Our first meeting in February received the news that the "Carols in the Theatre" held the previous December had made a profit of $2000 to be donated to local charities.
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The Society also received Certificates of appreciation from the Uniting Church and the Australia Day Committee for their efforts.
Our AGM was held on March 11 with only one change to the Executive, Sue Mittlestadt stood down as Secretary, pending her move to Melbourne. A vote of thanks and best wishes were recorded for Sue's efforts.
James Kingham was elected the new Secretary. In her report, Belinda spoke of the terrific support Robert Wilson gave to the M & D, especially the construction of the orchestra pit which she nicknamed "Bob" in memory of him.
Parkes Society had 8 CAT nominations, all of which were unsuccessful. Lyn organised those involved to perform a medley of songs at the Awards.
Meanwhile "Grease" was in full production with Lyn Townsend, directing assisted by Belinda.
This bouncy ever popular musical had a very strong young cast with Cath Adams as Sandy in the lead with Andrew Francis as Danny. Regular Society members, were Belinda McGrath, Aaron Kingham, Christie Green, James Whalan, Shevaun Brown, Brett Davies, Mitch Richards, Christa Radley, Chloe MacRae, Mackenzie Campbell and Neil Westcott took part, together with ten other enthusiastic members.
The back stage crew provided a small sports car. The bright costumes together with the song and dance routines had the audience completely enthralled, especially when backed by the band, consisting of Alaine Bouchard on Keys, Steve Evans on Drums, Tom Rivett and Doug Richards on Guitars and Michelle Stacey on Brass.
After a very successful season of "Grease", Steve Campbell from the Council had our foyer access outside extended on the same level, with an overhead cantilever structure providing an overflow area for the foyer allowing greater space for patrons . The sound equipment approved previously was installed in time for the PACC concert and the Society was complimented on the clarity of the sound.
The Concert went well with members rallying to put on a very entertaining program. Although the audiences were down, the Society decided to still provide $2000 to the Parkinson Group . However it was agreed the concert should be later in the year, not in conflict with the local Show.
Kim Deacon's travelling show, hired the Theatre to perform "The Loves of Henry Lawson". This was staged before the start of the drama season and was enjoyed by all who saw the show.
November saw the staging of "Love's a Luxury", a three act comedy directed by Betty Stroud, an experienced director, new to the Society from Dubbo. The cast was a mixture of old and new members, eight in total, they were Alyssa Martin, Steve McGrath, Greg Ballantyne, Trevor Gilbert, Holly Stanford, James Whalan, Sarah le Roux and Noveta Hunt.
The play written in 1953 was set in the 1920's by Betty to give it flavours of the period and is quite a farcical romp of mixed intentions. Andrew Hunt whose forte is in the technical aspects of theatre, such as set design, did a magnificent job in portraying the lounge room of Cranberry Cottage.
At the end of the year, Greg Ballantyne organised items from the Society for the Carols at Christmas. The new year planning included "Singing In The Rain", the Australia Day Concert and the Film Society arrangements to show films in the Little Theatre.
The Christmas meeting was to be combined with a dinner at either the Royal Hotel or Parkview Motel after a very busy year.
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