JULY 2013
Since we now seem to be well into winter I decided to cheer you up with some winter-y jokes!
Starting with ………
Q: What’s an ig?
A: A snow house without a loo!
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Goodness, but our members do seem to get around!
Barbara Basset sent me an email on 12 June to say that she wouldn’t be at the members’ evening as she was leaving for Mallorca on that day for a family wedding and, after 6 days there, in the sun, she’s off to the UK for her yearly jaunt to visit her children and grandchildren. Barbara is back at the end of July.
And Dawn Scholtz left on 16 May to visit her daughter in South Korea –
hope you had a fab trip Dawn!
AND a little birdie tells me that Karen Riley will be visiting us from Oz some time this month.
Many of you will have seen the name Jack Matthee on the steel braces we use for sets at the Masque which were made by him, and some of us had the privilege of meeting this top class set builder, props maker, performer and comedian. He passed away recently but his legacy lives on.
Congratulations to Val Stephens who welcomed her second grandchild,
Rachel Elizabeth, into the world on 8 May!
This newsletter was practically ready to go when I discovered that I had a retinal detachment in my left eye and had to have emergency surgery – so I am currently sporting a rather snazzy pirate eye-patch!!
Q: Why does it take longer to build a blonde snowman than a regular one?
A: You have to hollow out the head.
AUDITIONS
Our last production of the year is in November!!
See attachment for the full audition notice for Rope!!!
Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society will be holding auditions at their Playhouse in Somerset West at 19:00 on Sunday, 28 July, for two One-Act Plays to be presented on a double bill on Saturday, 28 September. The first is Beware the Ides of March which has 13 parts, most of which can be played by men or women, with ages from 16 up. The second is the Afrikaans production of Bevange which features 7 teenagers (4 female, 3 male). For further info visit www.facebook.com/PlayhouseSW or phone 021 852 5182.
CALENDAR
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 bookings@masquetheatre.co.za or
at the theatre Mon-Fri, 10:00 to 16:00 (During run of shows also 9:30 to 12:00 on Saturdays)
29 Jun to 20 Jul Boy Meets Boy presented by Festival Productions at the Artscape Arena (low price previews on 27 and 28 June). This topical smash hit musical had a five star West End revival last year. Booking at Computicket or Dial-a-Seat 021 4217695.
5 – 13 July Amy’s View by Sir David Hare, one of Britain’s most internationally performed playwrights.
Directed by Brenda Gray and presented by Claremont Dramatic Society at the Masque. A well-known West End actress receives a visit from her daughter Amy and her new boyfriend, an aspiring film director. This sets in motion events which only fully come into shape sixteen years later. A fascinating insight into three main characters and how lack of communication can cause so much confusion.
14 July The Best of Times performed by Chenara Fenton and friends, in the Masque Foyer at 19:00. Be
entertained and delighted as you listen to soulful rich melodies from a ménage of musicals – expect to hear songs such as “Sister Act”, “Spamalot”, “Smash” and “Rock of Ages”. There will be a light supper served and tickets cost R95.
18–27 July Dracula, a play by Hamilton Deane and John Balderston, directed by Philipe Pringiers for
Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society at their Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West. Lucy Seward, daughter of the physician in charge of a sanatorium near London, is mysteriously anaemic. Doctor and professor Abraham Van Helsing, a specialist in obscure diseases, suspects a vampire which, according to legend, is an ugly soul that, grave-bound by day, roams the earth at night, and sustains its earthly life by sucking the blood of approachable victims. Instituting a search, Van Helsing uncovers Count Dracula as such a vampire and, finding the grave, drives a stake through the heart of the corpse from which he comes, thus ending the vampire’s existence. Or not? Playgoers will go away with the satisfaction of having had more thrills than ever before in their lives inside a theatre! Bookings through Computicket or phone 021 8525182 for more info.
PLEASE NOTE: MADS’ members Richard Higgs and Rudy Gibbons are both in this production!!
20 July Shadowlands – A Tribute to Cliff Richard & The Shadows in the Masque Foyer at 20:00. Tap your feet along with the beat being delivered by the Tribute band, consisting of Ivor Norman on 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. To achieve a similar sound they imported the same guitars used by the band. You’ll hear favourites from the ‘60s such as “Atlantis”, “The Next Time”, and “Summer Holiday”. Tickets R75 (R65).
26 Jul to 4 Aug A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur by Tennessee Williams, directed by Judith Herbig for Milnerton Players at their Playhouse. A really delightful play with four lovely characters and a great deal of humour. Further info on 0822671061, or bookings@milnertonplayers.com.
26 Jul to 3 Aug The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard, directed by Barbara Basel for Muizenberg Dramatic Society at the Masque. Based on the life of Helen Martins, a well-known and remarkable artist who lived during the second half of the 20th Century, this is the story of a woman who dares to be different. Helen goes from being an outsider in her own community to one of South Africa’s foremost Outsider Artists. As a result of her quest for light and colour, Helen transforms her ordinary, dull world into one of radiance and warmth when she turns her vegetable garden into her Mecca – a splendid place of light and colour – and fills her small home with glittering, dancing candlelight. While the Road to Mecca has its dramatic highlights, there are also some light hearted and touching moments.
BIRTHDAYS
Hope those who turned a year older in the latter half of June had a fabulous birthday (although chances are it was cold and wet!) They were Rosemarie Lewis on the 17th with Wendy Morling and Wayne Ronne sharing the 18th. June Edwards had her birthday on the 20th with Abigail Knott’s the day after. Liz Roodt celebrated on the 24th, as did Jane Philbrick (and that was a BIG one!!). Last but not least was Rowan Studti on the 26th.
Moving on to July we start with Anton Schafer on the 6th. James Pape and Michaela O’Toole share the 9th; Di Thom and Nick Lee share the 11th with Su Cunningham celebrating on the 14th. Tom Byrne follows on the 18th with Fiona Carling and Lieske Bester sharing the 21st. Happy birthday to Samantha Davies on the 23rd and Lee De Andrade on the 29th.
Looks like I have never actually delved into the birth flower for July! It is the Larkspur, close relative to the Delphinium. A true blue flower that symbolizes lightness and swiftness, this flower has significance in Greek mythology as it is said to have grown from the blood of Ajax as he threw himself on his sword during the Battle of Troy. Larkspurs grow wild and tall in pastures. Unfortunate for cattle owners, this flower is extremely poisonous and dangerous when ingested by cattle. Its poison makes it useful as an insecticide and in ancient times it was worn as an ointment to drive away scorpions. Native Americans used Larkspurs to make a rich, blue dye and European settlers used it to dip their quills as ink. Other names are lark’s heel, lark’s claw and knight’s spur. The flower has five petals which grow together to form a hollow flower with a spur at the end, which gives the plant its name.
Q: Why didn’t the tourist in the Arctic get any sleep?
A: He plugged his electric blanket into the toaster by mistake – and kept popping out of bed all night!
MASQUE NEWS
Wendy Morling recently put out a plea to you all for donations towards replacing the Masque Theatre Roof and so far she has been delighted with the response! Thanks, guys, and remember “There can be no performances without a Theatre and there can be no Theatre without a roof!!” so if you still want to donate here’s those details again:
Muizenberg Dramatic Society, Standard Bank, Blue Route Branch Code: 025-609, Current account # 27-004-494-9. When making the transfer or deposit, please put your surname as a reference followed by “Roof” so we know who the donation is from.
Q: If the sun shines while it’s snowing, what should you look for?
A: Snowbows.
Until next time then ….
Eve
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MUIZENBERG DRAMATIC SOCIETY
AUDITION NOTICE
‘ROPE’
ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THRILLER BASED ON THE PLAY BY RICHARD HAMILTON
Directed By: Alastair Duff
AUDITION DATE: Saturday 3 August 2013 at 14:30
PLACE: Rendezvous (Old Zandvlei Bowling Club), 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg
ENQUIRIES: Alastair Duff on 021 7884984
DATES OF RUN: 29 November to 7 December 2013 – Masque Theatre, Muizenberg
REHEARSALS: Probably Mondays and Wednesdays (19:30 – 21:30) and Saturdays (14:00 – 17:00) commencing Monday 12 August. To be confirmed.
SYNOPSIS: Is there such a thing as a perfect murder? In this riveting play, set in New York in the early fifties, two young men who have everything – wealth, looks, talent and good-breeding – commit a dreadful crime: just because they can. But someone from their past proves to be a greater adversary and nemesis than they ever could have imagined.
THE CAST:
There are no bit parts – every part is substantial, but Rupert, Brandon and Phillip are very large and demanding roles. American accents are necessary, even if it is just a suggestion. All ages are very approximate.
MR KENTLEY 50-60 David Kentley’s father, a polished gentleman of courtly manners and an urbane, sympathetic character. Speaks with a quiet dignity. British accent would be suitable too.
BRANDON 20-30 Good-looking, talented, clever but quite insane. He is stronger than Phillip and dominates him. Witty, sophisticated and malicious, Brandon is a gem of a part.
PHILLIP 20-30 Brandon’s partner, a concert pianist. Sensitive and passive, he does however stand up to Brandon’s domineering ways. All through the play he is tortured by what he and Brandon have done. Also a gem of a part.
RUPERT 30-45 Phillip, Brandon and Kenneth’s former school teacher. A clever man with
CADELL an analytical mind, it is Rupert who solves the mystery. He is Brandon’s adversary, yet Brandon admires him above all. A challenging part.
KENNETH 20-30 Phillip and Brandon’s former school mate and Janet’s former boyfriend. Although somewhat less intelligent than his classmates, Kenneth is no fool. A smaller but challenging role.
JANET 20-30 David Kentley’s fiancée. A pretty, intelligent, stylish girl who tries to compensate for a lack of confidence by being witty and sophisticated. A part that offers an opportunity for strong acting.
MRS 40-60 David Kentley’s aunt and the sister of Mr
ATTWATER Kentley. A comic part, but the comedy is largely unintentional on her part. Vague and very “dear”, she could be played with a British accent. A challenging role.
MRS WILSON 40-65 Brandon and Phillip’s housekeeper. Also comic, the part would be best suited to a thin to the point of skinny woman well past her prime who is still rather vain. Very involved in her employers’ lives, she is both motherly and interfering. A lovely part.
ALSO NEEDED are production secretary, stage manager, prompt, props, set-builders, etc.
Q: Why did Frosty the snowman want a divorce?
A: Because he thought his wife was a flake
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The patrons of the popular Playhouse in Somerset West will have an ample feast of the mysterious, uncanny and the supernatural during the second half of July, for the great vampire play “Dracula” is listed for production at that time. This thriller is a dramatization of Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name, originally published in England many years ago, and a novel that ever since has had a most phenomenal sale all over the English-speaking world.
Claremont Dramatic Society 