The buzz has already started for this year’s classic musical from the PE Gilbert & Sullivan Society. The principals and cast are hard at work putting together a show that we believe will be the highlight of the year. Robin Williams is working her magic as Director, Candice Johnstone is putting everyone through their paces on the choreography front, Shawn Lyon returns as Musical Director and David Limbert shines as the G&S Lighting Designer for this much loved hit show. Shan Sabbadin is the amazing and indispensable Production Secretary.
After an entire weekend of gruelling auditions the panel chose a group of just over 40 to bring this Rogers and Hammerstein classic to life once more in the friendly city.
Rehearsals are well under way and our amazing cast lineup boasts many G&S veterans alongside some very talented new faces. The feisty Laurey is brought to life by Mandi Polley who gives Ace Magxaki, as Curly, a run for his money. Faye Gatley is hilarious as the wayward Ado Annie and her love interest, Will Parker, is played by Damien Anderson.
Yolande Farrow makes a welcome return to the G&S stage as Aunt Eller with husband Mark Farrow playing the irascible, shotgun wielding, Andrew Carnes. Neil Leachman, who is most often seen behind the sound desk, is a revelation as the dark and dangerous Jud Fry. Neil will also design the sound for the show. Our ensemble ranges in age from 10 to 60-something with lots of talented young people making their stage debut.
Oklahoma! tells the story of a handsome cowboy winning the heart of a headstrong farm girl in Oklahoma territory at the turn of the 20th Century and has entranced theatregoers for generations. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s award-winning score features the title song “Oklahoma!” and also includes “I’m Just a Girl Who Cain’t Say No,” “The Farmer and the Cowman”, “People Will Say We’re In Love,” and “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning.” This much loved musical premiered in 1943 and was a box office smash, running for an unprecedented 2,212 performances. There have been many revivals over the years including the acclaimed 1998 London production starring Hugh Jackman and the show has been a huge hit with audiences time after time.
G&S has always been fortunate to have a group of incredibly talented and hard working members who help us bring our shows to life. This year John Davies has designed our set and brought 1905 Oklahoma to life and, in the family tradition, Paula Martin, daughter of Committee member Trudie, is performing miracles as Technical Manager.
The show is set for a limited run opening on local election day, 18 May, at The Savoy Theatre in Port Elizabeth with tickets available for R110 at all Computicket outlets. A special discount has been created for students and pensioners who can get tickets at the door on the night of the show for a largely discounted rate of R80. Student/pensioner cards must be produced to qualify for this discount and regretfully only door bookings can be made.
Alan Straton
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