Minerton Players – It Runs in the Family

 

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY will have you laughing all the way to Christmas

 

The latest production at the Milnerton Playhouse is one that will have you laughing all the way to Christmas!

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY by Ray Cooney is a farce in true Cooney style and takes place from 22 November to the 7 December and is directed by Johann van der Merwe.

 

Set in a London hospital a couple of days before Christmas, it’s full of ridiculously improbable situations and mistaken identities, guaranteed to have audiences rolling in the aisles.

And a taste of the story is enough to have you laughing! There is chaos at St. Andrew’s Hospital, London! Dr. David Mortimore is about to address a neurologists’ convention, which could earn him a knighthood. However, an old flame, Jane Tate, arrives and announces that their liaison years ago resulted in a son, Leslie, who is downstairs and desperate to meet his father. With the chairperson of the board, Lady Penelope Drake popping in and out with anxiety, and trying to hide this catastrophic news from his wife, David is forced to invent two non-existent husbands for Jane, as well as two non-existent matrons – all with the help of his hapless two colleagues. Events are further complicated with the presence of an inquisitive police sergeant, a dog called Leslie too, a senile wandering patient, a syringe full of tranquillizer that lands up in the real matron’s backside and the costumes for the annual hospital pantomime!

 

The large cast includes Neil Leachman, Willy Sass, Wayne Hendricks, Elizabeth Van Der Merwe, Cindy Nixon, Veronica Suckling, Kiara Havanga, Nigel Sweet, Timothy Coetzer, Andy McPherson & Sheila McCormick

 

Details:

Evenings: 22, 29 November and 5, 6 December at 8:00pm

23, 30 November and 7 December at 7:30 pm

Matinees: 30 November and 7 December at 2:00pm

 

Venue: Milnerton Playhouse, Pienaar Road, Milnerton (behind the library)

Bookings: online www.milnertonplayers.com

Email: bookings@milnertonplayers.com

Telephone: 082 267 1061

 

* AUDITION *

Milnerton Playhouse

Sunday 8 December

13.30 for 14.00

 

HERE LIES JEREMY TROY

By Jack Sharkey

 

Direction: Mari Mocke

 

Production dates: March 2014

 

This farce revolves around the main character, Jeremy Troy, who has led his wife, his boss, and his friends, to believe that he is a qualified lawyer. Because one of the partners in the law firm for which he works, has recently died, Jeremy is hoping that he will be promoted to take that person’s place. He has therefore invited his boss, Mr. Sven Ivorsen, who has never met his wife, Kathryn, to dinner.

Charlie Bickle, a friend whom Jeremy has not seen for a long time, turns up unexpectedly at Jeremy’s home, intending to talk his way into being accommodated there for a period of time. Charlie is an artist and he hires Tina Winslow, a model, to come over to Jeremy’s house to sit for a portrait.

Initially Jeremy and Kate are in and out of the house, and there is a merry mix-up before the important dinner-date, during which time it is suggested that the model pretends to be the wife, Kathryn, whom she has also never met, and to prepare the dinner for the boss. When Kate returns before dinner, she is totally confused by the situation and thinks that her husband has been having an affair with Tina behind her back. 

However, all’s well that ends well and within all the comedy action there is also a love story.

 

CAST REQUIRED:

 

JEREMY TROY: Outgoing, handsome – Early 30’s. (Large part)

 

KATHRYN TROY: Jeremy’s wife. Prettily feminine – Late 20’s. (Large part)

 

CHARLIE BICKLE: An old friend of Jeremy’s. Extrovert, artist – Early 30’s. (Large part)

 

TINA WINSLOW: Undergraduate model. Petite & attractive, easily excitable –

                          Early 20’s. (Large part)

 

SVEN IVORSEN:Jeremy’s lawyer boss. Middle-aged,suave. Enjoys high society.(Medium part)

 

Backstage & technical people will also be required for stage management, props, costumes, lighting & sound design & operation, set building & painting and rehearsal prompt.

 

For further information please contact the director, Mari Mocke.

021 556 2415 or 082 708 4794

E-mail: mari.mocke@telkomsa.net

 

 

 

 

Warm regards

Beryl

 

 

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Playhouse Prattle – June 2013

Playhouse Prattle

Milnerton Players

Founded 1979

http://www.milnertonplayers.com

P.O. Box 352, Milnerton, 7435

JUNE 2013
The weather Gods who were very kind to us during the month of May, certainly hit us with a vengeance when June arrived and we are in no doubt that winter has now arrived so make yourself a nice hot drink and settle down by your heater, or wrap a warm rug around you if you are energy saving, and enjoy the latest news from the Playhouse.
Bruce Sanderson and his cast gave us a really wonderful production of CHILDREN OF THE WOLF. Excellent performances by Robyn Bench, Timothy Mayers and Natasha Starkenburg, (not forgetting Richard Wade as the dead body) kept the dramatic suspense going so well throughout that one hardly noticed that +- one hour and thirty minutes had passed without an interval. It was received most enthusiastically by the critics, whose reviews can be read on our website but unfortunately audience attendance was really poor. Does everyone in Cape Town hibernate in winter? If you didn’t come to see it, you missed a really good piece of theatre. Our sincere thanks go to the director, cast and crew who put so much work into the production

SOCIAL EVENINGS
Next social evening this Friday 7 June
You should already have received the flyer with details but just to remind you, here they are again.
A variety of entertainment is on offer this evening beginning with three drama students from Parklands College exploring the concept of whether anything is truly right or wrong or does it just depend on whether one agrees or disagrees. They illustrate the point, especially from a woman’s perspective, in monologue, poetry and movement.
Continuing the theme of ‘doing the right thing’ is a short play entitled A Matter of Husbands, directed by Judith Herbig and the evening will then be rounded off with a selection of music by guests from M & M Music Academy in Parklands. These will include items by students plus Stefan Louw on vocals & guitar and percussionist Jonathan Lombana.
The play will feature two prospective new members who auditioned for A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur and were not cast in the play but who director, Judith Herbig, then invited to become involved in the social evening as an introduction to the society.
Wrap up warm and brave the cold to come along to support and encourage them and our young guest artists. Plenty of hot filter coffee plus red wine and OBs will be on hand to supply inner warmth.
The July evening is still being planned but as she is now busy directing a production, Judith would really appreciate offers of some form of entertainment for one half of the evening. It will take place on the foyer stage as the set will be up on the main stage for the production.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRODUCTIONS
A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR
By Tennessee Williams
Direction: Judith Herbig
I sat in on the read-through of the play on Monday evening and it‘s a really delightful script with four lovely characters and a lot of humour involved. Judith has chosen the cast well for her debut production and it will be interesting to see how their individual characters develop as the rehearsals progress.
Performance dates for the play: 26, 27 July and 4, 5, 6 August.
Bookings open 28 June

Online: http://www.milnertonplayers.com

E-mail: bookings@milnertonplayers.com

Phone: 082 267 1061

Please help us to advertise the production by mailing the poster with booking details (attached separately) to all your friends and contacts.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MEMBERS’ MURMURS
Our membership list is still in the process of being updated and I don’t yet have access to a copy but if any new members have joined the society recently, you are warmly welcomed and we hope you’ll come along and introduce yourself on Friday evening.

Paul seems to be missing one or two membership forms with details of people who have paid membership fees. If you have paid fees at the door or at the bar but not filled in a form, please download a form from the website or contact Paul at members@milnertonplayers.com so he can put your details on record.
It was good to see Lionel Kirsten and Heletia Oosthuizen back again at a performance of Children of the Wolf. Lionel will be spending his birthday, which is also the first anniversary of Berrill’s death, with his children and grandchildren in UK.
Audrey Tipping has sold her house in Milnerton and is now settled in a nice little flat in Pinelands Place where she seems to be enjoying quite a busy social life.
Received a mail recently from Frauke & Bruno Ehlig who are spending the ‘summer’ back home in Germany where the temperature was just 14 degrees centigrade. Doesn’t make our winter seem quite so bad, does it?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
OTHER THEATRE NEWS
ARTSCAPE ARENA
29 June to 20 July
Festival Productions presents
BOY MEETS BOY

By Bill Solly & Donald Ward

Direction: Teddy Davies

Musical Direction: Kurt Haupt

Bookings: Dial-a-Seat-021 421 7695 Or Computicket

Masque Theatre

5 to 13 July

Claremont Dramatic Society presents

AMY’S VIEW

By David Hare
Direction: Brenda Gray
Bookings: 021 788 1898

* * * * * * * * * * *

PLAYHOUSE SOMERSET WEST

18 to 27 July
Hottentots Hollands Dramatic Society presents
DRACULA
By Bram Stoker
Direction: Philippe Pringiers
Bookings: Computicket
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
That’s it from me until next month but before then, Fin and I are heading up to Mcgregor, and Montagu again for our winter break so we’re hoping the cold weather stays around as it’s so beautiful there when the mountains are covered in snow.
I’ll leave you with this quote from W.R. Inge:
“Theatre is, of course, a reflection of life. Maybe we have to improve life before we can hope to improve theatre”.
To improve the life of Milnerton Players, please put on your boots, scarves and whatever else to keep warm and come along to the Playhouse for the Social Evening this Friday.

Sheila

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Playhouse Prattle – April 2013

APRIL 2013
This month we have a newly elected committee, another audition date is scheduled, our adjudication panel has revealed the nominations for our ‘Milly’s Awards and the awards evening has been planned. Lots to read about so make yourself comfortable and enjoy.
Firstly, we congratulate our two worthy CATA winners; Fiona Tanner who won the award for Best Actress in a Play for her versatile performance in A Christmas Carol…..more or less and Wayne Hendricks who received a certificate of excellence for his very successful debut direction of The Bus. Well done and well deserved both of you.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A huge thank you to the fabulous cast & crew of Moon Over the Brewery. You guys made the play such fun to direct and it received the most marvellous reviews. The one in the Cape Times took up about a quarter page and finished with the
quote, “a delightful, whimsical evening at the theatre”, with a large colour photo underneath. Such a lot of hard work goes into productions but they should also be fun for everyone involved and this one certainly was.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
AGM REPORT BACK 36 members attended the AGM and after the election of the chairman & treasurer, a total of 11 were nominated for committee. All were willing to stand but as only 8 elected members are required by the constitution, it was decided to co-opt the others, which means we have a nice large, and hopefully productive, committee to run the society and the theatre for the next year. Unfortunately, no one present was available for the position of secretary but we have a possible candidate who was unable to attend the meeting. Here then is the EXCO line up for 2013-2014:
Richard Wade (Chairman), Owen Gush (Treasurer), Barry Altwig, Wayne Hendricks, Judith Herbig, Terry Mardghum, Fin McCormick, Sheila McCormick, Lauren Meeser, Paul Meeser Robert Minshall, Brigitte Scherz, Willy Sass.
The entertainment after the AGM was an absolute delight with animated renderings of songs from modern musical shows by the six young people brought along by Bonny White with keyboard accompaniment by Reon Jacobs.
Among the memorable items they performed were the comedy numbers Taylor the Latte Boy and Taylor’s Rebuttal by Frances Shalto-Douglas and Christopher Thomas, the poignant Along the Way by Richard White and Pulled from „The Adams Family‟ by Claire Simonis. Hanna Lim‟s emotional interpretation of Dear Daddy and Jarryd Lackay‟s Who I’d Be from „Shrek‟ brought tears to our eyes and the finale, Seasons of Love from „Rent‟ featured the whole cast in superb six-part harmony.
All the songs will be included in a revue to be presented by SAACS School from 2 to 4 May with direction by Luella Holland. The talent displayed by these enthusiastic teenagers certainly bodes well for the future of our musical theatre. Thanks again Bon. We look forward to seeing more of your prodigies in the future.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The 2012 MILLY’S AWARDS*
Saturday 04 May @ 19.30
SAY IT WITH FLOWERS
To celebrate our theatrical achievements during 2012
Wear a floral dress or shirt
Or a flower in your buttonhole or hair.
The evening will begin at 19.30 with a welcoming sherry. Then a couple of musical items and a short play entitled THE FLORIST will be performed on the foyer stage.
Snacks will be served at interval and we will then move into the theatre for the presentation of the awards. The cost is just R25 a head and booking by Wednesday 01 May is essential for catering. To book phone: 021 557 3206 or 079 877 2466 Or e-mail: macdram@afrihost.co.za
AND THE NOMINEES ARE:
BEST ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTION

Music choice THE BUS
Props (The Ghosts) A CHRISTMAS CAROL …more or less
On stage costume changes -female lead A CHRISTMAS CAROL….more or less
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

Explosion effect THE BUS
Lighting THE BUS
Lighting A CHRISTMAS CAROL….more or less
BEST COSTUMES

Margaret Mortelmans SECOND TIME AROUND
Judith Herbig/Sheila McCormick/Audrey Tipping A CHRISTMAS CAROL….more or less

BEST SET

Wayne Hendricks & Barry Altwig THE BUS
Fin McCormick A CHRISTMAS CAROL….more or less
There are no nominations for Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress or Cameo Awards
BEST ACTRESS

Michelle Galloway SECOND TIME AROUND
Robyn Bensch THE BUS
Fiona Tanner A CHRISTMAS CAROL….more or less
BEST ACTOR

James King SECOND TIME AROUND
Timothy Mayers THE BUS
Darin Graham THE BUS

BEST DIRECTOR Gordon Molloy SECOND TIME AROUND
Wayne Hendricks THE BUS
Sheila McCormick A CHRISTMAS CAROL… more or less

BEST PRODUCTION SECOND TIME AROUND

THE BUS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL….more or less

We look forward to seeing all our nominees at the awards evening, plus
their supporting casts and crews and we hope our other members will
also come along to support them and enjoy this special evening with us.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRODUCTIONS
CHILDREN OF THE WOLF
Rehearsals are back in full swing for our May production now that the
lead actor, Timothy Mayers, has recovered from a particularly bad bout
of „flu and they now have the use of the stage.
Production dates: 24 May to 01 June
Bookings for the play will open on 26 April so please diarise and make
a date to see this nail-biting thriller.
Online: http://www.milnertonplayers.com
E-mail: bookings@milnertonplayers.com – Phone: 082 267 1061
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*AUDITION *
We are certainly not letting the grass grow under our feet with the audition for our third production of the year planned for Saturday 27 April @ 14.00.
Judith Herbig will make her directorial debut for Milnerton Players with the Tennessee Williams play A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR which has challenging roles for four women. Full details are in the audition notice at the end of the Prattle and you can contact Judith on 084 279 9557 for further info.
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MEMBERS’ MURMURS
A warm welcome to Owen Gush, who bravely offered his services to committee as treasurer, his wife Sandy and to Diana Dunbar.
Unfortunately, after all the good news in this issue, there are now three very sad items to report.
Shortly after Irene Withycombe‟s e-mail telling us that Jeff was improving following his heart attack, he then suffered a second, fatal attack and passed away on 12 March. Jeff was the founder chairman of Milnerton Players and served several terms in the chair. He worked tirelessly for the society for many years, building sets, directing & acting and instigating the pensioners Tuesday Club who used to do maintenance jobs around the theatre. All their family were with him at the end as those who live in Cape Town and UK had travelled to New Zealand for a family wedding.

We have sent our heartfelt condolences to Irene and family. Heather Brenner, who has known the couple from very early days when Milnerton Players was still St. Oswalds Players, gave a moving tribute to Jeff at the AGM.

Our sympathies also go out to Audrey Tipping and in particular her daughter Caroline and her two grandsons on the recent death of Caroline‟s husband, Mike.

We also send our condolences to Brenda Gray, well-known, local amdram director and CATA panellist who has occasionally directed plays for Milnerton, on the very tragic death of her daughter, Vivien. Like the true trouper she is, Brenda is planning to continue with rehearsals for a play she is directing for Claremont Dramatic Society so we wish her every strength to carry on.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OTHER THEATRE EVENTS
MILNERTON PLAYHOUSE

15 – 19 April
We welcome back the JUNGLE THEATRE COMPANY who has again hired the Playhouse to provide a full week of daytime theatre for invited groups from local schools. Their mission is to introduce children to theatre while at the same time teaching them how to care for the environment through the medium of multi-lingual story telling, visual puppetry and physical theatre. Their short productions are very interactive and great fun for the kids.

INTIMATE THEATRE
4 – 13 April Orange Street
Bolero Productions presents 3 – 12 April
LATE FLOWERING A TOUCH OF BETTE MIDLER
By John Chapman Featuring Debby Jamieson
Direction: Yvonne Copley Bookings: 084 409 1683
Bookings: 021 788 1898 bookingsbette@gmail.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Congratulations to Marlisa Doubell‟s Sugar Daddy Theatre Company which won the People‟s
Choice Award at the recent Fleur de Cap Awards for the play I am Hamlet.
The company has another production opening at the Intimate Theatre on 12 May. This is a
new one-act play by Marlisa entitled LADY LUCK set in the underbelly of Cape Town.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That‟s all for now folks so book ASAP for the Milly’s Awards on Saturday 4 May and start planning your date to see Children of the Wolf when booking opens on 26 April. Hope to see you there.
AUDITION
Milnerton Playhouse
Saturday 27 April @ 14.00
A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR
By Tennessee Williams
Direction: Judith Herbig
This relatively unknown Tennessee Williams play has a cast of 4 women
Two are aged 30+ and should be able to speak in a Southern American accent. The other two are closer to 40 and are required to have German accents.
Set in the West End of St. Louis in the mid-thirties on a lovely Sunday for a picnic at Creve Coeur Lake, this delightful play, featuring four of Williams‟ most engaging female characters, skilfully explores, with comic irony and great tenderness, the meaning of loneliness, the need for human connection, as well as the inevitable compromises one must make to get through “the long run of life.”

Dorothea is a deluded Blanche DuBois-like middle-aged civics teacher. Her slovenly but good-hearted, hard-of-hearing roommate, Bodey, unrelentingly urges Dottie to strike up a relationship with her portly, twin brother Buddy (who never is seen onstage).  Helena is Dottie’s upscale and haughty friend and colleague who wants Dottie to move into an apartment with her.  Sophie Gluck, a German immigrant, manic-depressive, mourning the loss of her beloved mother, is another tenant in the building who adds to the chaos of a lovely Sunday morning.

Reviewing it in the New York Post, Clive Barnes said, “This is not your usual Tennessee tourist trip” and added, “But it is sweet, honest, compassionate, different and totally enjoyable.”

The play will be staged end July, beginning August with rehearsals starting in the last week of May.
Contact Judith for further info or extracts from the script
Phone: 084 2799 557
E-mail: judekins@hotmail.com

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Playhouse Prattle – February 2013

Hi Folks
The Playhouse is a busy place once more with rehearsals in full swing for our forthcoming production MOON OVER THE BREWERY. Booking is now open so read further on for details.
SOCIAL EVENINGS
Thanks to Wayne Hendricks for organising the last evening. He presented two very entertaining plays and then we had fun watching three couples struggling over some of the questions about their partners in the Check Your Mate quiz. The winning pair were Angela & Rodger Manton, married for over 40 years and proving that practise does indeed make perfect. We were further entertained between rounds of the quiz with melodious vocal and guitar numbers by Steven Winter

NEXT SOCIAL EVENING – Friday 01 March @ 20.00
The evening will begin with some more fun and games, followed by musical entertainment by a very talented guest artist.
Robert Minshall will come out from his usual spot behind the lighting or sound desks to host the popular TV game show Minute to Win It where the aim is to complete various challenges, using household items, in one minute. The rules may vary slightly from the original version but the concept will remain the same. Come and see how much fun can be had from toilet rolls, nuts & bolts, pasta, ping pong balls, pencils etc.
In the second half, singer/dancer, Debby Jamieson will give us a preview of some of the vocal numbers in her forthcoming one-woman show A Tribute to the Divine Miss Bette Midler which opens at the Intimate Theatre on 3rd April. It features such hit songs as, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Miss Otis Regrets, Wind Beneath My Wings, Chapel of Love, From a Distance and The Rose. Debby will be accompanied on the piano by well-known local musician, Alan Van Der
Merwe.
A lot of effort goes into providing the variety of content for our social evenings each month so it would be really nice to see a few more of our members supporting them. Where else can you get a full evening’s entertainment for just R5? (R10 for non-members) So, make a date to come along and don’t miss out on a great night of fun and music.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRODUCTIONS
MOON OVER THE BREWERY
By Bruce Graham
Direction Sheila McCormick.
The cast are working really hard at learning lines and developing their characters. The set is looking good and our ‘moonscape’ pictures are currently being painted. The beautiful quilt being made by Carol Minshall will be raffled during the run of the show as a fundraiser for Seamount Primary School and you will be able to view, and possibly buy, paintings by local artists on display in the foyer.
Book now for this funny, touching and surprising play

Online: http://www.milnertonplayers.com
E-mail: bookings @milnertonplayers.com
Phone: 082 267 1061
Unfortunately, in order to meet the constantly rising running costs of the theatre, we have had to increase our ticket prices. Evenings performances for the show will be R80 and the matinee R70 but to soften the blow somewhat, we have doubled the members’ discount to R10.
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Sadly, there will be no ‘hello’ but just ‘goodbye’, at least for the foreseeable future, to Hello and Goodbye as the rights are completely tied up for the whole of this year and possibly next as well. Fortunately, Bruce Sanderson was prepared to move his play up from the originally planned dates in September so it will now fill the May slot. The audition for CHILDREN OF THE WOLF was held last Saturday and Bruce is now in the process of casting the play.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MEMBERS’ MURMURS
We welcome new member Elizabeth Van Der Merwe, who plays Miriam in Moon Over the Brewery, and Terry Mardghum, who will operate the sound desk for the show. Terry was the faceless figure in black who played The Ghost of Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol ….more or less.
Very pleased to report that Audrey Tipping is back home and up on her feet again and, for the peace of mind of her family, she is now looking at moving into a flat in a retirement home.
The Fogells become grandparents again on 29 December when Lillian Khumalo gave birth to baby Rose-Angela.
AGM & MILLY’S AWARDS
Please make a note in your diaries that the AGM will take place this year on Friday 5th April and the Milly’s Awards on Saturday 4 May. Further details to follow.
On a sad note, some of our older members will remember Carla Kleinhans, whom we learned passed away a few days ago. Carla was an ex professional hoofer and showgirl and a character of note. A book could be written about her interesting life and experiences. She performed in numerous shows for various local amateur societies and appeared on the Playhouse stage many years ago in a production of Stepping Out. Condolences go to her family and friends.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
OTHER THEATRE NEWS
Masque Theatre
26 February to 02 March
Claremont Dramatic Society presents
THE OWL AND THE PUSSY CAT
By Bill Manhof
Direction: Clifford Graham
Bookings: 021 788 1898
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*AUDITIONS*

Pinelands Players
AN EVENING OF MELODRAMA
Pinelands Clubhouse – 23 February – 09.00 to 12.00
Performance dates at Pinelands Town Hall: 21 May to 01 June
For further info contact Roché Buckle: rocheh@telkomsa.net
Gilbert & Sullivan Society
GUYS & DOLLS
Direction: Kyla Thorburn
Musical direction: Bill Holland
Artscape Theatre Centre: Chorus 2/3 March – Principals & support roles 9/10 March
To book audition slots contact: gsguysanddolls@gmail.com
Performances at Artscape 18 Oct – 10 Nov.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CATA AWARDS
A reminder about the awards ceremony at the Masque Theatre on Monday 18 March.
Nominees & supporters book at: masquetheatre@mweb.co.za
To all our nominees – Break a leg!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Make sure you book for Moon Over the Brewery and hope to see you at the social evening on 1st March.

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Audition – Children of the Wolf

MILNERTON PLAYERS AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

AUDITION NOTICE

Milnerton Playhouse, Pienaar Road, Milnerton (Behind library)

Saturday 16 February 2013

Time: 13.45 for 14h00

Children of the Wolf

A psychological drama by John Peacock

Directed by Bruce Sanderson

Synopsis: On the event of their twenty-first birthday, brother and sister twins lure their mother, who abandoned them at birth after an unsuccessful and damaging attempt at abortion, to the deserted home of her lover (their father). There the macabre demolition of the mother begins, against the background question of whether the lover/father will come or not.

The three roles to be auditioned are:

Linda 21 years old. Very dominant and clearly in charge.

Robin Her twin brother – also (obviously) 21 years old. A weak character, subservient

to Linda and dominated by her.

The twins are not identical and being exactly the same age is not critical.

Helena Vincent Their mother – 38 – 41 years old.

The play will be staged at Milnerton Playhouse from 24 May to 01 June 2013.

For further information please contact the director Bruce Sanderson

Phone: 083 501 0887

E-mail: Bruce.Sanderso1@gmail.com

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Playhouse Prattle – January 2013

Welcome to 2013 and let’s hope it will be a fulfilling and successful one for all of us who are involved in amateur theatre.
I hope you all had a good rest over the Festive Season and that you’re starting the New Year full of energy and keen to be involved in all the exciting things we have lined up at the Playhouse over the next twelve months.
It’s Oscar season once more and the CATA panel have given out the list of nominations for the Cape Amateur Theatre Awards.
Congratulations are in order for cast and crew members who received nominations in the following categories for two of our productions in 2012.
Costumes
Audrey Tipping, Sheila McCormick & Judith Herbig – A Christmas Carol …more or less
Technical Excellence
Robert Minshall & Wayne Hendricks – The Bus
Wayne Hendricks (Separate nomination) – The Bus
Fin McCormick – A Christmas Carol…more or less
Robert Minshall – A Christmas Carol…more or less
Best Set
Barry Altwig & Wayne Hendricks – The Bus
Fin McCormick – A Christmas Carol…more or less
Most Promising Newcomer
Wayne Hendricks – The Bus
Timothy Mayers – The Bus
Darin Graham – The Bus
Best Actress in a Play
Fiona Tanner – A Christmas Carol…more or less
Also congrats to Anton Schäfer who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in
MADS production of The Breakfast Club.
Well done to you all. There is some very strong competition on the very active Cape Town amateur theatre scene so having your efforts recognised with a nomination is something of which you can be justifiably proud. The full list of nominees is attached with the Prattle.

The Awards evening will be held at the Masque Theatre on Monday 18 March at 19.00 for 19.30. Nominees will receive personal invitations from the panel but both nominees and supporters are advised to book early as seating is limited and the evening is always very well attended. Dress code is smart. Bookings: masquetheatre@mweb.co.za
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SOCIAL EVENING FRIDAY 01 FEBRUARY
Our first Playhouse event of the year is being organised by Wayne Hendricks and as it’s Valentine’s month he has given the evening the bittersweet title, Love Starts with a Hug and Ends with a Tear.
Wayne will direct two play readings by Alex Broun. The first is Ten Million Pieces of My Heart, described as a romance by SMS in reverse and stars Lauren Meeser and Andre Brink. The second is obviously the ‘tear’ part of the evening’s title. It’s called Ash and is about Lex who’s dead and wants his ashes spread. The cast in this one will be Judith Herbig and Petra Schiebe.
In the second half of the evening, James Maritz will play host to the popular Check Your Mate game when he will walk couples through four rounds testing their intimate knowledge of each other. The grand prize for the winning couple will be double tickets for all Milnerton Players productions this year.
Couples willing to participate should contact Wayne beforehand at members@milnertonplayers.com
To add to the romantic mood of the evening, the rounds will be interspersed with love songs played by talented acoustic guitarist, Steven Winter.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bit of useless information on the subject of love:
When Winnie the Pooh was asked by Piglet, “How do you spell love?” he replied, “You don’t spell love, you feel it”
I’m also pretty sure you didn’t know that Friday 18 January is officially called ‘Winnie the Pooh Day’.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRODUCTIONS
MOON OVER THE BREWERY by Bruce Graham – Direction Sheila McCormick.
Our first production of the year is now fully cast and is already in rehearsal with the following line -up:
Amanda – Lauren Meeser
Randolph – Anton Schäfer
Warren – Simon Speck
Miriam – Elizabeth Van Der Merwe.
Barry Altwig has designed an interesting set and construction has begun early as Barry is also going to be very busy with work projects during the next couple of months.
Lynne Wade also got in on the early bird act by designing this attractive poster in record time.
Miriam in the play is an artist who paints moonscapes and one of our local art teachers has agreed to have her art class paint several pictures for the set as a project. We are also hoping to host an art exhibition by local artists in the foyer during the run of the play.
Another necessary prop is an attractive quilt, supposedly handmade by Miriam. Carol Minshall, who is a member of the Quilter’s Guild, has very kindly offered to make this for us and the finished product will probably then be raffled during the run.
Production dates are 15 to 23 March, which thankfully allows for a somewhat less pressurised rehearsal schedule than we had for the last show of 2012.
Bookings will open mid February and details will be in the next Prattle.
It looks like our plans to stage Hello and Goodbye this year have once again been thwarted. After being beaten to the post by another group for the rights last year, It appears the same company plan to tour the play and have signed a contract with DALRO which grants them exclusive rights for the whole of 2013. DALRO have written to the company concerned to ask if they might be prepared to give us permission to perform it as an amateur production in May but it doesn’t look hopeful. If we don’t receive a positive reply very soon, then disappointingly, both for the society and for Mari Mocke who was going to direct the play, we will have to take it off the calendar again for this year.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I wrote the last Prattle in a bit of a rush and omitted to mention the results of the Intersociety Quiz. It was a fun evening as usual with delicious snacks provided by Fish Hoek, who hosted the event. There were some challenging questions and Milnerton’s two teams ended up fifth and sixth out of twelve on the point’s table. Congratulations to Constantiaberg who came first and went home with the Golden Duck Award.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MEMBERS’ MURMURS
We warmly welcome some more new members. CATA nominee, Fiona Tanner and co-star Brendon Spiro (From ‘A Christmas Carol…more or less’), Claire Conway, Mary McLeary and Janet Hannah.
Audrey Tipping, unfortunately, had a nasty fall in her home just before Christmas. (Were you into the eggnog a little early Audrey?) She is currently recuperating in a local frail care centre but hoping to be back home very soon. We wish her a full recovery and hope to see her back at the Playhouse before too long.
Many of you who have taken part in productions over the years will have had your photographs taken by Bob Shackleton. Bob was an amateur photographer but his publicity shots were the equal of many professionals. Bob sadly passed away very suddenly towards the end of last year while playing bowls, which was his main hobby. As a Western Province bowler and secretary of The Western Province Bowling Association, he will be sadly missed by the local bowling fraternity, while we have fond memories of his endless patience and good humour during countless photo shoots. We send our condolences to his wife and family.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
OTHER THEATRE NEWS
Masque Theatre
26 February to 02 March
Claremont Dramatic Society presents
THE OWL AND THE PUSSY CAT
By Bill Manhof
Direction: Clifford Graham
Bookings: 021 788 1898
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Playhouse Somerset West
21 January to 09 February
Hottentots Hollands presents
A SLICE OF SATURDAY NIGHT
Direction by Giles Scott
Musical Direction: Shiraz
Bookings: Computicket
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For those of you who’ve already broken some of your New Year resolutions, I’ve included a list of easy to keep ones at the end of the Prattle. However, we would love all our members to make a resolution to get involved more often with events at the Playhouse and help us to make this a really good 2013 for Milnerton Players.
What better way to start than by coming along to our first social evening of the year on Friday 1st February so I look forward to seeing you there.
Bye for now

 

Sheila
For those of you who are sick of making resolutions that you never keep, here are a few you could try:
Gain weight – at least 15 kilos.
Stop exercising – waste of time.
Stop bringing lunch from home – I should eat out more
Get in a whole new rut.
Get further in debt.
Read less – makes you think more.
Procrastinate more – starting tomorrow.
Never believe politicians
Never make New Year resolutions

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Playhouse Prattle – October 2012

Milnerton Players

Founded 1979

http://www.milnertonplayers.com

OCTOBER 2012
I feel like singing ‘The Sun has got his hat on hip, hip, hip hooray’ as at last Spring appears to have sprung. This past weekend the grass was cut, the pool cleaned and we lit the braai for the first time in ages. It’s quite amazing how a little nice weather can serve to lift one’s mood.
Selma Darling’s recent cabaret Who Are You Calling An Idiom? was well received with numerous compliments about how cosy our café theatre foyer looked with the new black chair covers and red table cloths and for the delicious food, prepared every night by our Jack-of all trades, theatre manager & set builder Barry Altwig.
We wish Selma all the best for her stand up comedy spot at Monte Casino next month.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Unfortunately, the news about our planned end of year production is not so good.
We are very sad to tell you that we have had to cancel the upcoming production of Farndale Mikado. The show has been beset with difficulties including numerous cast changes, shortage of chorus members, rehearsal problems, and the inability to find people to fulfill certain very necessary production jobs.
Taking all this into account, plus the considerable financial risk involved, the committee concluded, after lengthy deliberation, that it was not possible for the production to reach an acceptable standard in time for the opening date.
Regretfully, Milnerton Players has decided to cut its losses and cancel the show.
Our sincere thanks and apologies to everyone who has given up so much of their time and put in such an effort to make the production a success.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The committee are looking at a viable alternative that could be cast quickly to fill the gap left in our calendar by the cancellation. We shall advise soonest if this is a possibility.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NEXT SOCIAL EVENING – FRIDAY 02 NOVEMBER
A Freaky Friday Post-Halloween Event
Hope you kept your cats and dogs safely inside away from the fireworks on the 31st. However, in the first half of this evening there’s a selection of spine-chilling stories guaranteed to make your hair stand on end. Some more freaky tales of a more humorous kind will start off the second half, followed by a short Halloween play entitled Spooky Affairs.
The stories will be introduced by Judith Herbig and read by Beryl Eichenberger, Richard Wade, Veronica Suckling, Sheila McCormick, Petra Schiebe and Anton Schäfer.
The play will be directed by Judith and the entertainment will all take place in our cosy Café Theatre foyer where you can sit and enjoy your drinks while you’re watching. So hop on your broomstick and come trick or treating in your Halloween costume for an evening of freaky fun.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MEMBERS MURMURS

A Warm welcome to new members Craig Louw and Liezel Stimie. Both joined as part of the Farndale Mikado cast so we hope they will overcome their disappointment and remain with us to become involved with future productions and social evenings entertainment.
Bruce Sanderson is urgently looking for a good home for his beloved German shepherd x Husky, Kiara. Bruce has moved to a much smaller house in a complex where he was told that animals are allowed but only discovered after moving in that certain breeds of dogs were not, Alsatians being one of them.
Kiara is a three year old medium /large spayed bitch with a gorgeous nature who loves going for walks on the beach, is completely house trained, is used to children and very well behaved. If you can offer this beautiful, gentle dog a loving home then please contact Bruce ASAP on 083 501 0887 or e-mail him at: bruce.sanderson1@gmail.com
OTHER THEATRE NEWS

The Intersociety Quiz will this year be organised by Fish Hoek Dramatic Society, who were last year’s winners of the coveted ‘Golden Duck’ award.  The event will take place at the Masque Theatre on Sunday 25 November at 18.30 for 19.00. The price is R20 p.p. and includes snacks. To date we have one team comprised of four committee members to represent Milnerton. We invite other members who would like to make up a team or just to come along as supporters, to
book with Richard Wade on 021 555 0187 or 071 894 9012 or e-mail him at chairperson@milnertonplayers.com.
This is always a fun evening of friendly rivalry and camaraderie between the various amdram societies.

MASQUE THEATRE
12 to 20 October
Muizenberg Dramatic Society presents
BLITHE SPIRIT
By Noel Coward
Direction: Barbara Basil

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

9 to 24 November
Claremont Dramatic Society presents
CALENDAR GIRLS
By Tim Firth
Direction: Wendy Goddard
Masque bookings: 021 788 1898

INTIMATE THEATRE
UCT Hidding Campus
Upper Orange Street
17 October to 3 November
Marlisa Doubell’s company
Sugar Daddy Theatre presents
I AM HAMLET
Bookings: Computicket
AUDITION
Muizenberg Dramatic Society (MVDS)
The Madhouse
57 Promenade Road, Lakeside
7 November @ 19.00 & 10 November @ 14.00
HEDDA GABLER
By Henrik Ibson
Direction: Richard Higgs
Production will take place at the Masque 15 – 22 March 2013

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Look forward to seeing you in your spooky Halloween drag for our Freaky Friday Social Evening on 2nd November.

Sheila

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Audition – Hello and Goodbye

Auditions for Fugard’s Hello and Goodbye to be performed by the Milnerton Players

On Saturday 23 June at 2pm Milnerton Players will be auditioning for the two main roles in the upcoming production of Athol Fugard’s Hello and Goodbye a drama in two acts. Directed by Mari Mocke (who directed Fugard’s Road to Mecca) 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.

In the first production of the play Fugard gave Johnnie’s age as 29 and Hester’s a few years older but the roles have often been portrayed by more mature actors in subsequent productions.

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.

Athol Fugard’s Hello and Goodbye

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 led 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

For further information call Mari Mocke: 021 556 2415 or 082 708 4794 /E-mail: mari.mocke@telkomsa.net

Date: Saturday 23 June @ 14.00

Venue: Milnerton Playhouse, Pienaar Road (Behind library),

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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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Milnerton Players – Diary of Events

Hi All

I trust you’ve all had a restful silly season and are settling in to the new year.

Here are a few of our upcoming events for you to diarise:

Saturday 21 January at 14:15

Audition for Caught on the Hop
A comedy/farce written by Derek Benfield and directed by Gordon Molloy
4 men and 4 women are required for this hilarious comedy/farce.

For further details contact: Gordon: 021 552 2988 or Margaret: 082 495 0404

Friday 3 February at 20:15
First Social Evening of 2012 Members: R 5
Non-Members: R 10

The evening will consist of a sketch called Cricket and Football, read by Liam Cundill and Nigel Sweet. This will be followed by Bar and Ger, Geraldin Aron’s tender, simple drama about the relationship between ad sister and her younger brother.

Sunday 29 January
The Craft of Acting – a one day acting workshop hosted by Gregory Parvess. Details in the Prattle
For further info & bookings contact: Petra@Faces4Film or phone: 021 557 2308

Friday 9 March at 20:00
The band ‘Tribute’ plays Cliff and the Shadows, details in the Prattle

The band comprises five musicians from the old school who all play in other bands and together have formed what is arguably the finest exponent of this music in Cape Town.

Tickets: R90

(A discount of R10 per ticket is being offered to Milnerton members, pensioners and block bookings of 10 or more)

Bookings: 021 554 5778 or E-mail: shadowsband@mweb.co.za

Friday 30 March at 20:15
The Milnerton Players AGM

Telephone:
0860 015 015

Facsimile:
0861 015 015

Mobile:
0824 435 853

Email:
whendricks@ois.co.za

Web:
http://www.ois.co.za

For product information visit http://www.iware.net

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