This year was shaping up to be another big year for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society, with three productions proposed - "Post Horn Gallop", "Hating Alison Ashley" and "Footloose" to finish the season.
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The M&D had received requests from Northparkes Mines to participate in mock victims First Aid Challenge, an invitation from the Canberra Festival of One Act Plays to put in an entry, as well one from Wyong Theatrefest.
Arts OutWest requested the Society nominate a representative.
In March at the AGM Brian Schmalkuche was re-elected president, Lyn Townsend secretary, Warwick Tom vice president, Andrew Hunt remained treasurer.
Three motions were passed dealing with the meeting quorums, number of meetings per year and elimination of proxy voting.
Parkes High School scheduled a production in June at the Little Theatre and requested assistance from the Society with ticketing.
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra's "Brass On The Run" held a concert at the Little Theatre early in the year, as did the "Brother Concert" and workshop.
Those who attended, enjoyed the performances, particularly the young members at the latter concert, however with numbers down both shows made a loss which was thankfully covered by the Council.
In April, Brian Schmalkuche directed "Post Horn Gallop", a sequel to "Wild Goose Chase".
This hilarious comedy was well supported by a very strong cast - Molly Cunningham, Stan and Aaron Kingham, Angie Fanello, Dave Robinson, Lyn and Jacob Townsend, Bob Collins, Pam Tupper, Alex Morgan and Jade Wakeman.
The production was well attended and received many glowing tributes.
In June, the Society's junior P.I.D.J.A. group staged "Murder Malodorus", co-directed by Sarah Hitchick and Noveta Hunt, and "Hating Alison Ashley" directed by Sarah Hitchick.
The first play had 11 actors while the second play had 16-plus. These juniors showed great talent and gave a good afternoon's entertainment, disappointingly the audiences were low in numbers.
The final production for the year in late September was a musical "Footloose" directed by Nixson Eduard, with Mark Young as musical director.
Footloose was probably the first M&D show to receive major sponsorship. TransTank Pty Ltd, through business manager Andrew McDonald provided the majority of funding.
This musical had a five-piece orchestra with Mark Young on keyboard, two guitars Tom Rivett and John Henry, saxophone and flute Michelle Stacey, and drums Dave Horwood.
Main cast members were Jock Campbell, Hannah Farrant, Gail Smith, Neil Westcott, Kathy Powell, Lyn Townsend, Bill Jayet, Al Gersbach and Greg Ballantyne.
In addition there were 11 other actors, with 10 in the crowd scenes and seven dancers.
Footloose was very well received, however the Society in hindsight felt that major sponsorship tendered to exert undue influence on director and production, and would not consider that type of funding in future.
As Society members had difficulty in getting a suitable date for the Christmas function, it was decided everyone should bring a plate of food to have after the December meeting for a social get-together.
Read more of Parkes M&D's history:
