This year promised to be a busy one with two musicals and one PACC (Parkes Annual Charity Concert), together with a new executive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At our annual meeting in March, Belinda McGrath took the chair, with Neil Westcott vice president and Lyn Townsend acquired the treasurership held for many years by Andrew Hunt.
New member in the Society, Sue Mittlestadt was elected secretary making a very strong executive for the year.
Starting early in the year Greg Ballantyne and Angie Fanello, co-directors, began rehearsals for the popular musical "The Wedding Singer".
Both directors had major roles as Sammy and Holly, the lead of Robbie was exceptionally handled by Jack Thomson assisted by the inspirational Bill Jayet as George, Tara Buckley, Andrew Francis, Tracey Carroll, Katie Ehsman, Noveta Hunt and Warwick Tom, together with 14 supporting members making up the cast.
The long list of songs giving the right atmosphere were very capably played by the six-member string band of Doug and Mitch Richards, John Henry, Drew Farrant-Jayet, Alaine Bouchard and Tom Rivett.
At the conclusion of the show's season, Greg was more than happy with the result, commenting all Society members involved in the show thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially the new members who indicated they would be back for more.
In September, Brian Schmalkuche directed "Seussical the Musical", ably assisted by Belinda, Lyn and Neil who all took main parts in the production.
Once again this was another huge cast with a great variety of characters.
The older members of the Society in lead roles were Sue Mittelstadt, Greg Ballantyne, Neil Kingham, James Whalan and Barbara Newton, while the younger ones were Maddison Day, McKenzie Campbell, and Haydon and Jessica Westcott.
The balance of the cast, some 47 members of all ages added to the production, with segments such as "Bad Girls", "Whos", "Wickershams", "Cadets" and "Jungle Citizens of Nool/ Hunches/Fish".
Music was provided by a great band consisting of Alaine Bouchard, Steve Evans, Claire Ford, John Henry, Michelle Mittlestadt, Doug and Mitch Richards.
"Seussical The Musical" was staged over four weekends starting on Friday, September 12, appealing to all age groups and voted a huge success.
Finally, the end of October saw the end of year charity concert with the format changing from the Parkinson Concert to the PACC (Parkes Annual Charity Concert).
Friday night would be gala night, then a Saturday night performance and finally Sunday would be for the Parkinson Charity with that day's takings solely for the Parkinson Support Group.
The previous two performances' profit would cover expenses and other charities.
This year's theme was "Stage and Screen" with songs from popular movies proving a big hit, especially the ABBA ones with excellent comments from all involved.
The good news is this show, with little changes, will be repeated on the Australia Day concert.
As the entire executive would be away before Christmas, there will be no end of year function but they do wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy new year.
MORE M&D ARTICLES:
