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Editorial
Well … so how many of you went out to either Ashhurst or Pahiatua last week to play in the snow We’re picking there was a few of you. The weather has warmed up very slightly since then, but it’s still not tropical. We have an interesting few months ahead of us with Annie opening in a month’s time, closely followed by our CATS production, Clowning Around, and then our final production for the year, Little Shop of Horrors. So, watch this space for further information.
“Annie”
Roll up, roll up! Get your Annie tickets from Ticketek, now on sale. Get behind AMT and support our hard working Annie company.
Rehearsals are going well, the Director and Musical Director are happy with progress, and all systems are go. So, be ready for the start in just over four weeks.
Spicers Portfolio Management, as our main sponsor, is enthusiastic about the show and are proud to support AMT in its Annie season. They have their clients on board and have a special evening on Thursday, 14 August. The Spicers’ Gala Opening for the show season on Thursday, 7 August, is on track and will be another fantastic night.
The Annie season will be one that will make Palmerston North proud. Come once, come twice; tell your family and friends – be there or be disappointed! Opinion has it that we have the best Annie company to date. Snooze … and you will lose! Performance days and times to suit all. Get in early and ensure you have a grand seat in the Regent on Broadway to view this spectacular show!
You can view performance dates, cast details & booking information here.
Message from Former “Annie” Cast Member
"Hello, Palmerston North Operatic Society.
It’s Janelle Jeffery here. I was one of the orphans for the 1991 production of Annie and the understudy for Kelly Hunt as ‘Annie’. I just wanted to say, ‘Have a fantastic show and good luck to all the orphans.’ I was fortunate enough to see your production of Les Misérables last year and it was great to see that Palmerston North Operatic Society has been keeping up the fantastic standard of shows. Annie for me was a brilliant show for forming many long lasting friendships and having a great and memorable experience. Pat Snoxell is a fabulous Director who really knows how to get the best out of the children and, of course, the dog! I still keep in touch with Kelly Hunt, Lorena Brayshaw, Janna Ferry and Chris Crowe, all of whom were in the cast with me. I have been performing ever since, having graduated with an Honours Degree in Theatre and Film two years ago. I am now a qualified performing arts teacher but am teaching English at Avondale College in Auckland. Keep up the fabulous work. Have fun and may Annie be as memorable for you as it was for me. Break a leg."
from Janelle Jeffery (the former ‘July’)
Administration Office – Reduced Hours
Please note that the Abbey Administration Office will be operating on reduced hours from 29 August through to 26 September 2003 inclusive. Messages for the relieving Administrator during this time can be left on the Abbey Office answerphone (355 4165) or on email (admin@abbeymusicaltheatre.co.nz).
Tables for Sale
The old dining tables from the Abbey auditorium (which seat 10 people) are available for purchase. These are good, solid wooden tables and would be excellent for either a BBQ or hobby table. (We have been advised that they are also great for dancing on – as long as you are in the middle – or for building the barricades, when rehearsing Les Misérables.) These tables/barricades are selling for $40.00 each. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact the Abbey Office on 355 4165 between 10.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (see above for reduced hours).
Wine Trail
Expressions of interest are being sought for a Wine Trail to the Hawkes Bay, with the probable date of Sunday, 19 October 2003. If you are interested, please contact the Abbey Administrator.
“Clowning Around” - CATS
This year’s annual CATS production is on stage in September. For more information, click here.
Town and Around
The House at Pooh Corner
9-19 July 2003
GLOBE THEATRE
Pack of Girls
17-26 July 2003
FEILDING LITTLE THEATRE
"Anna Leese"
20 July 2003
REGENT ON BROADWAY
Annie
7-16 August 2003
REGENT ON BROADWAY
Clowning Around
22-27 September 2003
ABBEY THEATRE
Little Shop of Horrors
26 November - 20 December 2003
ABBEY THEATRE
“Little Shop of Horrors” - Auditions
Our Christmas production, Little Shop of Horrors will be directed by Steven Sayer, with musical direction by Martin Pitt. For audition information, click here.
Ticket prices for this production will be:
$46.00 – Dinner & Show
$26.00 – Coffee & Show
This will also be the first production in the Abbey to have use of the Theatre’s new air conditioning system.
Things You’ll Never Hear Said in a Theatre! – By the Director
- No, today is the tech. Rehearsal – we’ll rework that scene later.
- I think the scene changes are too fast.
- Of course I think that we’ll be ready in time for opening.
- The crew Why, they’re just wonderful!
Ways to Spice Up Your Night at the Theatre
- Hand out lyrics to the Forbidden Broadway versions of shows and have a sing along before the show.
- See if you can make the Les Mis kids cry
- If a boy goes on as Young Cosette, call him a sissy – if a girl goes on as Gavroche, tell her she’s butch.
- Blow out Lumiere (Beauty & the Beast)
Thought for the Month
"Nothing is impossible if the heart is willing." (Joe Rokocoko)
