GASLIGHT NEWSLETTER OF THE CAPE TOWN GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SOCIETY VOLUME 20, ISSUE 6 – NOVEMBER 2013
Hello everyone
This will be the last time you see this logo as the final curtain has come down on what was, without question, a brilliant show. The critics were unanimous in their praise. A couple visiting from Jo’burg wanted to know when the show was moving there so they could take their friends. And how’s this for a comment, sent to our website: My wife and I just loved your production of Guys and Dolls….the best musical we have ever seen…bar none…and yes we did see the London production. Congratulations to one and all.
Congratulations indeed. Everything came together so well: those on stage outdid themselves night after night; those backstage worked tirelessly managing the huge, but magnificent set; those in the pit were outstanding and contributed so much to the vibrancy of the production. The singing was great under Bill’s direction (not forgetting Garth’s contribution in the early weeks of rehearsal). And ultimately Kyla could feel very proud of her baby. Thanks to everyone involved!
The great sadness was that the show was not better supported by the Cape Town public. It certainly deserved support, but from a financial point of view, the Society is facing another significant loss. Taking into account the loss on last year’s production, we are going to have to be very cautious going into next year’s show.
Another sadness was that Michelle Galloway, who was to have shared the role of Adelaide with Laura Bosman, had an accident on stage two days before opening night and broke some bones in her foot. The usual encouragement to “Break a leg” was taboo for the rest of the show! Laura soldiered on for all 28 performances and did a wonderful job. But we feel for Michelle, and trust that her foot heals quickly and leaves no lingering effects.
Once the accounts for the show have been finalised, we will need to have a Production Account meeting at which we review and analyse all aspects of the show. You will be advised of date and place in due course.
And so, as we put one show to bed, another is in the process of stirring.
By the time you get this, auditions will be under way. If you still want a chance to audition, contact Issy immediately on 021 433 0923 after 3.00 pm weekdays, and any (reasonable) time over weekends. You can download the audition form from our website. Go to http://www.gands.co.za, click on ‘About Us’, then click on ‘Downloads’ and the ‘Oklahoma Audition Form’.
The tentative dates for this show are 19 July to 3 August 2014. Preliminary rehearsal information will be available at the auditions.
You’re invited – OPSKOP 2013!
Our end-of-year OPSKOP will be held this year on MONDAY 16 DECEMBER at the home of Laura Bosman in Pinelands (thanks so much Laura!). See details below. For the uninitiated, this is our closing social event of the year. Bring your meat and drink – we’ll supply the rest. If you can help with a half drum for braaiing, please let David Bolton know (0845880133). And so that we know how much salad and rolls to prepare, please RSVP to David by Friday 13th – or earlier if you’re wary of that date! (email address below.)
A NEW CONSTITUTION
A new constitution for the Society was approved at a Special General Meeting of members on Monday 18 November. It will be available soon for viewing on our website (go the same route as for the Audition Form, but click on ‘Our constitution’.) It is hoped that this new constitution will give us a form of governance more appropriate to the Society we have become, and enable us also to seek registration as an NPO, with some of the attendant benefits. Though that new constitution becomes effective immediately, the existing Exco has been mandated to continue steering the affairs of the Society until the AGM next year.
ANNUAL INTER-SOCIETY QUIZ
Our Society entered two teams in this year’s quiz, hosted by last year’s winners, Constantiaberg Theatre Players. We came very close to top and tailing the scoreboard, as our A team (consisting of Teddy, Lorna, Gwen and Cindy) triumphed gloriously, while our B team (Alastair, Adrian K, Irene Forbes and your scribe) rather ingloriously just managed to avoid last place. So well done to the A Team! Only trouble is that as this year’s winners, we have to host and organise next year’s quiz.
FROM SISTER SOCIETIES
Still time to catch the Ray Cooney farce “It Runs in the Family” from Milnerton Players at the Milnerton Playhouse. The play features a couple of our members in Cindy Nixon, Nigel Sweet and Sheila McCormick.
29 November-7 December, “Rope”, presented by Muizenberg Dramatic Society at the Masque. Loosely based on the Leopold-Loeb case, where two young, privileged men murdered another young man just for the thrill of it, this riveting play is filled with typical Hitchcockian moments. Has a murder been committed? If so, where is the body? What was the motive? Don’t miss this thriller which will have you on the edge of your seat! Book through The Masque on 021 7881898 or bookings@masquetheatre.co.za
Something different from Pinelands Players.….FLASHMOB THEATRE! On Saturday, 30 November 2013, at the First Pinelands Scout Hall, Lieske Bester and Debbie Gildenhuys will be directing a production in just one day! Between 08h00 and 17h00, with a break for lunch, they will cast, script, rehearse, costume, set-up, perform and strike a theatre performance. Participants will receive snacks and drinks during the day. A huge challenge for the directors and great fun for the participants. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the performance. More info at http://pinelandsplayers.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/theatre-in-a-day/ .
WEBSITE
Don’t forget to check out our website from time to time. Some great photos of Guys and Dolls. http://www.gands.co.za
That’s it. Try and get some rest during the holiday season and come back fresh for another year of theatrical enjoyment. And for those engaging in special religious celebrations during the next few weeks, be richly blessed.
Ken