Claremont Chat – May 2012

 Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter

12 Eden Road, Claremont, 7708

Tel: 021 671 2888 Cell: 083 414 7003

email: claremontdramatic@gmail.com

http://www.claremontdramatic.wordpress.com

May 2012 – Number 110

Hello everyone!

How does one introduce oneself? Not entirely sure, except to say that I believe I made the fatal error of mentioning a pleasure in writing which happened to fall upon Wendy’s ears and so here we are. Writing, yes, filling in my tax return, application for a credit card possibly, scratching out a corny birthday message, I think you get the drift. I ‘m sure it’ll be fine, I’ll try to stay away from comments on the weather and we can all pretend it’s not winter.

Members’ Evenings

MEMBERS’ EVENING FEEDBACK (20-03-2012)

by Sheila Inglis

The first members’ evening kicked off (almost literally!) to a good start with a skit set in Australia at a revered sports stadium. I was wondering how the Aussie accents would sound – but, no worries – Eric (played by Liam Cundill) as a young Hungarian football coach had this gorgeous Euro-English accent with a tendency to drop his “h”s, which tended to annoy Humphrey (played by Nigel Sweet) a middle-aged, frightfully English cricket enthusiast with a slight stammer. Humphrey had come to this particular stadium to re-live, in peace and quiet, an extraordinary, historical, cricket victory. His peace was soon shattered by the garrulous Eric joining him. This was a highly entertaining skit with an exciting climax of the hilarious, blow by blow account in cricket terminology of the amazing cricket victory – not understood by Eric – and culminating in Humphrey being inveigled into refereeing Eric’s football match with somewhat disastrous results.

After a pleasant watering and feeding break – the eats were fresh, delicious and ample – we were thoroughly spoilt by an excellent rendition of Bar and Ger by Anton Schafer and Shannon Correia respectively, who had brought this one act play, directed by Bruce Sanderson, over from Milnerton Players. We were treated to snippets of insight into the lives of this devoted brother and sister from their very early years right through puberty until Bar died in a motorbike accident. There were moments of comedy and pathos to which we could all relate. The acting was SO good and the lighting was spot on (excuse the pun).

Thank you for a lovely evening.

NEXT MEMBERS’ EVENING – 22 June at 19:30 for 20:00

Our next members’ evening will be a Comedy Night.

We start with Scott Gill’s one-act Play ‘Box Office Blues’, starring Ruth Allsopp, Shirley Nixon and Simon Dutton. Scott wrote this piece for a one-act play competition, and took top honours. It was performed at a MADS members evening recently, and was received with much hilarity, especially by those who have done box office duty at the Masque.

After a break, Jay Heale will follow with a slice of entertainment called ‘WITH APOLOGIES TO…’.It consists of a few of Jay’s favourite bits from Michael Flanders, Peter Cook, and Gerard Hofnung. As you know, Jay is a consummate actor, with superb comic timing.

Looks like we’re in for a grand evening! Please RSVP to Pam by Monday 18 June: pamb@masterparts.co, 021 657 5700 (w), or 082 488 0442.

Call for Directors

Final Call: All directors interested in directing for Claremont Dramatic Society in 2013 please contact Anthony Lister urgently (anthonylister@mailbox.co.za). Application deadline 20 May.

Subscriptions

The nudge to take note of yearly fees, committee members included, sorry Wendy I’ve been meaning to,seriously…

R40 for members, R30 for students and pensioners
R60 for couples, R45 for student and pensioner couples.

Please deposit (or transfer) funds into the following account: Claremont Dramatic Society,
Standard Bank, Claremont Branch 02-51-09, Current account number 072 637 676. Please use your name and ‘SUBS’ as the reference.

Audition

‘Calendar Girls’: Sunday 24 June, 2:30pm and Wednesday 27 June, 7:30pm. Production dates 9-24 November. Audition notice below – for more details regarding characters, please contact Wendy.

An announcement of the Sweet Kind

Nigel Sweet and Yvonne Copley got married earlier this month. Nigel has performed and built sets for us, and Yvonne has directed, acted and served on the CDS committee. Yvonne is also Claremont’s newly appointed representative Trustee for the Stern Masque Theatre. Congratulations and our Best Wishes to both of you.

Hok Matters

Our CD player at the Hok has gone AWOL! Has anyone borrowed it and forgotten to write it in the book? If so, its return to any committee member would be greatly appreciated. In the meantime, Adrian Kettle has very kindly donated a DVD player to the Hok. Thank you Adrian!

News from Other Societies

AUDITION
HELLO AND GOODBYE
A drama in two acts by Athol Fugard

Milnerton Playhouse
Saturday 23 June @ 14.00

Direction: Mari Mocke

The two characters in the play are a brother and sister, Johnnie and Hester Smit, who have not seen one another for a few years. When interviewed, Fugard gave Johnnie’s age as 29 and Hester’s a few years older. The play requires experienced actors as both characters have lengthy monologues, wrought with emotion and there is much dialogue to memorize. Backstage & technical crew for stage manager, props, rehearsal prompt, lighting & sound will also be required.

The play will run at Milnerton Playhouse end August/beginning September 2012 with a possible further performance at the ‘Fugard Fest’ in Stellenbosch during the last weekend in September

For further information please contact the director at: 021 556 2415 or 082 708 4794
E-mail: mari.mocke@telkomsa.net

Calendar

18-26 May: ‘Second Time Around’ by Derek Benfield, directed by Gordon Molloy, for Milnerton Players, at the Milnerton Playhouse. Bookings: http://www.milnerton players.com or 082 267 1061.
20 May: Deadline for applications for directors for CDS 2013 productions
20 May: Masque AGM. 19:30, at the Theatre
26 May: 80’s party – Masque fundraiser
1-9 June: Season’s Greetings, directed by Colleen van Staden, MADS
16 June – 1 July: ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’ directed by Teddy Davies for The Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society, at the Artscape Theatre. Book at Computicket
22 June: Member’s evening – Comedy Night – 19:30 for 20:00 at the Hok
23 June: Audition – Hello and Goodbye – Milnerton Players
24 and 27 June: Audition – Calendar Girls
20 – 28 July: The Odd Couple (female version)

And last, certainly not least, Sheldon Cross (Director of the Odd Couple) is in search of props suggesting 80’s style décor, particularly those white porcelain dogs (breed unspecified) if anyone has one to spare we’d be most grateful.

Thank you and keep warm.

Alex

AUDITION NOTICE

CALENDAR GIRLS

A Comedy by Tim Firth

Director: Wendy Goddard

Audition Dates:  Sunday 24 June at 14:30 and Wednesday 27 June at 19:30

Venue: The Hok, Campground Road, Claremont (under the bridge, next to Pick ‘n Pay)

Production dates: 9 – 24 November 2012, at the Masque Theatre, Muizenberg

Rehearsals: from Tuesday 21 August, at the Hok, Campground Road, Claremont

SYNOPSIS

When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris decide to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer, Lawrence.

The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.
Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls is the fastest selling play in British theatre history.

CHARACTERS
Chris* – 40s – 60s (Medium-Large part + 330 lines)
Annie* – 40s – 60s (Medium part + 230 lines)
Cora* – 30s–40s (Medium part + 200 lines)
Jessie* – late 60s-70s (Small-Medium part + 150 lines)
Celia* – 35-50 (Small-Medium part + 160 lines)
Ruth* – mid-30s–late 40s (Small-Medium part + 160 lines)
Marie – 40s–60s (Small-Medium part + 150 lines)
John (Annie’s husband) – 40s-60s (Small part + 60 lines)
Rod – (Chris’s husband) – 40s-60s (Small part + 40 lines)
Lawrence – 20s–30s (Small part + 60 lines)
Lady Cravenshire – 50s – 70s (Cameo + 15 lines)
Elaine – 20’s (Cameo + 20 lines)
Liam – 20’s-30s (Cameo + 30 lines)
Brenda Hulse – 30s to 70s (Cameo + 20 lines)

*Characters who take part in the calendar photo shoot within the play. The action of this sequence is choreographed so that their modesty is preserved but actresses considering auditioning for these roles should bear this in mind. All shapes and sizes are welcome to audition – being well-endowed is not a prerequisite!

A NOTE ON NUDITY
Contrary to belief, there is no nudity directly on show to the audience.
Anyone wishing to audition for Cora should email Wendy for the music for ‘Jerusalem’ which needs to be prepared for the audition (Cora plays the piano). None of the other parts require preparation. For more information, a copy of the script, or if you’d like to be part of the backstage crew of this wonderful team, please contact Wendy on 083 414 7003 or wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za.

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Gaslight – May 2012

GASLIGHT
NEWSLETTER OF THE CAPE TOWN GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY
VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3 – MAY 2012

Hello everyone
We have a song to sing, O! … well several songs, actually. And we’ll start singing them in the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 16 June. We take it for granted that you will all make a point of being in the audience at some stage. Unfortunately, for various reasons we have been very late in starting with the sale of Preferential tickets through cast members for this show. The consequence is that ticket sales in general have been very slow so far, and we really need you to book soon, and encourage your family,
friends, colleagues, acquaintances, doctor, dentist, chiropodist, physiotherapist, plumber, and that guy you met in the lift today, to come and see the show. We can promise you something special.

Ticket prices from Computicket, for all shows are R195, R150 and R130.

A purchase through a cast member will save you R20 on each ticket.

Performance dates: Saturday 16 June (evening at 19.30), Sunday 17th (matinee at 14.30), Tuesday 19th,
Wednesday 20th, Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd (all evening), Sunday 24 (matinee), Wednesday 27th, Thursday
28th, Friday 29th (all evening), Saturday 30th (matinee and evening), Sunday 1st July (matinee).

Once the Cape Town run is complete, the cast will have a two week break before reassembling so that Teddy
can restage the show for the International Festival of Gilbert and Sullivan in Buxton in the UK. Our
performance there is scheduled for 16 August. Immediately afterwards, with costumes and make-up
removed, we perform a ‘cabaret’ concert for the patrons, and this too needs to be well rehearsed. So the
cast has a busy time of it over the next few weeks!

Our Musical Director, Alastair Cockburn, fills in a little more background to Yeomen of the Guard – and this is no tale of cock and bull!

It is interesting to note that the Cape Town G&S Society’s roots go back to a production of “Yeomen” in 1947 when it was staged, quite possibly as a tribute to the visit of the Royal Family to Cape Town in the same year. Princess Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday in Cape Town while they were visiting here. And now, the G&S Society is 65 years old and we are once again doing “Yeomen” and honouring Queen Elizabeth in her jubilee year of 60 years on the throne.

I recently came across an excellent and very beautiful CD recording of “Yeomen” by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner. A while ago, I was privileged to be able to discuss the opera and this recording with Sir Neville who was on holiday in Cape Town. He spoke very highly of the calibre of this G&S work in particular and also of its important place in British opera as probably the only performed example of more “serious” British opera from the Romantic Era. It is also interesting to note that in its first year in 1888, apart from several international productions in the English speaking world in countries as far afield as Australia and North America, two different productions of “Yeomen” were also staged in Europe in German translations. (I’d love to know how they translated “cock and bull”!)

“The Yeomen of the Guard” has an excellent plot set in the Tower of London in the 1500’s and comprises
wonderful choruses, beautiful ensembles including several trios and quartets, and memorable arias for the
principal characters. The overture is a fine instrumental piece in its own right and unlike the overtures of most of the other G&S operettas which Sullivan entrusted to musical assistants, this overture is Sullivan’s own original work. It is structurally assembled in classical overture form rather than following the often-used practice of stringing melodies along from the opera in question in potpourri fashion. The opening theme of the overture is a sort of “leitmotif” which Sullivan uses to great effect in the opera to depict the grandeur and majesty of the Tower of London. Although this opera does include much of the Gilbertian humour and comedy one has come to expect from the G&S oeuvre, it is untypically of a more intelligent nature with none of the fun but often “silly” situations found in their other works. And “Yeomen” is also the only G&S opera which is ultimately a “tragedy”.

It is interesting to note the importance being placed on “Yeomen” in the UK this year, probably due to the
Queen’s Jubilee. In April, a semi-staged version was presented by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the
Royal Festival Hall in London and in August (three days after the Cape Town G&S Society’s performance in
Buxton) the BBC Orchestra will present a semi-staged version of “Yeomen” as part of the famous proms series at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This performance will be conducted by Jane Glover, a very fine and wellknown conductor of opera in the UK and USA, particularly known for her fine readings of Mozart’s operas.

And then the Classic FM radio station in the UK recently held a competition in which the world’s 300 greatest pieces of classical music were voted on by their many thousands of listeners. The overture to “The Yeomen of the Guard” featured as one of these works.

Here in Cape Town, we are thrilled to be presenting a traditional production accompanied by the Cape
Philharmonic Orchestra which promises to be a treat. Rehearsals are going well and the set construction is
underway and looking fabulous – a real dramatic depiction of the famous “Tower of London”.

So now you know!

Rehearsals have been marked by Teddy doing a fine impromptu impersonation of the Marx brothers, by two
Yeomen getting their pikes entangled as they made their way in opposite directions across the floor and
nearly yanking each other off their feet (if that happens during a performance, that alone will be worth the price of a ticket!), by Linda trying valiantly to persuade a bunch of uncoordinated Yeomen that there is a difference between up and down and here and there, and by a number of males in the cast beginning to look somewhat disreputable, dishevelled, dissolute even, as they endure the early stages of “unshavenness”.

And now for something completely different …

Congratulations to Nigel Sweet (disreputable Yeoman) who married his partner of 36 years (Yvonne Copley, who has directed a couple of shows for G&S). As Anthony said: You mad, impetuous thing you! Many blessings on the both of you from all of us.

FROM SISTER SOCIETIES

Milnerton Players present SECOND TIME AROUND. A funny and challenging play involving quick changes of character and costume, with Michelle Galloway and James King, and Gordon Molloy directing. 18-26 May. Bookings: Shiela McCormick 021 5573206 or chairperson@milnertonplayers.com

Muizenberg Dramatic Society presents Season’s Greetings directed by Coleen van Staden, from 1 – 9 June
at the Masque Theatre. Masque bookings: 021 788 1898

Pinelands Players present Shout, The Mod Musical in the Pinelands Town Hall from 16-29 July. I’ll give you booking details next time.

Please note: Annual subscriptions are now overdue. These have been set at R90 single, R120 for a couple
or family, and R60 for pensioners and students. These may be paid by cheque made out to “Cape Town
Gilbert and Sullivan Society”, or by EFT.

Life is unquestionably a boon, so make sure that with happiness your soul is cloyed by coming to see the
show. Banish your timidity, and with all rapidity, make your way to the Artscape Theatre. When you do,
bear in mind that there are one or two rules (not as many as half a dozen), foremost of which is the
requirement for enthusiastic applause, followed closely by persuading everyone you know to come along as
well.

See you there.

Ken

EXCO 2012

Steve Broekmann – Chair
Niel Roux – Secretary
Graham Ellis – Treasurer
Ken Leverton – Vice Chair and Gaslight
David Bolton – Marketing and Outreach
Guilma Stander – Membership and Socials
Ian Kirkwood – Membership
Glenda Carmichael – Socials
Alastair Cockburn – Productions
Anthony Storr Lister – Library and memorabilia
Waldo Buckle – Outreach and Marketing

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MVDS Messenger – May 2012

Starting with something pertinent to May which I picked up from the Internet (of course) so I am not vouching for its authenticity: “Have you ever noticed that no other month in our calendar starts on the same day of the week as the month of May? No other month ends on the same day of the week as the month of May either.” Right, we have a BUMPER newsletter this month so here goes:

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

Rehearsals are in full swing for Alan Ayckbourn’s Seasons Greetings which opens Friday 1 June. By all accounts, director, cast and crew are laughing their way through rehearsals but working really hard at the same time. “Having a cast that understands Ayckbourn and can get under the skin of the characters is a great plus! Working with a script that is written by one of the masters of British comedy also helps!” says director Coleen van Staden. She assures us that the production is the perfect tonic for a cold winters’ day or evening and promises wit, clever comedy and some very quirky characters. A great backstage team completes the picture!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

This month Wendy Morling helps us to get to know Dean Howarth

Firstly a little background history on Dean and wife Candy: He is originally from Durbs by the sea and only came to Cape Town to study at the Waterfront Theatre School from 1999 – 2001. He then went back to Durban where he met & married Candy & brought her back to Cape Town in 2010 where he had a job selling telecommunications. Dean is by profession an industrial flooring & coating specialist, but is in-between jobs at the moment and is hoping to go into consulting now. Candy is an Intellectual Property Attorney by profession, but is currently working as a Network Co-ordinator at “Barking Mad” which is an Animal Rescue Centre. They have three children, oops, I mean dogs – two Jack Russels and one “Pavement Special” which they love dearly. They are hoping to enlarge their family with human children in the near future!
W: Apart from drama, what are your other hobbies?
D: I run, cycle, swim and go to gym. Candy and I like to go hiking and wine tasting, except I have had to cut back “tasting” due to hypertension. I also love cooking and spent many happy childhood hours with my mom in the kitchen and consequently Candy and I share the cooking.
W: What kind of food do you prefer?
D: I like most foods, but especially love any roasts and good old fashioned “home meals”. When eating out at a restaurant I will usually have lamb shank or eisbein.
W: How did you first get into dramatics?
D: I was in my first play at school when I was 7 and have been in many plays throughout my school career.
W: How did you get involved with MADS?
D: I went cold calling at the Masque Theatre selling telecommunications and met Andrew Blake there. I enquired about the nearest amateur dramatics society and he pointed me in the MADS direction. At that time auditions were being held for “The Crucible” and the rest is history. I have now been in 3 plays with MADS and one with Claremont and have loved every minute of it.
W: How do you find MADS and its Members?
D: I find MADS a very friendly society, like one big happy family!
W: What is the most thought provoking play you have ever seen and why?
D: “Waiting for Godot” – it is absurd theatre where you have to interpret the play as you see it – makes you think!
W: What is next for you in the Theatre?
D: I am playing a Cameo role in “The Odd Couple” directed by Sheldon Cross for Claremont Dramatic Society.
W: What do you see yourself doing in the theatre in the next couple of years?
D: After gaining as much experience as possible, both backstage and on stage, I would ultimately like to direct.
W: Lastly, if you were an animal, which animal would you like to be and why?
D: A dolphin, because they are happy and intelligent.

CALENDAR

17 – 19 May: Dancescapes presented by Peninsula Ballet School at the Masque. Features original
classical ballet choreographed to music by renowned composers such as Chopin and Strauss, as well as “Animals in the Wild”, an African story written by one of their very own students. Thu. 17 and Fri. 18 at 19:15, Sat. 19 at 14:00 and 18:15. Tickets: R55.

20 May Masque AGM at 18.30 at the theatre.

18 – 26 May: Second Time Around by Derek Benfield, directed by Gordon Molloy for Milnerton Players at the Playhouse. A funny and challenging play involving quick changes of character and costume, with Michelle Galloway and James King. Further info and bookings (open 20 April) from Sheila McCormick on 021 557 3206 or chairperson@milnertonplayers.com.

26 May Masque Fundraiser at 20:00 in the theatre foyer. See details elsewhere in this missive!

1 – 9 June: Season’s Greetings by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by by Coleen van Staden for MVDS at the
Masque. In the words of Ayckbourn: “Christmas is about log fires, Christmas trees, excited children’s faces, candle-light, the holly and the mistletoe. The Bunker’s home has all these. It’s comfy and cosy and it swarms with children. Not the smaller, shorter variety though, but the taller older ones – currently going through the ‘awkward’ age, the twenty-five to seventy year olds. They’re all there. Fighting over their toys, clamouring for attention, bullying, sneaking and crying, then kissing and making up and generally getting far too over-excited, as they always do every year at Christmas.” Season’s Greetings is a play about unrequited love, success and failure, jealousy, greed, lust and gluttony. Just your “average family Christmas”. This is Ayckbourn at his best – his gift to you is a comedy full of wit, hilarious situations, quirky characters, undercooked lamb and a puppet show that only a mother could love!

3 June In the Mood at the Masque. One show only at 20:00. M5 is a five-piece “background music” jazz band. It comprises Robin Roach (piano/trumpet); Byron Carr (bass guitar); Quinton Appollis (jazz guitar); Sergio Hagan (saxophone); Dean Scarcella (drums) and Melanie de Vlam (vocalist). Enjoy an evening of Glen Miller and other traditional jazz standards. Some of the nostalgic music includes In the Mood, Girl from Ipanema, All of Me, Besame Mucho and much, much more! The music will get your feet tapping and definitely put you in the mood! R75 (R65)

15 – 23 June The Cape Academy of Performing Arts are welcomed back to the Masque with a brand new
show! Students of CAPA, representing all ages, present an engaging show. It is filled with dynamic content and highly talented young artists in dance in all its guises, drama and song. This show is sure to keep you inspired and uplifted. The performances will include winners from the recent Cape Town Eisteddfod as well as a solo performance by Mthuthuzeli November, the winner of the most outstanding contemporary dance solo at the recent Cape Town International Ballet Competition held at the Artscape Opera House. Fri. 15 at 19:30, Sat. 16 at 14:30 and 19:30, Thu. 21 and Fri. 22 at 19:30, Sat. 23 at 14:30 and 19:30. Tickets: Matinées R55 (R45 Theatre Club), evenings R60 (R50 Theatre Club).

28 – 30 June Put Your Foot Down! presented by The Dance Project at the Masque. Wanna see a bunch of
dancers, a bunch of talented kids with loads of music? In one BIG show party? Then join us on Thu. 28, Fri. 29 at 19:30 and Sat. 30 at 15:00 and 19:30. Tickets: R60. Book your seats with Trish on 083 357 4037 or 021 705 6202

16 June – 1 July The Yeoman of the Guard presented by Gilbert & Sullivan at Artscapes. A wonderful work with stunning choruses and beautiful solos and ensembles. The story of The Merryman and his Maid is believable and dramatic with underlying typical Gilbertian comedy mingled with pathos and tragedy on this occasion. Gilbert regarded it as `…the best thing we have done`, and Sullivan declared that it is was his favourite of all their collaborative works. Conducted by Alaistair Cockburn and directed by Teddy Davies. Info and bookings through Computicket.

14 July Masque Directors’ Forum at 14:00 in the Masque Foyer.

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 R55 (Theatre Club members R45) Other Nights R65 (Theatre Club members R55)

Bookings on 021 7881898 or at the theatre Mon-Fri, 10:00 to 16:00 (During shows also 9:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays) or bookings@masquetheatre.co.za

MEMBERS’ NEWS

Starting with important news from Andrew Blake:

Dear MADS membership

After just over three years, I am sad to tell you that due to various pressures of work, school governance, other service organisations and home life, I have decided to step down from the committee of MADS. I leave the committee certain in the knowledge that a multi-skilled team is leading the membership into reaching the constituted aim of the society, furthering the dramatic arts. It has been my privilege to serve with such a versatile committee. My job has been made easy by the excellence with which they go about their duties and for this I am most grateful. I shall remain closely aligned with matters theatrical in my duties at the Masque Theatre and hope that I shall see you all at members’ evenings, auditions and at the theatre.

I wish you all well in the future.

Kind regards,
Andrew.

MVDS thanks you, Andrew, for being our chairman and we know you will continue to be of assistance both to our theatre and us. Congratulations on your appointment to the school governing board!

One of our number, namely Jane Philbrick, might be starring in the next “Mad Max” movie, due to be filmed in Namibia shortly! Jane was cajoled into attending an audition at our Theatre recently (along with Helen Mathers, Celia Musikanth, Di Thom and others) and was then asked to do a screen test!! Apparently this went fairly well and she awaits to hear from the powers-that-be ……….. Watch This Space!

At the same time as she was doing the screen test Aubrey Hindle was in hospital having two stents inserted! Take it easy for a while, Aubs!

The Skiltons, who were both in Constantia’s hilarious production of Move over Mrs Markham celebrated their first wedding anniversary recently and were able to take time out from rehearsals to return to the “scene of the crime”, McGregor, for two nights in the same accommodation they had last year! Congratulations!
We welcome three new ladies to our society: Rosie McBain, Halo Malherbe and Samantha Tunnah.

Please visit our facebook page and give your comments, jokes, etc:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mads/174087319308695.

MASQUE THEATRE NEWS

Annual General Meeting: Sunday 20 May at 18.30 at the theatre.

Fundraiser: Saturday 26 May in the theatre foyer. A mere R30 will secure you an evening of 80’s fun and frolic, starting at 20:00! Dress up (or not), arrive 19:30ish and prepare to dance the night away to the likes of Queen, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Big Country, Eddie Grant, and U2. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of our beloved theatre so make sure you bring all your friends along! We hope that our “further-afield” societies will also join in the fun. Pay at the door on the night and bring money for the cash bar!

Directors’ Forum: Saturday, 14 July 2012, at 14:00, in the theatre foyer. Prospective directors – whether experienced or newcomers, members of a dramatic society or not – should give some thought to the possibility of directing next year. Please let us know in advance the author, title and genre of the production you are suggesting. Contact Celia Musinkanth (021)7887911 or 0833588415 or masquetheatre@mweb.co.za for more information and/or delivery of a copy of the play. Keep in mind that (as always) no payment is received by our directors (as for cast and crew).

MEMBERS’ EVENINGS

I was very sadly unable to attend the members’ evening on 19 April so Debra Beswick has given me (and others who couldn’t make it) a rundown of the evening:

Our first members’ evening of the year, “Cold Dogs & Hot Plays”, was a great success. It started with a prepared play which was Scott Gill’s “Box Office Blues”, acted by John McConnell (box office) with Barbara Basel and Val Stephens (two elderly regular patrons). They captured the true essence of “The Masque” matinees’ regular patrons with hilarity. THANK-YOU Scott for a great script.
Volunteers were then found for four one-act plays to follow the break – they had 20 minutes to rehearse, while hot dogs and ice-cream were consumed, and then the following plays were presented:
1) “Trouble In The Works” (a factory office) – acted by Tom Byrne (owner) and Tobie Beele (factory worker) – a comedy;
2) “A bit of a Pain in the Bottom” (a doctor’s room) – acted by Michelle Knights (the doctor) and Rosie McBain (patient) – a comedy;
3) “Growing Pains” (a fine English home in a Victorian House) – acted by Nick Lee (Papa), Clare Stableford (Mama) and Wayne Ronne (Son) – a comedy;
4) “Every Picture Tells A Story” (drawing room of a squire’s house) – acted by Alastair Duff (the mean squire), Scott Gill (the hunchback butler), John McConnell (the strapped for cash farmer) and Rachel Coghill ( the buxom farmer’s daughter) – a melodrama.

A very big thank- you to all participants and all members who were present for making it such a memorable evening.

One teensy-weensy thing: A number of people said they would be attending and didn’t pitch – resulting in a lot of left-over food. So just a plea to all to let any committee member know if they can unexpectedly not make it.

*********

Just to keep you guessing, Members’ Evenings have been changed BACK to being held on Wednesdays, and the next is a Musical Evening to be held on Wednesday, 20 June. If there is anybody out there who plays a musical instrument and/or sings and would like to contribute please contact Wendy Morling on 021 7150694, 0834628242 or home@morling.co.za. More info will follow but do diarise the date now!

AUDITION!

Claremont Dramatic Society will hold an audition notice for Calendar Girls, a comedy by Tim Firth, to be directed by Wendy Goddard on Sunday 24 June at 14:30 and Wednesday 27 June at 19:30, at their clubhouse.

The production is on at the Masque in November and rehearsals start on 21 August. This is based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund. There are 6 ladies (on stage most of the time) who take part in the calendar photo shoot within the play, ranging in ages from 30 to 70: the action of this sequence is choreographed so that their modesty is preserved but actresses considering auditioning for these roles should bear this in mind, although there is no nudity directly on show to the audience. There are 4 other female roles (20 – 70) and 4 male roles (20 to 60). For more information, a copy of the script, or if you’d like to be part of the backstage crew please contact Wendy on 083 414 7003 or wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za.

BIRTHDAYS

Before we congratulate our June birthday folk let me just say that I appear to be missing the birthdays of a number of members, namely Chris Bingham, Alison Blair, John Blewett, Wendy Goddard, Paul Griffiths, Walter Hodges, Candy Howarth, Mark Jennings, Mav Magnin, Nikita McShane and Jane Rosenberg. If you DO want to be mentioned in this missive please give me a shout with your date (year optional)!

Moving on to those who turn a year older in June, we start with Hayley Fargher who was born on the 2nd – on this day in 1953, Elizabeth II was crowned queen of England and, of course, this year sees her having been on the throne for 60 years.

Brian De Kock was born on the 5th: the day in 1968 when Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated.

On the 13th of June 323BC (Shoo, that’s a long time ago!) Alexander the Great died! This is Miranda Lewis’ birthday.

Her mum, Rosemarie Lewis, celebrates on the 17th, the day in 1885 when the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City harbour.

We have two birthdays on the 18th: Wendy Morling and Wayne RonnÉ so I found them two facts: In 1812 the United States declared war on Great Britain and in 1967 Jimi Hendrix burned his guitar onstage!

20 June 1975 saw the release of the movies “Jaws” and this is also the birthday of June Edwards.

Abigail Knot shares the 21st with Juliette Lewis (1973), one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors of her generation who stunned audiences and critics alike as Danielle Bowden in Cape Fear.

Our last birthday in June is that of Jane Philbrick who was born on the 24th: on which day in 1901 Picasso exhibited his paintings for the first time in Paris.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND A GREAT YEAR GUYS!

Ending with another May bittie:
The month of May was named for the Greek goddess Maia, the goddess of fertility.
Perhaps this is why Mothers’ Day has been established during this month.
Maia was the eldest of her female siblings and played a motherly role.

Enjoy the rest of the month!

Eve

Our Website: http://www.mvds.co.za

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Playhouse Prattle – May 2012

Hello once again

We welcomed in the merry month of May with our Milly’s Awards evening on Saturday the 5th and a most enjoyable event it was. The evening began with lots of laughter at Selma Darling’s preview of her funny and witty one-woman show ‘Who are You Calling an Idiom’ on the foyer cabaret stage. We look forward to seeing the full show at a later date. We then enjoyed some tasty snacks before adjourning to the theatre for the awards presentation. Thanks to all who helped to make the evening a success and hearty congratulations to the following recipients of awards:

Committee awards:
Service Award: Pam Frost
Special Service Awards: Robert Minshall & Fin McCormick
Coarse Acting Award: Anton Schäfer
Most Promising newcomer: Barry Altwig
Willy Sass Award Best Item in a Social Evening: Bruce Sanderson (Bar and Ger)

Adjudicated Awards:
Best Costumes: Gillian Vosloo (Forbidden Broadway)
Best Set: Wendy Goddard (Chapter Two)
Best Technical Contribution: Unique Sound (Forbidden Broadway)
Best Cameo Performance: Samantha Smith (Forbidden Broadway)
Best Supporting Actress: Petra Schiebe (The Sum of Us)
Best Supporting Actor: Anton Schäfer (Chapter Two & The Sum of Us)
Best Performance in a Musical: Natisha Van Zyl (Forbidden Broadway)
Best Actress: Marlisa Doubell (Chapter Two)
Best Actor: Gregory Parvess (The Sum of Us)
Harry Haslam Award for Best Production: Chapter Two (Directed by Wendy Goddard)

Milly’s Host
Beryl Eichenberger
______________________________________________________________________
* BOOK NOW FOR SECOND TIME AROUND – OPENING 18 MAY *

Don’t miss this very funny, fast paced comedy

Use one of these three options to book:

Online: http://www.milnertonplayers.com

E-mail: bookings@milnertonplayers.com

Phone: 082 267 1061

________________________________________________________________________

The Bus is on its way
While final rehearsals for Second Time Around are taking place on the main stage, rehearsals have begun in the foyer for The Bus. Recently joined member, Robyn Bensch, has joined the cast as the little girl, a full production team is in place so it’s all systems go for our July production with first-time director Wayne Hendricks at the helm. Wayne is very organised with his planning so we look forward his directorial debut.
_______________________________________________________________________

AUDITION
An audition is scheduled next month for our August/September production, Hello and Goodbye.

This classic Athol Fugard play to be directed by Mari Mocke offers two very challenging roles.

The audition will be held at Milnerton Playhouse on Saturday 23 June at 14.00.
Full details in the audition notice at the end of the Prattle.

An interesting piece of trivia is that Mari’s daughter, Liesl, shares a birthday with the playwright, who turns 80 on 11 June.
________________________________________________________________________
VISITING SHOWS
The band ‘Tribute’, return by popular demand for a third performance of
CLIFF & THE SHADOWS
Saturday 09 June @ 20.00
Tickets: R90 (R10 discount to members & pensioners)
Bookings: 021 554 5778
E-mail: shadowsband@mweb.co.za
_______________________________________________________________________________
MEMBERS MURMURS

We warmly welcome newly joined member Natalie Milne.

Marion Fogell sent apologies for not attending the Milly’s Awards. She and Glyn became first time grandparents on 8 April, when daughter Becky gave birth to baby Jack William. They were off to UK to see the new arrival.

After many years together, with a grown up, married son and granddaughter, Yvonne Copley (Chairman of our Milly’s panel) and long time partner Nigel Sweet decided to finally tie the knot this month to formalise their relationship. We wish them many more happy years together now they are officially husband and wife.

Sheila Grant, who went to New Zealand to await the birth of her 3rd grandchild, will be back in SA at the end of May now that her daughter has given birth to a baby girl.

We extend our sympathies to the family of Lindy Scott and friends at Hottentot Hollands Dramatic Society after hearing the news of Lindy’s recent death. Before she became so sadly incapacitated she was a leading light in HHDS as an actress and director and also a former member of the Cape Times and CATA panels. Those who were privileged to know her will remember a vibrant and talented personality who contributed greatly to amateur theatre.
___________________________________________________________________________

OTHER SOCIETIES NEWS
Masque Theatre
01 to 09 June
Muizenberg Dramatic Society presents
SEASON’S GREETINGS
By Alan Ayckbourn
Direction: Coleen Van Staden
Bookings: 021 788 1898
___________________
Pinelands Town Hall
16 – 29 July
Pinelands Players presents
SHOUT – THE MUSICAL
Direction Garth Travares
___________________________________________________________________________
That’s all for this month. Wayne is waiting in anticipation to take your bookings for Second Time Around so go online, e-mail or phone him but make sure you book to see it.

Hope to see you there.

AUDITION
Milnerton Playhouse
Saturday 23 June @ 14.00

HELLO AND GOODBYE
A drama in two acts by Athol Fugard
Direction: Mari Mocke

The two characters in the play are a brother and sister, Johnnie and Hester Smit, who have not seen one another for a few years.

Since the death of their mother some time ago, Johnnie has been looking after his crippled father alone in their small municipal home in a Port Elizabeth suburb. Hester has been trying to make ends meet as a prostitute in Johannesburg.
After their father’s death, Hester pitches up unexpectedly, unaware of the father’s death and Johnnie pretends that their father is alive but very ill in his bedroom. Hester’s reason for her visit “home” is to claim her share of the compensation money she believes their father has somewhere in the bedroom. She has had a hard life with no loving attachments and has no fixed address.

The intrigue lies in Johnnie’s secret of letting his sister believe that their father is really alive.

In the first production of the play Athol Fugard and Molly Seftel played the two roles.

When interviewed, Fugard gave Johnnie’s age as 29 and Hester’s a few years older.

The play requires experienced actors as both characters have lengthy monologues, wrought with emotion and there is much dialogue to memorize.

Backstage & technical crew for stage manager, props, rehearsal prompt, lighting & sound will also be required.

The play will run at Milnerton Playhouse end August/beginning September 2012 with a possible further performance at the ‘Fugard Fest’ in Stellenbosch during the last weekend in September

For further information please contact the director at:
021 556 2415 or 082 708 4794
E-mail: mari.mocke@telkomsa.net

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HHDS Newsletter May 2012

It is with deep regret that we record the passing of Lindy Scott who died at 6.00 p.m. on Friday 27th April. Lindy acted in & directed many plays for the Playhouse and won several Cape Times & CATA awards. She also served on the Cape Times & CATA Committees.

For a time she operated a junior actors training academy called ”Stagecoach” which was responsible for supplying many active members to the HHDS many of whom are still members. I have made no secret of the fact that much of my own knowledge of the theatre was learnt by sitting at the feet of this gigantically talented person.

I am sure that anyone who knew Lindy will join the HHDS committee in passing on our condolences to Giles and the rest of the Scott family, as well as to Jim & Betty Hawker.

A MEMORIALSERVICE WILL BE HELD AT THE PLAYHOUSE ON
SUNDAY 6th May AT 7.00 P.M.

——————————————————————————–

Funny Money

It may not be the best time to record our congratulations to Giles, his cast & crew for an excellent showing of “Funny Money,” but record it we must – everything about this production set a high standard for the remainder of the year, an excellent script, well cast, in a superb set.

Welcome back Giles, we have missed you!

You can view the photo’s, if you haven’t already, on facebook

Wonka – A Dance Extravaganza

Next on at The Playhouse is “Wonka – a dance extravaganza” to be performed by Outline Dance Studio. Bookings can be made by phoning Penny on 021 852 6445 between 9.00 & 17.00. On Thursdays & Fridays before 12.30 the phone will have an answering service so during that time, if you leave your contact details, Penny will return your call

From 7 May between 9.30 & 16.00 the theatre booking office will be also be open (phone 021 852 5182, or again you can phone 021 852 6445.

The show dates, times & prices are:
23 May, 19.00 for 20.00, R 100 includes Cheese & Wine.
24, 25, 28, 30 May & 1 June, 19.30, R 80 for adults, R 50 12 & under.
26 May, 19.00.19.00, R 80 adults, R 50 for 12 & under

There will also be 2 matinee shows:
26 May & 2 June at 14.00, R 80 for adults, R 50 12 & under.
The final show will take place on 02 June at 19.00 for 20.00 & will again be a Cheese & wine function @ R 100 per ticket.

Ginger Beer
by Daryn JosÄ—

After that we will be privileged to mount the PREMIER production of “Ginger Beer” written & directed by Daryn Jose, it will run from late June to early July.
This is a play set in the Karoo and is a story of undisclosed deeds. A story about secrets that burn to be told. Steeped in atmosphere, rich dialogue and music from an old record player, it is a play most of all, about the human heart.

All the parts were cast at the recent audition, the characters & cast comprise:
Stokkie – a young man in his late teens – Andre Kershaw
Sprint – Stokkie’s older brother – Gabriel Buys
Charl – their father – Isaac Buys
Ouma Hettie – their grandmother – Molly Mohr
Jessie – a young women in her early twenties – Ahnestazia Borez
Tannie Miems – early fifties – Colette Dacre

About Daryn.
From childhood Daryn was interested in the performing arts. Having attained a Nat. Dip. Drama from Pretoria Technikon and Drama Teacher’s Licentiate from Trinity College, Daryn has freelanced in the film and theatre world ever since. During her colourful career she has done acting, set dressing on TV commercials, given acting classes and has worked as a writer. Early on she won the MNET New Directions award for her film script “Angel” which was then made into a film which won two Avanti awards. Daryn was also a script writer for the television SABC series Soul Buddyz for two years. She has written and directed numerous plays and television scripts. One of her plays “Detention X” won “Best Original Script” at the “Hottentots Holland Youth Festival.” The last play Daryn directed for the Playhouse was “Road to Mecca” which was very successful.

Daryn says she is thrilled to be working with what she thinks is a very talented and capable cast.

REQUEST:
We already have one unusual request regarding the show, Dorothy Roberts who is doing props, needs as many pigeon feathers as we can find!
Does any member have homing birds or know someone who has?

——————————————————————————–

YOUR FEEDBACK

In the last newsletter I said that the committee is always striving to make your membership more meaningful and give “more bang for your buck.”

You, the members are the society, so your feedback is welcomed & appreciated and that the committee welcomes comments (positive and / or negative).

The response has been quite UNDERWHELMING! Not a single reply! Maybe it was my fault because I did not provide a forwarding address, here it is now — lawrie@lpwest.co.za

So why not drop us a line with your suggestions. If necessary we will even publish your comments (either anonymous or acknowledged ). I would like to make this a regular “chirps & chips” item in the newsletter so I look forward to hearing from you.

Playhouse News: Habeas Corpus Feedback, Funny Money with Giles Scott, Much more news and What’s On at The Playhouse! Is this email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser.

HHDS Newsletter March 2012

It is with deep regret that we record the passing of Lindy Scott who died at 6.00 p.m. on Friday 27th April. Lindy acted in & directed many plays for the Playhouse and won several Cape Times & CATA awards. She also served on the Cape Times & CATA Committees.

For a time she operated a junior actors training academy called ”Stagecoach” which was responsible for supplying many active members to the HHDS many of whom are still members. I have made no secret of the fact that much of my own knowledge of the theatre was learnt by sitting at the feet of this gigantically talented person.

I am sure that anyone who knew Lindy will join the HHDS committee in passing on our condolences to Giles and the rest of the Scott family, as well as to Jim & Betty Hawker.

A MEMORIALSERVICE WILL BE HELD AT THE PLAYHOUSE ON
SUNDAY 6th May AT 7.00 P.M.

——————————————————————————–

Funny Money

It may not be the best time to record our congratulations to Giles, his cast & crew for an excellent showing of “Funny Money,” but record it we must everything about this production set a high standard for the remainder of the year, an excellent script, well cast, in a superb set.

Welcome back Giles, we have missed you!

You can view the photo’s, if you haven’t already, on facebook here.

TOP

——————————————————————————–

Wonka – A Dance Extravaganza

Next on at The Playhouse is “Wonka – a dance extravaganza” to be performed by Outline Dance Studio. Bookings can be made by phoning Penny on 021 852 6445 between 9.00 & 17.00. On Thursdays & Fridays before 12.30 the phone will have an answering service so during that time, if you leave your contact details, Penny will return your call
From 7 May between 9.30 & 16.00 the theatre booking office will be also be open (phone 021 852 5182, or again you can phone 021 852 6445.

The show dates, times & prices are:
23 May, 19.00 for 20.00, R 100 includes Cheese & Wine.
24, 25, 28, 30 May & 1 June, 19.30, R 80 for adults, R 50 12 & under.
26 May, 19.00.19.00, R 80 adults, R 50 for 12 & under

There will also be 2 matinee shows:
26 May & 2 June at 14.00, R 80 for adults, R 50 12 & under.
The final show will take place on 02 June at 19.00 for 20.00 & will again be a Cheese & wine function @ R 100 per ticket.

TOP

——————————————————————————–

Ginger Beer
by Daryn JosÄ—

After that we will be privileged to mount the PREMIER production of “Ginger Beer” written & directed by Daryn Jose, it will run from late June to early July.
This is a play set in the Karoo and is a story of undisclosed deeds. A story about secrets that burn to be told. Steeped in atmosphere, rich dialogue and music from an old record player, it is a play most of all, about the human heart.

All the parts were cast at the recent audition, the characters & cast comprise:
Stokkie – a young man in his late teens – Andre Kershaw
Sprint – Stokkie’s older brother – Gabriel Buys
Charl – their father – Isaac Buys
Ouma Hettie – their grandmother – Molly Mohr
Jessie – a young women in her early twenties – Ahnestazia Borez
Tannie Miems – early fifties – Colette Dacre

About Daryn.
From childhood Daryn was interested in the performing arts. Having attained a Nat. Dip. Drama from Pretoria Technikon and Drama Teacher’s Licentiate from Trinity College, Daryn has freelanced in the film and theatre world ever since. During her colourful career she has done acting, set dressing on TV commercials, given acting classes and has worked as a writer. Early on she won the MNET New Directions award for her film script “Angel” which was then made into a film which won two Avanti awards. Daryn was also a script writer for the television SABC series Soul Buddyz for two years. She has written and directed numerous plays and television scripts. One of her plays “Detention X” won “Best Original Script” at the “Hottentots Holland Youth Festival.” The last play Daryn directed for the Playhouse was “Road to Mecca” which was very successful.

Daryn says she is thrilled to be working with what she thinks is a very talented and capable cast.

REQUEST:
We already have one unusual request regarding the show, Dorothy Roberts who is doing props, needs as many pigeon feathers as we can find!
Does any member have homing birds or know someone who has?

——————————————————————————–

YOUR FEEDBACK

In the last newsletter I said that the committee is always striving to make your membership more meaningful and give “more bang for your buck.”
You, the members are the society, so your feedback is welcomed & appreciated and that the committee welcomes comments (positive and / or negative).

The response has been quite UNDERWHELMING! Not a single reply! Maybe it was my fault because I did not provide a forwarding address, here it is now — lawrie@lpwest.co.za

So why not drop us a line with your suggestions. If necessary we will even publish your comments (either anonymous or acknowledged ). I would like to make this a regular “chirps & chips” item in the newsletter so I look forward to hearing from you.

WONKA! A Dance Extravaganza Verné Osmund’s Dance show 23rd – 26th May 2012
Ginger Beer directed by Daryn Jose Late June to early July 2012
We are proud to announce that after “Ginger Beer” we will have “Fiela’s Child” a production from Darryl Spykers “Carnivals of the Heart.” Then the play “Crimes of the Heart” to be directed by Kelly Westraad. More information about these in upcoming newsletters.

Other items to follow include:
A ballet production by Gail Hattingh,
then a “director’s ticket” production,
another visit from the Cape Ballet
and “When the Reaper Calls” a comedy / thriller.
Interspersed between these will be Members Evenings (including a play, monologue & poem’ reading) other exciting “stuff,” & outside shows.

Finally, the MASQUE theatre will hold their AGM on Sunday 20 May at 18.30 at the theatre and there will be a MASQUE FUNDRAISER on Saturday 26 May in the theatre foyer. This will be an evening of 80’s fun and frolic!

Truly there is always something on at the Playhouse.

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Pinelands Ad Lib – May 2012

Hi there readers

Cape Town, with autumn now in full swing, adds new facets to our lifestyle. Fires ablaze, potjiekos or stews simmering away, hot chocolate and snuggly winter woolies now transpose us into a new season. Let’s embrace the changes.

Several of the Pinelands Players members performed in Preeoudly Seeouff Effriken by Live Acts and directed by Kyla Thorburn, at the Milnerton Auditorium. This South African musical review was a hit, and much fun was had by all. Congratulations to all cast and crew for an outstanding production. For those who did not manage to see it, further productions are in the pipeline for later in the year, as well as a tour to Pietermaritzburg. Groupies welcome!

• Graham Boxall and Lesley Gill delighted us with their engagement at the end of last year, and we wish them all the best with their future.

• Congratulations to Tanya Browne, who celebrates a milestone birthday in May, even though she only looks 30!

• A number of our members perform in our fellow societies and we hope that everyone supports them. Nigel Stevenson recently performed in The Winslow Boy, and Shaun Browne will be performing in Season’s Greetings starting 1 June 2012.

Thank you to Nigel Stevenson for aptly sorting out the exterior lighting at the clubhouse – at least arriving and departing at night will no longer be in the dark.

The next club night has been brought forward to 18 May 2012 at 19h00 “Pinelands has Talent” : This is your opportunity to present a 5 minute song, dance, poem, narration, stand up comedy, or whatever you feel is entertaining. For those who do not wish to participate, but rather observe, come along and enjoy the evening of action and entertainment. To book your slot, please email me at tanya@march.za.net or telephone
082 900 6963. The Shout! cast may even be there to sing us a number from the forthcoming show to give you a taste of what is to come. We look forward to seeing you there!

Shout! The Mod Musical rehearsals are in full swing, and the team are having great fun putting this show stopper together. Please ensure that you support this Candelight Theatre in July – it is NOT to be missed.
June Wells is currently working on her self written year-end production, which will be a witty and entertaining production. As soon as June has finalized the script and cast requirements, official audition notices will be released.

There are still a large number of members who have not yet paid their annual subscription fees. Please would you be so kind and do so at your soonest convenience. A further benefit of being a member of the society will now include discounted tickets for any of the Pinelands Players productions.

Stay warm. Treasure happy moments. Keep them close to your heart. And when you are feeling down or blue, haul out the wondrous memories to help you get through the tough times.

Tanya March

Farewell Clara Machado

Clara, well known to Pinelands Players has set off to explore her talents, aspirations and dreams in London. Sadly, we lose her to our society for a year or so, but we know that her vibrant and vivacious personality will keep all abreast of her activities and adventures. Should you wish to subscribe to her blog, visit : http://www.blogger.com/profile/12716351862118870251

Clara has been instrumental over the past number of years in the society in order to bring new dimensions, energy and ideas to the society. Her time on the committee was well served, and her regular performances on stage added cheer, joy and enthusiasm. We wish Clara all the best with her endeavours and know that she will relish in her new environment and experiences.

Don’t stay away forever. Come back to us!

Candelight Theatre – Year-end Production

The Grand Opening
Written and Directed by June Wells
Here is the story line:
Harvey and Lorraine have taken early retirement and invested all of their funds in an old night club/restaurant they have renovated. The kitchen is up and running. The bar is stocked and the band hired. In the advertising, Harvey has promised that top local entertainers will perform at the grand opening, but with two weeks to go, we find him scraping the bottom of the barrel in a phone call to Steve Hofmeyer, who also turns him down. Harvey calls a meeting with family and friends and tells them that they will be op the opening act. As they have all invested some money in the venture, they have little choice. He tells them to be back in two hours to show him what they have got.

An Argentinian tango, and Elvis impersonator, a ventriloquist, a country & western singer, Madonna and Michael Bublé wannabes…. These are some of the acts that are presented to Harvey. Now all he has to do is transform….

June Wells has not finalized the cast yet, but she is looking for enthusiasm, the ability to let go of inhibitions, some singing and acting talent and a sense of humour. The cast will consist of 8 to 10 people, males and females. Ages will be from 20 to 80 and possibly below or above that. The show runs in the first two weeks of December and auditions will take place late August / early September.

Watch this space for further information and official audition notices.

Shout, The Mod Musical
Luella Holland writes on the fan page:

So this is my first blog post. It’s been a long time coming mainly due to technical difficulties and a moderate case of blondeness (I’m dealing with it really I am) but here I am. So. How do I feel about SHOUT! so far? We are about 4 rehearsals down and it is ROCKIN’! So far the focus has been on getting tight with the music and researching how people moved and sang in the 60ies. We..he…hell choreography sure has come a long way. So far, learning the show has been a whole heap of fun. We have a devoted team and that has made launching into this show a whole lot of ‘woohooo’.

Working with this group is a mix of some old and some new. Our Beautiful BLUE girl is an old friend and band mate of mine. We have shared many a stage, rehearsal space, dressing room, potato chip (times get tough) and I am thrilled to be working with her again. Sitting next to Jen in rehearsal is therapeutic and dangerous at the same time. Therapeutic because her voice is just beautiful and she is a machine when it comes to harmonies (She is the Harmony Hoff). It is dangerous because she drops one liners that hit you mid-way through a big, belty entrance and leave you giggling and snorting like a teenager.

Martine, our READY RED is a real-life teenager. She is also my student and I love her dearly. Martine is the queen of the big sing. She belts where no man has gone before. Martine lets rip with her big girl voice and you cannot help but be moved. I am very proud of Teeny and believe this is going to be an awesome opportunity for her. Martine is in love. Deeply and profoundly…with her blackberry and just like a real, live teenager, she will rip your head off if you take it. She likes wearing pajama pants to rehearsal and we are trying to fatten her up for the role. She is not offering convincing resistance to the sweets and chocolates that we ply her with.

Our Outrageous ORANGE girl is the only one I have never worked with before. The first time I heard her sing really-really (and not as a ghostie strung up by her knickers in Fiddler on the roof) was through the audition door. And I was stunned. The Orange girl is not an easy girl to be. She carries a considerable portion of the dramatic weight of the show and vocally is very, VERY busy. It is good to know that we have Melissa as that anchor. I get to share a duet with her and I look forward to shaking it up! Melissa does not like stupid people.Or people who chew bubblegum. I pretend I am neither so we get along well.
Our Geriatric (nart)…Gentle (jokes)…Generous (certainly but its boring)…GORGEAOUS GREEN girl is simply
the bomb! Laura is also someone I have shared the stage with many a time. Some of my favourite backstage
shenanigans have been as a direct result of knowing Laura. Leaping somewhat underdressed down the backstage corridors of Artscape during a rousing rendition of ‘Blow Gabriel Blow’ being just one of those
moments. Laura is our saucy and wickedly funny secret weapon. Laura, like Martine has an incredibly powerful voice and standing next to her makes you wanna sing harder and louder. I cannot wait to hear her ‘Gold…cough…finger’. Laura is frighteningly good at reading sheet music without reading sheet music. She is a far better musician than she ever publicly gives herself credit for and is electric on stage.
Garthels, Garfie, Garfunkel or simply ‘our pink boy’ is, for me, a much trusted captain of our ship. I have worked with him twice before and am over-the-moon to get to do it all over again. Garth can smell a bad harmony like a fox smells its own scent (I love bad comparisons). He knows his stuff. He sings, dances, acts, plays most instruments-some of them freakishly well, has more MLP’s than anyone I know, and can tell what note your glass chimed as you slammed it down on the table. He is a solid director that I have had the privilege of working with twice now. The world is only just beginning to find out about Garth. World meet Garth. Garth show what you got baby!
And that is the cast! I am looking forward to the whole process of Shout! Being the Yellow Girl is going to be a BIIIG vocal challenge and that excites me. The last show I did was a lot of pretty, singing in my head voice with the occasional belt. As Mellow Yellow I have to pull a gospel belt. Whoop whoop. Lord, be with me and with the audience should I not quite get there. I am practicing my fierce gospel face in the mirror every morning. I have discovered mix resonance and am growing it up as fast as it can grow. I cannot WAIT for you to see it!

Love and peace!

Annual subscriptions received by members does not even cover the annual expenses to run the clubhouse, let alone cover the costs of hosting club nights or other things.Please do the right thing and pay your subs. Only R90 per annum!

9 – 12 May 2012 Springfield Centenary Hall
Into the Woods directed by David Fick
Bookings 021 797 6169

4, 5, 6 & 10, 11 & 12 May 2012 Masque Theatre
Move over Mrs Markham directed by Wesley Figaji
Constantiaberg Theatre Players
Bookings 021 788 1898

18 – 26 May 2012 Milnerton Playhouse
Second Time Around directed by Gordon Molloy
Milnerton Players
Bookings: Shiela McCormick 021 5573206 or
chairperson@milnertonplayers.com

1 – 9 June 2012 Masque Theatre
Season’s Greetings directed by Coleen van Staden
Muizenberg Dramatic Society

16 – 29 July 2012 Pinelands Town Hall
Shout, The Mod Musical directed by Garth Tavares
Pinelands Players
20 July 2012 Masque Theatre
The Odd Couple directed by Sheldon Cross
Claremont Dramatic Society

Milnerton Playhouse
The Bus directed by Wayne Hendricks
Milnerton Players

31 August – 8 September 2012 Milnerton Playhouse
Hello and Goodbye directed by Mari Mocke
Milnerton Players

AUDITiON
Muizenberg Amateur Dramatic Society
Eat Your Heart Out by Nick Hall
Directed by Tom Byrne
Performance dates: 14 – 18 August 2012
Audition date: 5 May 2012
Place: The Rendezvous
Old Zandvlei Bowling Club
57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg
The play is set in New York City, with each scene taking place in a different restaurant. Generic American accents will be required but are not necessary for the audition. Cast required is four women (ages 20 to 60) and five men (ages 20 to 60). Charlie (the lead) is a waiter, in his late twenties/early thirties,
trying to be an actor.
Enquiries: Tom on: 071 871 0451 or tom1949sa@gmail.com

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