Abbey Musical Theatre

Editorial

“Happy Mothers’ Day” to those of you who are mothers (guess when this is being done). It’s been a busy couple of months – and this will, of course, continue for the next couple of months. Coming up we have auditions for Clowning Around, the CATS show this year, and Annie rehearsals start in earnest this week. Just a reminder to you all – this is the last newsletter that you will receive by post, unless requested, as the newsletter can now be accessed here on our website. If you would rather continue receiving a posted newsletter, please advise Carol at the Abbey Office on 355 4165.

“Annie”

We have been advised that auditions were tiring, exasperating, challenging and absolutely wonderful. The production team was delighted with the talent that showed up and it was really tough to turn some down.

Bookings are now open at Ticketek. To receive your member’s discount, you must ensure that you take your current membership card (expiry date 31.01.04) with you.

You can view cast details & booking information here.

"Godspell"

Thanks to everyone that was involved with this wonderful show. There was a time when we were unsure that we would actually get “bums on seats”, but everyone came through for us and the show was practically a sell-out.

Wine Trail – Hawkes Bay

Unfortunately the Wine Trail that was being organised on 27 April 2003 didn’t eventuate due to lack of interest. However, the Promotions & Marketing Business Unit are still keen to organise another one if there is sufficient interest. So … if you are interested, could you please advise Carol in the Abbey Office.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held on Tuesday, 22 May 2003, and was attend by approximately 30 people. The main topic of conversation at this year’s AGM was the adoption of a trading name for the Society. After extensive canvassing of our members, the name “Abbey Musical Theatre” has now been adopted – check out our new logo here on our website!

Board Members
A vote was not required this year, and there were three nominations for three vacant positions on the Board. Therefore, Allan Nagy, Ken Benn and Dean O’Flaherty were appointed and will join Jeff McKendry, Chris Pearce, Joanne Steward and Murray Davies on the Board for 2003/04.

There was only one nomination for President and John Spelman was again appointed to this position. Our Patron for 2003/04 continues to be Ron Osborne.

Business Units
As a reminder to you all, we have five Business Units (i.e. sub-committees). These are; Shows, Promotions & Marketing, Wardrobe, Facilities & Equipment and CATS. If you are interested in being on any of these, please contact Carol at the Abbey Office who will forward your name onto the appropriate Chairperson.

Certificates of Appreciation
Certificates were awarded at this year’s AGM to:

• Raelene Johnson (for completing a showbill for Magical Samba Nights which won first prize in the Showbill Competition at Conference in Rotorua this year)
• Doug Miller (for donating paint for the current refurbishment of the Abbey complex)
• Scott Andrew (for designing our new website)
• Ross Hadwin (for his ongoing contribution and advice to the Board and the Society)
• John Spelman (for his never-ending work around the Abbey and his supervision of the current Task Force Green project)

Website
Along with a Certificate of Appreciation, Scott Andrew was also presented with a certificate for designing our new website, which won 1st prize in the inaugural Website Competition at Conference in Rotorua this year. This was a major coup for Scott and the Society because there were two entries in this competition for websites that had been designed by the competition judge. However, Scott’s design beat them hands down. Well done, Scott.

So … remember to keep visiting our splendiferous website, right here at www.abbeymusicaltheatre.co.nz

“The Lion King”: Sydney, Australia

Playing to sold out audiences around the world, Disney’s The Lion King is an international phenomenon. Now it’s coming to Sydney. Opening at the Capital Theatre in October 2003, this extraordinary production is unlike anything you have ever seen. On stage, the entire savannah comes to life with the pulsating rhythms of the African Prideland and an unforgettable score, including songs by Elton John and Time Rice. The Lion King has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike.

ARE YOU INTERESTED Let’s get a group together for say April/May 2004!

Register your interest with:
Michelle Luke
HOUSE OF TRAVEL BROADWAY
Telephone: (06) 350 0762
Fax: (06) 355 0774
E-mail: mluke@hot.co.nz

Thought for the Month

“The light at the end of the tunnel is some bugger with a torch bringing more paperwork!” (MD/Anon)