This year like the last one, promised to be just as busy with the shows and the administration of the Society. The executive of last year was re-elected and proceeded to deal with actions that were carried over from last year. The Bathurst Society provided technical advice on the type of sound system best suited to the Little Theatre while the support for the Jack Scoble scholarship was also extended for another year.
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April/May saw the staging of the return season of "Oliver" which was first performed twenty five years earlier in 1984. Four members in the current show had a reappearance: Bill Jayet as (Fagin), Mal Westcott (Mr Bumble) while Lyn Townsend was now Director instead of a "Waif" and Neil Westcott was Musical Director instead of The Artful Dodger. Assisting with the Direction was James Whalan.
With improvement to the sound and lighting systems at a cost of $25K; a set with moveable stairs, a high bridge and wall lighting depicting the London scene gave the show a polished, technological edge.
The cast included other notables such as Barbara Newton, Andrew Francis, Hayden Westcott, Jo Mattiske, Brittni Carroll, Greg Ballantyne, Tim Keith, Christie Green, Sue Mittelstadt, Liz Matthews, Lachlan Hoyle and the two Olivers, Johnny Barker and Thomas Byrnes.
The Band consisted of seven members: Pam Ward, Steve Evans, Alison Westcott, Michelle Wood, Claire Ward, Mitch and Doug Richards.
"Oliver" was extremely successful breaking all previous box office records, much to the delight of the forty five cast members and twenty odd helping back stage.
Because "Beauty and the Beast" was not being held till the end of the year, the Parkes Annual Charity Concert was brought forward to September with Belinda McGrath directing.
The concert had many popular songs, skits and dance routines which were choreographed by Arlene Cassess, Lyn Townsend, Jack Thompson and Christie Green. The show had three performances with the last one being dedicated to the Parkes Parkinson Group with the Quota Ladies and Parkinson supporters providing afternoon tea.
The final musical for the year was Disney's "Beauty and the Beast", directed by Greg Ballantyne who also played the Beast. Alyssa Martin as Belle, was ably supported by the other leads: Jack Thomson, Brett Davis, Angie Fanello, Charles Ekwebelm, Hannah Farrant-Jayet, Taylah Jones, Neil Kingham, Christie Green, Meg McClurg, Bill Jayet and Kaleb Deeble.
There were 33 other supporting actors plus seven backstage crew. Six musicians comprised the Band: Kerriean Hood, Alain Bouchard, Claire Ford, Susannah Turner, Tom Rivett and Steve Evans. Being the last show for the year and also leading up to Christmas, the Parkes patrons let their hair down and really enjoyed the love story.
Next year, 2010, promises to be just as busy with "Grease" planned for May, the PACC event in September followed by "Loves a Luxury" and a Xmas concert to conclude the year.
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