Newsletter No. 2
No. 2 – December 2011
We hope that all of you are enjoying the enforced rest and by January, will be feeling re-energized and ready for our 2012 Season.
TOWN HALL NEWS.
The news is not particularly good. Technical Services have decided that it would be better to do ALL the work on the Hall in one go, rather than just the exterior painting and roof. This could mean that the Town Hall will be unavailable for 6-8 months. It makes sense but isn’t what we wanted to hear. The Committee are in the process of checking out other suggested venues as a possible backup for our April production. Watch this space – or at least our website.
2012 PRODUCTIONS (At this point in time!)
“Gondoliers” – Production team Rod Mounjed and Ralph Bott.
Performance dates - April 14, 15, 21 and 22.
First rehearsal will be at Coronation Hall Arncliffe on Tuesday 31st January.
“Marriage of Figaro” – Production team – Stephen Stanke and Brendan Carmody.
Performance dates – August 4, 5, 11 and 12.
“Man of La Mancha” – Production team – Jon Smith and Brian Tucker.
Performance dates - November 17, 18, 24 and 25.
If you know of anybody who won tickets to “Man of La Mancha” in our “Lucia” raffle, please tell them they can have their prize honoured for “Gondoliers” or any of the other 2012 productions.
POSITIONS VACANT – HELP REQUIRED!!!!!!
We urgently need to fill some positions within the Company. You do not necessarily have to be on the committee and attend meetings, although we would also welcome that. If you feel you can help in ANY way, please contact John Bevan or any other member of the Committee.
Programmes
Brian Tucker has done this job for several seasons but feels it’s time to pass it to someone else. He has already done the artwork for the 2012 subscription brochures, so that is taken care of, but somebody is needed to organize the programmes for the April and August productions next year. Computer skills an advantage!
Box Office.
Ralph Bott has done this on a regular basis but found it to be an impossible task when he was also directing “Lucia” last August. If you have a friend or family member who might be suitable, nominate them!!
Chairperson.
This position has been vacant since the passing of Euan Miller. We have approached the Council but have had no response. You may know someone with a bit of business knowledge, a deep interest in the performing arts and time on their hands, who could fill this important role.
Front Of House Manager and Organiser.
Lyn Davis is likely to be overseas for both the April and August productions. A lot of the ground work will be done for these jobs but someone will be needed to take charge when the productions roll around. For the last few shows we have been lucky to have Valerie, Janette and Lynda to organize refreshments, raffle ticket selling, programmes and everything else out front in the foyer. Hopefully, they might be available again (unless they are actually in the shows) but we are always pleased to get fresh offers of help.
SOCIAL NEWS and CHIT-CHAT.
The High Tea for the Mettams’ 60th Wedding Anniversary at Hazelhurst Gallery on 15th October was a great success with many “old” friends of ROC turning up to celebrate with Colin and Gladys. Kevin Casey, a past Chairman, is now compiling a list of “Friends of Rockdale Opera” with a view to more reunions and get-togethers.
Lisa Marie Harris (Carmen, Traviata, Merrie England and Faust) is now the proud Mum of Olivia Jade who arrived on 27th October. They are all doing well and we hope to see Lisa back again with us soon.
Angela Brun, (Deborah’s daughter-in-law - Fra Diavolo and L’Elisir d’Amore) has recently returned from Italy where she performed Adina in “Elixir” in the town of Jesi, near Ancona. She will be singing Queen of the Night in Opera Australia’s production of “Magic Flute” on February 21 and 25 and March 1, 13 and 23.
Lucia DVD’s are available for $10 plus $5 postage from John Bevan (9314 1212)
We hope sincerely to see all of you next year, wherever and whenever we are performing!! In the meantime, we wish the company, friends and patrons of Rockdale Opera a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. May 2012 be a happy, healthy and successful one for us all!!
Rockdale Opera Company Committee.