Editorial
Only 13 weeks to go to Christmas – yes, that’s a tad depressing. But hopefully along with the Christmas season being on the horizon, so is the warm and dry weather (don’t you think it’s about time we had some) Daylight Saving starts next weekend – so remember to put your clocks forward one hour next Saturday night. In this month’s exciting instalment of “Stage Rage”, we have a wrap up of My Fair Lady and Wish Upon a Stone, and details of happenings with CATS. Also this month we have a new column of information from the AMT Board, which is expected to be a regular feature of this newsletter. So, let’s go …
"My Fair Lady"
While the audiences were not as great as we had hoped for during My Fair Lady, those who did see the show all agreed that it was spectacular and enjoyable. There was a very harmonious and relaxed atmosphere throughout and this resulted in everyone enjoying the production immensely. This was also evident from the comments received from members of the public, one example of which follows:
To all those wonderful people who created My Fair Lady, I think it was one of the very best shows I’ve ever seen in my long time. I’ve travelled and lived in different parts of the world and can say that your production of My Fair Lady could be shown with huge success anywhere in the world. Wonderful singing, dancing, acting, and those fantastic costumes! I am happy for you to tell everyone, everywhere, what I think of your production. Very best wishes – Pamela Quill
CATS – “Wish Upon a Stone”
Wish Upon a Stone enjoyed a wonderful season at the Abbey in the school holidays. Fifty four children filled the stage this year performing to a near full auditorium. Special mention must go to Matthew Young for his delightful portrayal of Tony, the adventure seeking school boy; Nathalie Rosenbrook for her articulate Sarah; Ally Lyons for her fearsome Seawitch; Gina Denne for her mysteriously beautiful Forest Fairy; Anaru Davis for his country and western Billy Bob; Beth Kriechbaum for her lovely voice, and Alexandra Harris, Darrell Allen, Samantha Gould, Kelly Rimkeit, Chloe Dawson, Tessa Richards and Ashleigh James for their strong supporting roles. The ensemble also deserves an enormous round of applause for their beautiful singing and well rehearsed dance moves. Well done to those involved.
CATS – New Principal Tutor
Former stage and screen star Ingrid Park has been appointed as the new Principal Tutor for CATS. Ingrid has spent the last eight years working as a professional actor in Shortland Street, Street Legal, The Rocky Horror Show, Trainspotting and A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, several musicals for the Auckland Theatre Company, a handful of American telefeatures and a fleet of television commercials. An experienced singer, dancer and actor, Ingrid also has an established history in children’s theatre, having directed and taught in the Canterbury region for two years after graduating drama school. We look forward to the continuing growth of CATS under her guidance. Welcome aboard, Ingrid.
“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”
Auditions for this show were held earlier this month and a tremendous cast was selected. Unfortunately, however, due to personal reasons, one of those cast members has had to reluctantly withdraw from this production. So, if you are a male with a great singing voice, can act, are enthusiastic, and would like to audition for this production, we would like to see you!!!
The cast so far for this production are Joanne Steward, Tracey-Lynne Cody and Mark Arnold. If you would like a chance to join these three very talented cast members, please contact Linda Warren (Production Secretary) on 354 1911 after 5.00 p.m.
This show will be directed by Rachael Penman with musical direction by Roger Buchanan.
News From the AMT Board
- Allan Nagy has resigned from the Board. We would like to extend a big thank you to Allan for his service to the Board over past years. Allan remains the Chairperson of the AMT Facilities & Equipment Business Unit.
- Ingrid Park has been appointed as Principal Tutor for CATS. This is a new position that has been created. We know this appointment will be of huge benefit to CATS and we are very excited to have Ingrid on board in this role.
- We would like to extend a big thank you to all those involved with bringing My Fair Lady to the stage. This was a fabulous production and is a credit to all involved. Unfortunately, the size of the audiences was not reflective of what the show deserved. However, based on the positive audiences and critical response, rest assured that the quality of our shows is still of a very high standard that we can be extremely proud of.
- We are currently working on a plan to move the Abbey Theatre Costume Hire back to the Abbey Theatre in the near future. More info. at a later date.
- We are pleased to announce AMT’s 2005 programme as follows;
The Odd Couple (Female Version)
10-19 March 2005
ABBEY THEATRE
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
18-28 May 2005
ABBEY THEATRE
Abbey to Broadway
July 2005
REGENT ON BROADWAY
Back to the 80’s
November/December 2005
ABBEY THEATRE
Congratulations!
At the inaugural TrustPower Community Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, 14 September 2004, CATS successfully achieved runner-up in the Sports & Leisure Section. For being runner-up, they received a certificate, a cheque, and some flowers. Well done, CATS – it’s a great achievement!!
Expressions of Interest
Would you like to be involved as part of the production team for future AMT productions The following positions are under consideration, so now is your chance to put your name forward:
- Production Manager
- Production Secretary
You may wish to work alongside one of the above to learn what is involved in a specific role. Please indicate if this is the case. Any expressions of interest should be forwarded to The Administrator, Abbey Theatre (telephone 355 4165).
Globe Theatre Awards 2005
The inaugural Globe Theatre Awards will be held on either 5 or 6 February 2005 and AMT has been asked to participate in these awards. Nominations will be called for shortly in the following categories;
Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Production, Best Theatrical Achievement, Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, Best Make-up Design
Nominations can also be submitted in categories of your own choosing, for consideration by Richard Mays, the Judge for the awards. Further details will be provided as they come to hand.
Town & Around
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
25 November - 18 December 2004
ABBEY THEATRE
Jesus Christ Superstar
26 November - 4 December 2004 - Pahiatua
11- 12 December 2004 - Dannevirke
PAHIATUA REPERTORY SOCIETY
Thought of the Month
Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
