BIJOU BULLETIN BIJOU BULLETINIt may seem an eternity since auditions were held for Guys n Dolls on December 10th last year but finally after months of heavy rehearsals, the show is about to open.
Director, Mel Bell has worked tirelessly with musical director, Maggie Tolman and choreographer, Lyndel Taylor to bring the very talented cast of approximately 30 together in a bright, vivacious story of gamblers, missionaries and Hotbox dancing girls.
Guys n Dolls is set in New York and is the story of Nathan Detroit, strongly played by Greg Ducas, who is organising his floating crap game and evading marriage to his Hotbox girl Miss Adelaide, shiningly played by Dimity Wehr, after 14 years of engagement.
Nathan Detroit’s rival in the gambling scene is Sky Masterson, whose brash mannerisms are played to perfection by Brian Walker. Sky and Nathan make a bet that Sky won’t be able to take Mission girl, Miss Sarah Brown, played with dexterity by Tracey Schlink, on a date for a thousand bucks.
The show follows the development of these two relationships as well as the missionaries woes, the gamblers excitement at the prospect of a crap game whilst avoiding Detective Brannigan, ably played by Wayne Warfield, who is hot on Detroit’s tail.
A fantastic line up of musical items including The Fugue, performed by Bradley Oversby, Richard Tolman and Leigh Scott which is the opening number, along with two performances by the Hotbox Girls, Take Back Your Mink and Bushel and A Peck, join other fantastic Broadway songs such as Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat.
Tremendous efforts have been made by the set construction crew led by Phil Shelton in creating the feel of New York in the late 1940’s and we are privileged to have a group of ladies busily measuring and sewing costumes. This is a very large production and the commitment shown by all involved has been incredible.
Tickets are already on sale at Civic Video and are selling fast. Opening night includes a supper following the show with the cast at no extra charge. GET IN QUICK and remember to take your membership card to receive discount on members’ seats.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
March
Thu 22 Senior Citizen’s Night
Fri 23 8pm Opening Night
Sat 24 8pm
Thu 29 8pm
Fri 30 8pm
Sat 31 8pm
April
Thu 5 8pm
Fri 6 8pm
Sat 7 8pm Closing Night
Have you been framed?
The Esperance Theatre Guild is updating its Hall of Fame with framed photographs of all Bijou Shows. The first of these professionally framed photos are on display in the Petite Bijou Room.
This is a big task and we need your help to reframe existing photographs and frame and exhibit photos from more recent shows.
You can assist by donating the frame for your favourite production. Depending on the size of the photograph, this can cost as little as $50.
Help your favourite show go down in history …
Donate a frame now!
Phone Lyndel on 9071 5103 to register your interest.
NOTICE OF AGM
Members are advised that the next Annual General Meeting of the Esperance Theatre Guild is to be held on Wednesday 28th March commencing 8pm.
Agenda:
Please come along. All welcome.
One Act Plays
The committee has accepted nominations by Roma Western, Phil Shelton and Tracey Schlink to direct this year’s One Act Plays. Stay tuned for audition dates. The shows are planned to run for 2 weeks in August 2001.
Le Petite Bijou is Back in Action
Calling all 10-18 year-olds interested in developing their performance skills!
Get involved and get on stage when Esperance Theatre Guild offers its youth theatre program starting next term (April 30>).
This fun weekly program is a Bijou activity run by Lyndel Taylor, Esperance Community Arts’ Youth Arts Coordinator.
Anyone interested in Le Petite Bijou should phone Lyndel on 9071 1214 (w) for more information.