'Annie' shoots away to good start

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 55, 11 July 1974, Page 4

'Annie' shoots away to good start

The forthcoming production of "Annie Get Your Gun" promises to be one of the best shows yet staged in Taupo, says Taupo Operatic Society president Chris Hewson. In rehearsal since May 26, this well-known show is expected to maintain the high standards set in previous years. Principals, chorus, dancers, orchestra, set construction and stage crew, with administration and the many workers whose combined effort is necessary to bring a performance of this magnitude into reality, have transformed the society's own hall in Matai Street into a hubbub of action. Frequently, set construction, chorus and players are hard at work individually working and rehearsing under one roof, with a committee meeting simultaneously in progress. From these hours of practice, telephoning, debate, writing, wiring, painting, hammering, sewing and countless arrangements will emerge eight performances in the Taupo Memorial Hall, beginning on Saturday, August 3. Producer Maureen Potter, possibly best known in Taupo for her efforts in producing the tremendously successful "Sound of Music", is again at the helm, or, m,ore aptly, the reins of "Annie".

Local stage and music lovers know the high standard she insists upon. The musical director's baton is held by Leo Foster, first seen in Taupo in this capacity late last year in the combined operatic and dramatic societies' "Cinderella". Mr Foster brings a wealth of experience to the local scene and "Annie's" orchestral requirements will be fulfilled. Annie Oakley is played by, Jocelyn Sim, who has taken part in every Taupo operatic production, frequently in lead roles, Vibrant with vitality describes her rehearsal performance. Patrons will not be disappointed by this present "Mrs Taupo". Frank Butler, the, ."world' s foremost sharpshooter" (until Annie comes along; is portrayed by Robin Bruce. A newcomer to the Taupo stage and possessor of a fine baritone voice, Robin, a farmer and family man, previously filled

major roles in Gisborne and Tokoroa. "Aladdin" "Showboat", "New Moon", "South Pacific" and "Lock Up Your Daughters" are a few shows in which he has featiired. Other principal members are. — Winnie Tate, Julie Campbell; Tommy Keller, Noel Christensen. Ladies and children of the chorus. — Pauline May, Patricia Driver, Del Whiteford, Trixie Tindall, Elinor Patterson, Margaret Morison, Jan Sullivan, Susanna Bynevelt, Judith Ritchie, Rosemary Sullivan, Patricia Green, Vicki Quigg. Indian women. — Sue Bynevelt, Vicki Quigg, Jan Sullivan. Indian men and boys. — John Haycock, Peter Potter, Arno Bynevelt, Stephen Nicholls, Des Morgan. Corps de ballet. — Edna Anderson, Rosemary Pike, Betty Shaw, Juile Mahood, Kim Mahood, Luonie Haycock, Margaret Morison. Ceremonial dancers — corps de ballet. — John Haycock, . Peter Potter; Stephen Nicholls, Meredith Roberts. Circus dance — corps de ballet. — Clown, Stephen Nicholls. Cast. — E^rle Smith, Margaret Bruce, Robin May, Petter Potter, Fred Perkins, Susan Haldane, Michelle Wacker, Vicki Thomas, Lynell May, John Edlin, Michael Bynevelt, Colin Thurlow, Peter Porteous, Trevor Nicholls, Des Morgan, Meredith Roberts, Joe Bynevelt, Chris Hewson, Pauline May, Patricia Driver, John Bonke, Trixie Tindall, Margaret Morison. Prompt. — Jenny Jerram. Orchestra. — Violins: Susan McCallum, Sister Joanna. Cello: Mrs E. Lacey. Flute: Morris Miles. Clarinets: Dick Harford, Dave Lacey. Trumpets: Roy Crompton, Merv Haw- . thorne. Trombone: Bill Service. Percussion: Morris Lloyd. Piano: Judy Viles. Stage manager: Jim Haimes. Assistants: Allan Service, Bob Mahood, Wally Quigg. Ballet mistress: Meredith Roberts. Wardrobe: Mary Rameka. Properties: Enid Service. Lighting: Colin Gilder. Lighting designers: Chris Hewson, Gwyneth Glover. Sound effects: Leo Foster. Advertising and publicity: Fred Driver. Decor: Richard Seccombe, Chris Drummond. Photographer: Richard Glover.