Dear Members and Friends
It is hard to believe that we are already in September and fast approaching the end of the year! We are hard at work on our next production, IT’S SHOWTIME, and planning for our 2020 productions are under way. Read more about those below.
It is with great sadness that we record the death recently of Heather Earp-Jones, at her home in Onrus. Heather died peacefully on Friday 6 September after a long battle with cancer.
Although not able to be an active member in recent years, largely as a result of her illness, Heather has always been a stalwart supporter of Cape Town G and S of which she was an Honorary Life Member. Heather was a staunch member of the chorus and played a number of lead roles during her active time with G and S.
She made an enormous contribution to many productions through her inspired and dedicated work on costumes. Indeed, she served as Wardrobe Mistress for many years. In recent times, whenever her health has permitted Heather has been a loyal audience member at our productions.
A bubbly and engaging personality, Heather will be remembered fondly by all who knew and interacted with her through G and S. Perhaps most notably she will be remembered for the indomitable spirit and courage with which she met her recurring illness head on. She was determined not to let it get the better of her. Whilst her physical health continued to decline, Heather’s spirits remained buoyant and energetic. She provided succour and encouragement to many others who were also battling the scourge of cancer.
To her husband, Rogan, also an Honorary Life Member and former Chair, to her children Nicola and Brendan and to all her family, we extend our condolences and love. We know how much Heather will be missed but we rejoice that her struggle is over. Cape Town G and S is the poorer for her passing but the richer for having had her as part of our family. May she rest in peace.
Anthony Storr Lister
Heather’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 18 September at 15h00 at the Pinelands Presbyterian Church, St Stephens Road in Pinelands.
Introducing the Management Committee:
The Management Committee is tasked with executing strategies and decisions taken by the Board of Directors, and managing minor productions and organisational activities. The Management Committee is not elected by means of a popular vote. The Board of Directors, after careful consideration, appoints each portfolio member of the Management Committee.
The newly appointed Management Committee members are:
In addition to the abovementioned portfolios, the Board of Directors are calling for applicants to fill the following specialised portfolios, some falling under existing portfolios:
- Fundraising
- Social Media Manager
- Gaslight Editor
- Meeting Secretary (non-voting)
If you would like to be part of this energetic and motivated team, please send your Curriculum Vitae and motivational letter to info@gands.co.za.
Annual awards ceremony
The annual G&S awards evening will take place on Saturday 26 October at the Bishops Memorial Theatre in Rondebosch. The evening will include a few items from IT’S SHOWTIME (which is no excuse not to buy tickets for the show).
The awards ceremony will start at 19h30, with Fine Music Radio Station Manager and presenter, Mark Jennings, as Master of Ceremonies. The dress code is smart, and members are invited to join the winners and other guests after the ceremony for a snack and drink.
Seating for the event is reserved.
Please book your free ticket on Quicket by clicking here.
To view the full list of nominees please click here.
OPSKOP 2019
Advance warning of the Annual Opskop!
Traditionally the G&S Opskop is held on 16 December.
The Opskop is as relaxed gathering at which we enjoy the company of our fellow Savoyards in informal surroundings. It started as an opportunity for G&S members and their families to get together, enjoy each other’s company, and have fun.
In past years it has taken the form of a bring and braai at a member’s home, preferably one with a swimming pool. A time of fellowship and relaxation, often with reminiscences thrown in. At an appropriate juncture our anthem, “Hail Poetry”, is sung, usually so badly that Alastair cringes!
This year, we would like to find out from you what you would like for Opskop 2019!
Please click here to complete the Opskop 2019 survey.
IT'S SHOWTIME
Our next production, IT’S SHOWTIME, directed by Barend van der Westhuizen and choreographed by Jared Schaedler, will take place during the last week in October, at the Bishops Memorial Theatre in Rondebosch.
IT’S SHOWTIME brings the very best of musical theatre to life. This captivating production promises to be an emotional journey through the wonderful world of musicals that will leave the audience spell-bound. With beautiful and emotional ballads from Sunset Boulevard, The Secret Garden and Rent along with great up-beat favourites from Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd and Anything Goes, and many more, there is something in this show for everyone.
Get ready to be enthralled and sing along to all your favourite and beloved Musicals. If you have not yet bought your tickets for the 25th of October, it is sadly too late. The performance is SOLD OUT!
You have one more opportunity to see IT’S SHOWTIME. Due to popular demand we have added an additional performance on Thursday the 24th of October. If you hurry, you might still be able to buy tickets on Quicket by clicking here.
CALL FOR PRODUCTION PROPOSALS
The Management Committee would like to invite potential directors to make proposals for a minor production to be staged over April 2020. The proposed production can be either a musical or a play. Productions that will be considered must be suitable to be staged in smaller venues, similar to The Arena at ArtsCape, with minimal technical requirements.
Proposals must include the following:
- Production pitch.
- Set design ideas.
- Costume design ideas.
- Proposed venue.
- Production Budget.
Directors are invited to send their proposals to info@gands.co.za by 30 November 2019.
AUDITION NOTICE
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
We are delighted to announce that our major production for 2020 will be The Pirates of Penzance, which will be staged at the ArtsCape Theatre during June/July 2020. The production will be directed by Roché Haupt-Buckle, with musical direction by Alastair Cockburn.
Auditions will take place over the weekends of 2 & 3, and 9 & 10 November at ArtsCape.
Please read the audition notice carefully, specifically the role requirements, to make sure that you fit the profile stipulated by the Artistic Directors.
This production promises to be a Pirates of Penzance as never seen before
NEWS FROM OTHER SOCIETIES
Constantiaberg Theatre Players presents The Graduate.
The Graduate is an interesting story about Benjamin Braddock.
Benjamin has just finished college and is back at his parents` house, trying to avoid the one question everyone keeps asking: What does he want to do with his life? An unexpected diversion crops up when he is seduced by Mrs Robinson, a bored housewife and friend of his parents. But what begins as a fun tryst turns complicated when Benjamin falls for the one woman Mrs Robinson demanded he stay away from, her daughter, Elaine.
Get your tickets to see how the story unfold by clicking here.
Milnerton Players’ end of year musical revue, Sondheim’s putting it Together, is now fully cast and music rehearsals with MD, Chris Cameron-Dow, are well under way. Sondheim’s difficult music requires a musically experienced cast and the line-up, which includes no less than 4 regular G&S members, certainly meets that criteria.
Man 1 – Simon Speck, Woman 1 – Adriana Louw, Man 2 – Louis Fourie, Woman 2 – Lara Basson, Man 3 – Barend Van Der Westhuizen.
Putting it Together is ideal holiday entertainment. The show will run from 29 November to 14 December. To book tickets please click here.
Circle Productions are presenting their last session for the year of Be an Actor for a Day at the Masque Theatre in Muizenberg on 29 September.They have been running this unique “day in the theatre” programme for the last three years and have found that their participants, irrespective of experience, have thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and have come away with added skills and confidence. It has also given a fabulous opportunity to “backstagers” to tread the boards and enjoy the spotlight.This fun-filled workshop focusses on basic acting skills, character work and performance and is conducted by team members with over 30 years of community theatre experience.For an overview of the programme – including the costs and discount fee for G&S members and/or families, please click here.The booking form is available by clicking here, but keep in mind that bookings close on 23 September 2019.
Until the next issue, we hope to see you at IT’S SHOWTIME and the G&S Awards Evening.
Yours in theatre
G&S Mancom