Claremont Chat
Claremont Dramatic Society Newsletter
email: claremontdramatic@gmail.com
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December 2012 – Number 116
Hello All,
Here’s to winding down from an exceptionally productive year, don’t mind the pun. A very large congratulations to Wendy and her cast and crew on a successful Production of Calendar Girls which has excelled in every area. Well done all of you, you do CDS proud!
Just a last few notes on what to expect in the last few weeks of this year and events and productions to look forward to early 2013.
Our First Production Next Year
Unfortunately, Clifford was not able to cast Kafka’s Dick, and will now direct the two-hander, The Owl and the Pussycat, by Bill Manhoff. Rehearsals for this romantic comedy are well under way, with Sheldon Cross and Jana Botha playing the parts of Felix and Doris There is plenty of enthusiasm from all involved and they are rehearsing mornings most days and have already shaped and blocked Act 1.
Does anyone have a gas stove they would be prepared to lend us for rehearsals and the run (22 February – 1 March)? If so, please contact Clifford directly: clifford@mondaymissile.co.za
Members Evenings
#Year End Function:
Feedback from Simon Dutton:
Well – What a Bash!!
Our Member’s Evening Christmas Party and 60th Anniversary Celebration was held at the Hok on Saturday 1st December and was a great way to commence the festive season.
Hats Off to Sheldon Cross for his Arrangement and Direction of the whole event from the hiring of equipment – table and chairs etc., the festive decorations, the caterers who provided a splendid fayre and especially the entertainment!
Sheldon and his co thespians – Jana Botha, Liz Roodt, Dean & Candy Howarth performed several sketches, including a ‘state of our nation’ carol, an alternative view of what maybe behind the public persona of Queen Elizabeth and her Consort Phillip as well an Australian radio station interviewing an American who has created the culinary delight known as “Schweeaty Balls”. Well Done Troupe!
About 40 of our members attended the event which commenced at 3 p.m. and the last left at about 11 p.m.
A big ‘Thank – you’ to Pam Burger who did the phone around prior to the event.
#Final Member’s Evening of the year:
On Monday 17 December we are having a very special Bonus member’s evening, at the Hok
Simon Dutton has Season 3 of Downton Abbey, which has not aired on TV in South Africa. He has very kindly offered it to us for a marathon session of indulgence in excellence. We will start the ‘evening’ at 3pm with the Downton Abbey Christmas Special, for those who haven’t seen it, (and as a refresher for those who have), followed by the whole of Season 3, from 5pm. Please feel free to pop in and join us whenever you can, and friends are welcome. During the course of the evening we will place an order for pizzas, which will be for your for own account. If you’d prefer to make your own plans for supper, that’s fine too. The bar will be open.
Inter-Society Quiz
Claremont saved itself from total disgrace at the recent inter-society quiz by coming last but one. The team comprised Adrian, Wendy, Jenny and Peter Brandt. Bob stood on the sidelines with his pompoms, cheering them on. Despite the lack of knowledge about old musicals and films, they still enjoyed the evening, safe in the knowledge that CDS would not have to host the quiz next year. Thank you to FHDS for an interesting evening and lovely grub.
AGM and Awards Evening
The AGM and Awards Evening will be held at Barristers on Tuesday 26 February 2013. Details and official notification to follow.
Members’ News
- Welcome to new member, Jo Frater, who played the part of Chris in Calendar Girls. We hope you stay with CDS will be a long and happy one.
- Congratulations and farewell to Shirley Chipps who is getting married and has moved to the UK. She has promised to visit us regularly. We will miss your cheerful smile, perpetual willingness to help and wicked sense of humour.
- Another sad farewell to Mike and Monica Tompson who are also moving to the UK. Mike has been a loyal member of CDS for many years, has served on our Awards Panel, and as a member of the CATA panel. He is also a superb actor and avid supporter of our members’ evening.
- Congratulations to Dean and Candy Howarth who are expecting the first addition to their family in March.
Calendar
- 6 – 14 December Pinelands Town Hall
Pinelands Players presents
The Grand Opening
directed by June Wells
- 7 – 22 December 2012 Masque Theatre
Constantiaberg Theatre Players presents
Aladdin
directed by Di Thom
- 17 December
Downtown Abbey at the Hok, from 3pm
- 26 February
CDS AGM and Awards Evening at Barristers
- 18 March
CATA Awards at the Masque Theatre
Thank you to all of you who have helped out with Box Office, Front of House, Teas and Bar Duty this year. Your help and support is invaluable. However, we urgently need more volunteers to help with Bar Duty. Please let Wendy know if you’d like to help out (wendygoddard@xsinet.co.za)
To all our members and friends we hope you have a safe and good festive season and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
Regards from Alex and the CDS committee
Claremont Dramatic Society 