We are very proud at BOS of our long tradition of performing both
operas and musicals. Since 1981 we have presented at least one
major production each year.
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Monday, 8th May to Saturday, 13th May, 2006
Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Andrew Bird
Synopsis
8th to 13th May 2005 - Oklahoma
This well known and well loved show is set in
the Indian territory at the turn of the century when cattlemen and
farmers were fighting over fences and water rights. In the middle of
that controversy are two more rivalries. One between a cowboy called
Curly and a hired hand named Jud, both in love with Laurey. The second
involves Ado Annie, Will and Ali Hakim, a trio that will provide plenty
of laughs!
The music and lyrics have proven to be some of the best in musical
theatre with songs that include "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning", "The
Surrey with the Fringe on Top", People Will Say We're in Love, "I Can't
Say No", "Oklahoma! and many more, making this a musical treat for all
the family.
Book and Lyrics by L Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber Music by Noel
Gay.
Monday, 9th May to Saturday, 14th May, 2005
Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Andrew Bird
Synopsis
Everything changes suddenly for a happy-go
lucky Cockney man who learns that he's the only heir to an earl's
enormous fortune and title. But there is a catch - in order to get it,
he must convince the snooty, aristocratic executors that he can become a
proper gentleman - and he must give up his girl!
Monday, 10th May to Saturday, 15th May, 2004
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Andrew Bird
Major General Stanley: George Brooks
The Pirate King: Roger Hanke
Samuel: Geoffrey Wootton
Frederic: J. Paul Murdoch
Sergeant of Police: Ian G Cox
Ruth: Judith Horton
Mabel: Sue Troth
Edith: Sue Bills
Kate: Sheena Orchin
Isobel: Karen Perry
Synopsis
The Pirates of Penzance are celebrating the 21st
birthday of their apprentice, Frederic. In the middle of the party he
shocks them by announcing his departure, explaining that his joining
them has been a terrible mistake. His nursemaid, Ruth, being slightly
deaf, had thought she had to apprentice him to a Pirate, but it should
have been a Pilot! Never having seen another woman, Frederic agrees to
marry Ruth: after all, she has assured him she is beautiful. Thye
arrival on the beach of Major-General Stanley's many daughters awakens
him to the delights of young ladies and he reaslises that Ruth has lied
to him. He is furious, and spurns her for Mabel, the only daughter who
accepts his love. The pirates, meanwhile, creep upon the girls, seeing
an ideal opportunity to get themselves wives. As they are carrying off
the none-too reluctant girls, the Major-General himself arrives and
realises he must act quickly to save the honour of his daughters. Having
heard the rumour that the pirates never harm orphans, the crafty
Major-General tearfully announces that he is an orphan and the
tender-hearted pirates immediately let them all go with an invitation
for them to become honorary pirates instead.
The opening of Act 2 finds a guilt-stricken Major-General amongst the
tombs of his ancestors. He is worried that the lie he told to secure his
daughters' safety will bring dishonour on the family name. Frederic
tells him not to worry. He is now a pillar of the community and is
determined to wipe out the pirates once and for all. He summons the
local constabulary, but they are not at all anxious to confront the
pirates. Frederic's carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when
the Pirate King and Ruth turn up again. They inform him that he should
still be a pirate because he was apprenticed to them until his 21st
birthday. They further explain to the bemused Frederic that,
paradoxically, he was born on February 29th and was, therefore, only 5.
Always aware of his duty, Frderic sadly agrees to rejoin them and the
heroic Mabel promises to wait for him until he comes of age in 1940. She
exhorts the faint-hearted policemen to deal with the pirates, but they
would much sooner be taking life easy! They are quickly overpowered by
the pirates and are only saved when the pirates respond to the demands
to give themselves up in the name of the Queen. Such devotion is
explained as Ruth tells the Major-General that they are noblemen who
have gone wrong, and all ends happily as the pirates and the girls are
re-united.
Song List
Act 1:
Pour, oh pour the pirate sherry (Pirates &
Samuel)
When Fred'ric was a little lad (Ruth)
Oh, better far to live and die ( Pirate King &
Pirates)
Oh! false one, you have deceived me (Ruth &
Frederic)
Monday, 13th May to Saturday, 18th May, 2002
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Malcolm Procter
The Mikado Of Japan: Ian G Cox
Nanki-Poo (his son): J Paul Murdock
Ko-Ko (Lord High Executioner): Roger Hanke
Pooh-Bah (Lord High Everything Else): George
Brooks
Pish-Tush (a Nobel Lord): Alan Wagstaff
Yum Yum (a sister): Sue Troth
Pitti-Sing (a second sister): Karen Perrey
Peep-Bo (a third sister): Jan Harvey
Katisha (An elderly Lady in love with Nanki-Poo):
Judith Horton
Synopsis
Nanki-Poo is in love with Yum-yum,
butpreferred banishment to an enforced marriage to Katisha, a lady
somewhat older than himself. He has become a wandering minstrel and
returns to Titipu in disguise only to find his loved one on the eve of
her marriage to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner. Nanki-Poo reveals his
true identity to her and makes it clear how he would woo her if she were
not plighted to Ko-Ko
Ko-Ko has his own problems and has been under sentance of death for
flirting! He also learns that he will lose his position if he doesn't
execute someone within a month. Nanki-Poo is persuaded to offer his own
head in exchange for a month of connubial bliss with Yum-Yum. Yum-Yum's
ardour for Nanki-Poo is somewhat reduced, however, when she discovers
that the wife of a beheaded husband is buried alive!
The feared Mikado arrives with Katisha and Ko-Ko falsley tells the
Mikado that the execution has already taken place, as he has been too
cowardly to behead anyone. Katisha discloses who Nanki-Poo really was,
the heir to the thrown, Ko-Ko has thus beheaded the heir and must
therefore die.
Ko-Ko persuades Katisha to accept his hand in marriage, brings
Nanki-Poo 'back to life', and, of course, as there has to be a happy
ending, Nanki-Poo ends up with his beloved Yum-Yum.
Song List
Act 1:
If You Want To Know Who We Are (Mens Chorus)
A Wand'ring Minstrel I (Nanki-Poo)
Our Great Mikado, Virtuos Man (Pish-Tush and
Chorus)
Young Man, Dispair, Likewise Go To (Pooh-Bah
with Nanki-Poo and Pish-Tush)
And I Have Journey'd For A Month (Nanki-Poo and
Pooh-Bah)
Behold the Lord High Executioner (Ko-Ko)
As Some Day It May Happen (Ko-Ko with Mens
Chorus)
Comes A Train Of Little Ladies (Ladies Chorus)
Three Little Maids From School (Yum-Yum,
Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing with Ladies Chorus)
So Please You, Sir, We Much Regret (Yum-Yum,
Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing and Pooh-Bah with Ladies Chorus)
Were You Not To Ko-Ko Plighted (Yum-Yum and
Nanki-Poo)
I Am So Proud (Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah and Pish-Tush)
With Aspect Stern And Gloomy Stride (All)
Act 2:
Braid The Raven Hair (Pitti-Sing with Ladies
Chorus)
The sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze (Yum-Yum)
Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day (Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing,
Nanki-Poo and Pish-Tush)
Here's A How-De-Do! If I Marry You (Yum-Yum,
Nanki-Poo and Ko-Ko)
Mi-ya-sa-ma, Mi-ya-sa-ma (Chorus, Mikado and
Katisha)
A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exsist
(Mikado and Chorus)
The Criminal Cried As He Dropped Him Down (Pitti-Sing,
Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah and Chorus)
See How The Fates Their Gifts Allot (Pitti-Sing,
Katisha, Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah and Mikado)
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring (Nanki-Poo
and Ko-Ko with Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing and Pooh-Bah)
Alone, And Yet Alive (Katisha)
On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-Tit Sang,
Willow, Tit-Willow (Ko-Ko)
There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of A Blast (Katisha
and Ko-Ko)
Music by Johann Strauss.
New Libretto by Phil Park.
Monday, 14th May to Saturday, 19th May,
2001
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Malcolm Procter
Rosalinda Eisenstein: Judith Horton
Gabriel Eisenstein: George Brooks
Adele (the maid): Sue Troth
Doctor Falke (The 'Bat' of the story): J Paul
Murdock
Alfred (an opera singer): Roger Hanke
Frank (governor of the prison): Ron Smith
Prince Orlofsky (a blasé millionaire): Karen
Perrey
Doctor Blint (a lawyer): Ian G Cox
Frosch (a bibulous police sergeant): Alan
Wagstaff
Ida (Adele's sister): Gill Rowland
Mitzi (a housemaid): Jan Harvey
Ivan (Orlofsky's major domo): Roger Flinn
Synopsis
Baron Eisenstein has been sentenced to a
week's imprisonment for contempt of court. Before he goes to jail, he's
persuaded to go, in disguise, to a ball being given by Prince Orlofsky.
Three years earlier, Falke, disguised as a bat for a fancy-dress ball,
was made to walk home in broad daylight as a joke by Eisenstein and ever
since he has been plotting his revenge. Rosalinda sees her husband
depart, as she thinks, for prison, and admits her lover, Alfred. The
prison governor arrives to collect Eisenstein and assumes Alfred to be
him. To protect Rosalinda's reputation, Alfred volunteers to be taken
off to prison as Eisenstein.
At the ball given by Prince Orlofsky, Adele, wearing one of her
mistress's gowns, has gate-crashed the ball. Baron Eisenstein flirts
outrageously with her, watched by his wife, whom Falke has disguised as
a Hungarian Countess. The Baron then turns his attentions to the
mysterious Countess, who manages to get a hold of his watch during their
tete-a-tete. The ball ends in praise of champagne and all swearing
eternal friendship. The clock strikes six in the morning and Gabriel and
Frank go their separate ways to prison.
Eisenstein arrives at the prison to begin his prison sentence. He is
amazed to find he is being impersonated by Alfred and furious when he
discovers his wife has a lover. Rosalinda counters with the watch the
'Countess' obtained at the ball and his flirting with their maid Adele!
Falke arrives to explain it was all a joke to get his revenge. Champagne
is blamed for the confusion and champagne is drunk to celebrate
reconciliation.
Song List
Act 1:
Life Is A Song (Adele, Alfred and Chorus)
Never Go To Law (Gabriel, Rosalinda and Blint)
What A Night (Falke and Gabriel)
How Sad We Are (Rosalinda, Gabriel and Adele)
Here's To Love (Alfred, Rosalinda, Frank and
Chorus)
A Married Couple, A Home Serence (Rosalinda,
Alfred, Frank and Chorus)
Finale Act One (Rosalinda, Alfred, Frank and
Chorus)
Act 2:
What A Feast (Chorus)
Chacun A Son Gout (Orlofsky and Chorus)
The Laughing Song (Adele, Orlofsky, Falke,
Gabriel and Chorus
Homeland (Rosalinda and Chorus)
The Tick Tock Polka (Gabriel and Rosalinda)
Champagne (Ensemble)
Merci, Merci, Merci (Ensemble)
Brother Mine (Ensemble)
Finale Act Two (Ensemble)
Act 3:
After The Ball (Frank)
How Can You Be So Ungallant (Adele and Chorus)
The Legal Profession (Rosalinda, Alfred and
Gabriel)
Finale Act Three (Ensemble)
What The Press Said
Die Fledermaus
A very accomplished cast very well performed a fine production of the
evergreen opera. Judith Horton was an outstanding "Rosalinda" and sang
quite beautifully. George Brooks "Gabriel" and Paul Murdock "Falke" were
both excellent and Roger Hanke an exuberant and comic "Alfred". Sue
Troth "Adele" sang delightfully and Ron Smith "Frank" gave a
distinguished humerous performance. All the smaller parts were well
played with a wonderfull drunken cameo from Alan Wagstaffe "Froche",
Karren Perrey "Orlovsky" also did well in her first role. Backed by a
strong chorus and an accomplished orchestra the whole evening was a
musical feast.
Monday, 10th May to Saturday, 15th May, 1999
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
The Yeomen Of The Guard saw a return to the works of
Gilbert and Sullivan after a four year absence, and a return of Roberta
Morell as director.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Alan Biddle
Elsie Maynard (A Strolling Singer): Sue Thomas
Jack Point (A Strolling Jester): J. Paul
Murdoch
Coloner Fairfax (Under Sentence Of Death): Mike
Faulkner
Sergent Meryll (Of The Yeomen Of The Guard):
George Brooks
Phoebe Meryll (Sergent Meryll's Daughter):
Lynda Dunn
Leonard Meryll (Sergent Meryll's Son): Roger
Hanke
Dame Carruthers (Housekeeper Of The Tower): Sue
Bills
Wilfred Shadbolt (Head Jailer): Malcolm Dunn
Sir Richard Cholmondeley (Lieutenant Of The
Tower): Ian G. Cox
Kate (Dame Carruthers' Niece): Jan Harvey
1st Yeoman: Arthur Bowkett
2nd Yeoman: David Holland
1st Citizen: Roger Hanke
2nd Citizen: Dave Shaw
The Priest: Derek Lamb
The Headsman: Ron Perry
Synopsis
Colonel Fairfax, a recognised war hero, is to
be executed on Tower Green - falsely accused of sorcery by a relative
who stands to inherit his estate. Sergeant Meryll awaits the return of
his son, Leonard, from the wars, hoping that he will bring with him a
reprieve for the Colonel. When Leonard returns with no reprieve the two
of them along with Sergeant Meryll's daughter, Phoebe, hatch a plan to
rescue the Colonel from the tower. Whilst being transfered to the death
cell, Fairfax requests that Sir Richard Cholmondeley, the Lieutenant of
the Tower find him a wife for his last hours of life and thus thwart his
relative's ploy.
Meanwhile, two travelling players, Jack point and Elsie Maynard,
arrive at the Tower to put on a show in the hope of raising some money
to help Elsie's sick mother. After their performance the crowds get
over-boisterous, and when the Lieutenant arrives to restore order he
offers Elsie the opportuninity to marry the condemned man for a payment
of 100 crowns. Elsie, in need of the money, agrees to the plan and is
led away blindfolded to marry a man she will never see.
Phoebe, using her powers over the infatuated head jailer, Shadbolt,
manages to free Fairfax, and, with the real Leonard in hidding, Fairfax
takes on his identity. When the execution is due to take place his
absence is discovered.
Two days have passed with no sign of the prisoner. Shadbolt is
desperate to clear his name, and Point wants the hand of (the now
married) Elsie, so they decide to lie and claim to have shot the fleeing
prisoner. The disguised Fairfax discovers that it is Elsie that he has
married, but cannot tell her who he is. Point attempts to woo Elsie, but
Fairfax ridicules him and, showing him how it should be done, wins her
heart instead. Shadbolt realises what is going on when Phoebe becomes
jealous of Elsie and Fairfax disguised as Leonard. In order to keep the
secret, Phoebe agrres to marry Shadbolt.
The Real Leonard now returns with Fairfax's reprieve, and Fairfax is
now able to reveal his true identity. Dame Carruthers, the Tower
housekeeper, learns of the plot and uses the information to force
Sergeant Meryll to marry her. When Elsie is told that the man that she
married is still alive she can no longer marry Leonard she resigns
herself to life with her husband. She is overjoyed, however, when they
meet and she finds out that they are the same person.
This only leaves the heart-broken Jack Point...
Song List
Act 1:
When Maiden Loves She Sits And Sighs (Phoebe)
Tower Warders Under Orders (Citezens & Yeomen)
This Is The Autumn Of Our Life (2nd Yeoman &
Chorus)
When Our Gallant Norman Foes (Dame Carruthers &
Yeomen)
Alas! I Waver To And Fro (Phoebe, Leonard, &
Sergeant Meryll)
Is Life A Boon? (Colonel Fairfax)
Here's A Man Of Jollity! (Crowd, Elsie & Point)
I Have A Song To Sing, O! (Elsie & Point)
How Say You Maiden, Will You Wed? (Elsie, Point
& Lieutenant)
Hark! What Was That, Sir? (Elsie, Phoebe, Dame
Carruthers, Fairfax, Wilfred, Point, Lietenant, Sergeant Meryll &
Chorus)
A Man Who Would Woo A Fair Maiden (Elsie,
Phoebe & Fairfax)
When A Wooer Goes A Woo-ing (Elsie, Phoebe,
Fairfax & Point)
Come The Pretty Young Bride (All)
What The Press Said
The Yeomen Of The Guard
An exceptional Yeoman and everyone involved should be thrilled with
it. Roberta Morrell's imaginative and innovative production was a joy.
Crowd and chorus scenes were particularly impressive and every principle
was excellent. To enjoy G&S to the full it is essential that every word
spoken or sung is heard and the cast fully met this requirement. It
would be totally unfair to single out any principle as every part, small
and large was superbly played. The orchestra, sets, and costumes matched
the high standards of the production and performance. Congratulations
BOS it was superb.
Review by Trevor Guest for NODA News, 1999
Time to salute energetic cast
A lively performance of The Yeomen of the Guard by the cast members
of Bromsgrove Operatic Society delighted the Spadesbourne Suite
audience.
With a backdrop of the Tower of London plus colourful costumes,
Gilbert and Sullivan's occasionally raucous tale of unrequited love was
brought to life through dance and song.
The cast of beefeaters, peasants and gentry, in bright and authentic
costume, were very professional and everyone on stage was in high
spirits.
Special mentions go to producer Roberta Morrell, the orchestra,
conducted by Alan Biddle, and Sue Thomas, who, as Elsie Maynard, stole
the show with her sweet voice.
I also enjoyed J.Paul Murdock's energetic performance as Jack Point,
the crazy jester.
Review by Sarah Chambers for the Bromsgrove
Messenger, 27th May 1999
Bravo to performers
Through your paper I would like to congratulate Bromsgrove Operatic
Society on its recent production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Yeoman of the
Guard.
I was among a party which thoroughly enjoyed a really good evening's
entertainment, performed at a truly professional level.
The performance was polished and sparkling. The musicians were
sensitive to the changing moods of the work, the set and costumes were
excellent, the principals most accomplished in their roles and obviously
supported by an excellent team both on and off the stage. On leaving the
Spadesbourne Suite, all one could overhear were comments of
congratulation and enjoyment.
With a local society performing at this standard, one has no need to
travel further afield.
Mrs K Pitt - Letter to
the Bromsgrove Messenger, 27th May 1999
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Book by Howard Lindsey and Russell
Crouse.
Monday, 11th May to Saturday, 16th May, 1998
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
This was the first (and only to date) show under the
direction of Paul Milton.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director and Choreographer: Paul Milton
Musical Director: Alan Biddle
Sally Adams: Lynda Dunn
Cosmo Constantine: Malcolm Dunn
Kenneth Gibson: J. Paul Murdoch
Princess Maria: Sue Thomas
Sebastian Sebastian: Mike Faulkner
Pemberton Maxwell: George Brooks
Hugo Tantinnin: David Shaw
Miss Phillips: Pam Crawley
Grand Duchess Sophie: Hillary Holland
Grand Duke Otto: Ian G. Cox
Henry Gibson: Norman Briers
Secretary Of State Acheston: Frank Fawcett
Senator Gallagher: David Holland
Congressman Wilkins: John Teece
Senator Brockbank: David Pavely
Synopsis
Sally Adams, a brash Washington hostess, is
suprisingly made ambassador to Lichtenburg, a small and very poor Duchy
in central Europe. She appoints Kenneth Gibson as her young assistant to
go with her as a political favour to his father.
Her brash approach is disconcerting to the rather stuffy society of
Lichtenburg, except to Cosmo Constantine, the Foreign Minister, who
falls in love with her. Cosmo is an idealist who does not want his
country 'Americanised', unlike his political opponents who would dearly
like a dollar grant.
Sebastian, the wily Prime Minister, tricks Sally into obtaining a loan
much to the dismay of Cosmo, who resigns, causing a general election.
Meanwhile, the other love interest between the Princess Maria and
Kenneth is promoted by Sally, which puts her in disfavour with the Grand
Duke and Duchess. Sally also commits the cardinal diplomatic sin of
campaigning for Cosmo in the elections. This interference in the
politics of another country results in her being recalled to Washington
in disgrace.
Kenneth and the Princess marry and Kenneth builds a hydro-electric plant
which solves Lichtenburg's economic problems.
Cosmo is elected as Prime Minister and on a state visit to America
proposes to Sally.
Song List
Act 1:
Mrs Sally Adams (Ensemble)
The Hostess with the Mostess (Sally)
Washington Square Dance (Sally & Ensemble)
Lichtenburg (Cosmo)
Can You Use Any Money Today (Sally)
Marrying For Love (Cosmo & Sally)
The Ocharina (Maria, Maxwell & Ensemble)
It's A Lovely Day Today (Kenneth & Maria)
The Best Thing For You Would Be (Sally)
Act 2:
Something to Dance About (Sally and Ensemble)
Once Upon A Time Today (Kenneth)
They Like Ike (Wilkins, Brockbank & Gallagher)
You're Just In Love (Kenneth & Sally)
It's A Lovely Day Today - reprise (Kenneth &
Maria)
Mrs Sally Adams - reprise (Ensemble)
You're Just In Love - reprise (Kenneth & Sally)
Irving Berlin
Born May 11th 1888, Temum, Siberia, Russia.
Died May 11th 1989, New York aged 101.
Originaly named Isreal Isadore Baline.
Call Me Madam was Irving Berlin's follow up to Annie Get Your Gun, And
was first staged in 1950. He is best remembered, however, for the
biggest selling song of all time, White Christmas.
What The Press Said
Song for Europe
Common Market developements have tended to date the story about the
USA coming to the financial rescue of a struggling European country -
with or without the help of the impressionable Ambassador Sally Adams.
The musical's major asset, however, is the timeless popularity of
Irving Belin's catchy songs. Coupled with appealing performances by
leading cast members the outcome is a value for money package.
Lynda Dunn's warm personality makes her an obvious choice as the
American Ambassador sent to help struggling Lichtenburg. She strike a
happy medium between brash dominance and subtle persuasion.
Sue Thomas has a sweet singing voice as Princess Maria and Malcolm
Dunn (Cosmo), J. Paul Murdoch, George Brooks and Mike Faulkner are
prominent performers.
Review by Pete Swingler for the Birmingham Evening
Mail
Call Me Madam
This is not one of Irving Berlin's (or mine) most popular shows but
this production was by far the best I have seen, Lynda Dunn "Sally" and
real life husband Malcolm "Cosmo" were excellent and led a very strong
cast. Paul Murdock "Kenneth" was also outstanding and has a very good
baritone range. Sue Thomas was a lovely "Princess Maria". The other
principals and chorus together with excellent orchestral backing
completed a most accomplished performance. Thank you Bromsgrove for a
very enjoyable evening.
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter. Original book by P.G.Wodehouse and
Guy Bolton. New book by Timothy Crouse, John Weidman, Howard Lindsay and
Russell Crouse.
Monday, 12th May to Saturday, 17th May, 1997
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Musical Director: Alan Biddle
Reno Sweeney: Lynda Dunn
Hope Harcourt: Sue Thomas
Sir Evelyn Oakleigh: Malcolm Dunn
Billy Crocker: J. Paul Murdoch
Moonface Martin: George Brooks
Erma: Tracey Jarvis
Elisha Whitney: John Teece
Evangeline Harcourt: Hilary Holland
Captain: Ian G. Cox
Purser: Dave Pavely
Henry T. Dobson: David Shaw
John: David Holland
Luke: Kath Walker
Fred the Bartender: Peter Hensman
Young Girl: Gill Rowlands
Young Sailor: Steve Stanier
Sailors Quartet: Alan Bailey, Phil Fidoe, John
Wheeler, Andie Moore
Synopsis
In a Manhattan bar short-sighted millionaire
Elisha Whitney meets his assistant Billy Crocker who has organised his
boss's transatlantic trip. Reno Sweeney, a club singer, arrives angrily
as Billy has stood her up, and Billy admits to her that he loves
another.
The S.S. American is about to set sail and Billy arrives just in time
to deliver Whitney's passport. Evangeline Harcourt, an old flame of
Whitney's is also on board with her daughter, Hope, and Hope's fiance,
Sir Evelyn Oakliegh. They plan to marry on board. This news is
devastating for Billy as it is Hope that he secretly loves. In
desperation he stows away.
Also on board are two more stow aways, world renound gangster
Moonface Martin, and his moll, Erma. They help Billy out with a fake
passport, and also steal Whitney's glasses so that he cannnot discover
Billy's presence on board. As Billy and Moonface work there way through
a number of disguises to prevent capture, Reno falls for Sir Evelyn.
Billy and moonface are caught, but Billy has Moonface's passport, and
instead of being locked up he is used to satisfy the passengers hunger
for celebrities as the ships biggest star.
When Reno puts on a show for the passengers, she asks for those
present to confess their sins. Sir Evelyn, to Hope's horror, confesses
to a fling with a chineese girl, and Billy confesses his true identity.
He and moonface are locked up.
Two chineese converts are also locked away for gambling, and Billy
and Moonface, after a quick game of strip poker, steal their cloths and
escape. They arrive at the wedding in disguise and manage to break it
up. A quick switch around and a triple wedding takes place instead with
Hope and Billy, Reno and Evelyn and Evangeline and Whitney getting
married.
Song List
Act 1:
I Get a Kick Out of You (Reno)
There's No Cure Like Travel (Sailors and
Passengers)
Bon Voyage (Sailors and Passengers)
You're the Top (Reno & Billy)
Easy to Love (Billy & Hope)
The Crew Song (Elisha Whitney)
There'll Always be a Lady Fair Friendship
(Quartet)
It's Delovely (Billy & Hope)
Anything Goes (Reno & Company)
Act 2:
Public Enemy Number One (Captain, Purser &
Company)
Blow, Gabriel, Blow (Reno & Company)
Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye (Hope)
The Gypsey in Me (Evelyn)
Be Like a Bluebird (Moonface)
All Through the Night (Billy & Hope)
Buddie Beware (Erma and Quartet)
I Get a Kick Out of You (Reno, Evelyn, Billy &
Chorus)
Anything Goes (Company)
What The Press Said
Steam Ahead
... Expressive and motivated stowaway J Paul Murdock reveals his
vocal talents with Easy To Love and he has excellent singing partners in
Sue Thomas (Hope) and Lynda Dunn (Reno).
Malcolm Dunn's Sir Evelyn is comical, but it is George Brooks who
makes the most of his part as the gregarious gangster.
Review by Pete Swingler for the Birmingham Evening
Mail
Only The Best!
Anything Goes! certainly doesn't apply to Bromsgrove Operatic
Society's most recent production. The show should have been re-titled
'only the best!' as principle characters, chorus, costume, casting,
choreography and orchestra were all excellent.
Not one word of criticism was heard from the audience, only people
singing the refrains. I have rarely seen a show of this calibre off the
professional stage.
Review by Julie Ward for the Bromsgrove Advertiser
Art & Entertainment: Amateur Theatre
... It is always good to see amateur performers showing total
professionalism in handling unexpected moments.
Paul Murdock, in the central role of Billy Crocker in Bromsgrove
Operatic Society's dynamic production of Anything Goes last week,
accidentally dropped his pencil into the orchestra on saurday night,
while disguised as a sailor taking notes from his shortsighted boss,
from whome he is hiding, aboard ship.
Totally unfazed, he shrugged - and threw his notebook after it.
Then, on his next entrance, complaining in accordance with the script
that he has nearly been nabbed by his boss, he added, "My notepad and
pencil go overboard" - and returned to the script with, "... and
everybody's pointing at me in this stupid disguise."
He recieved well deserved applause - as he had done a few years ago,
after a fall during the tango in Bromsgrove's Viva Mexico! caused an
injury which necessitated his ending the week as comic bad man Pepe with
an arm in a sling.Thereafter, he found the opportunity to refer to
himself as a one-armed bandit. It's called thinking on your feet, and
some people find it easier to do than others.
Art & Entertainment Column by John Slim for the
Birmingham Post
Anything Goes
I liked this production by Roberta Morrell, she always manages to get
the best out of the performers and with such experienced people as J.
Paul Murdock playing "Billy" and George Brooks as "Moonface", the show
went with a swing all the way through. The girls looked good and sang
well as did Malcolm Dunn as "Evelyn Oakleigh". The minor principals and
chorus gave them good support and with an excellent set and costumes
this turned out to be an excellent evening's entertainment.
Adapted by Ronald Hanmer and Phil Park from a stage play by Chrles K.
Freeman after the Warner Bros. film written by James O'Hanlon. Music by
Sammy Fain. Lyrics by Paul Fancis Webster.
Monday, 13th May to Saturday, 17th May, 1996
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Stephen Duckham
Musical Director: Alan Biddle
Calamity Jane: Karen Hartley
Wild Bill Hickock: Kevin Hirons
Lt. Danny Gilmartin: Craig Calder
Katie Brown: Sonia Bethell
Henry Miller: George Brooks
Susan: Jennifer Proctor
Francis Fryer: J. Paul Murdoch
Adelaide Adams: Hilary Holland
Rattlesnake: Frank Fawcett
Doc Pierce: David Shaw
Joe: John Teece
Hank: David Holland
Pete: Alan Bailey
Colonel: Ian G. Cox
Synopsis
One of the legendary figures of the Old West,
Calamity Jane lives in Deadwood and rides shotgun on the stage-coach
between Deadwood and Chicago. She dresses as a man, drinks like a man
and can shoot better than most men. Although there is an element of
truth in her adventures, the number of Indians shot and brave soldiers
saved by her have led the townspeople to feel that she is "careless with
the truth"!
Despite her outward toughness she has fallen for Lieutenant Danny
Gilmartin and also, to a lesser extent, Wild Bill Hickock, a gambler.
Henry Miller is the owner of the Golden Garter Saloon and is
anxiously awaiting actress Frances Fryer booked to perform that night.
His anxiety increases when she does not arrive on the stage-coach. Due
to a booking error a song and dance man Francis Fryer arrives instead,
not what Miller's red blooded customers would want. To dispel a riot
Miller persuades Fryer to do a female impersonation. This is a disaster
but Calamity saves the day (and Miller's hide) by promising the angry
audience she will go to Chicago and fetch Adelaide Adams, a famous start
of vaudeville.
In Chicago, Calamity mistakes Adelaide Adams' maid, Katie Brown, for
the great star. Stage-struck Katie seizes the chance to break into show
business by agreeing to perform at the Golden Garter. Her impersonation
of Adelaide flops, but Calamity calms the audience and, given a second
chance, Katie performs her own act and becomes the toast of Deadwood.
Katie and Calamity become good friends and Katie moves into
Calamity's cabin in the beautiful Black Hills of Dakota. Danny and Bill
have fallen for Katie and visit the cabin to seek her favour. A ball at
Fort Scully promotes an opportunity for the four of them to go as a
foursome, with Calamity in a borrowed gown, revealing her feminine side
and becoming the belle of the ball.
Danny finds himself alone with Katie, and declares his love for her.
Katie although worried about Calamity, is overcome by passion and they
fondly embrace and kiss. Calamity discovers them and flies into a rage,
ordering Katie to get out of town.
Calamity sets back to her cabin to throw Katie's belongings out, but
on the trail with Wild Bill she discovers her "Secret Love" for him, and
yes, you can guess, it all ends with wedding bells. But for how many
weddings?
Song List
Act 1:
The Deadwood Stage (Calamity & Company)
Careless With The Truth (Calamity, Bill & Men)
Adelaide (Bill & Men)
Ev'ry one Complains About The Weather (Fryer)
Men (Calamity & Women)
Hive Full of Honey (Fryer)
I Can Do Without You (Calamity & Bill)
It's Harry I'm Planning To Marry (Adelaide &
Men)
It's Harry I'm Planning To Marry (Reprise)
(Katie)
Adelaide (Reprise) (Men)
Windy City (Calamity & Company)
Keep It Under Your Hat (Katie)
Keep It Under Your Hat (Reprise) (Katie &
Company)
Careless With The Truth (Reprise) (Company)
Act 2:
A Woman's Touch (Calamity & Katie)
Higher Than a Hawk (Bill)
The Black Hills of Dakota (Company)
Love You Dearly (Danny & Katie)
Men (Reprise) (Calamity & Bill)
Secret Love (Calamity)
Secret Love (Reprise) (Bill & Calamity)
Finale (Company)
What The Press Said
Hotshot is on Target
The success of this popular musical depends on the strength of the
actress playing the part of the sharp shooting tomboy.
Karen Hartley takes on the responsiblity and meets all the character
requirements domineering but in a pleasantly persuading way, tough but
endearing.
Kevin Hirons has a rich singing voice as Wild Bill Hickock - his best
number is Higher than a Hawk - and there is an amusing performance from
J Paul Murdock as Francis Fryer. The show ends on Saturday.
Peter Swingler - The Evening News
Trip to the Windy City was a Whip Cracker
If you're after a whip cracking night out this weekend, then look no
further than Bromsgrove Operatic Society's production of Calamity Jane,
a sharp shootin, high ridin, rootin tootin belter of a show.
It is simple enough to list the ingredients of a good production -
fine principals, good singers, a meaty supporting chorus, nice costumes
and a gifted orchestra - but it is a difficult job to actually get them
all. Fortunately Bromsgrove Operatic Society manages to do just that.
It seems unfair to single out certain actors since the whole company
performed so well, however, mentions must be made of Karen Hartley's
Calamity, a mighty fine performance that strutted and swaggered across
the stage with great confidence and managed to be both pistol packin
(literally some very loud bangs rang round the hall)and sweet singing
Wild Bill Hickock, Kevin Hirons proved a fitting sparring partner for
Calamity and Sonia Bethal was a suitably sweet Katie Brown. And I simply
have to mention J Paul Murdocks Francis Fryer a nerdy but nice
masterpiece.
The chorus provided excellent support and the set pieces - Black
Hills of Dakota, The Deadwood Stage and Windy City - were all present,
correct and full of uplifting energy.
The only slight gripe concerns the use of microphones - the voices of
all the singer seemed so strong they were hardly needed.
All in all this is a hell of a show that'll have you hummin and
yahooing all the way home.
Howard Walker - The Standard
Calamity Jane
A lively rip roaring production with lively principals and chorus. I
was impressed by the orchestra who were in complete control of the
situation. I was glad to hear that there is now some amplification at
this venue. It is so much more enjoyable to be able to hear all the
words and music. Kevin Hirons made the most handsome beliveable
character of 'Bill' and Karen Hartley was an excellent 'Calam'. One of
my favourite performers on the amateur stage did his usual professional
job and Francis Fryer - J Paul Murdock always gets every ounce of comedy
from each role he plays. One of my favourites George Brooks gave his
usual convincing portrayal of the part of Henry Miller. On the whole a
most enjoyable relaxing production.
Monday, 8th May to Saturday, 13th May, 1995
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Roberta Morrell
Co-director: Kenneth Sandford
Musical Director: Simon Holt
Marco Palmieri: J. Paul Murdoch
Giusepppe Palmieri: Graham Smith
Gianetta: Sue Thomas
Tessa: Sue Bills
The Duke of Plaza-Toro: George Brooks
The Duchess of Plaza-Toro: Hilary Holland
Casilda: Gill Rowland
Luiz: James Allen
Don Alhambra Del Bolero: Ian G. Cox
Inez: Audrey Kanska
Antonio: David Pavely
Francesco: Arthur Bowkett
Giorgio: Peter Hensman
Annibale: Arthur Bowkett
Fiametta: Eileen Askew
Vittoria: Linda Dent
Giulia: Janet Harvey
Synopsis
Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri, the most popular
gondoliers in Venice, have announced that they intend to marry two of
the girls - the Contadine - who have gathered to meet them in the famous
Plazzetta, in a corner of St Mark's Square. That sounds a little
presumptuous, but nobody seems to mind because all the Contadine are in
love with them anyway. And just to show that it does not really matter
who their brides are, Marco and Giuseppe allow themselves to be
blindfolded and choose them in a game of blind man's buff. Marco catches
Giannetta, Giuseppe captures Tessa, and a double wedding is instantly
planned.
They all go off to the ceremony, leaving no one to greet the Duke of
Plaza-Toro, who has arrived in Venice with the Duchess and their
daughter, Casilda, who was married to the future King of Barataria when
she and her bridegroom were both small children. The boy was taken from
Barataria to Venice which gives the Duke and his party two problems:
Casilda is now in love with Luiz, her father's personal drummer - and
nobody knows who is the man who is supposed to be returning to Barataria
to claim his kingdom and his crown.
The ground for the uncertainty was laid when the baby was taken to
Venice and put in the care of a gondolier who has since died, to be
brought up with his own son.
The Grand Inquisitor, Don Alhambra Del Bolero, breaks in on the four
newly-weds with the news that one of the brothers is in fact to be the
King. They decide that until they know which of them if Barataria's
missing monarch, they will rule jointly - but as they set off for the
island kingdom they and their brides are understandably upset by Don
Alhambra's ruling that the girls cannot accompany them.
The two gondoliers are settling nicely to their life in their island
kingdom, but are nevertheless missing their wives. So when Gianetta and
Tessa arrive with all the contadine there is a distinct improvement in
their morale. It is nevertheless something of a shock for Casilda, who
also arrives: she and her parents and the Grand Inquisitor were
expecting to meet her husband but what she has found are two possible
husbands - both already married.
Which gondolier is the king - and which the accidental bigamist?
Fortunately, the puzzle is solved by Inez, mother of Luiz and former
nurse to Marco and Giuseppe, whose intervention ensures a happy ending
all round.
Song List
Act 1:
List and Learn, Ye Dainty Roses (Contadine,
Gondoliers, Antonio, Marco & Giuseppe)
From the Sunny Spanish Shore (Duke, Duchess,
Casilda & Luiz)
In Enterprise of Martial Kind (Duke & Chorus)
O Rapture (Casilda & Luiz)
There Was a Time (Casilda & Luiz)
I Stole the Prince (Don Alhambra, Duke,
Duchess, Casilda & Luiz)
But, Bless my Heart (Casilda & Don Alhambra)
Try We Long Life (Duke, Duchess, Casilda, Luiz
& Grand Inquisitor)
Bridegroom and Bride (Chorus)
When a Merry Maiden Marries (Tessa & Chorus)
Kind Sir, You Cannot Have the Heart (Gianetta)
Then One of Us Will Be Queen (Marco, Giuseppe,
Gianetta & Tessa)
Act 2:
Of Happiness The Very Pith (Marco, Giuseppe &
Chorus)
Rising Early in the Morning (Giuseppe & Chorus)
Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes (Marco)
Here We Are at the Risk of our Lives (Fiametta,
Vittoria, Gianetta & Chorus)
Dance a Cachucha (Chorus)
There Lived a King (Don Alhambra, Marco &
Giuseppe)
In a Contemplative Fashion (Marco, Giuseppe,
Gianetta & Tessa)
With Ducal Pomp (Duke, Duchess & Chorus)
On Day When When I Was Wedded (Duchess)
To Help Happy Commoners (Duke)
I am a Courtier (Duke, Duchess, Marco &
Giuseppe)
Here is a Case Unprecedented (Marco, Giuseppe,
Casilda, Tessa & Company)
What The Press Said
Stirring Performance boosted by truly
polished direction
Mark my words. Bromsgrove Operatic Society Gondoliers are really
riding on a crest of a wave.
This years Gilbert and Sullivan offering lived up to all it's
promises with direction from two former D'oyly Carte members Roberta
Morrell and Kenneth Sandford giving it real polish.
Despite looking slightly uncomfortable in the opening scene on a
cramped stage, the performers soon got into their stride to perform a
musical feast. The strength of the central character ensured that the
Gondoliers never strayed off course.
J Paul Murdock and Graham Smith formed an excellent double-act as
Marco and Guiseppe, the venitian gondoliers who randomly pick two of
their female admirers and marry them.
The contrast in their voices as well as their physiques made their
performances even more enjoyable.
Able support was given by their brides, Tessa (Sue Bills) and
Giannetta (Sue Thomas), the latter has to be heard to be believed!
The Duke of Plazo Toro's party (led by George Brooks), arriving with
news that one of the gondoliers is already married, added brilliantly to
the plays overall comic effect.
Mention must also be made of Ian G Cox, who gave a wonderfully
straight performance as the Grand Inquisitor who helps to bring a happy
performance to a truly stirling show.
An effective set, dazzling costumes and rousing music really provided
the icing on the cake.
Tim Hunt - The Standard
Such a Subtle Talent
Musical director Simon Holt leaves after Saturdays final performance
of this superb production to take over the Bristol Cathedral Choir, it
is doubtful if he will encounter more talented singers than these.
Graham Smith and J Paul Murdock as the gondoliers, Sue Thomas and Sue
Bills (wives) and James Allen (Luiz) provide sparkling performances in a
show full of vitality and comic subtlety.
George Brooks (Duke) must take credit for the most colourfully
devloped character.
A pleasing aspect is the dominance of the lyrics allowing every line
to be clearly heard.
Peter Swinger - Evening News
Appealing Work Given First Class Treatment
Bromsgrove Operatic Society has built up a reputation for lively and
musically accomplished performances and Gilbert & Sullivan's The
Gondoliers was no exception.
The familiar melodies were projected with freshness and vigour while
the acting showed polish. Chorus lines were delivered with clarity and
brightness of tone and the strength of the mens chorus was impressive
with numbers and ducal pomp.
J Paul Murdock and Graham Smith proved happy choices as Marco and
Guiseppe respectively; Mr Murdock's Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes
revealed his attractive and flexible voice at it's best. Mr Smith's
'Rising Early in the Morning' was a striking rendition with strong
support from the chorus.
George Brooks as the Duke and Hilary Holland as the Duchess fully
exploited the humour of their lines. Hilary Hollands 'On The Day When I
was Wedded' was particularly notable while Mr Brooks' "In Enterprise of
Martial Kind" achieved first rate clarity of diction.
The Grand Inquisitor was giving a suitably robust and commanding
interpretation by Ian Cox. Especially memorable was his attempt to
dissuade the two Gondoliers from their egalitarian views in "Their Lived
a King".
Giannetta and Tessa were played by Sue Thomas and Sue Bills. Ms
Thomas' "Kind Sir you Cannot have a Heart" displayed the seemingly
effortless skill of this talented singer. The quartet "In a
Contemplative Fashion" is a demanding number which was given a fine
performance.
James Allen as Luiz produced a pleasantly full sound which was used
to impressive effect in "There was a Time".
Musical Director Simon Holt ensured that effective instrumental
support was given to the singers at Bromsgroves Spadesbourne Suite. A
good balance was achieved throughout with sensitive playing.
This was certainly a production of which the Society can be proud, a
performance worthy of this witty and appealing work.
Liz Le Grove - Bromsgrove Advertiser
The Gondoliers
This society goes from strength to strength, in the twelve years they
have been in operation they have improved with each show I have seen. I
was delighted to see how Sue Thomas has progressed and of course, one of
my favourite performers, George Brooks was up to his usual standard as
the Duke. I loved the two Gondoliers Paul Murdock and Graham Smith both
experienced actors and singers and with a good supporting cast and a
sympathetic orchestra - this was a first class production.
Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner.
Music by Fredrick Loewe.
Monday, 9th May to Saturday, 14th May, 1994
The Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.
Synopsis
A chance meeting outside Covent Garden between
Colonel Pickering and Professor Higgins leads to an intriguing wager
that Higgins could pass a common flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, as a
Duchess at the embassy Ball. Eliza hearing this decides to engage
Higgins to teach her to speak properly so that she can improve her
station to the heights of a shop assistant. The challenge is too
appealing for Higgins and Pickering, and so her education begins.
Her father, Alfred Doolittle, sees the opportunity to profit from his
daughter's strange liaison with these two gentlemen and visits Higgins'
house. His demands for five pounds compensation is met and Higgins is so
impressed by Alfred's natural rhetoric and streetwise philososhy he
recommends him as a lecturer to an American philanthropist.
Eliza's first outting as a lady is at Ascot where all goes well until
the excitment of the race leads her to urge her horse on with
embarrassing consequences.
The night of the embassy ball is full of apprehension for Eliza,
Higgins and Pickering. Will Eliza behave, will the oily Zoltan Karpathy
expose her? Eliza is a great success but Higgins and Pickering take all
the credit. Eliza, upset, takes refuge with Mrs Higgins, Henry's mother,
who has become very fond of her, leaving Pickering and Higgins
distraught at her going.
Alfred Doolittle is now a rich man and we see him regarding his
forthcoming wedding with mixed feelings. His old cockney friends enjoy
his pre-nuptial party and his discomfort.
Happily, as befits this bewitching and romantic story, Henry finds
Eliza and despite the differences in their backgrounds they both realise
how much they care for each other.
What The Press Said
Fair Play To Them All.
COR BLIMEY, guv'nor! What a blinding production and no mistake! Or
rather, my word, what a positively spiffing show.
Bromsgrove Operatic Society overcame the odd first night technical
gremlin and some unfortunately overlong scene changes to put on a
corking production of this classic musical.
The rages to riches tale of the ' deliciously low ' Eliza Doolittle
from the flower girl to society stunner was told in energetic and lively
fashion with great performances from the principals and good ensemble
playing and singing.
George Brooks as Henry Higgins was Rex Harrison incarnate, John Teece
played a very natural and understated Colonel Pickering and Julie Keeley
as Eliza was simply superb.
Add to this, costumes that brought appreciative "oohs" from the
audience, some well-choreographed set pieces and a very good young
orchestra and you have a production that deserves to pack'em in. Great
fun.
Howard Walker, Bromsgrove Standard.
An Excellent Fair Lady
An apt way of describing the show - would be to replace the "fair"
with "very good". Regrettably the continuity of director Roberta
Morrell's production of Lerner and Loewe's crowd pulling classic is
dogged by delayed scene changes. The orchestra had to work extra hard
during the "mini intervals".
In between Julie Keeley as Eliza and George Brooks (Higgins) created
a chemistry of rare intensity in a show where the cast have made most of
their outfits. Brooks has style and the aristocratic manner needed for
the part. Keeley makes the transition from the course cockney to
sophisticated socialite in an amusing manner.
Monday, 24th October to Saturday, 29th October, 1983
North Bromsgrove High School
Synopsis
"Merrie England" is a fictionalised account of
an incident that occured in about 1592. It displays the three major
themes of Elizabethan courtly life, 'Love', 'Honour' and 'Duty' - as
derived from Castiglione's influential volume 'The Book of the
Courtier'.
These themes echo at two levels, the 'rustics' providing both a
mirror to and a comic relief from the Court of Elizabeth I.
The story is as follows:
It is May Day, the May Queen is to be crowned and all the rustic
menfolk vie for her favour - all except Long Tom, Royal Forrester who
loves Jill, the innocent woodland maid.
Consternation and confusion! The May Queen is jealous and accuses
Jill of bewitching Long Tom. A 'hue and cry' ensues.
Sir Walter Raleigh and Bessie Throckmorton declare their love in a
subtle and noble fashion. But he is supposed to love Queen Elizabeth,
who expects all noblemen to love and admire her alone. He has written an
'acrostic' (a poem in riddle form) using Bessie's initials in order to
declare his love. Raleigh wants to tell the Queen of his feelings, but
Bessie is afraid of the Queen's well-known jealousy and anger.
Essex overhears the Bessie-Walter declaration and decides to disclose
all to the Queen in order to cause trouble and to use the Queen's
displeasure to his advantage.
Walter Wilkins has also similarly caused trouble for Long Tom and
Jill and also pretends to be enamoured of the May Queen. He encourages
the notion of Jill's witchcraft and pretends to be the May Queen's
champion while hiding behind any character close by.
Queen Elizabeth now enters and is confronted by the Essex-Wilkins
disclosures, the acrostic initials are the same as hers, there is
confusion again, but Raleigh, as the model of the Courtly Gentleman,
refuses to allow the deception to continue and discloses the truth.
Essex is delighted and Elizabeth, in a jealous rage, has both Bessie and
Jill imprisoned for bewitching Raleigh and Long Tom.
How do the lovers untangle the web? Do they all end in the Tower or
do we see a happy ending? The denouement awaits!
What The Press Said
Making Merrie Music
The Society's production of Edward German's most popular comic opera
was rewarding.
Normally a producer of plays, Patsy Mustow brought out the best
acting ability from the cast who all gave convincing performances.
The costumes and lighting were well thought out and the enthusiasm of
the cast made for a very merry performance.
Merrie England is a fictionalised account of an incident that
occurred in Elizabethan times and displays the three major themes of
courtly life: love, honour and duty.
Baritones George Brooks and Martin Rutter played the part of
Shakespeare's players very well, giving lively and amusing performances.
Joanne Ludlow, mezzo, as Jill All Alone and Rachelle Phillips,
soprano, as Miss Bessie Throckmorton were well cast and the audience
appreciated their singing and acting.
It was a pity that there are so few men in the cast as there was a
distinct lull during male-only singing parts in the chorus.
The orchestra, directed by Janet Bubb was excellent.
Chris Jervis Evening Mail
Operatic Society excels in Merrie England Performance
The days of Elizabethan England when good Queen Bess ruled the
country came alive with the production of "Merrie England" by the
Bromsgrove Operatic Society.
The operetta by Basil Hood - which was written not during the days of
Shakespeare but the early part of this century - was full of all the
enchanting ingredients of courtly life such as love, honour and duty.
And the traditions of May Day and witch-hunting added to the
authenticity.
But perhaps the most convincing part of the whole production was the
performers themselves. Each one lived their part to the full and looked
as though they were thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. Their
attitude undoubtedly made the operetta the great success it was.
Everyone, from the principal performers and singers, right through to
the chorus and the huddle of busibodies in the corner, all displayed a
very professional approach. A great deal of research by the producer had
gone into the play as well as a lot of time spent rehearsing.
The costumes worn by members of the chorus were skilfully made out of
the colours of the Magpie while the stage setting was kept effectively
simple.
The orchestra made up in the main of music teachers, played
excellently under the directorship of their talented conductress.
There were a few songs which were slightly less tuneful that the
others but on the whole they were light and enchanting, especially the
ballards entitled "Pipes of Pan" and "Oh t'is folly to run away from
love".
There were some noteable singers such as Pat Loboda whose sweet voice
suited the part she played as the May Queen well.
Rachel Phillips who played Sir Walter Raleigh's sweetheart Miss
Bessie Throckmorton displayed a fine voice as did many of the other
principal singers.
The most memorable moment of the play came when Queen Elizabeth -
played by Ruth Henley and who, like Queen Bess herself, has striking red
hair - was carried in on dais followed by her court jester and ladies in
waiting.
The effect on the audience could not have been much different if the
real Eliabeth I had entered.
Ann Feloy -
Bromsgrove Messenger
Die Fledermaus
(The Bat)
Music by Johann Strauss.
New Libretto by Phil Park.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director:
Musical Director:
Rosalinda Eisenstein:
Gabriel Eisenstein:
Adele (the maid):
Doctor Falke (The 'Bat' of the story):
Alfred (an opera singer):
Frank (governor of the prison):
Prince Orlofsky (a blasé millionaire):
Doctor Blint (a lawyer):
Frosch (a bibulous police sergeant):
Ida (Adele's sister):
Mitzi (a housemaid):
Ivan (Orlofsky's major domo):
Synopsis
Baron Eisenstein has been sentenced to a
week's imprisonment for contempt of court. Before he goes to jail, he's
persuaded to go, in disguise, to a ball being given by Prince Orlofsky.
Three years earlier, Falke, disguised as a bat for a fancy-dress ball,
was made to walk home in broad daylight as a joke by Eisenstein and ever
since he has been plotting his revenge. Rosalinda sees her husband
depart, as she thinks, for prison, and admits her lover, Alfred. The
prison governor arrives to collect Eisenstein and assumes Alfred to be
him. To protect Rosalinda's reputation, Alfred volunteers to be taken
off to prison as Eisenstein.
At the ball given by Prince Orlofsky, Adele, wearing one of her
mistress's gowns, has gate-crashed the ball. Baron Eisenstein flirts
outrageously with her, watched by his wife, whom Falke has disguised as
a Hungarian Countess. The Baron then turns his attentions to the
mysterious Countess, who manages to get a hold of his watch during their
tete-a-tete. The ball ends in praise of champagne and all swearing
eternal friendship. The clock strikes six in the morning and Gabriel and
Frank go their separate ways to prison.
Eisenstein arrives at the prison to begin his prison sentence. He is
amazed to find he is being impersonated by Alfred and furious when he
discovers his wife has a lover. Rosalinda counters with the watch the
'Countess' obtained at the ball and his flirting with their maid Adele!
Falke arrives to explain it was all a joke to get his revenge. Champagne
is blamed for the confusion and champagne is drunk to celebrate
reconciliation.
Monday, 2nd to Saturday, 7th November, 1981
South Side Hall, North Worcestershire College, Bromsgrove.
Cast and Credits
Stage Director: Keith Williams
Musical Director: Janet Bubb
Marco Palmieri: Tim Kingscote Davies
Guiseppe Palmieri: Martin Rutter
Gianetta: Pat Laboda
Tessa: Ruth Henley
The Duke of Plaza-Toro: George Brooks
The Duchess of Plaza-Toro: Sheila Skinner
Casilda: Joyce Cochrane
Luiz: Hugh Johnson
Don Alhambra Del Bolero: Jim Brook
Inez: Alyson Williams
Antonio: David J. Bubb
Francesco: David Pavely
Annibale: Ray Letts
Fiametta: Joanne Ludlow
Vittoria: Anne Brooks
Giulia: Suzanne Letts
Synopsis
The two Gondoliers, Marco and Guiseppe, who
are much admired by all the Venetian flower-girls, choose as their
brides Gianetta and Tessa. No sooner is the marriage ceremony completed
than the Don Alhambra arrives to inform Marco and Guiseppe that one of
them is no gondolier but the son of the late King of Barataria and the
next in succession to the throne. There are two important circumstances
one of which the Don tells the Gondoliers but the second he keeps to
himself. First he tells them that although one is now the King, the Don
cannot tell which it is. The former nurse who had the keeping of the
infant prince has been sent for to make the identification but until
this takes place both are to reign jointly. The second aspect that the
Don does not tell the King, whichever one it is, is that he was married
in babyhood to a Spanish Lady - Casilda - the only daughter of the Duke
of Plaza - Toro.
The Don persuades the gondoliers that lades are at present 'not
admitted' into Barataria and the first act closes with the gondoliers
and their friends departing for Barataria.
In the meantime, the Duke has arrived in Venice in a very
impoverished state with his Duchess, his daughter and one attendant,
Luiz. Luiz is very much in love with Casilda but his suit is rejected
when Casilda learns of her true identity - the Queen of Barataria.
Three months later, we find the Gondoliers has remodelled the Court
of Barataria on Republican lines and all are now of equal rank. Court
life palls and the Gondoliers long for the company of their wives. The
reunion part is broken up by the Don who is not all all in agreement
with the changes made to court.
Then comes the Duke, Duchess and Casilda for the coronation ceremony
and the Don is compelled to the consternation of the Gondoliers, to
admit that the King 'whichever you are' is already married.
The climax to the opera is reached when the nurse Inez arrives to
make the identification of the real King.
Song List
Act 1:
List and Learn, Ye Dainty Roses (Contadine,
Gondoliers, Antonio, Marco & Giuseppe)
From the Sunny Spanish Shore (Duke, Duchess,
Casilda & Luiz)
In Enterprise of Martial Kind (Duke & Chorus)
O Rapture (Casilda & Luiz)
There Was a Time (Casilda & Luiz)
I Stole the Prince (Don Alhambra, Duke,
Duchess, Casilda & Luiz)
But, Bless my Heart (Casilda & Don Alhambra)
Try We Long Life (Duke, Duchess, Casilda, Luiz
& Grand Inquisitor)
Bridegroom and Bride (Chorus)
When a Merry Maiden Marries (Tessa & Chorus)
Kind Sir, You Cannot Have the Heart (Gianetta)
Then One of Us Will Be Queen (Marco, Giuseppe,
Gianetta & Tessa)
Act 2:
Of Happiness The Very Pith (Marco, Giuseppe &
Chorus)
Rising Early in the Morning (Giuseppe & Chorus)
Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes (Marco)
Here We Are at the Risk of our Lives (Fiametta,
Vittoria, Gianetta & Chorus)
Dance a Cachucha (Chorus)
There Lived a King (Don Alhambra, Marco &
Giuseppe)
In a Contemplative Fashion (Marco, Giuseppe,
Gianetta & Tessa)
With Ducal Pomp (Duke, Duchess & Chorus)
On Day When When I Was Wedded (Duchess)
To Help Happy Commoners (Duke)
I am a Courtier (Duke, Duchess, Marco &
Giuseppe)
Here is a Case Unprecedented (Marco, Giuseppe,
Casilda, Tessa & Company)
