Abbey Musical Theatre

Editorial

Well, here we are on Labour Day 2002 - working to bring you guys this wonderful newsletter. Not too much of a sacrifice though because the weather outside isn't too conductive to any "outdoor" activities - unless you're paragliding of flying a kite!!! Let's hope that the wind dies away soon. It's also coming up to that time of year again - the silly season is looming fast. Everyone will be getting busier and busier over the next couple of months so, please take care and don't get too stressed out or frustrated.

So, onwards and upwards...

"Three Cheers for Mrs. Butler"

The CATS show was on stage at the Abbey from 25-28 September 2002 and was a big success for the Theatre School. CATS pupils were both on stage and working backstage and should be proud of this production - it was enjoyed by all who attended the performances. A big "thank you" to Laurel McKendry, the Production Manager. Laurel's dedication and commitment to this production have been greatly appreciated by both the PNOS Board and everyone involved.

"Magical Samba Nights"

Our Christmas production, Magical Samba Nights is on stage at the Abbey Theatre from 28 November - 21 December 2002. A matinee performance is being held on Sunday, 15 December 2002, at 4:00pm.

The booking office at the Abbey opens on Thursday, 14 November 2002, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday. You can, however, pre-book by telephoning 355 0499, or faxing 353 0422, or emailing pnos@xtra.co.nz. Group discounts are also available.

Ticket prices
Coffee & Show - $25.00: 7:45pm
Dinner & Show - $45.00: 6:15pm
(Dinner involves a three course a la carte meal)

Magical Samba Nights is being produced in association with Dance Encore Productions (Australia) and stars Ian Harman with spectacular singers and dazzling dancers in show-girl costumes.

The cast list for this production is as follows:

MAGICIAN
Ian Harman

MC
Rochelle McBeth

SINGERS
Karl Perigo, Blair McBeth, Carrie Green, Sarah Berkeley, Katy Rothnie, Rocky Watson

DANCERS
Anoushka Vlcek, Joanna Scott, Gemma London, Paula Fredericks, Caroline Chu, Kate Martin, Julia Tong

Don't miss out on this spectacular production - and book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Carols

Hark!!! The Abbey Angels are singing again!

When: Sunday 22 December 2002
Where: To rest homes on truck/bus as other years - leaving from the Abbey Theatre at 4:00pm

Please register your interest with Carol Nagy (our Administrator) or on the noticeboards at the Abbey. Watch the noticeboard for rehearsal times closer to the event.

Wardrobe

Are you spring-cleaning your wardrobe then don't forget the Abbey Costume Hire. They would be delighted to see anything you are wanting to discard - clothes, shoes, jewels etc. etc. They are also looking for upmarket 90's style clothing so that they can start a 90's rack to follow on from their 80's collection of clothing. So, please remember the Abbey Costume Hire when you're having a clean out - they do like to keep up to date.

Gumboots

Our Father Christmas costumes are bootless!! If you have a pair of gumboots that you are no longer wearing, please remember the the Abbey Costume Hire and our barefooted Santas. If you cannot bring these in to us, please telephone Audrey on 358 1803 and she will arrange for Ron to pick them up.

Board News

In case you have not already heard, Ross Hadwin has resigned from the PNOS Board. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Ross for his dedication and hard work over recent years. He will be greatly missed. Ross was Chairman of the Board and his replacement is David Dougherty. Our Treasurer, Jeremy Townend, has also resigned as he is leaving Palmerston North for greener (or windier) pastures, i.e. Wellington. Not only was Jeremy our Treasurer over recent years but he also spent time as a Board member. Therefore, thanks are also extended to Jeremy for his work over the years. Jeremy's replacement as Treasurer is David Arnold.

Forward Planning

Our Shows Business Unit has been extremely busy and has been recommending lots of shows for the Society to stage in the next few years. We can, therefore, advise you of the shows we are staging in 2003.

Tell Me on a Sunday
This is a one-woman, all singing show about a British girl and the men that come and go in her life. It is Act 1 of Song & Dance (by Andrew Lloyd Webber) and includes the songs Tell Me on a Sunday, Take That Look Off Your Face and Unexpected Song. This show will be staged in late February 2003 and will feature our very own Joanne Steward.

Godspell
This show will be directed by Steven Sayer and will be staged in the Abbey Theatre from 27 March to 5 April 2003. Further details re auditions will be sent to members soon.

Annie
This is being directed by Pat Snoxell and will be staged in the Regent Theatre from 7 - 16 August 2003.

CATS Production 2003
To be advised.

Little Shop of Horrors
This is our Christmas production for 2003 and will be staged in the Abbey Theatre from 27 November to 20 December 2003.

Thoughts for the Month

"Always give things a go. Remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic."

"Laughter is good exercise - it's like jogging on the inside."