Dear friends and members,
Though it doesn’t feel like it, we’re just past the mid-winter marker and the Winter Solstice is finally behind us (21 June)! From here on out we can look forward to longer days, shorter nights, and hopefully some warmer weather every few days, to offset the grey, gloomy skies we’ve grown accustomed to.
This year is already half-over and I for one cannot believe how quickly it’s been flying by – and with the seasonal change, there’ve also been changes within all the societies as their new committees step up to the plate. But before we delve into new committees, please send along some warm thoughts and congratulations to the newly appointed Masque manager – Nico Dreyer – on his position. We’re looking forward to getting to know and work with him, and are certain he’ll bring about beneficial changes to the Masque theatre.
Committed Committees
And while we’re on the subject of congratulations, we’d like to extend ours to those elected to their committee positions for Pineland Players, MADS, Fish Hoek Dramatic Society, Claremont Dramatic Society, and of course our own Constantiaberg Theatre Players.
It was with sadness that we said goodbye to our wonderful and warm Chairperson Di Thom, the incredible and insightful Scott Gill, and the lovely Gizelle Willows and Janice Thorne, who did not stand for a second term.
However, we would like to welcome Angela Lee-Wright and Lynda Jennings to the CTP committee, and let you know that everyone serving you, to a man (and woman), are very excited for the prospects of the year ahead and so would like to invite you all to …
Our Members Evening & Logo Launch Party
The observant amongst you will have noticed the decidedly absent logo of colourful theatre mask that normally adorns the top of the page. This is because we’ve decided that along with the new website we’re putting together (to make keeping up with CTP easier), it was time to update our look a little.
At our upcoming members evening we’re proud to announce that we’re going to unveil our new CTP Logo – and ask that you please come in smart/casual attire. There will be plenty of delightful snacks,
oodles of wine and other drinks, along with some music and dancing, as this year is CTPs 60th Anniversary as a society and that’s certainly cause to celebrate! As soon as the date for our Logo Launch Members Evening has been set, you can expect a short e-mail finding it’s way to your inbox detailing the when, where, and what’s. 😉
Braving the Future
We want to do our best for our members and the Masque theatre, so we’re busy constructing, restructuring, and forming sub-committees, and as you’ve probably guessed from the “Under Construction” logo, our newsletter will also be having a make-over! We’ll unveil all the progress in next month’s issue.
To make life easier for you, as we know most of you eagerly await the Auditions and Upcoming Shows at the Masque, these information overviews will from now on be attached as separate documents.
I won’t take up too much more of your time, as I’m sure you’re longing for a cup of hot tea or coffee, so the newsletter will end with the two soup recipes that were tasted at the CTP AGM, due to several requests for them:
Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (serves 4)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
1 cup of cream and 1 cup of milk
2 cups chicken stock or bouillon
1/2 pound fresh broccoli
1 cup carrots, julienned
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
Directions:
Sauté the onion in butter and then set aside. Cook melted butter and flour (using a whisk) over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and slowly add the cup of milk and cup of cream (this is called making a roux). Add the chicken stock whisking all the time. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper. The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender and puree. Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended. Stir in the nutmeg and serve.
Butternut Soup (serves 6)
Ingredients 1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded 2 tablespoons of butter 1 medium onion, diced 6 cups chicken stock Nutmeg Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) Directions Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve. Have a wonderful weekend!
Showing at the Masque
Please see below for the upcoming plays at the Masque which will make you laugh, cry, smile and sigh! To book your seat, please contact the Masque Theatre on 021-788-1898 or e-mail bookings@masquetheatre.co.za.
– Amy’s View is running from 5th July – 13th July (Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays)
Amy’s View is a fantastic show which is considered by many to be the best play written by Sir David Hare. It’s an amusing yet critical look at how miscommunication can instil biases in those who refuse to see anything but one-side of a story, and don’t believe the other side of the story bears any kind of merit.
The show takes place in the context of film vs. theatre, and is set over a time span of 16 years. It focuses mainly on three characters: Esme the mother, Amy the daughter, and Dominic, the daughter’s fiancé. This is directed by the talented Brenda Gray with set design done by David Davidson. It costs R65 per non-member ticket and R55 for theatre club members. Call the Masque Theatre for more details, matinee night prices, and their special performance on Wednesday, 10th of July, in aid of The Chaeli Campaign.
– The Best of Times – 14th July
This one-night only foyer show will entertain and delight you as you listen to the soulful rich melodies from a ménage of musicals performed by Chenara Fenton and friends. There will be a light supper served, the show will start at 7pm, and tickets will cost R95. Expect to hear songs such as Sister Act”, “Spamalot”, “Smash” and “Rock of Ages”.
– Shadowlands – A Tribute to Cliff Richard & The Shadows – 20th July
This one-night only performance will have you tapping your feet along with the beat being delivered by the Tribute band. Being devout fans of Cliff Richard & The Shadows, you’ll hear old favourites from the ‘60s such as “Atlantis”, “The Next Time”, and “Summer Holiday”. The show is set to start at 8pm, and the wonderful musicians are: Ivor Norman on the lead guitar, Peter Denyssen on Rhythm, Mike Whare on Bass, David Evans on Drums and Roger Harrison on keyboards. Michael Georgopoulos is “Cliff”, the lead vocalist.
– The Road to Mecca, running from the 26th of July to 3rd of August
This incredible play written by Athol Fugard will be directed by Barbara Basel. The play is based on the life of the original creator of the Owl House in New Bethesda, Helen Martins, during the latter half of the 20th century. It’s a fascinating look at how small-minded people deal with those who don’t conform to their standards and are thus branded ‘different’. The issues in the play are still relevant today and are certain to keep audiences spellbound by the light, humorous moments, as well as the dramatic ones.
Outside shows worth watching:
– Dracula, running from 18th to 27th July
This wonderful and delightful play about the most well-known vampire of them, all is directed by Philippe Pringiers for Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society. It will be showing at the Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West. Bookings can only be done via Computicket.
– A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, running from 26th July to 4th August
This wonderful play is directed by Judith Herbig for Milnerton Players. Bookings can be done online by visiting http://www.milnertonplayers.com, or e-mailing bookings @milnertonplayers.com.
