Continuing the ongoing series of the history of the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society by Mr Warwick Tom.
Having served her time as Secretary, Toni Lam was elected President for 1994 and would continue in that position for two years.
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As decided at the June meeting the previous year, the Society would not produce a major production till the end of the year but instead prepare four one act plays for the festival at Wellington in July, all of which were chosen by the members who directed their selection.
Jenny Hawke's play was "A Place in the Present" with Wanda and Bruce Whitmill, David Kearsley, Dianne Coveny and Chris Boyd playing the roles in a story of an estranged couple meeting after twenty years.
"Still Life with Roses" was directed by Rhonda Coulcher which takes place in a small town art gallery.
This small play had Susie Ables, Leonie Coulcher and Judy Hogan in the roles.
"Curses, Foiled Again" a traditional Victorian Melodrama, a larger production directed by Liz Matthews, with six members playing the roles, Alan Wright, Verity Gallagher, Mark Simpson, Karen Klein,Toni Lam and Rebecca Bryen alternating with Helen O'Brien.
An enjoyable conclusion to the evening with plenty of audience participation.
These three plays, were staged at Parkes Little Theatre in April, prior to the Stage West Festival in Wellington.
Nancy Main directed the fourth play later in July, "Between Mouthful's".
These short plays require many set changes and thanks must go to Elsie Mahon for her valuable assistance.
The pantomime, "Pinocchio" by John Morley, was directed by Toni Lam with a strong cast of fourteen members and staged in November and December.
Rebecca Bryan showed her young talent as Pinnochio while John Short admirably filled the role of Gepetto with the argumentative Antonio played by Bill Thomas.
Jenny Hawke as Jimminy Cricket, was constantly pricking Pinocchio's conscience.
Others in the cast were Noveta Hunt, Mark Simpson, Cath Orr-Kellett, Kathryn Milmore, Alan Wright, Cath Rawsthorne, Graeme Hamer and Liz Kellett.
The local paper reported that Mr Fire Eater, Beth Taylor, was so effective as the villain it brought tears to some of the children.
Sister Pauline, once again provided the music over the six shows, a very successful conclusion for the Society in 1994.