In the 32nd history of Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society history, taking in 2001, I mentioned the production 'Phantom of the Music Hall' as not having any information however long serving member Cath Rawsthorne has been able to provide the program, photos and reports.
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The show had a meal provided, with entrée and dessert provided by Anglican Church ladies and main course by Country Celebrations.
Lorna Helby directed and Kerriean Hood accompanied with the music, while the cast included Geoff Lindsay, Cath Rawsthorne, Aaron & Stan Kingham, Tanya Mills, Jennifer Willis, Bill Jayet and Kaye Lindsay; plus other members and a chorus.
At the February meeting, the first for 2004, the President, Brian Schmalkuche raised a financial problem carried over from the previous year concerning the last show, 'Once a Knight.'
In addition to the ticket money not all being accounted for, sponsorship revenue for advertising was not collected. Brian proposed a series of measures to safeguard against future inconsistencies which was carried unanimously.
The AGM took place in March where retained president Brian stated 2004 should be another successful year for the society, with four shows anticipated.
The ordinary meeting dealt with a letter from Council regarding the establishment of a Shire Cultural Committee, and requesting a nomination from the Musical and Dramatic Society, Warwick Tom's name was put forward though the Committee creation was postponed until the next year.
In other business, the Society Play Festival Committee was granted $200 for script royalties while Lyn Townsend described the structure of the Canberra Area Theatre Society (CATS) and suggested the Society join.
'Whose Life Is It Anyway' was the first show for the year, performed during April and May.
The show was directed by Sarah Hitchick with 14 people making up the cast. The main actors were: Belinda McGrath, Brian Schmalkuche, Rob Aitken, Pam Tupper and Warwick Tom.
Sarah also had her junior group, PIDAJ, meeting on Friday afternoons with a view to performing at the end of the year.
When it came to the middle of the year, shows for 2005 were submitted by June for two productions: 'Post Horn Gallop' and 'Footloose.'
The One Act Play Festival was held in July at the Little Theatre. Parkes' entry 'Trip Of A Life Time' was very well received, with John Short taking out Best Actor. Later that year it received the Best Ensemble at the CATS awards.
In October Lyn Townsend wrote and directed 'Match Makers,' amazingly her third effort in two years.
The show was produced by Belinda McGrath, with musical direction by Leonie Patterson and choreography by Nixon Eduard. Lead roles were taken by Belinda, Aaron Kingham, Liz Ray, Stephen and AL Gersbach, John Orgill, Felicity Otrupeck, Greg Ballantyne, Karen Morrison, Anne-Maree Willis and Nixon Eduard.
This bright musical had many well known songs from the early days to get the toes tapping.
Les Miserables was held at The Leagues Club in June, directed by Lorna Helby with the following playing the roles.
Valjean: Geoff Lindsay; Javert: Neil Wescott; Bishop of Dione: Alex Abbey; Fantine: Catherine Orr-Kellet with three juniors- Brittini Carroll, Brittany Townsend and Courtney Birmingham, alternating Little Cossette and Young Eponine.
Stan Kingham: Foreman; Warder: Kieren Duncan; Madame Thenardier: Mary Fanello; Gavroche: Steven Gersbach; Eponine: Belinda McGrath and Cossette: Barbara Newton.
There were six other cast members plus thirty in the chorus and an orchestra of fifteen members was led by musical director, Matthew Law. The choreographer was Nixon Eduard and music coordinator, Neil Westcott. Jim Butler designed and constructed the Barricade.