Mary Poppins: our two sets of Jane & Michael Banks: Harley, Emily, Grace and Hunter
Photography: Bec Elliott
Photography: Bec Elliott
Welcome!
August was a pretty busy month at CHMCC, with rehearsals for Mary Poppins under way, and the shed dedication ceremony in honour of our former President and Patron, Bill Jacobs on August 21st. Turnout for this little ceremony was high, and I know Bill's family were happy to see so many people who knew and remembered Bill.
Bill's Dedication ceremony - photography: Lewis Hackfath
We also held our AGM, and thanks to all those who attended and voted in four new members, and a new President! Read on for Tim's inaugural President' s report.
We also held our AGM, and thanks to all those who attended and voted in four new members, and a new President! Read on for Tim's inaugural President' s report.
From the President

Incoming President, Tim Egan
Hi everyone
It is indeed my pleasure to bring you my first report as President of the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company. For those who don't know me that well, I relocated to the Coffs area in 2007 to be close to my parents, taking up a teaching position at Bishop Druitt College. I became involved in the company as Music Director for Hairspray and haven't left! It has been very rewarding to contribute to the company in that capacity and I hope to continue to foster the promotion of Musical theatre as President.
I would like to thank Maureen Burgess for her endless passion and drive as the previous President. Under her leadership the company is in a very strong position creatively and financially. Meetings certainly won't be the same without the vivacious laughter and bubbly personality that Mauz has. Also thank you to the outgoing committee members Laura Smith, Jenny Beatson and Fay Castle for your dedication and commitment to the company.
The dedication of the Bill Jacobs Memorial Shed was a fantastic occasion and well attended by many members both past and present. Bill was a much loved member of the company and this celebration certainly paid tribute to the way you n which Bill was so influential in the success of the company. Thank you to all who contributed in any way to this day and the singing was magnificent!
Our annual general meeting was very well attended this year which again shows the strengths and interest in the company at present. We were delighted to induct four new life members of the company at this meeting. Congratulations to Russell and Pam Lane, Judi Williams and Maureen Burgess. Again all thoroughly deserved for the fine work you have done and continue to do.
It's "Practically Perfect" ........ In every way! Rehearsals for our next production, Mary Poppins are steaming ahead and this promises to be one amazing production. Tickets are now on sale, so book early to avoid disappointment and please spread the word to all your friends and family and support this show. More on the show from Donna our director in her report.
Tim
It is indeed my pleasure to bring you my first report as President of the Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company. For those who don't know me that well, I relocated to the Coffs area in 2007 to be close to my parents, taking up a teaching position at Bishop Druitt College. I became involved in the company as Music Director for Hairspray and haven't left! It has been very rewarding to contribute to the company in that capacity and I hope to continue to foster the promotion of Musical theatre as President.
I would like to thank Maureen Burgess for her endless passion and drive as the previous President. Under her leadership the company is in a very strong position creatively and financially. Meetings certainly won't be the same without the vivacious laughter and bubbly personality that Mauz has. Also thank you to the outgoing committee members Laura Smith, Jenny Beatson and Fay Castle for your dedication and commitment to the company.
The dedication of the Bill Jacobs Memorial Shed was a fantastic occasion and well attended by many members both past and present. Bill was a much loved member of the company and this celebration certainly paid tribute to the way you n which Bill was so influential in the success of the company. Thank you to all who contributed in any way to this day and the singing was magnificent!
Our annual general meeting was very well attended this year which again shows the strengths and interest in the company at present. We were delighted to induct four new life members of the company at this meeting. Congratulations to Russell and Pam Lane, Judi Williams and Maureen Burgess. Again all thoroughly deserved for the fine work you have done and continue to do.
It's "Practically Perfect" ........ In every way! Rehearsals for our next production, Mary Poppins are steaming ahead and this promises to be one amazing production. Tickets are now on sale, so book early to avoid disappointment and please spread the word to all your friends and family and support this show. More on the show from Donna our director in her report.
Tim
With only a month or so to go until Mary Poppins opens, the cast are singing and dancing away, with sterling work by our two sets of kids, Emily, Harley, Grace and Hunter, pictured at the top of this page. Visit the photo gallery for more preview photos. (with thanks to Bec Elliott for these).
There is as always the opportunity to get involved behind the scenes, FOH volunteers please contact the FOH Manager. Backstage volunteers please contact the Stage Manager.
Take a look at the lovely Mary Poppins poster: download, print and display!
There is as always the opportunity to get involved behind the scenes, FOH volunteers please contact the FOH Manager. Backstage volunteers please contact the Stage Manager.
Take a look at the lovely Mary Poppins poster: download, print and display!
From the Director

Mary Poppins Director, Donna Fairall
I can’t believe how much FUN this show is!!
I have had a lot of the cast say how they just love coming to rehearsals.
After 7 weeks of rehearsals we were able to run Act 1 complete with vocals and choreography and I was very impressed! We are now half way through Act 2 and moving full steam ahead.
Costumes are being coordinated by Colin Wilkes (most hired by Taree Arts Council but extras being hand made by Colin, Dee Tune, Jennie Touzel and Robyn Brown) and are of course looking amazing.
Led by trusty Rex, the boys in the shed are hard at work as they always are building us a beautiful set which also includes a return of the revolve used in The Secret Garden. Thanks to Brett Touzel who is making our ‘make Mary fly’ contraption which is safely being kept under wraps for now and lastly, Sharon who has her hands full with trick cakes and flying kites.
Both sets of children (Jane and Michael) are doing a fantastic job and 95% of the time are going without their scripts.
Our dancers are working their little butts off, with knees and ankle strapped and it’s great seeing Bert and Mary holding their own with these trained dancers.
Everyone enjoyed our little publicity photo shoot recently and you will need to keep your eyes open to see these shots as they appear on facebook, in the paper and around town.
Now is the time to get your tickets….seriously people, tell your friends and get your tickets! You are not going to want to miss this show!!
Donna
I have had a lot of the cast say how they just love coming to rehearsals.
After 7 weeks of rehearsals we were able to run Act 1 complete with vocals and choreography and I was very impressed! We are now half way through Act 2 and moving full steam ahead.
Costumes are being coordinated by Colin Wilkes (most hired by Taree Arts Council but extras being hand made by Colin, Dee Tune, Jennie Touzel and Robyn Brown) and are of course looking amazing.
Led by trusty Rex, the boys in the shed are hard at work as they always are building us a beautiful set which also includes a return of the revolve used in The Secret Garden. Thanks to Brett Touzel who is making our ‘make Mary fly’ contraption which is safely being kept under wraps for now and lastly, Sharon who has her hands full with trick cakes and flying kites.
Both sets of children (Jane and Michael) are doing a fantastic job and 95% of the time are going without their scripts.
Our dancers are working their little butts off, with knees and ankle strapped and it’s great seeing Bert and Mary holding their own with these trained dancers.
Everyone enjoyed our little publicity photo shoot recently and you will need to keep your eyes open to see these shots as they appear on facebook, in the paper and around town.
Now is the time to get your tickets….seriously people, tell your friends and get your tickets! You are not going to want to miss this show!!
Donna
As well as being in the thick of rehearsals for our current show, we're also getting geared up for the next. If you're not familiar with the show, read on...
'Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz' takes place before L.Frank Baum’s classic Wizard of Oz story ever began. Before Dorothy was even alive, two young girls met in the Land of Oz, became rivals, and then friends. One was born with emerald green skin, with a brilliant mind and a fiery spirit. The other was classically beautiful, with great ambition and incredible drive.
The green-skinned Elphaba was ostracized by her family and by everyone at school. The beautiful Galinda was destined to be forever popular.
Over the course of Wicked, we discover how these two young women became rivals and then the closest of friends – and how they ended up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
The story pays homage to the classic Wizard of Oz story while simultaneously changing our understanding of it forever. A cautionary tale about love, friendship and trust, Wicked explores contemporary moral dilemmas such as tolerance and prejudice, and political themes including media manipulation and government corruption. It seamlessly integrates these modern socio-political themes with contemporary music and references to the Wizard of Oz to leave the audience spellbound.
Wicked effortlessly reveals that there are indeed two sides to every story. It’s all about perspective...
'Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz' takes place before L.Frank Baum’s classic Wizard of Oz story ever began. Before Dorothy was even alive, two young girls met in the Land of Oz, became rivals, and then friends. One was born with emerald green skin, with a brilliant mind and a fiery spirit. The other was classically beautiful, with great ambition and incredible drive.
The green-skinned Elphaba was ostracized by her family and by everyone at school. The beautiful Galinda was destined to be forever popular.
Over the course of Wicked, we discover how these two young women became rivals and then the closest of friends – and how they ended up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
The story pays homage to the classic Wizard of Oz story while simultaneously changing our understanding of it forever. A cautionary tale about love, friendship and trust, Wicked explores contemporary moral dilemmas such as tolerance and prejudice, and political themes including media manipulation and government corruption. It seamlessly integrates these modern socio-political themes with contemporary music and references to the Wizard of Oz to leave the audience spellbound.
Wicked effortlessly reveals that there are indeed two sides to every story. It’s all about perspective...
Wicked Auditions
Audition dates are announced for Wicked! Put these dates in your diary:
Main auditions:
Saturday 14th January 2017 Registration at 9.30 am
Dance Auditions:
Sunday 15th January Registration at 9.30 am.
Both days at Bishop Druitt College.
For full information, character descriptions, vocal ranges etc, visit the Auditions page.
You can also read FAQs, download an information pack or an audition application.
Main auditions:
Saturday 14th January 2017 Registration at 9.30 am
Dance Auditions:
Sunday 15th January Registration at 9.30 am.
Both days at Bishop Druitt College.
For full information, character descriptions, vocal ranges etc, visit the Auditions page.
You can also read FAQs, download an information pack or an audition application.
CHMCC was a proud sponsor of this year's Eisteddfod. Pictured here is the winner of the vocal section, Jaela Hibbard being presented with her certificate by former President, Maureen Burgess. Congratulations also to Jacoa Bailey, winner of the CHMCC scholarship prize.
Diary Dates
'Grease', presented by the Arts Council runs until October 8th
CHATS presents Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' from October 13th - 23rd
CHMCC's Mary Poppins is on stage from November 4th - 27th
CHATS presents Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' from October 13th - 23rd
CHMCC's Mary Poppins is on stage from November 4th - 27th