August 2019
South Pacific Rehearsals...look at all the men!
Welcome!
I am now beginning my retirement as the outgoing Secretary, and I would like to thank the many people I have worked with over the years on the committee. Especial thanks go to this year's committee for honouring me with a life membership, and to Paul McLeod, the incoming Secretary. I have every confidence in Paul's abilities and am grateful to him for stepping up. Paul will be handling the day-to-day running of the Company, but I will still be involved in social media and marketing for a little while as I mentor someone to take that over. So, on with the newsletter!
Congratulations and welcome to the new committee for 2019/20. We were pleased to see so much interest in the AGM this year, which has never been so well-attended! Scroll down to see the outcome of the voting for office bearers. A full report is available on request for anyone who wasn't able to attend.
The cast are well into rehearsals for our November show, South Pacific, and you can read all about that in Judi's director's report below. As always, if you would like to usher, please contact the FOH Manager, Shalla Thomas, and if you would like to work backstage, contact the Stage Manager, Pam Lane.
We were also very excited to be able to announce our first show for next year: Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods", to be directed by Josh Vucicevic! There are several productions of the show available on YouTube and DVD, and many of you will remember the recent movie musical. This show has been on our bucket list for several years, and we are thrilled that Josh has stepped up to direct it. Look out for audition information in the next couple of months.
Licensing restrictions mean that we can't announce our November production at this stage, but you are going to love that too!
Finally, several of our members are featuring in the Coffs City Orchestra performance "Best of Broadway" in September, so we do encourage you to snap up tickets for that before they all go. While you're organising tickets, you should book for CHAT's production of "The Mousetrap" as well! Just scroll down for details of both productions, as well as an exciting opportunity for young people to learn a musical in a week with Naidu Performing Arts.
Di O'Ferrall (outgoing Secretary)
CHMCC
Congratulations and welcome to the new committee for 2019/20. We were pleased to see so much interest in the AGM this year, which has never been so well-attended! Scroll down to see the outcome of the voting for office bearers. A full report is available on request for anyone who wasn't able to attend.
The cast are well into rehearsals for our November show, South Pacific, and you can read all about that in Judi's director's report below. As always, if you would like to usher, please contact the FOH Manager, Shalla Thomas, and if you would like to work backstage, contact the Stage Manager, Pam Lane.
We were also very excited to be able to announce our first show for next year: Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods", to be directed by Josh Vucicevic! There are several productions of the show available on YouTube and DVD, and many of you will remember the recent movie musical. This show has been on our bucket list for several years, and we are thrilled that Josh has stepped up to direct it. Look out for audition information in the next couple of months.
Licensing restrictions mean that we can't announce our November production at this stage, but you are going to love that too!
Finally, several of our members are featuring in the Coffs City Orchestra performance "Best of Broadway" in September, so we do encourage you to snap up tickets for that before they all go. While you're organising tickets, you should book for CHAT's production of "The Mousetrap" as well! Just scroll down for details of both productions, as well as an exciting opportunity for young people to learn a musical in a week with Naidu Performing Arts.
Di O'Ferrall (outgoing Secretary)
CHMCC
From the (Outgoing) President
It has once again been an absolute pleasure serving as President of CHMCC for the past 12 months. I would like to start by thanking all committee members for their tireless efforts and support of musical theatre. The committee give their time to ensure that the people of Coffs Harbour and surrounds have access to performance opportunities and quality theatre experiences for the public.
In terms of the senior productions, we took on the might of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables. After a comprehensive audition process, an extremely talented and enthusiastic cast of regular and new faces was selected. It was positive to see so many new cast members join us for this production. A challenging vocal and musical score was attacked with vigour and there were so many stand out performances, both individually and by the ensemble. I would like to thank John Greene for his hard work in the many months before auditions and through the initial stages of rehearsals. If it wasn’t for his dedication to this show, it would not have happened at all! Thank you also to Tania Ferris who worked on several occasions with the leads and ensemble to enhance their vocal longevity. Finally, thank you to Paul McLeod for his dedication in bringing this production to life on stage. As a first-time director, he certainly did himself and the company proud. When the public say you are doing as well or in some cases better than professional productions, you know you’re on a winner.
Our May Production of Shrek proved to be a big hit with families and our younger audience members. Director Donna Fairall certainly had a clear vision for this production and completed this task with her usual organisation and flair. It was wonderful again to see the enthusiasm demonstrated from people who wanted to be a part of this show. Particularly satisfying was to see more new faces involved and a couple of first-time actors in lead roles. This is what our company is all about. We love to foster and encourage the development of our cast members – it’s all about learning! The show as a musical stage production was a relative unknown but thanks to a dedicated production team and the committee’s support, it proved to be yet another success. We are grateful to Donna for having the foresight to direct this show as soon as the rights became available – because now it isn’t available for amateur theatre groups as it is being produced professionally around the country! We can be proud to say we were one of the first companies to produce this wonderful show.
Last September we were all blown away by the talent of our junior members in their production of Alice in Wonderland. The cast and production team were all under the age of 18! What an amazing achievement for these younger members of our community. Congratulations to Ellie Waters and her team for working so hard to create this memorable production. It is heart warming to know that we can have the ability to create these learning opportunities for young people. The Junior committee was set up for this very purpose and I am proud to have been associated with this initiative.
Finally, a tribute to our retiring company secretary Di O’Ferrall. She has been a stalwart of CHMCC since the day she became involved and has work her absolute hardest for the benefit of others. Di has never ever sought recognition for the amazing job she has done on committee. Ever humble, she is the machine that has been driving the company for many years. Di has also managed to tread the boards in many of our productions in feature roles and as an ever-reliable ensemble member. She has graciously offered to assist committee and the new Secretary in a transition phase – which is typical of her can-do attitude. I am proud to have known her as our secretary and worked closely with her but also have the privilege to call her a true friend. It is fitting that today we honour her service with a lifetime membership.
Thank you,
Tim Egan
CHMCC Outgoing President
In terms of the senior productions, we took on the might of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables. After a comprehensive audition process, an extremely talented and enthusiastic cast of regular and new faces was selected. It was positive to see so many new cast members join us for this production. A challenging vocal and musical score was attacked with vigour and there were so many stand out performances, both individually and by the ensemble. I would like to thank John Greene for his hard work in the many months before auditions and through the initial stages of rehearsals. If it wasn’t for his dedication to this show, it would not have happened at all! Thank you also to Tania Ferris who worked on several occasions with the leads and ensemble to enhance their vocal longevity. Finally, thank you to Paul McLeod for his dedication in bringing this production to life on stage. As a first-time director, he certainly did himself and the company proud. When the public say you are doing as well or in some cases better than professional productions, you know you’re on a winner.
Our May Production of Shrek proved to be a big hit with families and our younger audience members. Director Donna Fairall certainly had a clear vision for this production and completed this task with her usual organisation and flair. It was wonderful again to see the enthusiasm demonstrated from people who wanted to be a part of this show. Particularly satisfying was to see more new faces involved and a couple of first-time actors in lead roles. This is what our company is all about. We love to foster and encourage the development of our cast members – it’s all about learning! The show as a musical stage production was a relative unknown but thanks to a dedicated production team and the committee’s support, it proved to be yet another success. We are grateful to Donna for having the foresight to direct this show as soon as the rights became available – because now it isn’t available for amateur theatre groups as it is being produced professionally around the country! We can be proud to say we were one of the first companies to produce this wonderful show.
Last September we were all blown away by the talent of our junior members in their production of Alice in Wonderland. The cast and production team were all under the age of 18! What an amazing achievement for these younger members of our community. Congratulations to Ellie Waters and her team for working so hard to create this memorable production. It is heart warming to know that we can have the ability to create these learning opportunities for young people. The Junior committee was set up for this very purpose and I am proud to have been associated with this initiative.
Finally, a tribute to our retiring company secretary Di O’Ferrall. She has been a stalwart of CHMCC since the day she became involved and has work her absolute hardest for the benefit of others. Di has never ever sought recognition for the amazing job she has done on committee. Ever humble, she is the machine that has been driving the company for many years. Di has also managed to tread the boards in many of our productions in feature roles and as an ever-reliable ensemble member. She has graciously offered to assist committee and the new Secretary in a transition phase – which is typical of her can-do attitude. I am proud to have known her as our secretary and worked closely with her but also have the privilege to call her a true friend. It is fitting that today we honour her service with a lifetime membership.
Thank you,
Tim Egan
CHMCC Outgoing President
From the (Incoming) President
Welcome to another exciting year of theatre with CHMCC. It was very heartening to see so many members participating at the AGM. Your input helps to keep the company successful and vibrant.
There has been a reshuffling of duties among some of the committee members and introduction of new blood with the addition of the youthful and keen Jake Fisher and the very experienced and dynamic Dee Tune. Unfortunately this means we lose the services of Tim Egan and Di O'Ferrall.
Tim has steered the company well through many highly successful shows as President and Musical Director and been instrumental in the formation of our junior committee. He has worked tirelessly throughout and we thank him most sincerely for all his efforts. Fortunately for us his involvement with the company will continue in his role as MD for which we are truly grateful.
Di O'Ferrall has stepped down from her secretarial position due to a proposed change of scenery. Her legendary skills and enthusiasm will be a hard act to follow. As a new life member we trust she will visit often and thank her for her exceptional work. We wish her well in all her endeavors and know some other lucky theatre company is up for a new member.
So it is onwards and upwards for another exciting year of theatre and we look forward to your participation. We are the committee you voted for and with your involvement we can maintain the excellent standards the company is renowned for. See you at the theatre.
CHMCC Incoming President,
Judi Williams
There has been a reshuffling of duties among some of the committee members and introduction of new blood with the addition of the youthful and keen Jake Fisher and the very experienced and dynamic Dee Tune. Unfortunately this means we lose the services of Tim Egan and Di O'Ferrall.
Tim has steered the company well through many highly successful shows as President and Musical Director and been instrumental in the formation of our junior committee. He has worked tirelessly throughout and we thank him most sincerely for all his efforts. Fortunately for us his involvement with the company will continue in his role as MD for which we are truly grateful.
Di O'Ferrall has stepped down from her secretarial position due to a proposed change of scenery. Her legendary skills and enthusiasm will be a hard act to follow. As a new life member we trust she will visit often and thank her for her exceptional work. We wish her well in all her endeavors and know some other lucky theatre company is up for a new member.
So it is onwards and upwards for another exciting year of theatre and we look forward to your participation. We are the committee you voted for and with your involvement we can maintain the excellent standards the company is renowned for. See you at the theatre.
CHMCC Incoming President,
Judi Williams
From the Director
Finally we have a full complement of cast for South Pacific. (Why is it so hard to get men on stage.) We have a wealth of talent both old and new and rehearsals are progressing well. We have fabulous choral numbers progressing under the watchful eye of Maureen Burgess and some new and exciting choreography from the talented Jade Naidu. With strong work from our exceptional principals this is shaping up as a great show.
Tickets are already selling fast and we recommend you purchase yours early as this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein show has always been a popular choice among theatre goers both young and old.
It is not too late to become involved as positions for ushers and backstage crew are still available. To take part you can contact ether Pam Lane AD/SM or Shalla Thomas our cast coordinator.
I want to publicly thank all the members of my production crew and in particular my very capable Assistant Director Pam Lane. You people make the job of Director so much easier and pleasurable. Looking forward to seeing you all at the show.
Judi
Tickets are already selling fast and we recommend you purchase yours early as this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein show has always been a popular choice among theatre goers both young and old.
It is not too late to become involved as positions for ushers and backstage crew are still available. To take part you can contact ether Pam Lane AD/SM or Shalla Thomas our cast coordinator.
I want to publicly thank all the members of my production crew and in particular my very capable Assistant Director Pam Lane. You people make the job of Director so much easier and pleasurable. Looking forward to seeing you all at the show.
Judi
Considered by many critics to be among the greatest musicals of the twentieth century, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” is a lighthearted musical with serious themes. Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war.
Well-known musical numbers include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and “Happy Talk”.
The original Broadway production won ten Tony Awards and inspired a 1958 film adaptation.
Well-known musical numbers include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair” and “Happy Talk”.
The original Broadway production won ten Tony Awards and inspired a 1958 film adaptation.
2019 AGM
The Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday August 25th. Multiple nominations were received for all positions (a total of 14), and members were therefore able to cast a vote for almost every position. Those elected were:
President: Judi Williams
Vice President: Ursula Kay
Secretary: Paul McLeod (unopposed)
Treasurer: Pam Lane
Ordinary committee members:
John Greene, Shalla Thomas, Russell Lane, Peter Hodges, Jake Fisher, Dee Tune.
President: Judi Williams
Vice President: Ursula Kay
Secretary: Paul McLeod (unopposed)
Treasurer: Pam Lane
Ordinary committee members:
John Greene, Shalla Thomas, Russell Lane, Peter Hodges, Jake Fisher, Dee Tune.
2020 Season
Performance dates: 1- 24 May 2020
We're so excited to announce our first show of 2020! Into the Woods!
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's sophisticated musical weaves together fairy-tale figures such as Cinderella, Jack (of the beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Rapunzel and the witch, and more than one handsome prince, but not as you’ve seen them before. An ambivalent Cinderella who’s not sure she wants to marry a prince? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding Hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch ... who raps?
What begins a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a cautionary tale about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Be careful what you wish for…
Into the Woods will be directed by Joshua Vucicevic. Auditions will be held in December 2019, details to follow.
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's sophisticated musical weaves together fairy-tale figures such as Cinderella, Jack (of the beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Rapunzel and the witch, and more than one handsome prince, but not as you’ve seen them before. An ambivalent Cinderella who’s not sure she wants to marry a prince? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding Hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch ... who raps?
What begins a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a cautionary tale about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Be careful what you wish for…
Into the Woods will be directed by Joshua Vucicevic. Auditions will be held in December 2019, details to follow.
Diary Dates
Following the successful 'Night at the Opera' in 2018, CHMCC President Tim Egan will conduct the Coffs Harbour City Orchestra as they perform a selection of the Best of Broadway Musicals.
Joining the orchestra will be our very own John Greene and Fiona Stiles singing some of your favourite show tunes, and Peter Hodges as MC. Join them for an exploration of the wonderful music of Broadway shows, from My Fair Lady to Jesus Christ Superstar, from Guys and Dolls to Wicked. Tickets are available from the Jetty Theatre box office on 6648 4930, or just click on the button below.
Joining the orchestra will be our very own John Greene and Fiona Stiles singing some of your favourite show tunes, and Peter Hodges as MC. Join them for an exploration of the wonderful music of Broadway shows, from My Fair Lady to Jesus Christ Superstar, from Guys and Dolls to Wicked. Tickets are available from the Jetty Theatre box office on 6648 4930, or just click on the button below.