence Rattigan. Following Separate Tables this will be one to watch out for.
Constantiaberg Theatre Players auditioned for that delightful comedy Move Over Mrs. Markham.
2012 looks set to be a bumper theatre year!
Not The Other Societies
To keep you busy in this season there are a number of very good productions running in Cape Town.
Here are but a few:
9 to 31 December: Whale Nation – an epic poem by Heathcote Williams presented by David Muller at The Amphitheatre in Hout Bay’s Mainstream Centre. The Amphitheatre in the Mainstream Centre is a special little venue that has been sadly under-utilised in the past few years. However new enthusiasm from the centre management and the partnership with SHED gives residents of Hout Bay, Constantia, Noordhoek, Wynberg and hopefully the wider peninsula a fine excuse to get out and enjoy theatre under the Cape’s summer skies. Tickets are R60 for adults and R40 for under 16’s. More info on http://www.shedtheatre.com
22 Dec. to 15 January: Aristophanes The Birds. Ever wondered where the term cloudcukooland originated? Well, this year’s re-staging of an Ancient Greek play at the Kirstenbosch Open-Air Theatre will give you the answer. Artscape and the Siyasanga Cape Town Theatre Company brings the Greek classic to life in the tradition of The Bacchae and Oedipus The Tyrant seen in the lovely Kirstenbosch Open-Air Theatre in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Aristophanes’ The Birds, which we think could not find a more suitable setting than Kirstenbosch, will open on 22 December and it will be a play to be seen by the whole family. For more information http://www.mondaymissile.co.za/prod.html
14 Dec. to 8 January: Kalk Bay Theatre. High energy, crowd pleasing Big Boys Don’t Dance. Slightly more on the adult side, I was particularly entertained by this show. My review is on:
http://www.mondaymissile.co.za/reviews_bbdc.html
Get Thee to the Masque!
Friday 23 Dec 20:00 With a Song in my Heart , Soiree presented by Playbill Productions in the Masque Foyer. Tickets at R75 (R65) include light snacks. The very popular and talented Janine Magnin and Aubrey Hindle, accompanied by Ria Pretorius on piano, will entertain you with songs old and new and a dollop of “Good Cheer”.
Saturday 31 Dec 21:00 In With The New presented by Angela Pratten Productions at the Masque showcases jazz and swing music as a celebration. Combining the gems of great and evergreen music with the new generation of exceptional musicians and singers, this concert will get your toes tapping into the new year. Tickets at R110 (R100) include a glass of sparkling wine and light snacks. Bookings by 27 December for catering purposes.
2 to 7 January Jack and the Beanstalk, presented by Flipflop Productions at the Masque, is suitable for children 3 to 8 (and their families!) and is a not-to-be-missed school holiday special. For show times and booking phone Computicket on 08619158000. Tickets R40.
8 & 15 January The Jim Carrey Tribute Show, presented by Garth Van Rooyen at the Masque.
The show documents the career of one of the world’s most popular comics, with awesome faces and voices done by Garth. Shows at 20:00. Tickets at R60 (R50).
11 to 14 January All in your Mind, presented by Hypnotist Alan Marriott at the Masque.
This Master Hypnotist has for over 18 years helped people overcome a host of conditions with hypnotherapy and has kept audiences in stitches with his live stage and television shows. Prepare to be Mesmerized! Tickets at R75 (R65).
20 & 21 January Soar like an Eagle, presented by Gladys Bullock at the Masque. Based on true life
events, this production showcases the beautiful dancing ability of both able bodied and disabled dancers. It should be seen by all dance lovers in order to appreciate what can be done in the face of adversity. Tickets evening shows R65 (R55), Matinee R55 (R45).
Sunday 22 January Classic Red, Soiree presented by Playbill Productions in the Masque Foyer at 20:00. Tickets at R75 (R65). Four fine voices in close harmony, accompanied by Wilna Viljoen on piano, present a program of opera crossing over to pop with something for everyone.
Further information, show days, times and bookings 021 7881898
Ticket prices in brackets are for Masque Theatre Club Members.
Tracey-Lee Anderson is the new bar manager at the Masque. Please offer her your support and volunteer for bar duty.
Apropos The Masque, the societies have had a whip ‘round and each donated R2500. This means that the legs, traverses and fringes (washing) can now be replaced. Not only will this tidy up the stage, we can now be sure that anything we don’t want to be seen, won’t be seen (does that include errant actors?). Masque Theatre Club members please note, that in order not to see what it is we will be hiding (behind the new fringes etc) subs have been increased to R60 per year as of 1 January 2012.
Dates to diarise…
This is a biggy:
CDS subs are due from 1 January – R40 for members, R60 for couples, R30 for students and pensioners, R45 for student/pensioner couples. So shake off any inhibiting influence on January 2 and you know the rest….
This is even bigger:
AGM:
21 Feb at Kelvin Grove
Three committee members are standing down – Adrian, who has been a faithful committee member for many years, has asked that he may stand down. We have accepted with regret, and grateful thanks. Simon Dutton has kindly agreed to take over his Adrian’s duties until the AGM.
Pamela Burger as Members’ Evening Co-ordinator, is also standing down, as she is moving house, and travelling will be difficult. She is still happy to be ‘phone-around gal’ for members evenings – thank you Pam. Do we have any members willing to take over the portfolio of co-ordinating members evenings?
André is leaving for Germany at the end of January, which means that my stint as temporary Chat editor has been extended. Thank you André – and Bon Voyage!
More on the AGM closer to the time….
By The way….
Life member Elizabeth MacKenzie, and her sister Ann, have have just returned from overseas visiting the Greek Islands, Tuscany, Italy, England and Scotland, having been away for 8 months. Elizabeth took part in ‘Separate Tables’ many years ago, with the Strolling Players at the Masque. Welcome back!
If you have any news, interesting or funny anecdotes that you would like to share with other members, please feel free to send them to me clifford@mondaymissile.co.za I promise not to laugh unless absolutely appropriate! (or on a Tuesday with a R in the month).
From The Committee, have a truly safe, festive season and a wonderfully happy new year! May every blessing you ask, be realised, and I’m still waiting for the Booker Prize…
Your somewhat more permanent scribe,
Clifford Graham
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