Stage Chat August 2005 – Edited by Stephen Oakes Stage Chat is the official publication of Dandenong Theatre Company, Inc. Print Post approved:          PP 32699/0011 DTC is proudly supported by the City of Greater Dandenong community grants programme.
Dandenong Theatre Company PO Box 8028, Dandenong, VIC, 3175.	www.dandenongtheatre.org.au info@dandenongtheatre.org.au	ABN: 42 707 241 939 ASN: A  0007855  Z
From the President Here we are again six or so weeks out from another production. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun?  It only seems a few weeks ago that we pulled down the BARNUM ‘big top’ and stepped back for a breather.  Heath Hearney (P.T. Barnum) and Victoria Zainal (Charity Barnum) excelled in bringing their characters to life, and they, along with the strong ensemble, provided a wonderful night’s entertainment.  Special mention should go to Paul Watson – Director and Lyndall McGregor – Choreographer for their hard work in turning the BARNUM script into a show.  Another worth mentioning is Stephen Oakes who came in at very late notice and took on the job of Production Coordinator.  As with every show there is a host of people that do more than they should to help us achieve our aim, and to this end I thank each and everyone involved in BARNUM and congratulate them on making it the success it was. But that is the past, and as you can see from the enclosed flyer DTC will, in September, be staging the ‘I want to live forever’ show.  FAME the MUSICAL was inspired by the award winning film and long running television series of the same name, and focuses on the last class of students to occupy the famous New York High School for Performing Arts between 1980 and 1984.  The school became a role model institution for those that would drop everything in the pursuit of stardom and success.  FAME manages to convey this sense of ambition. This production is also a significant time in the life of DTC.  On September 24^th, when the final curtain comes down on FAME the MUSICAL, it will also mark the end of a long association with Monash Secondary College Theatre.  DTC is moving back home!  Well to be more precise, to ‘The Drum’, which is a new theatre built on the site of the old Dandenong Town Hall (all that remains of the old structure is the Façade on Lonsdale Street). The move into the new theatre promises to make 2006 an exciting time for the Company.  ‘The Drum’ boasts a seating capacity of up to 530 (depending on the configuration), a large orchestra pit and even a fly tower!  It includes enough creature comforts to attract larger audiences including a large foyer and a well appointed bar to accommodate those that want to stay and chat after the show.  For our first production in ‘The Drum’ it was decided that we should present a show worthy of such an event, and I am pleased to announce that Les Misérables will be the show. But first things first!  We have our last show at the Monash Secondary College Theatre to stage.  Once again we have gathered together a strong production team in Paul Watson – Director, Ryan Jacob – Musical Director and Kate Bryant – Choreographer.  The youthful cast is bursting with energy and vitality that leaves an old muso like me exhausted just watching them.  At this stage the results of their combined talents indicate that this is going to be a most exciting and entertaining show that should not be missed.  Your continued patronage of DTC is greatly appreciated, and we would love to see you at FAME the MUSICAL to help us say farewell to Monash Theatre. Bye for now. Chris Stock, DTC President		DTC Committee, 2005 President - Chris Stock Vice President - Jason Bovaird Secretary - Victoria Zainal Treasurer – Chris Scanlon General Committee -                Owen Collier                Kym Davies                Elizabeth Fowler                Steven Legg Fiona Oakes                Stephen Oakes Committee movements Due to work commitments, our treasurer, Anne McKay, has moved to Sydney.  Thanks for your hard work over the past year Anne!  Chris Scanlon has kindly offered to take over as treasurer for the time being.  Thanks Chris! We also welcome Elizabeth Fowler to our general committee. DTC’s Calendar of events August 12^th, 2005 DTC Trivia night! September 9^th-24^th 2005 Performances of Fame! October 2005 Les Misérables auditions October / November 2005 Auditions for Popcorn. DTC’s Calendar of events continued… January 2006 Performances of Popcorn. April/May 2006 Performances of Les Misérables

Production team wanted DTC is delighted to announce that our first musical for 2006 will be Les Misérables! DTC is moving its operations to the Drum Theatre (see opposite) - a new theatre built on the site of the old Dandenong Town Hall.  For our first production in The Drum it was decided that we should present a show worthy of such an event, and we are pleased to announce that Les Misérables will be the show.  Performances will be in April and May, 2006. DTC is seeking a production team to help us bring this show to the stage.  Positions open are:             Director             Musical Director             Movement Director In addition, we require people to help out as:             Costume designer/coordinator             Properties coordinator             Lighting designer             Set construction manager Those interested should in the first instance contact Stephen Oakes on 9584 7982 or 041 605 9408 or email us at info@dandenongtheatre.org.au. Applications may be mailed to:             Dandenong Theatre Company,             PO Box 8028,             Dandenong, VIC, 3175. Expressions of interest should be received by Monday August 15th.

The Drum Theatre Dandenong Town Hall Sure to become an outstanding new landmark, the Drum Theatre at the redeveloped Dandenong Town Hall will open to the public in February 2006.  This beautiful building combines the elegance of the 1890 Dandenong Town Hall façade with striking, contemporary architecture.  The entire 530 seat auditorium, stage and fly tower are encompassed in a red oval drum, the work of Williams Ross Architects. Equipped to benchmark standards, the Drum Theatre has been built with funds from the City of Greater Dandenong and the State Government, and has been dreamt of for many years by the region’s performing arts community.  From 2006, Greater Dandenong will have a venue the entire community can be truly proud of.  It will provide a unique opportunity for the entire community to watch, enjoy and participate in the arts. The fully equipped stage, backstage facilities, large rehearsal room and exquisite function spaces adjacent to the foyer are sure to become the standard by which others are measured.  It will feature a bar and kiosk which will service both functions and performances.

DTC presents Monash Secondary College Theatre, corner of Nantilla Road and Duerdin Street, Clayton North.  Melway: 70 K10. The cast is listed on the following page

Fame performance dates Friday September 9^th, 8pm (preview performance – all tickets $22) Saturday September 10^th, 8pm (gala supper performance – all tickets $27) Friday September 16^th, 8pm Saturday September 17^th, 2pm matinee Saturday September 17^th, 8pm Thursday September 22^nd, 8pm Friday September 23^rd, 8pm Saturday September 24^th, 8pm

Fame tickets Tickets are $27 for adults and $22 for children, pensioners and groups of 20+. To book tickets, please call Kerrie Stock on 9753 3331.

Trivia night – prizes! DTC will hold a trivia night on Friday August 12^th at Greenslopes primary school, Brunett Street, Dandenong. Hot food provided, BYO gold coins, drinks and snacks! Time: 7pm for a 7:30pm start.  All welcome! To book, please call Vic on 0410 485 320 (or just turn up on the night!)

From our Friends Dean Kenneth Snook presents Tower of WoW …an original rock musical, featuring DTC’s own Stephen Oakes and Chris Van Raay. 2 shows only, August 19^th and 20^th at the Kaleide Theatre, RMIT Swanston Street. Call 0403 770 979 or see: www.towerofwow.com BATS Theatre Company presents School Holiday Entertainment! ...from Monday September 19^th-Friday September 23^rd.  All tickest $8. Cranbourne Community Theatre.  For details, please call 9702 2759. Windmill Theatre Company presents Monash Secondary College Theatre Oct 28^th - Nov 12^th, 2005 http://www.wtc-theatre.com/

Fame production team Paul Watson - director Paul describes himself as “Director, Writer, Composer, Actor, Singer, Musician and that’s just the start of it!”  Paul has worked with some of Melbourne’s well-known bands, notably as a drummer for The Pete Murray Band. His theatrical performances include The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Pontias Pilate in Jesus Christ, Superstar and Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls. More recently Paul has discovered the joys of direction.  Earlier this year he directed DTC’s Barnum and he has also directed several productions for other companies, including Anything Goes, Pirates of Penzance, How to Succeed in Business and Clue, the Musical. Ryan Jacobs – musical director Ryan musically directed MDMS’ Lyrebird Award winning 2002 Spring Concert, Phoenix’s Annie in 2004, and I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change as part of the 2005 Comedy Festival. Ryan is rapt to return to DTC having appeared as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, in 2003.  Ryan has performed various roles with The G & S Society, including Camille in The Merry Widow, and Cyril in Princess Ida and was in the ensemble of CLK’s Sweeney Todd.  He has also performed with Babirra, The Park Players, The Fabulous Nobodies.  He has recently reprised one of his favourite roles, as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in MDMS’ Anything Goes, in June (directed by our good friend Paul!) Ryan is enjoying working with a vibrant and energetic cast, and bringing Fame to the DTC stage! Kate Bryant - choreographer This is Kate’s first production with DTC, but Kate has many years experience as a dancer and choreographer, including considerable experience in professional dancing in London. Kate has been working hard on the show’s choreography and her efforts promise to be repaid by our energetic and enthusiastic cast.  Welcome Kate!

Fame Cast		Briony Doddrell	Iris	Colin Morley	Mr Meyers
Katy-Jane Amey	Miss Bell	Amy Emerson	Drama Class	Cassandra Pearce	Drama Class
Joel Anderson	Dance Class	Chloe Fowler	Drama Class	Doug Phillips	Drama Class
Natasha Bassett	Miss Shermann	Claire De Freitas	Drama Class	Ebony Richardson	Dance Class
Renee Beard	Dance Class	Adrienne George	Carmen Diaz	Nick Riley	Jose
Ruth Bishop	Serena Katz	Gülcan Gülen	Drama Class	David Seelig	Dance Class
Rebecca Bourne	Dance Class	Matt Holly	Dance Class	Kirsten Smart	Lambchops
Chris Brown	Music Class	Ken Jones	Mr Sheinkopf	Tamara Smith	Dance Class
Latesha Cadle	Dance Class	Jessi Leigh	Mabel	Nina Strahan	Drama Class
Ben Davies	Music Class	John Lockwood	Nick Piazza	Chris Van Raay	Ben Goodman
Brian Dixon	Schlomo	Andrew Mc Cormick	Music Class	Jacqueline Webb	Dance Class

Dandenong Theatre Company, by arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, proudly presents the September production of Fame: The Musical.  Spawned from the iconic 80’s television series, Fame: The Musical examines the journey of a group of young hopefuls from all over New York as they begin the early stages of living out their dream by being accepted into the prestigious High School of Performing Arts.  It follows them from their early freshman and sophomore years through to their memorable graduation. Sizzling with teen angst and sexual tension, the show takes an in-depth look at relevant social issues such as drug use, illiteracy and anorexia, whilst not forgetting old pop favourites such as love, fear, failure and rejection.  Filled with strong, enthralling characters and containing some of Musical Theatre’s most memorable anthems, Fame: The Musical is a colourful extravaganza that is sure to have something for everybody. The season will kick off with the special inclusion of a preview show on Friday 9^th September.  Saturday 10^th September will play host to our traditional Gala opening night, where our Members and Life Members are encouraged to come along and join in the celebrations at the complimentary supper afterwards.  NB: Financial members receive a special deal on tickets for this night.  Please call our ticket secretary for details. The production is already in full swing and early signs from rehearsal are that this show is going to be a gem.  So what are you waiting for?  Book your tickets now before it’s too late!  Call Kerrie Stock on 9753 3331 Directed by Kym Davies Bruce makes movies about serial killers. Wayne and Scout are serial killers. What does one have to do with the other? What happens when life actually imitates art imitating life? Academy Award nominated director and self proclaimed good guy Bruce Delemitri is about to find out that fame and notoriety sometimes come with obligations, whether he chooses to admit them or not. Coming to Dandenong Theatre Company in January ‘06 Auditions Oct/Nov 2005

Members’ Update Dear valued Member, I would like to firstly thank you for your ongoing support of Dandenong Theatre Company.  Community theatre is a very enjoyable and integral part of Melbourne’s culture and it is your continued support that allows it to exist. It is an exciting time to be part of DTC at the moment with some very major events just around the corner.  Our next production is FAME: The Musical, the show spawned from the iconic 80s television series that is already regarded as a Musical Theatre Classic.  Fame: The Musical will run between September 9-24 at the Monash Secondary College Theatre, Cnr. Nantilla Road & Duerdin Street, Clayton North. This Season will see the introduction of a special ‘Preview night’ to be held on Friday 9^th September.  Tickets for this show are at a reduced flat rate of $22.  But not to worry, our traditional Gala night opening has not been forgotten.  Our Gala Night opening will be on Saturday 10^th September to be followed by supper and celebrations.  We encourage our traditional Gala crowd, Life Members and Members to attend this night as it is as much a celebration for you as it is for our cast.  You never know, you might even want to have a speak-peak the night before as well!  All tickets can be booked on 9753 3331. This may be your last chance to see us at Monash Secondary College, with the exciting announcement that next year, Dandenong Theatre Company will present Les Misérables at the new state-of-the-art ‘Drum Theatre’ in the heart of Dandenong.  The new theatre, which has been developed out of the former Town Hall building, is one of the most anticipated projects in local theatre for many years.  More details regarding this have been provided in our newsletter. I would like to close by once again thanking you for your continued support and I hope to see you at Fame in September. Regards, Matt Caton, Publicity Coordinator On behalf of the DTC committee.