A Man of No Importance
Our next show is in the theatre! Well, in rehearsal and we're getting very excited! Such a big cast it's a real hubbub with lots of energy and anticipation. Hope you've got your tickets?
A Man of No Importance opens 26 June and in the very capable hands of Barbara Hughes, Director, teamed up with Janet Provan, Musical Director, we're assured of a grand show. We're hearing that there is some wonderful four-part harmonies, great tunes and a couple of really poignant ballads. All from a show that's not been done very often. We're very excited.
Our May edition of Cues & News includes a communication with the show's full company in the form of the St Imelda's Players Newsletter, kindly shared by Director Barb. Now the newsletter was cranked out on an old Irish Gestetner machine and so we had to scan it. Unfortunately it is slightly blurred and so we include the full copy here to give you a clear version!
St Imelda’s Players Newsletter
Dear Parishioners,
Welcome to this, our first St Imelda’s Players newsletter.
Rehearsals for our next show, A Man of No Importance, are well underway. We started with three weeks of singing rehearsals at the home of Musical Director, Miss Janet Provan, while the theatre was being ‘exorcised’, and the choir are sounding splendid. Many thanks to our organists, Miss Sorcha Delaney and Miss Jennifer Lund. For the performances, Miss Provan, Miss Delaney and Miss Lund will be joined by Miss Emma Hunt on flute, tin whistle etc and Mr Patrick Slee on guitar. Our leading man, Mr Alfie Byrne (played by Tim Murphy) has been hard at work learning his many songs and lines. ‘How does he remember them all?’, I hear you ask. Practice, practice, practice! Mr Byrne is ably assisted by the rest of the Players – Robbie Fay (James Madsen-Smith), Lily Byrne (Caroline Wilson), Mr Carney (Adam Rafferty), Adele (Rebecca Symonds), Mrs Grace (Abi Richardson), Miss Crowe (Cathy Kohlen), Mrs Curtin (Jacqui McCallum), Rasher Flynn (Bob Harsley), Baldy O’Shea (Paul Batey), Ernie Lally (Peter Dennis), Mrs Patrick (Stacey-Louise Camilleri), Breton Beret (Tim Barsby), Sully (Patrick Slee), Peter (Matthew Provan-Koch), Oscar Wilde (Ellis Ebell) and Father Kenny (Brian Christopher). Father Kenny is also leading our set building team. If you would like to assist, please ring him on 0458 134 469. Set building takes place every Saturday. I myself am designing the set along with Miss Loraine Callow. Mr Jason Bovaird will be providing the evocative lighting. Our ever-reliable Mr Alex Begg is Stage Manager and Mr Andrew Wild will be operating lighting and sound. Mr Roger Forsey will be providing technical assistance and doing whatever it is that he does. And Miss Bronwyn Vandali, ably assisted by Mr Tony Tartaro, is providing our truly splendid costumes.
Mrs Curtin has kindly agreed to come out of retirement to choreograph. Many of you will remember Mrs Curtin as Tiny Maureen O’Meara when she starred in the Dublin Music Hall. As well as assisting me with direction and props, Miss Maria Haughey is keeping an eye on our accents and making sure we are all on the same ‘bus’. And Mrs Robyn Legge and Miss Judi Clark will no doubt be kept busy shortly answering the call of ‘Prompt!’.
We do hope you come along to enjoy our lovely show. Tickets are limited but if you ring our Ticket Secretary on 0447 340 665 he may be able to assist you or add you to the waiting list. Payment required on booking please.
DO YOU, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW, PLAY THE FIDDLE? Our little band needs a good fiddle player. So, if you or anyone you know who would like to join our lovely show please give me a ring on 0417 589 015. OPEN REHEARSAL Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday 26th May from 3.30pm at the theatre, 2 Albert St, Williamstown, for the Open Rehearsal. See the Players in action then join us for refreshments, kindly supplied by the ladies of the Parish. Blessings upon you all,
Miss Barbara Hughes Parish Secretary (and Director)