Executive committeePresident: Don Scott Chairman: Clive Webb Secretary: Jane FarrarTreasurer: John Whinney Membership Secretary: Jeanne Cavill

Members: Helen Davies, Ross MacInnes, Julia Smith,Lesley Duggan and Eve Davies

www.saos.org.uk

7.45pm 20th – 24th November 2007Saturday matinee 2.30pm

St Albans Operatic Society presents

Shows performed over the past 25 years1979 The Gypsy Baron / Fiddler on the Roof1980 Kismet / Iolanthe1981 Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci / My Fair Lady1982 Die Fledermaus / Pirates of Penzance1983 Show Boat / Cabaret1984 The Flying Dutchman / La Vie Parisienne1985 Ruddigore / Carousel1986 The Merry Widow / The Card1987 The Arcadians / La Boheme1988 South Pacific / Guys & Dolls / Trial by Jury1989 Orpheus in the Underworld / The Yeoman of the Guard1990 Half a Sixpence / La Traviata1991 The Pajama Game / Fiddler on the Roof / Trial by Jury1992 The Great Waltz / An Evening with Mr Gilbert and Mr Sullivan

/ West Side Story1993 My Fair Lady / The Gondoliers1994 Macbeth / Kiss Me Kate / Trial by Jury1995 Bitter Sweet / Jack the Ripper / Anything Goes1996 Charlie Girl / Connections / The Pirates of Penzance1997 Me & My Girl / Oklahoma!1998 Carmen / Hello Dolly1999 La Belle Helene / Calamity Jane2000 Sweet Charity / Charlie and Algernon / Guys & Dolls2001 Die Fledermaus / Chess2002 Mack & Mabel / Slice of Saturday Night /

Trial by Jury & HMS Pinafore2003 Fiddler on the Roof / Oliver!2004 Carousel / Mikado2005 Wizard of Oz / Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci2006 Half a Sixpence / West Side Story2007 Anything Goes

g r a p h i c c o m m u n i c a t i o n

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Man of la ManchaWritten by Dale WassermanMusic by Mitch LeighLyrics by Joe DarionOriginal production stagedby Albert MarreOriginally produced byAlbert W. Selden and Hal JamesBy arrangement with MusicScopeand Stage Musicals Limited of New YorkThis is an amateur productionSt Albans Operatic Society is anAmateur Society Charity Reg. No. 295795The Object of the Society is to educate thepublic in the operatic, dramatic and musical artswww.saos.org.uk

Directed byAlison Wright

Musical Direction byKaren Thorp

Marketing & designsolutions for all yourbusiness needs....

t: 01494 770684e: graham@art-direction.co.ukw: www.art-direction.co.uk

The storyMiguel de Cervantes, ageing and an utter failure as playwright, poet and tax collector,

has been thrown into a dungeon in Seville to await trial by the Inquisition for an offence

against the Church. There he is dragged before a court of his fellow prisoners, who plan

to confiscate his few possessions – including the uncompleted manuscript of a novel,

Don Quixote.

Cervantes, seeking to save the manuscript, proposes his defence in the form of a play.

The court agrees, and Cervantes and his manservant don make-up and costumes,

transforming themselves into Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. They then play out the

story with the prisoners taking the roles of other characters.

Quixote and Sancho take to the road in a quest to restore the age of chivalry, battle all

evil and right all wrongs. The famous battle with the windmill follows, with Quixote

blaming his defeat on his enemy, the Great Enchanter.

In a roadside inn – which Quixote insists is really a castle – Aldonza, the inn’s serving

girl and part-time prostitute, is being propositioned by a gang of muleteers. Quixote sees

her as the dream-ideal whom he will serve forever and insists her name is Dulcinea.

Aldonza is confused and angered by Quixote’s refusal to see her as she really is.

The padre and Dr. Carrasco arrive at the inn and are frustrated by Quixote's lunatic logic.

They are interrupted by the arrival of an itinerant barber, and Quixote confiscates his

shaving basin, believing it is the ‘Golden Helmet’ of Mambrino.

Later Aldonza encounters Quixote in the courtyard where he is holding vigil, in preparation

for being knighted by the innkeeper. She questions him on his seemingly irrational ways,

and Quixote answers her with a statement of his credo, The Impossible Dream. Aldonza

catches the fever of Quixote's idealism but, attempting to put it into practice, is cruelly

beaten and ravaged by the muleteers.

Not knowing Aldonza's plight, Quixote and Sancho leave the inn, encounter a band of

Gypsies, and are robbed. They return to the inn, only to encounter the disillusioned Aldonza

who sings her denunciation of Quixote's dream in the dramatic Aldonza. The Knight of the

Mirrors enters and defeats Quixote by forcing him to see himself as ‘naught but an ageing

fool.’ The knight reveals himself as Dr. Carrasco, sent by Quixote's family to bring him to his

senses.

At home again, the old man who once called himself Don Quixote is dying. Aldonza, having

followed, forces her way into the room and pleads with him to restore the vision of glory she

held so briefly. Quixote, remembering, rises from his bed to reaffirm the stirring Man of La

Mancha, but collapses, dying. Aldonza, having glimpsed the vision once more, refuses to

acknowledge his death, saying, ‘My name is Dulcinea’.

Back in Cervantes’s dungeon the prisoners have been

deeply affected by his story and restore to him his

precious manuscript. Cervantes is summoned to his real

trial by the Inquisition. The prisoners unite to sing him on

his way with The Impossible Dream.

Pictured left - Miguel de Cervantes

I don’t know whatSpanish gaolsyou’ve ever spenttime in (Ipersonally havejust about avoidedthem so far) orthe stories you

have heard whilst inside them, but I amcertain they will not have been asentertaining as the one you are about tosee enacted before your very eyes.

Fabulous show, fabulous cast, fabulousdirection and support from the members.But you would have expected me to havesaid that anyway. In all seriousness, Igenuinely believe this show has receivedan outstanding amount of commitmentfrom all involved and particularly the castwho you are about to see as well as all thebehind-the-scenes directors and manysupporters in a wide variety of roles. I havebeen particularly impressed by the powerof the actors’ interpretation of the text andtheir performances during rehearsals,

which has been honed by our in-companytalent of Alison Wright and Karen Thorp,supported by Yioda Panayiotou. We are verylucky to have all this talent.

The atmosphere has been truly electric.The story has many issues interwovenwithin it that are just as pertinent today asthey were then. So loosen your manacles,speak kindly to the gaoler about your nextmeal (if you’re lucky) and sit back andenjoy this fantastic experience.

As always, if you see this and think, yes,that’s for me - I want to join this companyto prove my commitment to furthering suchentertainment to the people of the St.Albans district, or just want to contributeyour efforts in any other way, please do letus know. We’d love to have you join us inany capacity in this fun-filled and magicalworld of musical theatre.

Kindest regards

Clive Webb

Chairman.

For everyone’s enjoyment

We want you to enjoy this evening’s performance to the full,so as a courtesy to both audience and cast:

Switch off all mobile phones and pagers.Do not use cameras, video cameras or recording equipment of any kind.

Thank you for your co-operation.

To Dream the Impossible Dream? - Well we'd like to hope

we can help you to achieve the goals!

All the best to cast and crew for a wonderful show.

Round Table is a fellowship based

group of local men dedicated to

generating aid for charitable

causes and having fun within

their regular social activities.

S U P P O R T I N G T H E C O M M U N I T Y

www.ashf ie ld-personnel .co.uk Tel :01442 234500

Hola! Welcome to the gaolwhere magical things happen

Alison WrightDirector

Alison has been a member of SAOS since moving to St Albans

in 2001, joining the company for their production of Mack and

Mabel that year. Previously, she performed with groups in

Geneva, Switzerland, and Oxford, Manchester and Northampton

– in everything from Molière to Miller, and a few musicals as

well. She is also currently a member of the Company of Ten in

St Albans, and has appeared at the Abbey Theatre in The House of Bernarda Alba, House and

Garden, Women of Troy, When we are married and, most recently, Translations by Brian Friel.

Alison is delighted to be making her debut as a director with Man of la Mancha. Having come across

The Impossible Dream at a very young age (a version in her parents’ record collection by Glen

Campbell!), she has enjoyed the challenge of this ‘show within a show’ and the opportunity to work

with such a talented cast and crew.

Karen ThorpMusical Director

Karen has been a member of SAOS for 18 years and loved every

minute of it! From prompting to being in the back row of the

chorus to playing Mrs Botting in Half a Sixpence (even though

she was much too young!) to being the Musical Director for a

couple of concerts and now Man of La Mancha! Other credits

as MD include The Matchgirls, The Hot Mikado, Godspell, A Slice

of Saturday Night and a panto version of Beauty and the Beast.Working on Man of La Mancha has

been very rewarding and enjoyable for Karen and she would like to thank the cast, crew and in

particular, Yioda and Alison for all their hard work and support.

ACT 1 ACT 2Overture Orchestra

Man of La Mancha Cervantes/Don Quixote

It’s All the Same Muleteers & Aldonza

Dulcinea Don Quixote &Muleteers

I’m Only Thinking of Him Antonia, Housekeeper& Padre

We’re Only Thinking Dr. Carrasco, Antonia,of Him Housekeeper & Padre

The Missive Sancho

I Really Like Him Sancho

What Does he Want of Me? Aldonza

Little Bird, Little Bird Anselmo & Muleteers

Barber’s Song Barber

Golden Helmet Don Quixote,of Mambrino Barber, Sancho

& Company

To Each His Dulcinea Padre

The Impossible Dream Don Quixote

The Combat Orchestra

The Dubbing Innkeeperand Don Quixote

The Abduction Anselmo, Pedroand Fermina

The Impossible Dream Don Quixote– Reprise

Moorish Dance Chorus of Moors

Aldonza Aldonza

A Little Gossip Sancho

The Impossible Dream Don Quixote– Reprise

Man of La Mancha Don Quixote,– Reprise Sancho and Aldonza

The Psalm Padre

Finale Full Company

Henry Regan: AnselmoHenry joined SAOS for Anything Goes. He has enjoyed working withthe talented cast of Man of La Mancha. In his final year of study,Henry will soon be auditioning for drama schools, so wish him luckand enjoy the show!

Ian Anderson: PedroIan has enjoyed working with a great group of people in a wonderfulshow. He feels his hours of ‘Mixed Salsa/Martial Arts’ (MSMA) trainingare paying dividends in the role of Pedro!

Mike Smith: Captain of the InquisitionThis is my 1st show on stage with SAOS having previously beenStage manager or ASM. My favourite roles with previous societiesinclude Berger in the amateur premiere of Hair, Cliff in Cabaret, Oscarin Sweet Charity, Alfie and, because I like playing for laughs, CaptainBertorelli in ‘allo, ‘allo. I'm not expecting too many laughs in this role!

Andrew Maclellon: TenorioMy character..... Alonso-Baritonio-Carlos-Diego-Enrique-Felipe-Gomez-Hernando-Isidro-JUAN-Kalamario-Leonardo-Miguel-Noe-Oleos-Pablo-Quirino-Rodrigo-Santiago-TENORIO-Umbrellez-Vino-Wallio-Xratedz-Yoyoze-Zorro – has problems getting name badges.I’m hoping for a shorter name next time.

Susan Akroyd: AldonzaSusan has performed the roles of Florence in Chess, Hebe inHMS Pinafore and Flo in Half a Sixpence since joining SAOS 6 yearsago. She has also belonged to East Surry OS, Leeds AOS and TheOpera Club of Reigate & Redhill playing Maria in The Sound of Music,Miss Adelade in Guys and Dolls, Ann in Half a Sixpence, Tessa inThe Gondoliers and Mad Margaret in Ruddigore.

Marlon Gill: Paco/Barber/Moorish SingerBefore starting am-dram Marlon would spend his evenings quietlyreading or playing guitar. Now, eighteen months later, in his fourthproduction he's playing a warbling gypsy, a singing barber and a

nasty mule driver - and loving every minute of it!

Richard Kessel: Cervantes/Don QuixoteRichard is delighted to be returning to the stage with SAOS in his mostdaunting role to date. Shows with SAOS include Oliver!, Wizard of Ozand Half a Sixpence. Other musicals include Calamity Jane, Fiddler onthe Roof, South Pacific, Hello Dolly!, Music Man, Oh! What a LovelyWar, HMS Pinafore, My Fair Lady, Slice of Saturday Night, Pirates ofPenzance, Kiss Me Kate, Sweet Charity, Hot Mikado, Charlie Girl, LittleShop of Horrors, Annie, Robert and Elizabeth and West Side Story.

David Lodge: Manservant/Sancho PanzaDavid has always loved musical theatre but it took 20 years ofwatching before he plucked up the courage to get onto the stage.Making up for lost time he has appeared in 25 productions with localsocieties and is delighted to return to SAOS where his favourite roleshave been Motel in Fiddler on the Roof and Scarecrow inWizard of Oz.

Clive Ogden: JoseThis is Clive's second appearance with SAOS, after appearing as asailor in Anything Goes. However without a criminal record and noknowledge of horses or slippers, playing an oppressed prisoner andmuleteer is somewhat different to mopping the deck of a ship. But,variety is the spice of life and all that and he hopes you find hisperformance vaguely convincing.

Kathy Pilkinton: Antonia/Moorish GirlKathy’s stage career began at Sandringham School, and she isalmost delighted to be back again. Favourite roles include YumYum inThe Hot Mikado, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and Gianetta inThe Gondoliers.

Jon Harris-Bass: Governor/InnkeeperJon’s amateur stage career stretches back to the 1960s when hewas introduced to Gilbert & Sullivan at college. Since then he hasbeen very fortunate in being able to performmany principal roles witha number of societies in other musicals, operettas and operas.

Gillian Farrar: FerminaThis is Gillian’s third show as a junior member of SAOS, havingappeared in Fiddler on the Roof and Wizard of Oz. She has appearedwith St. Albans Youth Music Group in Oklahoma and Pippin, and alsowith Company of Teens in the world premiere of Stage Door at theAbbey Theatre. She is in year 11 at St. Albans Girls School and is verygrateful to be working with such a talented set of people.

Elspeth Jackman: HousekeeperElspeth has progressed from dying on stage in Oliver, to beingwheeled on as an old lady in Anything goes, and now she’s a muleand a crusty old housekeeper! The way forward can only be up!

Jane Watkinson: Innkeeper’s WifeHaving enjoyed a long career as a bridesmaid and playing other smallbut vital parts, Jane is looking forward immensely to developing therole of filthy, barefoot madwoman. Thanks Alison. It’s cheaper thantherapy!

Oliver Martin-Smith: PadreOliver started singing with St. Albans Cathedral Choir, later becomingHead Chorister. He has enjoyed singing as lead singer with the VerulamSchool Big Band, and has also sung in various venues, trying out some ofhis own compositions. As Oliver enjoys singing and performing in manydifferent genres, joining the SAOS for Anything Goes seemed a naturalstep. After having a fantastic time performing in the Alban Arena hedecided to return for a larger role in Man Of La Mancha.

Soldiers: Graham Blundell and Hugh Westrop. Prisioner: John Hope

Mike Barker: Duke/Dr. Sanson CarrascoMike has been performing, directing and choreographing shows inthe south-east for many years now. His favourite roles have beenEric ‘rubber legs’ Devine in Slice of Saturday Night, Dr. Whackhoff inSaucy Jack and the Space Vixens, Prince Nikki in My One, ProfessorHiggins in My Fair Lady and Harold in The Full Monty. He is currentlydirecting Panto, The Amazing Adventures of Sinbad.

ProductionDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alison WrightMusical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karen ThorpAssistant Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yioda PanayiotouRehearsal Pianist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew WoodwardStage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John PykeStage Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clive Cavill, Tamszin Evers, Sue Wilding,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anne Fowler, Hugh Westrop.Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul SugdenProduction Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jean DayWardrobe Mistress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrea AdlamCostumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thanks to: Backstage Fancy dress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .and costume hire, Hemel and. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arms and Archery,Ware.Property Co-ordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anya ReynoldsAssisted By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rosalind Edwards, Doreen GrayProps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keely, HoddesdonMask Maker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellie SeatonMake Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yioda PanayiotouAssisted By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellie Clark, Jane Clark,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emma SweetmanPrompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jane Farrar, Vicky HargreavesFight Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger BartlettFront of House Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stan OwenAssisted By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Members of the Company & FriendsTransport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Sugden, Anya ReynoldsPublicity Co-ordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John HopeAssisted By . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gemma Farr, Rachel Manser,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julia Smith, Yioda Panayiotou,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy Pilkinton, Jane WatkinsonPhotography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ralph RapleyThanks to: St.John Fisher School for the rehearsal space and Graham Blundellof Art Direction

St Albans Chamber Choir presentsLove & Remembrance

Saturday 10th November 2007 at 7.30pmUnited Reformed Church, Homewood Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4BH

A thought-provoking programme of music reflecting the themes of love,friendship and remembrance.

And works by Herbert Howells and John IrelandTickets £12, (£1* )* The £1 ticket price is for young people and students in full-time education.Available from Ticket Secretary, Edith Gilmour, on 01707 663110 or e-mailtickets@stalbanschamberchoir.org.uk

How are the mighty fallen Robert Ramsey (c.1595-1644)I love the Lord Jonathan Harvey (b.1939)Selig sind die Toten Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672)Requiem George Lloyd (1913-1998)

Join us...If you've enjoyed watching tonight's performance, think how much more fun it can

be to take part. It takes all sorts of talents, whether on stage or behind the scenes, to

produce such a show and there is an infectious team spirit throughout the society as

rehearsals build towards this week.

In addition to Full Active Members, there is a growing number of Junior Members.

Associate membership is also available at reduced cost to give members access to

priority booking and attendance at SAOS meetings and social functions.

Anyone who feels that he or she has something to offer can be sure of agreat welcome with SAOS! Pick up the phone and call Jeanne Cavill on01727 860986.

BandKeyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew WoodwardFlute/Piccolo . . . . . . . . . . .Laura BookbinderOboe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rachel BroadbentClarinet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rachel CraggTrumpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Geoffrey Lawrence

Trombone . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hamish DeanHorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul PhelanDouble Bass . . . . . . . . . . .Helen BoyeaPercussion . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Baron-Tait

The Witches Curse

“International award winning Gilbert & Sullivan company”

Abbots Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society (amateur) presents

Box Office 01923 225671

Watford Palace Theatre

www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

14 - 19 January 2008

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7.45pm and 2.30pm Saturday Matinee

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22nd to 26th April 2008Broadway director, Warner Baxter, plans to revive his failing reputation with the creationof a lavish dance extravaganza. But when, on Opening Night, the leading lady breaks herleg, he has no choice but to take a chance on a neophyte but determined chorus girlcalled Ruby Keeler. Can Ruby pull off the greatest show of her life and save the careerof her ambitious director?

S T A LBANS OPERAT I C SOC I E T Y PR ES ENTS