THE YEAR IN REVIEW - Please take your seat
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A CHORUS LINE
The banner headlines read “Sold Out”. It’s been some time since we’ve had the pleasure of announcing a show was not only sold out but exceeded the capacity of the theatre! This was achieved by Council allowing WTC to sell reserved seating. The production team of Janina Hamerlok, Jess T as choreographer and Mark Pigot together with a remarkable cast of young enthusiastic dancers produced a finger snapping show that delighted both the audience and the box office! It goes to show that audiences like both nostalgia and dance and you got heaps of both in this production. Congrats team and cast on starting the year off to a mighty start.
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IS THAT A KNIFE
IN YOUR BACK?
The Banner headlines read once again “SOLD OUT”. This musical spoof written and directed by Joy Sweeney, tore at the heart of amateur theatre companies and the battle between the artistic side and the number crunchers on what show to put on. Staged at the Chatswood RSL Club, it proved to be the perfect location for this type of show and audiences lapped it up and spat out laughter and applause in plenty at this amazing musical review. Bravo Joy, Mark Pigot and a very select cast of 18.
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A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Considered by many a show that would be touch and go with public appeal we were rewarded by an astounding response from audiences resulting in a 77% capacity, far beyond our wildest dreams for a Stephen Sondheim show. Blessed with a stellar cast and backed by the palm court orchestra lead and arranged by Mark Pigot, the show was a winner with our audiences, and we thank you for your support.
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THE NORTHSIDE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Back by popular demand both by audiences and members alike, this year’s Spectacular was staged in the Chatswood RSL. Both the show and the location were ideal and our houses again were great. Shortened and more compact we welcomed Peter Hayward as MD who led his 15 piece orchestra with aplomb. The cast of 50 proved that current and traditional Christmas songs still delight audiences. Congratulations all round for a marvellous show.
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SPRING FESTIVAL
Not only were we busy with productions this year but we also spread our wings into the younger community by running a Music Theatre Workshop, Starstruck, in conjunction with the Willoughby Spring Fair. With 3 professional tutors and a bevy of talented kids the workshop culminated in our stars of the future performing on stage at the Spring Fair.
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WTC QUARTET
We have also formed a brilliant accapella quartet this year. Those of you who saw the Christmas Spectacular will remember their wonderful rendition of “The Christmas Song”. The quartet features Paul Chang, Rosemi Fitchett, Luke Davis and Gabby Bermingham. Keep your eyes peeled for more great performances from these talented young people in 2010.
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2010 - A Year of Song and Dance
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GREASE
Under the direction of Andrew Castle, Rebecca Foulcher and Rebekka Osborne (choreographer), this cast of very talented young people is busy already rehearsing and the March 2010 production in the Zenith will be a WOW! Featuring the fabulous songs Greased Lightning, Summer Nights, You’re the One That I Want etc Grease IS STILL the Word!
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CABARET COMPANY
Will be back for a 2 weekend season in June. This time it’s “Isn’t It Romantic” – tracing the music and lyrics of the great American composers, Kern, Gershwin, Porter and Berlin. Set in the 1930’s and accompanied by a grand piano and candlelight, keep an eye peeled for this elegant show at the Chatswood RSL.
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BACK TO THE 80'S
The totally awesome musical bringing back big shoulders, big hair and green eye shadow! Presented in August, this show has all the elements of fun and ‘did I wear that?” Just some of the great songs are Material Girl, Walking on Sunshine, Love Shack and Footlose.
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HOT SHOE SHUFFLE
Devised by the legendary David Atkins and Dean Perry, this tap dancing marvel of a show, features not one but seven tap dancing males and one female all singing the great songs of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. You are in for a treat of a show in November. Book early this has a limited season.
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Hi there and welcome to the second and long awaited issue of “Backstage” – The Willoughby Theatre Company eNewsletter to our theatre community.
WTC went into 2009 with some trepidation after the financial problems that had hit world wide late 2008. However, we tackled the year determined to be successful with careful planning and budgeting. The result was a busy but wonderful year for all involved and I have to thank my hard working, creative and enthusiastic committee for all their work.
Before we get carried away with the successes please allow me the opportunity to wish you and your family a very joyous Christmas season and a very healthy and happy 2010.
I know, we at WTC, are having a well earned break from a very hectic year.
See you all in 2010.
All the best,
Tom Sweeney
President
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Damian Bermingham (Camelot/Witches of Eastwick/Titanic) - Still performing as Amos Hart in Australian tour of CHICAGO
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Elise McCann (Witches of Eastwick)– principal in ‘Mamma Mia’
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Sean Andrews (Scarlett Pimpernel/ Titanic/ Sweeney Todd) – just finished touring in Asia with ‘Phantom of the Opera’
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Christy McInerney- Recently cast as the lead in Spring Awakening with Sydney Theatre Co.
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Scott Kimpton and Emily Talbot – Happily married by yours truly at Port Macquarie in a glittering ceremony and beautiful setting.
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Scenery Dilemma - Watch this Space!
After a few short years in our current Scenery Storage and Construction area at Ryde Rehabilitation Centre- we have to vacate by February 2010.
This places additional pressure on our resources both in time and an alternate location.
If anyone has some substantial space for either storage or scenery construction – please call Roger on 9481 8619. Soon!
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