July 2024 Newsletter
In this edition:
- From the President
- From the Treasurer
- From the Director of We Will Rock You
- From the Secretary
- Annual General Meeting
- Coffs Coast WPAS All Stars
- What's happening in local theatre?
From the President - Dee Tune
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And that’s a wrap on CHMCC’s first production of the year! Jersey Boys opened in May to an enthusiastic opening night audience. Excitement soon turned to disappointment as the company made the difficult decision to cancel the opening weekend shows due to cast illness. COVID continues to mess with theatre.
Despite this stumble, the cast and crew rallied and brought Director, Vanessa Crossley’s, vision to life, putting on a fantastic production for our Coffs Coast community. Several audience members were so impressed with the production, they messaged the theatre advising what a great time they had watching it. Their compliments are were: "We were first timers yesterday for Jersey Boys and mightily impressed. Have booked for Simon and Garfunkel and will be regulars we're sure. Are the cast locals? Is the young man who dances so superbly dancing for a career?" "I saw Jersey Boys last night at and it was wonderful. Great music and dancing. It’s a credit to all involved in its production." Huge thank you to everyone involved in making this production such a success and for bringing joy to our community at a time where many are doing it tough. As a company, we are supremely thankful to our audiences who continue to support live theatre. |
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From the treasurer - Annamarie Cohen
Wow! It’s already July and soon we will be holding our AGM. I imagine my news is quite dull to most people. Although important, I don’t think there are many people particularly interested in governance. However, this month I have some exciting news to share.
Before I get to the exciting news, a quick update on our charitable status. As you know, we are now a registered charity and have a tax exemption. However, the ATO has a backlog of applications for deductible gift recipient status, since quite a few things regarding charities was moved to them. I hope to have news regarding this before the AGM. Approval of this, will mean that any donations we receive are tax deductible.
And now for the exciting news…. *drum roll*
As a charitable organisation, I applied for our first grant and in what was quite a competitive process, our project was selected! We have been awarded a grant that will cover the cost of interpreting one show for each of our next 2 productions, into Auslan. This Project is supported by City of Coffs Harbour through its Arts and Cultural Development Grants program.
This is wonderful for the Deaf community and I believe the community at large. I am very proud to be part of an organisation that values inclusivity and has led the way with this, in the performing arts. Thanks must be attributed to Fiona Shaw who instigated the first Auslan interpreted show, School of Rock. Since then, we have also had an Auslan interpreted show with Atomic.
Thanks to this grant, the cost of the Auslan interpreted show for We Will Rock You on Sunday, 10 November, will now be covered, as well as one show for our May, 2025 production. I hope that by continuing to provide these Auslan interpreted shows, we will encourage others to also be inclusive of the Deaf community, particularly the professional shows that perform in Coffs Harbour.
With the forthcoming AGM, I wish to advise that I will be stepping down from my role on the committee. Thank you to those that have supported me. I hope that some of you will consider nominating for a position on the committee.
And with that mixed bag of news, I will end my little column 😊
Before I get to the exciting news, a quick update on our charitable status. As you know, we are now a registered charity and have a tax exemption. However, the ATO has a backlog of applications for deductible gift recipient status, since quite a few things regarding charities was moved to them. I hope to have news regarding this before the AGM. Approval of this, will mean that any donations we receive are tax deductible.
And now for the exciting news…. *drum roll*
As a charitable organisation, I applied for our first grant and in what was quite a competitive process, our project was selected! We have been awarded a grant that will cover the cost of interpreting one show for each of our next 2 productions, into Auslan. This Project is supported by City of Coffs Harbour through its Arts and Cultural Development Grants program.
This is wonderful for the Deaf community and I believe the community at large. I am very proud to be part of an organisation that values inclusivity and has led the way with this, in the performing arts. Thanks must be attributed to Fiona Shaw who instigated the first Auslan interpreted show, School of Rock. Since then, we have also had an Auslan interpreted show with Atomic.
Thanks to this grant, the cost of the Auslan interpreted show for We Will Rock You on Sunday, 10 November, will now be covered, as well as one show for our May, 2025 production. I hope that by continuing to provide these Auslan interpreted shows, we will encourage others to also be inclusive of the Deaf community, particularly the professional shows that perform in Coffs Harbour.
With the forthcoming AGM, I wish to advise that I will be stepping down from my role on the committee. Thank you to those that have supported me. I hope that some of you will consider nominating for a position on the committee.
And with that mixed bag of news, I will end my little column 😊
From the Director of We Will Rock You! - Greg Wilson Jnr
Hi Everyone,
Well well well, here we go.
The ‘We Will Rock You’ journey has begun.
Just to give you a quick insight into the story of WWRY.
'We Will Rock You' is a futuristic tale which tells of a massive corporation, Globalsoft, which sends computer generated music to all of the people on the planet. Singing, musical instruments, and any expression of creativity, are banned. But Lost Texts are known to exist which talk of music from years gone by. A group of rebels (the Bohemians) strive to discover the lost music and bring down the corporation. The two heroes, Galileo and Scaramouche, discover musical instruments buried in rock, which they use to vaporise the head of the corporation (The Killer Queen), and send the Power of Rock around the world to free the masses, enabling them to be musically creative once again.
So, Queen tunes into a musical that has nothing to do with Queen themselves, what could go wrong?
After an overwhelming response to our expressions of interest and equally to the audition weekend, we found ourselves in a position where we had so much quality we were actually splitting hairs in the end to come up with our final cast. And what a cast it is.
Our lead roles have been dual cast with the cast sharing show dates throughout the show run. It was our intention right from the very beginning that we do this, not only due to the fact that the dirty covid still exists, but also to bring the community a 5 star show of which the music of Queen and audiences deserve.
During the audition process we also held a choreography component that involved all auditionees where they all came together to learn a piece of choreography under the watchful eye and in the safe hands of one of the best in the business Tegan Haley. This enabled us to get an insight into the vision of our choreography for the ‘dance’ numbers that exist in the performance.
Rehearsals are well under way with cramming of our vocals and choreography. Our vocal coach Kate Freeman has been working tirelessly with our musical director Rachel Crismale to break down these complex harmonies and lay the platform for the cast to bring these tunes onto the stage of the historic Jetty Memorial Theatre.
It’s just Queen tunes with a bit of acting in between, right?? That was the comment I jokingly whispered to myself when the idea of the show was first thrown around. Boy was I wrong!
Ben Elton (the writer of the show, along with Queen themselves) has done a genius job to actually link the chosen Queen tunes and a story line, that even as the show has evolved, is very relevant in today’s society.
As the show initially started as a concept and tribute musical dedicated to Freddie Mercury. That soon changed as the concept struggled along and turned into the musical it is today. “Ben Elton is so bright, you can almost see sparks coming out of his ears” was a quote I read and perfectly describes Ben Eltons’ application to this musical.
Rebecca Nicholson as Assistant Director has been instrumental in combining the ideas and visions I had initially in my head with all the smaller details that will wow audiences from the Coffs Coast and beyond.
Well well well, here we go.
The ‘We Will Rock You’ journey has begun.
Just to give you a quick insight into the story of WWRY.
'We Will Rock You' is a futuristic tale which tells of a massive corporation, Globalsoft, which sends computer generated music to all of the people on the planet. Singing, musical instruments, and any expression of creativity, are banned. But Lost Texts are known to exist which talk of music from years gone by. A group of rebels (the Bohemians) strive to discover the lost music and bring down the corporation. The two heroes, Galileo and Scaramouche, discover musical instruments buried in rock, which they use to vaporise the head of the corporation (The Killer Queen), and send the Power of Rock around the world to free the masses, enabling them to be musically creative once again.
So, Queen tunes into a musical that has nothing to do with Queen themselves, what could go wrong?
After an overwhelming response to our expressions of interest and equally to the audition weekend, we found ourselves in a position where we had so much quality we were actually splitting hairs in the end to come up with our final cast. And what a cast it is.
Our lead roles have been dual cast with the cast sharing show dates throughout the show run. It was our intention right from the very beginning that we do this, not only due to the fact that the dirty covid still exists, but also to bring the community a 5 star show of which the music of Queen and audiences deserve.
During the audition process we also held a choreography component that involved all auditionees where they all came together to learn a piece of choreography under the watchful eye and in the safe hands of one of the best in the business Tegan Haley. This enabled us to get an insight into the vision of our choreography for the ‘dance’ numbers that exist in the performance.
Rehearsals are well under way with cramming of our vocals and choreography. Our vocal coach Kate Freeman has been working tirelessly with our musical director Rachel Crismale to break down these complex harmonies and lay the platform for the cast to bring these tunes onto the stage of the historic Jetty Memorial Theatre.
It’s just Queen tunes with a bit of acting in between, right?? That was the comment I jokingly whispered to myself when the idea of the show was first thrown around. Boy was I wrong!
Ben Elton (the writer of the show, along with Queen themselves) has done a genius job to actually link the chosen Queen tunes and a story line, that even as the show has evolved, is very relevant in today’s society.
As the show initially started as a concept and tribute musical dedicated to Freddie Mercury. That soon changed as the concept struggled along and turned into the musical it is today. “Ben Elton is so bright, you can almost see sparks coming out of his ears” was a quote I read and perfectly describes Ben Eltons’ application to this musical.
Rebecca Nicholson as Assistant Director has been instrumental in combining the ideas and visions I had initially in my head with all the smaller details that will wow audiences from the Coffs Coast and beyond.
The machine has been formed and cogs turning quite smoothly with the organisational skills of Annamarie Cohen (Production Manager), and all the work has begun in the backgrounds with our amazing production team.
Rebecca Riches (costume designer) has been designing amazing costuming and will sure to bring our dark visions to life.
The band is back together, and this show would not have been the amazing show we envisioned without Matt Turnbull (Drums), Tommy Wainwright (Bass), Leon Massey (Guitar), Garth Harriman (Guitar) and our genius MD Rachel Crismale backing up on all things Keys.
All of our show aspects are slowly dropping in to place with our lighting designer Finn Appleton and his offsider and operator Craig Golding, which will be offset by the wizardry of all things tech managed by Dustin Kerr.
Our Stage Manager Dee Tune will most definitely have her hands full on this one as she will have trouble to run the show and not dance and sing along to the kind of magic that is Queen.
Anyways that’s enough babbling from me.
We are absolutely bursting with excitement to bring this show to the Coffs Coast, one thing always to remember ‘And for one brief shining moment, there was Rock!!’.
Greg Wilson Jnr (Director)
Rebecca Riches (costume designer) has been designing amazing costuming and will sure to bring our dark visions to life.
The band is back together, and this show would not have been the amazing show we envisioned without Matt Turnbull (Drums), Tommy Wainwright (Bass), Leon Massey (Guitar), Garth Harriman (Guitar) and our genius MD Rachel Crismale backing up on all things Keys.
All of our show aspects are slowly dropping in to place with our lighting designer Finn Appleton and his offsider and operator Craig Golding, which will be offset by the wizardry of all things tech managed by Dustin Kerr.
Our Stage Manager Dee Tune will most definitely have her hands full on this one as she will have trouble to run the show and not dance and sing along to the kind of magic that is Queen.
Anyways that’s enough babbling from me.
We are absolutely bursting with excitement to bring this show to the Coffs Coast, one thing always to remember ‘And for one brief shining moment, there was Rock!!’.
Greg Wilson Jnr (Director)
From the Secretary - Fiona Shaw
🎉 Exciting News from CHMCC! 🎉
We're thrilled to announce that we raised an incredible $1600 from the Jersey Boys raffle! Your support has been phenomenal, and we are so grateful for everyone who participated. The closing of Jersey Boys was a huge success, and it was wonderful to see the community come together to enjoy the show.
The excitement doesn't stop there! We Will Rock You held their auditions and successfully cast an amazing line-up of talented performers. Rehearsals have commenced, and the energy is electric. This is a show you won't want to miss. Tickets are available now on the Jetty Theatre website, so be sure to grab yours before they sell out!
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is taking place on August 10th at 1:30pm. This is a great opportunity to get involved, hear about our plans for the future, and contribute to the direction of CHMCC. More information can be found below. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
We are also offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals who would like to support CHMCC and have their ad featured in our We Will Rock You program. If you’re interested, please contact the secretary at [email protected], and our Sponsorship Prospectus will be emailed to you.
Furthermore, if you have a passion for directing and are interested in directing a show for our 2025 season, we want to hear from you! Please contact the company as soon as possible and visit our Submitting a Show Proposal page for more information on how to submit your ideas.
Thank you for your continued support! 🌟
We're thrilled to announce that we raised an incredible $1600 from the Jersey Boys raffle! Your support has been phenomenal, and we are so grateful for everyone who participated. The closing of Jersey Boys was a huge success, and it was wonderful to see the community come together to enjoy the show.
The excitement doesn't stop there! We Will Rock You held their auditions and successfully cast an amazing line-up of talented performers. Rehearsals have commenced, and the energy is electric. This is a show you won't want to miss. Tickets are available now on the Jetty Theatre website, so be sure to grab yours before they sell out!
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is taking place on August 10th at 1:30pm. This is a great opportunity to get involved, hear about our plans for the future, and contribute to the direction of CHMCC. More information can be found below. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
We are also offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals who would like to support CHMCC and have their ad featured in our We Will Rock You program. If you’re interested, please contact the secretary at [email protected], and our Sponsorship Prospectus will be emailed to you.
Furthermore, if you have a passion for directing and are interested in directing a show for our 2025 season, we want to hear from you! Please contact the company as soon as possible and visit our Submitting a Show Proposal page for more information on how to submit your ideas.
Thank you for your continued support! 🌟
Annual General Meeting
Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company's Annual General Meeting will occur on August 10th at 1:30pm. Location to be advised.
If you are a current (2024) financial member, information will be delivered to you 21 days before the AGM date via email.
If you would like to be a 2024 financial member, please visit our membership page and follow the prompts. Membership is $10 per person, or $20 for a family (2 adults and any dependents under 18).
Only Life members and 2024 financial members will be eligible to vote at the AGM or run for the 2024-2025 committee.
If you are a current (2024) financial member, information will be delivered to you 21 days before the AGM date via email.
If you would like to be a 2024 financial member, please visit our membership page and follow the prompts. Membership is $10 per person, or $20 for a family (2 adults and any dependents under 18).
Only Life members and 2024 financial members will be eligible to vote at the AGM or run for the 2024-2025 committee.
Coffs Coast WPAS ALL STARS
The Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, USA is the world’s largest celebration of young people performing musical theatre, and CHMCC are so incredibly proud to sponsor 6 up-and-coming performers, Shanaya, Josie , Ebony, Ella-Grace, Makaylah and Cleo, as they embark on the experience of a lifetime!
Late last year, these 6 individuals auditioned to be selected to attend the JTF in Atlanta in 2025, and out of over 1000 auditionees who applied for this experience, only 30 were selected, with 6 hailing from the Coffs Coast area! What an outstanding achievement!
If you would like to sponsor these performers, please email the Coffs Coast WPAS All Stars at [email protected]
You can also show your support by following them on Facebook, where they will be documenting their journey to Atlanta!
Late last year, these 6 individuals auditioned to be selected to attend the JTF in Atlanta in 2025, and out of over 1000 auditionees who applied for this experience, only 30 were selected, with 6 hailing from the Coffs Coast area! What an outstanding achievement!
If you would like to sponsor these performers, please email the Coffs Coast WPAS All Stars at [email protected]
You can also show your support by following them on Facebook, where they will be documenting their journey to Atlanta!
What happening in local theatre?
CHATS - A Vicar of Dibley Christmas: The Second Coming
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Directed by Jenny Garrett
The nations favourite chocolate loving Vicar and her beloved sidekicks are back, bringing the little village of Dibley to the stage. When Hugo and Alice return from their honeymoon, Alice finds she is putting on weight and turns to the Vicar for advice. After coping with the village quiz and organizing the week of Radio Dibley, Geraldine is desperately trying to bring the Dibley Parish Council to some order. Just when things couldn’t get any more bizarre in Dibley, Geraldine is stunned when Alice actually has a good idea. Why not put on a Nativity play? Why not indeed! What can possibly go wrong? A stage play adapted from the original TV series by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer. With kind permission of Tiger Aspect Productions. |
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NAIDU/ WPAS - BILLIE: Commercial Dance Show
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Watch the inspired music of teen phenomenon Billie Eilish brought to life through live commercial dance art! From the moment each dancer enters the stage, you will be transported to a world of electric visuals inspired by the pop goth queen herself!
Featuring many dance styles and performance art such as Contemporary, Lyrical, Commercial Jazz, Hip Hop, Acro, and more this 70-minute show is perfect for any aspiring dancer or lover of pop music, especially for those under 18! Hailing from the coastal town of Woolgoolga, NSW - Follow each dancer’s journey of self-discovery as they are framed by Billie’s own musical journey of growth and discovery. Creative Directors: Tegan Haley & Hayley Evans |
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Dorrigo Dramatic Club - Auditions for Blithe Spirit
The Players Theatre (Port Macquarie) - Legally Blonde
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Elle Woods thinks she is going on a “marriage proposal” date only to be dumped for not being “serious” enough. After a brief period of tears and Milky Ways, Elle picks herself up, sings, dances, and charms her way into Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back the love of her life. Jam packed with catchy, fun songs and dynamic dances we watch as Elle overcomes bias and stereotyping to discover herself and “ OH MY GOD” true love.
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The Criterion Theatre (Grafton) - Calendar Girls
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"CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL" by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth has its 1st Australian outing at Grafton's Criterion Theatre by arrangement with ORIGIN TM Theatrical.
The musical, based on the film" "CALENDAR GIRLS" by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi, tells the story of a group of rural women in England who raise funds for cancer by doing a nude calendar, with extraordinary results. The Criterion production (rated PG), directed by Mark Conaghan and Angela Clarke with Musical Director Jenny Worrell, is a cheeky, heart-warming story filled with gorgeous songs that captures the spirit of community. OPENING NIGHT - Wednesday August 7th - will be a fund-raiser for Grafton Base Hospital Oncology Unit. “Calendar Girls The Musical” is a coup for Grafton, as the Criterion production will mark the Australian premiere of this show following successful seasons on London's West End. Kate Joseph, who will appear in the show, was instrumental in securing this opportunity for our local community of stellar performers. It will see her team up once more with Mark Conaghan following their previous local collaborations on other contemporary musicals “If/Then” and “Next to Normal". |
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