PRESENT OCTOBER 2008 - Hitchin Thespians · 2011-08-23 · 1876. Our story tells of famed Calamity Jane who dresses, rides and shoots like a man, but given the proper chance, can

OCTOBER 2008THE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE, STEVENAGE

OCTOBER 2008THE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE, STEVENAGE

HITCHIN THESPIANS PRESENT

Calamity prog FINAL 19/9/08 16:54 Page 1

Best wishes to Hitchin Thespians on their forthcoming production of

‘CALAMITY JANE’

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Monday 6th October -Saturday 11th October 2008

The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

In 1902 Miss Pepper,returning to Hitchin aftera visit to the southcoast, told her friend,Mrs Walter Carling, of aperformance she hadseen there. Hitchin, she

said, must have an operatic society. Mrs Carling agreed, and arranged a localperformance, by ladies only, of Coleridge Taylor's "The Gitanos". On February21st 1903, a decision was taken, to form the Hitchin Amateur Light OperaCompany, with the Reverend G.B. Gainsford, as president. In its early years, theSociety devoted itself largely to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. In March1905, the name was changed, for the sake of brevity, to Hitchin Thespians.Though the Society suspended its activities during World War 1, the popularityof its shows grew rapidly in post-war years. In May 1933, "The Desert Song"was played to almost 10,000 people in a week at the Hermitage Cinema! In1958 the Thespians purchased the freehold of the Old Guild Rooms in Paynes Park, in which they had rehearsed for a number of years, for £750.In 1977 the Society presented "Robert and Elizabeth" in Stevenage's new Gordon Craig Theatre, where it still continues to stage its major productions. Its policy has been to present, whenever possible, the first performance of newly released shows, of near-professional standard.

MUSICAL THEATRE Each year we present two fully staged musicals at TheGordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage. We thrive on challenge and have presentedsome shows that many other societies are wary of. In addition there are occasionally smaller scale productions of musicals which are performed at our purpose built rehearsal suite, Woodside Hall, or at the Town Hall, Hitchin.Groups of members are also welcomed to get together and perform concertsand shows with a smaller cast.

CONCERTS AND CHORAL WORKS In addition to our musical theatre activitieswe have a thriving choir. The variety of music performed by this group is staggering, as one member put it - "from Bach to Bernstein!"There are typically three concerts each year, often performed at Woodside Hall, butsometimes in surroundings that might suit the performance better such as the lovely parish church of St. Mary's in Hitchin.

WORKSHOPS AND SPONSORSHIPS We are proud to fulfil our educationalaims and ambitions through workshops and sponsorships. In recent years wehave sponsored members to attend voice and performance training at theLittle Benslow Music School in Hitchin and have also been arranged for members to participate in masterclasses with professional singers and voicecoaches. One of our Musical directors has also led a fascinating series of lectures on wide-ranging aspects of music.

The Hitchin Thespians - About us...

THE HITCHIN THESPIANS PRESENT

Adapted by RONALD HANMER and PHIL PARK

From the stage play by

CHARLES K. FREEMAN after WARNER BROS.film written by JAMES O’HANLON

Lyrics by PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTERMusic by SAMMY FAIN

Production Director Linda Dyne

Musical DirectorJohn Edwards


Welcome to this evening’s performance of ‘CalamityJane’. My first exposure to this wonderful musical wasthe film version with Doris Day and Howard Keel whenI was a young girl, many years ago.It has so many well known and loved melodies and ofcourse the comedy and romance that musicals of thisera promise. Interestingly this is the first time HitchinThespians have staged this musical and we are delightedto welcome back Linda Dyne as our Stage Director for this show; she also directed the award winning‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ and more recently‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’. John Edwards joins us againas both an exacting and ever capable Musical Director.

Rehearsals have been hard work - but tremendous funand I hope you will enjoy the results of the company’slabours in this performance.Hitchin Thespians like to maintain a varied programmeand so this more traditional show is a contrast to the previous production of ‘Chess’ and of course our nextshow ‘Sweeney Todd’ in March which we welcome youto as well. I would like to thank you for supporting us in thisproduction and if this is the first production of ours youhave attended we hope it will be the first of many. Nowits time to sit back, read the synopsis and enjoy the showas the curtain rises on the Wild West in the late 1800’s.

Lucy Miller-White

FROM THE CHAIRMAN....

THE COMMITTEE 2008/2009PRESIDENT: Derek Jenkins

CHAIRMAN: Lucy Miller-WhiteTREASURER: Mark Savage

HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY: Alex EvansPRODUCTION MANAGER: Michelle Marple

CHORAL MANAGER: Susan OsbournBUSINESS MANAGER: Kate Webb

WOODSIDE HALL MANAGER: Ann CrookSOCIAL & FUNDRAISING: Vivienne Tadman

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:Sarah Bailes, Christine Fox, Jane Homer

LIFE MEMBERS:Olive Ansell, Ann Crook, Brenda Cundell, Marion Hargraves, Audrey Jenkins, Derek Jenkins, Denis Rowland, Gordon Wharton

HONORARY MEMBERS:Bert Broe, Mollie Gilbert, Edgar Gilbert, Roger Heath, Alfons Krupp, Bernard Mallett, Richard Moore, Jim Snell, Justin Thomas

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✮THE COMPANY✮


THE PRODUCTION TEAM

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If you are interested in joining the Society as either a member or a patron, then please contact:-

Alex Evans - Hon. Secretary, 4 Cubitt Close, Hitchin, Herts. SG4 0ELEmail: [email protected]

Alternatively, if you would prefer you can join our ‘SHOW MAILING LIST’

For all up-to-date news and information, don’t forget to log on to...

www.hitchinthespians.org.uk

LINDA DYNEPRODUCTION DIRECTORLinda has thoroughly enjoyed working with HitchinThespians again after her last show ‘ThoroughlyModern Millie’. Having played all of her favourite leadroles for various societies in her youth, she has nowdirected over eighty shows. Linda’s last show won aNODA award and went on to win another award atBuxton International G & S Festival and received eightnominations! Thespians are thrilled that Linda will be

directing for us again in October 2009with ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.

john edwardsmusical DIRECTORA music graduate of Durham University, John hasheld senior teaching appointments in Scotland,Singapore and New Mexico. In all these locationshe has been involved in orchestral and choral work.A pianist, organist, composer and arranger, Johnhas directed many stage shows such as ‘Crazy ForYou’ , ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, andmost recently Hitchin Thespians’ production of ‘The Mikado’.

✮✮✮✮REWARD$500� ✮✮✮✮

REWARD$500�


We are in the wild, lusty, warm and humourous Old West of Deadwood City, Dakota Territory,1876. Our story tells of famed Calamity Jane who dresses, rides and shoots like a man, butgiven the proper chance, can be a beautiful girl who hankers for the love of a man. The manmay be dashing Lt. Danny Gilmartin or the justly famed Wild Bill Hickock.

Fuss-budget Henry Miller, owner of Deadwood's hotel-bar-theatre, nervously awaits thearrival of the lovely eastern actress, Frances Fryer, to embellish his show. His niece, Susan,assures him that Calamity will bring the stagecoach to town on time. And so Calamity does tothe sharp and singable beat of Deadwood Stage. But the "actress" turns out to be a young man,"Francis" and not "Frances" of the hoped-for opposite sex,

The show must go on, and Miller contrives to dress Fryer as a woman, but when the latter'swig falls off during the show, the local characters rise in noisy anger. Only Calam's trusty pistolrestores order; also her promise that she will import to Deadwood the East's most glamourousstar, Adelaide Adams herself. The men are overjoyed, but Wild Bill, Lt. Danny Gilmartin andMiller know full well that Adelaide Adams wouldn't be caught dead in Deadwood.

Calam, after a rip-roaring row with Wild Bill, storms out headed for Chicago. Calam mistakesAdelaide's maid, Katie Brown, for the great actress herself. Before she is aware of it, she isstage-coaching Katie back to Deadwood where Katie is greeted in high excitement as thefamed Adelaide Adams. Unnerved by Fryer when he becomes aware of her true identity, Katiebreaks down at the opening show, and only Calam's masterful control of the audience savesthe day. Bucked up by Calam, Susan and Fryer, Katie gives a show-stopping performance. Allof Deadwood's hearts are won, not the least being the hearts of Danny and Wild Bill.

After a ball given in honour of the new commander at Fort Scully, Calam, dressed in Katie's finery, is the belle of the event. Her hour of triumph explodes when she finds Katie with Danny.In a fit of jealous anger she orders Katie to leave town, but Wild Bill corners her and reveals tothe inner Calam that she is a real woman despite the fact she professes to act like a man. Shelearns that it was Bill all the time (not Danny) she loved. The show closes joyously with all ofDeadwood's citizens attending a double wedding, that of Calam to Wild Bill and Katie to Lt.Danny Gilmartin.

THE STORY...��

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✯ THE COMPANY✯

NERYS MARTINC A L AM I T Y J A N E

Nerys started performing at the age of 3 and hasbeen involved in over 80 productions since. Shetrained at the Bancroft Players Youth Theatre and also appears regularly in the Gordon Craig productions. For Hitchin Thespians Nerys hasappeared as Muzzy in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’,Sally in ‘Me & My Girl’, Anita in ‘West Side Story’and Dorcus In ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’.For the past six years she has worked as an actressand background artist on TV and Film productionssuch as ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’,’Batman Begins’, ‘The Dark Knight’, ‘Stardust’, ‘TheGolden Compass ‘and ‘The Imaginarium of DrParnarnus’. TV credits have included ‘Eastenders’,‘The Bill’, ‘Holby City’, ‘New Tricks’ and ‘Primevil’.

Nerys is excited to be performing the role of ‘Calamity Jane’, as it has been

a dream of hers to play this fantastic part.

MICHAEL NILESwild bill hickock‘Calamity Jane' will be Michael’s 10th show withThespians, and twenty-second at the Gordon Craig.He last appeared with Thespians, playing Poo Bahin our last production here -’The Mikado’. Michaeljoined us 12 years ago as the Pirate King in ‘Piratesof Penzance’. He has taken many different parts inmany shows for us, including ’Chess’, ‘The King &I’, ‘Oliver’ and ’Jekyll & Hyde’. He has also been thevocal coach for our Young Thespians for their lastfive performances and is looking forward to theirnext show, .Aladdin. in April next year. Michael’s first love is singing, having had classicallessons since the tender age of eight, and he oftencompetes in the Milton Keynes Music Festival. In his spare time, he enjoys fencing, film, and spending time with his family.

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✯ THE COMPANY✯

LUCY ARNOLDk a t i e b r o w nLucy got bitten by the performing bug from an earlyage, watching her mum rehearse! In 2006, Lucystarred as ‘Annie’ in the musical of the same namefor the CAMCIT players at the Cambridge CornExchange and has appeared in several productionsfor the Young Thespians, playing Tallulah in ‘BugsyMalone’ and more recently, Dream Laurie in‘Oklahoma’. Lucy started dancing at a very earlyage with the Granville School of Dance and morerecently with the DLJ School of Dance and wouldlove to run her own dance school when she is older.Lucy is currently studying for her A levels and ishoping to go to university in September 2009 tostudy to become a teacher.

Lucy is absolutely delighted to be playingKatie Brown, her first principal role

for the Society.

james bunkerlt. danny gilmartinJames first joined the Hitchin Thespians in 1988,where his previous principal roles have includedCaleb in ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’, andPeter in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. James says he is really glad to be back and is looking forward to playing the part of DannyGilmartin in ‘Calamity Jane’. Outside the world of musical theatre, James co-runs ‘Cabaroke’ with Bigredfunbus productionsand is a solicitor specialising in commercial property"

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✯ THE COMPANY✯

gina abbattadela ide adamsGina joined Hitchin Thespians back in 2004, when she played Mary Magdalene in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. Since then, she has appeared as Bianca in ‘Kiss Me Kate’, Julie Jordan in‘Carousel’, Miss Dorothy Brown in ‘ThoroughlyModern Millie’, Vicki Nichols in ‘The Full Monty’,and Pitti-Sing in ‘The Mikado’.Some of Gina’s favourite roles have includedDorothy Brock in ‘42nd Street’, Bricktop in ‘Red Hotand Cole’, Chesty Prospects in ‘Saucy Jack and theSpace Vixens’, Hodel in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, andNancy in ‘Oliver!’ Gina will be back at the Gordon Craig in two

weeks’ time, appearing as Mama Noah inStephen Schwartz’s ‘Children of Eden’.

Gina is thrilled to be playing AdelaideAdams in this production.

colin wilsonf r a n c e s f r y e rColin joined us in 2004 and has appeared in most ofthe shows since then, including 'Jesus ChristSuperstar', 'Kiss Me Kate' and 'Jekyll & Hyde'. Hisfavourite roles include Dexter Haven in ‘HighSociety’, Nathan Detroit in ‘Guys and Dolls’ and particularly KoKo in 'The Mikado' earlier this year.Colin has been acting since he was nine and hasappeared in around thirty shows. He also directeda gothic version of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'whilst at university in Durham. He would like topoint out that he's less ineffective than FrancisFryer in real life.

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✯ THE COMPANY✯

melanie plowmans u s a n m i l l e rMelanie joined Hitchin Thespians 5 years ago as one of the townsfolk in ‘Seven Brides for SevenBrothers’. Since then she has been actively involvedin all shows since, including dancing roles in ‘Kiss MeKate’ and ‘Carousel’. For Thespians she has appearedas Nellie in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’, Ruth in ‘ThoroughlyModern Millie’ and Susan Hershey in ‘The Full Monty’(both in Hitchin and the Edinburgh Festival!). Aside from the shows, Melanie enjoys singing withthe choir and appearing in fundraising performancesheld at Woodside, such as ‘Songs in Summer’ and‘That Ole Devil Called Love’. Melanie, like many otherThespians, has been performing from a young age.She has played Kate in ‘Yeomen of the Guard’ and

been in the chorus of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’both in the UK and USA. Melanie is

thrilled to be playing the part ofSusan in ‘Calamity Jane’.

mike barkerh e n r y m i l l e rThis is Mike’s twenty-first show with Hitchin Thespians.He has performed many character roles for us, such asPrince Nikki in ‘My One and Only’, the Gangster in‘Kiss Me Kate’ and Harold in ‘The Full Monty’. You willhave seen him last as Alexander Molokov in our Springproduction of ‘Chess’ here on this very stage.Mike has also enjoyed taking lead roles for other localsocieties, most recently playing Colonel Pickering in‘My Fair Lady’ for our friends, Letchworth Arcadians.Other roles have included Eric 'Rubber-Legs' Devine in‘A Slice of Saturday Night’, Dr. Whackhoff in ‘SaucyJack and the Space Vixens’ and Professor Higgins in‘My Fair Lady’.He has been performing, directing and choreographingshows locally for many years now and is juststarting rehearsals for his local 2009January Panto - ‘The Snow Queen’.

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✯ THE COMPANY✯

james hamiltonr a t t l e s n a k eJames started treading the boards back in 1987as Little Jake in the Hitchin Thespians production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’. His most recent roles forus have been Brother Daniel in ‘Seven Brides forSeven Brothers’ and Dave Bukatinsky in ‘The FullMonty’, which also took him to the EdinburghFringe with the production! His interests outside of the Society keep him fairlybusy; playing football, hockey and badminton,also playing trumpet, trombone, French Horn andsinging in ‘Kicking Back’.

paul adamsD O C p i e r c ePaul joined Thespians in the chorus of ‘42nd Street’and has been an active member of the society, bothon and off stage. He has played a variety of characterroles for us, including the Photographer in ‘Half ASixpence’, The Starkeeper in ‘Carousel', Sir Jasper Tringin ‘Me & My Girl’ and Harry/Baptista in ‘Kiss Me Kate’His interests include walking, reading, Real Ale andFamily History. Paul says he is extremely pleased to beback after a break from performing, and is raring to goin the part of Doc Pierce.

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THE COMPANY

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� DANCERS �Holly Bohme, Caroline Bonja, Michelle Johnstone, Marie Marcantonio,

Michelle Marple, Nicola Niles, Carolyn Roberts, Melanie Trioano

� harry girls �Holly Bohme, Caroline Bonja, Lucy Miller-White, Nicola Niles, Nicola Wilson

� male chorus �Philip Arend, Tom Evans, Paul Hine, Kier Home, Charles Langford,

Nick Morgan, Keith Mortland, Mike Roberts, Mark Savage,

Bryan Summers, Ian Turner, Andrew Wyllie

� female chorus �Jean Austin, Philippa Bayfield, Lesley Greasley, Jane Homer, Katy King,

Emma Knott, Lucy Miller-White, Sheila Soothill, Pat Staff, Lindsey Waghorn,

Ellen Ward, Rosamunde Ward, Kate Webb, Jenny Wilson, Nicola Wilson

CALAMITY JANE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NERYS MARTIN

WILD BILL HICKOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHAEL NILES

LIEUTENANT DANNY GILMARTIN . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES BUNKER

KATIE BROWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LUCY ARNOLD

HENRY MILLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MIKE BARKER

SUSAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MELANIE PLOWMAN

FRANCIS FRYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .COLIN WILSON

ADELAIDE ADAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GINA ABBATT

DOC PIERCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAUL ADAMS

RATTLESNAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JAMES HAMILTON

HANK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN KEOGH

PETE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FRAZER LUCAS

JOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRIS WAGHORN

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ACT ONE

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SCENES & SONGS✯

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Overture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orchestra

SCENE ONE - THE GOLDEN GARTER SALOON, DEADWOOD CITY

‘The Deadwood Stage’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity & Ensemble

‘Careless With The Truth’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity, Bill & Men

‘Adelaide’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill & Men

‘Ev’ryone Complains About The Weather’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Francis

‘Can-Can’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Golden Garter Girls

‘Hive Full Of Honey’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Francis

“I Could Do Without You’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity & Bill

SCENE TWO - THE BIJOU THEATRE, CHICAGO

‘It’s Harry I’m Planning To Marry’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adelaide & Girls

‘It’s Harry I’m Planning To Marry’ (reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katie

SCENE THREE - THE GOLDEN GARTER SALOON

‘Adelaide’ (reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quartet & Men

‘Windy City’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity & Ensemble

‘Keep It Under Your Hat’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katie

‘Keep It Under Your Hat’ (reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katie & Ensemble

‘Careless With The Truth’ (reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ensemble


ACT TWO

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SCENES & SONGS✯

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Entr’acte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orchestra

SCENE ONE - CALAMITY JANE’S CABIN

‘A Woman’s Touch’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity & Katie

‘Higher Than A Hawk’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill

SCENE TWO -- A TRAIL THROUGH A PASS IN THE BLACK HILLS

‘Black Hills Of Dakota’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ensemble

SCENE THREE : FORT SCULLY

‘Love You Dearly’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katie & Danny

‘Men!’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity & Bill

SCENE FOUR - CALAMITY JANE’S CABIN

‘Secret Love’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity

‘Secret Love’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity & Bill

SCENE FIVE - THE GOLDEN GARTER SALOON

‘Windy City’ (reprise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ensemble

‘Finale’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ensemble

There will be an interval of 20 minutes between acts. Please do not smoke in the auditorium. The use of cameras,mobile phones and recording equipment is strictly prohibited.


Hitchin Thespians is proud to be affiliated

to the National Operatic and Dramatic

Association (NODA) which was founded in

1899 as the main representative body

for amateur theatre in the UK. It has a

membership of some 2,500 amateur/

community theatre groups and 3,000

individual enthusiasts throughout the

country, staging musicals, operas, plays,

concerts and pantomimes in a wide

variety of performing venues, ranging

from leading professional theatres to village halls.

NODA is divided into eleven national Regions, each

headed by a Regional Councillor who sits at the ruling

body of the Association and who is supported by

a network of Regional Representatives and other

volunteers. The Representatives and their volunteers

are the vital link to the grass roots of the Association,

the amateur theatre companies themselves. The

association is administered from its headquarters in

Peterborough.

NODA offers multiple benefits to its members,

providing free expert advice and factsheets on

the many issues which can arise in putting on a

performance. NODA represents the interests of

amateur theatre in authorities, rights holders and

the media. Conferences, workshops and seminars

held at National and Regional level all help the

members to share information on best practice.

The NODA Annual Summer School offers

training from professional tutors in acting,

directing, music directing, musical theatre,

stage management and other technical

aspects of theatre performance.

Burseries are available from National

and Regional funds. Regular Regional

magazines and the quarterly ‘NODA

National News’ provide a range of useful

advice and information for amateur

societies and practitioners, as well as free

listings of performances, free classified ads for

selling, buying or hiring scenery, props, scripts, and

details of shows released or restricted for amateur

performance. NODA’s trading area offers access to

goods and services for members and other amateur

theatre enthusiasts,such as NODA pantomimes,a sheet

music service, official badges, youth representatives,

commendation badges and Long Service Awards.

There awards are available for presentation to those

who have given active service to amateur theatre

for a period of ten years and every five years thereafter.

NODA Insurance provides a package that caters

for the specific needs of amateur theatre with

discounted premiums for NODA members.

NODA aims to ensure that it provides help to

amateur societies and individuals in achieving the

highest standards of best practice and performance,

and in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

CALLING YOUNG THESPIANS...If you want to sing, want to act, and want to dance and are in Year 6 and above we want to

hear from you. Young Thespians meet Sunday mornings from 10am to 12 noon at Woodside Hall,

Walsworth Road, Hitchin. There is a charge of £25 to take part in each production.

Young Thespians will be presenting ‘Aladdin’ at Woodside Hall from 16th - 18th April 2009. ...Come and see us!

There are no auditions to join so if you are interested please contactAnn Crook 01462 434181, [email protected]


Childs MusicChilds MusicLOCALLY BASED EXPERIENCED MUSICIANSIndividual tuition for flute, clarinet, saxophone, piano, organ,theory & aural for beginners to advanced students of all ages.

Liz Childs GRSM (Hons), LRAM - woodwind specialist, adjudicator and council member British & International Federation of Festivals (BIFF). Directs flute choirs and other ensemblesAlan Childs GRSM (Hons), LRAM , ARCO - keyboard specialist,

examiner Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)

For further information visit www.childsmusic.co.uk or telephone 01462 816244

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Wishing Hitchin Thespians much success in their production of

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Calamity Jane

Reed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Neil Pennock

Reed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sue Pettitt

Reed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clare Taylor

Trumpet: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellie Lovegrove

Trumpet: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jamie Stoneman

French Horn: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Lavelle

Trombone: . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard Turberville

Bass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fiona Nisbett

Percussion: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Neil Davey

Keyboard: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nigel Gray

Keyboard: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve Lethbridge

ORCHESTRA

��Calamity prog FINAL 19/9/08 16:54 Page 17

Arts Director - Bob Bustance

Press & Publicity ManagerKelly Betts

Press & Publicity Co-ordinatorLucy Wasmuth

Customer Services ManagerCarl Rutherford

Front of House ManagerSue Achard

Assistant Front of House ManagersTracie Litton

Jill Wadsworth

Box Office ManagerSue Hankin

Group & Memberships Co-ordinatorKatie Johnson

Administrator ManagerRia Burgess

Arts & Leisure AssistantLisa Hemmings

Production & Buildings ManagerStephen Overton

Technical & Maintenance ManagerNigel Howlett

Chief TechnicianDave Nott

Deputy Chief TechnicianMike Christofi

Stage TechniciansColin Allen Mike OliverAlex Washer

FOR THE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE

Front of House Assistants

David Aspey, Lisa Perry Coupe, Lauren Donnelly, Brenda Downie,Kelly Evans, Jan Gant, Hannah Gauld, Jennie Hills,

Joanna Hough, Pam King,Tracie Litton,Martin McNicholas, Piers Osbourne

Stephen Sapsed, Maria Scott, Elaine Vermillo

Box Office Sales Advisors

Tanya Akehurst, Jenny Bell,Sheila Birch, Jake Farrell, Hazel Grinstead,

Kier Home, Andrew O’Connor,Barbara Salisbury,Charlotte Stevens

For Stevenage Leisure Limited

Human Resources DirectorJohn Norton

Managing DirectorIan Morton

Finance DirectorRoz Hawkes

Arts Marketing & Sales Manager - Claire Dixon


HITCHIN THESPIANS PATRONS 2008

HITCHIN THESPIANS PAST PRODUCTIONS1903 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Gitanos1904 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Sorcerer1905 . . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard1905 . . . . . . . . . . . .The Mountebanks1906 . . . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance1907 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Gondoliers1908 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Mikado1909 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H.M.S. Pinafore1910 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trial by Jury1910 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ruddigore1911 . . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard1913 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patience1920 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Gondoliers1921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Mikado1922 . . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard1922 . . . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance1923 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ruddigore1923 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Sorcerer1924 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Iolanthe1924 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Gondoliers

1925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Merrie England1925 . . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard1926 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patience1926 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trial by Jury1926 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H.M.S. Pinafore1927 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Mikado1927 . . . . . . . . .Miss Hook of Holland1928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Geisha1928 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A Country Girl1929 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Princess Ida1929 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veronique1930 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Jones1931 . . . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance1931 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Merrie England1932 . . . . . . . . .The Belle of New York

1932 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rose Marie1933 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Desert Song1933 . . . . . . . . . . .The Vagabond King1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The New Moon1935 . . . .The Maid of the Mountains1936 . . . . . . . . .Miss Hook of Holland1937 . . . . . . . . . . . .The Student Prince1938 . . . . . . . . . . . .Goodnight Vienna1939 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Showboat1946 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Rebel Maid1947 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Desert Song1948 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Gondoliers1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chu Chin Chow1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rose Marie1951 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bitter Sweet1951 . . . . . . . . .Yeomen of the Guard1952 . . . . . . . . .Viktoria & Her Hussar1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The New Moon1954 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wild Violets1955 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Magyar Melody1956 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Quaker Girl1957 . . . . . . . . . . . .Goodnight Vienna1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Call Me Madam1958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bless the Bride1959 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Love from Judy1960 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oklahoma1961 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carousel1962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hansel & Gretal1962 . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Merry Widow1963 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kiss Me Kate1964 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pink Champagne1965 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Music Man1966 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trial By Jury1966 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The King & I1967 . . .Orpheus in the Underworld

1968 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Half A Sixpence1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carmen1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kismet1971 . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Merry Widow1972 . . . . . . . . . . .The Sound of Music1972 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hello Dolly1973 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Most Happy Fella1974 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Night in Venice1975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .South Pacific1976 . . . . . . . . . . .The Beggars Opera1976 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bitter Sweet1977 . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert & Elizabeth1977 . . . . . . . . .Yeomen of the Guard1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Die Fledermaus1979 . . . . . . . . . . .Fiddler on the Roof1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Showboat1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hello Dolly1982 . . .Orpheus in the Underworld1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Music Man1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grease1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carousel1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Merry Widow1986 . . . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trial by Jury1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kismet1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .West Side Story1988 . . . . . . . . . . .Annie Get your Gun1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Mikado1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Boyfriend1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .My Fair Lady1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kiss Me Kate1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cabaret1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oklahoma1992 . . . . . . . . . . .The Sound of Music1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trial by Jury

1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H.M.S. Pinafore1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Guys and Dolls1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlie Girl1995 . . . . . . . . . . .A Little Night Music1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barnum1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42nd Street1996 . . . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hello Dolly1997 . . . . . . . . . . .La Cage Aux Folles*1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crazy For You1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chess1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oliver!1999 . . . . . . . . . . . .Singin’ in the Rain*2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mack & Mabel2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .South Pacific2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The King & I2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Half A Sixpence2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carmen2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .My One & Only2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .West Side Story2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barnum2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seven Brides for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Seven Brothers*2004 . . . . . . . . .Jesus Christ Superstar2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kiss Me Kate2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carousel2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Me & My Girl2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Full Monty2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jekyll & Hyde*2007 . . . .Thoroughly Modern Millie2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Mikado2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chess2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Calamity Jane

* NODA Region 9 Eastern Area Award

Jose Aked

Mrs J Armstrong

Mrs V Barker

Peter & Moyra Barry

Mr & Mrs J Bedingfield

Margaret Bidwell

Miss V Bishop

Peter & Sandra Blacker

Neil Bone

Nicol Bonja

Beryl Bowskill

Reg Bray

Slava Budin-Jones

Rosalie Burrows

Enid Calverley

Mrs D E Chennells

Richard Cobb

GT & Doris Cork

Mr & Mrs D R Crick

Mr Norman Cundell

Mary Day

Reginald Day

Barbara Deamer

Mrs G Donald

Mr M P Doonan

Alan & Philippa Dover

Mrs Helen Dublino

Mike Everitt

Mrs M E Fairchild

Mrs D Fisher

John & Sue Franks

Janise Frith

Malcolm & Monique Galloway

Dr & Mrs S P Gardiner

Mary Gill

Bernard Griffiths

Peter Guthrie

Mrs D Guyton

Sanda Haigh

Clive & Janet Hamilton

Alicia (Lee) Hammond

Betty Harvey

Roger Hawkins

Mr & Mrs D Haynes

Mrs D Henderson

Peter Hickman

Beryl Hillyard

Mr P & Mrs A Hollingsworth

Mr P Houldcroft

Mrs J E Howe

Mrs W T Hoy

Laurie & Dorothy Hughes

Pam Hunter

Mrs J Huthert-Averill

Pam Jenkins

Mrs Mary Jones-Davies

Libby Keeling

Marian Kemball-Cook

Ian Kennedy

Mr Paul King

Mr & Mrs H Leonard

Mr & Mrs W E Lewis

Allan Lintern

Michael & Ruth Mackenzie

Mrs Beryl Mallett

Anne Mansfield

Helen Mansfield

Dr C F & Mrs E A Mathews

John & Jean Metzger

Gina Moles

Mrs M Moore

Nicola Morgan

Janet Morris

Mr Michael Newbery

Julia Newton

Mr & Mrs D Nicholls

Mrs Marian Oliver

Mr Ivan Page

Mrs C Page

Eileen Parsons

Mr & Mrs K A Parsons

Mr M C Pascal

Dennis E Pateman J.P.

Julie Paterson

Carole Plowman

Mrs P M Pollard

Edith Pratt

Mr & Mrs N W Revill

Margaret Richmond

Mrs Gwen Rowland

Neil Rutherford

Rose Saunders

Mrs L M Shaw

Mrs Audrey Shephard

Pam Slade

Mrs V Slade

Mr W C Smeeth

Andy & Katie Smith

Barbara Smith

Jean Smith

Mrs J Smith

Mr J Smyth

Philippa Tadman

Mr & Mrs A R Taylor

Kiersten Theakstone

Mrs V Thompson

Frank Turgoose

Mr & Mrs D H Verney

Ronald & Kathy Vickers

Margaret Walker

Mr S & Mrs M Watson

Glyn Williams

Mr & Mrs P Willmott

Ruby Willmott

Mrs Sheila Wisbey

Brenda Wiseman

Mr Robert Woodhead

Esther & Peter Woods

Dick & Pat Worbey


Many remember the story of‘Calamity Jane’ from the classicmovie starring Doris Day. While thefilm proves to be entertaining andfun, it does little to tell the true storyof the life of this adventurouswoman. Born Marthy Cannary in1852, she gained her moniker when she seemed to be followed

frequently by calamitous events. At ayoung age she was an accomplished horsewoman and spentmuch of her day training stubborn horses.In 1865 Calamity’s family began to emigrate west. The journeytook five long months and during that time Calamity learned tohunt alongside the men, until eventually they stopped in VirginiaCity, Montana. As a young girl of 13, she possessed many skillsthat most women would never obtain. After the deaths of her parents Calamity moved on to Wyoming and became a scout forGeneral Custer. Despite her masculine habits, Calamity haddressed in female attire up until this time. Upon her employmentas Custer’s scout she began wearing a soldiers uniform.It was during her campaign with Custer that she gained her nickname, ‘Calamity Jane’. During a skirmish with some Indians,a captain was shot and Calamity turned in her saddle just in timeto see him about to fall from his horse. She galloped alongside hismount and caught him just before he hit the dirt and lifted himonto her saddle. From then on she was always referred to as‘Calamity Jane’, and most never knew her given name.Calamity’s time spent in the Black Hills of the Dakota Territories iswhere she gained most of her notoriety and fame. It is here that

she began her great friendship with Wild Bill Hickock. Hollywoodchose to glamourise this time in Calamity’s life, portraying her asa sweet-natured, singing beauty that overcame her masculine sensibilities. In truth, she was a hard-drinking woman who sleptunder a wagon or in a field. And although she may not have beena singing beauty, she was known as a kind and generous womanwho would tend any sick prospector who needed care.Calamity loved Bill Hickock but her love for him was unrequited,as he considered her only a very good friend. In 1885 she met aman named Clinton Burke and they were married not long after,where she gave birth to a daughter who she said had, ‘the temper of her mother’. Calamity died in 1903 at the age of 51. The townsfolk of Deadwood honoured her with an ostentatiousfuneral and buried her next to her good friend, Wild Bill Hickock.

Calamity Jane the movie was released in 1953. It is (very) looselybased on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane and exploresan alleged romance between Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickockin the American Old West. The film starred Doris Day as the title character and Howard Keel asHickock. It was devised by WarnerBrothers in response to the success of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’. Itwon the Academy Award for BestOriginal Song (‘Secret Love’), andwas also nominated for Scoring ofa Musical Picture and Best Sound,Recording. The film was alsoadapted for television in 1963, withCarol Burnett in the title role.

Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philippa Tadman

Assistant Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard Cobb

Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sarah Bailes

Lighting & Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Black Duck AV LTD

Wardrobe Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keryle Rutherford

Wardrobe Team . . .Margaret Brendish, Judy Page, Mary Roberts,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Helen Goddard, Pearl Hare, Iain Rutherford

Stage Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Viv Stephenson, Neil Leggat

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kirsty McArthur, Wayne Hough

Properties Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cliff Gulbis

Properties Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emma Knott, Sarah Bailes

Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Viv Tadman, Iain Rutherford

Make Up Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna Barrett

Make Up Team . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sarah Cunningham, Sarah Barry

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rhian Watkins, Sheila Soothill, Bronwen Martin

Rehearsal Accompanists . .Nigel Gray, Robert Day, Richard Moore

Costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carousel Costumes

Scenery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Prosceneium Ltd

Front of House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kate Webb

Librarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lucy Miller-White

Programme Editing & Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nick Morgan

Programme Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TeeeGeee Design

Programme/Poster Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Streets of Baldock

Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nick Morgan

Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ralph Rapley/XMO4

Special thanks go to Dance of Hitchin for loan of costumes

THE STORY OF ‘ CALAMITY JANE’

��

��FOR HITCHIN THESPIANS


OUR LAST PRODUCTION‘MARCH 2008’

CHESS


THE HITCHIN THESPIANS

COMING SOON...

HITCHIN THESPIANS: 01462 641575 GORDON CRAIG THEATRE: 08700 131030

Hitchin Thespians choir is looking for new members...

We are a long established choral group singing a diverse range of music

encompassing everything from modern show songs to large scale classical choral works.

We perform 3 concerts a year, including the ever popular and always sold out ‘Christmas at Woodside’

concerts. At the moment we are rehearsing for ‘Christmas at Woodside 2008’. See the coming

soon section on the left for further details.

Interested in joining us? If so, contact our secretary at [email protected] or by phone on 01462 458803 for further details. Visit our website at www.hitchinthespians.org.uk to learn

more about our choral and show activities.

Email: [email protected]: rodneysdanceschool.com

THE YOUNG THESPIANS PRESENT

ALADDIN16th - 18th April 2009, Woodside Hall, Hitchin

THE HITCHIN THESPIAN CHOIR PRESENT

Christmas atWoodside

11th, 12th & 13th December 2008Woodside Hall, Hitchin

SweeneyTodd

5th - 7th & 10th - 14th March 2009 The Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin


We always offer a truly approachable, friendly and efficient professional service

• Personal injury work

• Commercial work

• Wills and probate

• Estate planning

DaviesHamilton

DaviesHamilton

SOLICITORS28 High Street, Stevenage,

Herts, SG1 3HF

Fax: (01438) 740084

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.hamiltondavies.co.uk

Tel: 01438 315898

• Problems of the elderly

• Family and divorce work

• Employment issues

• Property transactions

...that’s law with a human face!...that’s law with a human face!



Documents

PRESENT OCTOBER 2008 - Hitchin Thespians · 2011-08-23 · 1876. Our story tells of famed Calamity Jane who dresses, rides and shoots like a man, but given the proper chance, can