It is sometimes very difficult to get all the facts and so it was with the last history 2010 no 41.
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My apologies to Nigel Thomas and Sonia Bland both of whom played in the band for "Grease", Nigel on drums and Sonia playing sax but were omitted from my history report.
Now for 2011 which again was a very busy year starting with the newly formed Parkes Film Society using the Little Theatre for their first showing on January 5.
First up was a short film "The Edge of Reality" followed by "It's a Mad Mad Mad World", both well received.
At the AGM in March, the treasurer Anthony McGrath presented a very strong balance sheet, reflecting the previous years profitable shows which enabled the Society to continue the equipment upgrade.
Belinda McGrath was re-elected president with Neil Westcott the deputy.
Greg Ballantyne directed the latest production "Singin' in the Rain" with Hannah Harris taking on the choreography and Christie Green, the vocal training in this very active musical.
The band directed by Kerrian Hood on the keyboard, included Doug and Mitch Richards, Martin Lee, Paul Dawson, Frank Venables and Alex Riley, had the audience foot tapping to the music.
The 26-strong cast had 11 main characters - Jack Thompson, Chloe MacRae, Alyssa Miller, Harrison Baker, Jo Mattiske, Christa Radley, Christie Green, Holly Stanford, Shev Brown, and of course Greg himself.
Stage manager Brian Townsend, ably assisted by Russell Tanswell and Steve McGrath, managed to have it actually raining during the main scene to cap off a most enjoyable musical.
At the mid-year meetings, the Society called for interest in a One Act Play Festival, members to consider the idea.
Future shows came up for discussion with Belinda putting forward a musical "All Shook Up" Elvis and his music, while Greg suggested an all-female cast loosely adapted from "Sister Act".
Other business discussed involved the finishing of the outside area and two motions, one in relation to changing cast roles after a production has started and the other relating to the Presidents term, a constitutional amendment.
The Society's September production was "The Wizard of Oz", a perennial favorite with audiences of all ages. Directed by Lyn Townsend with Neil Westcott musical director and Christie Green.
Assisting, they were overwhelmed by 108 juniors between the ages of 6 and 17 turning up to audition for 39 roles.
Selection of the main roles was very difficult with Dorothy's role being shared by Maddison Cooper and Shannon Green.
Other main roles were played by Nikki Standen, Hayden Westcott, Sam Noakes, Chloe McCrae, Maddison Ehsman, Lachlan Hoyle, Georgie Ryan, Morgan Flynn and Minty the dog, as ToTo.
This young cast also included 29 other members who all contributed.
The band comprised of seven members - Pam Ward, Alyssa Martin, Kirra, Mitch and Doug Richards, Michelle Woods, Alison Westsott and Neil Westcott, who was the conductor.
The combined use of string, wind, brass and drums provided the vibrant sound which kept the cast bouncing along.
Lyn was very chuffed at the support she received from so many adult members of the Society and parents of the cast members who helped in so many necessary aspects of staging the production, with such a young cast.
It was another sellout show for the Society!
In November M&D members' collectively organised the PACC Concert with proceeds going to the Parkinson Group.
Belinda McGrath was choreographer, James Whalan MC with 25 old and young supportive members providing poetry, dance, skits, music, with the cast providing the opening and closing numbers.
While the audience numbers were down, the Society was still able to provide the $2000 to the charity.
At the end of year Christmas function the M&D farewelled two of the longest serving members, Andrew and Noveta Hunt who were relocating to the South Coast.
Andrew was indispensable as far as sound, sets and lighting was concerned, while Noveta was always there to help, be it acting, front of house or behind stage.
Members were all looking forward to the next year's program which included "Downtown" the mod musical and a three act play "See how they Run".
In 2011 Parkes M&D scored 11 CAT (Canberra Area Theatre) nominations, which included the performances "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Wizard of Oz".
MORE M&D HISTORIES:
