SOUTH DALZIEL STUDIO 1

2-6 November 2010

A new venture for us in a number of ways with probably the largest cast of principals in our history. It featured a massive number of songs, many familiar Cole Porter numbers, many not so familiar, and attempted to give a flavour of the life, times and contemporaries of the great American composer and lyricist. It was also the first show in the remodelled South Dalziel Studio One and the first of ours to be produced by member Peter Nevans. The heaviest burden fell on John McKenzie, playing the part of Porter, on stage for most of the show which took the form of a series of parties, merged on stage into one, the venue city for each indicated by changing projections on the backcloth. The story told of the lavish lifestyle of the Porters and their friends, the struggle Porter had to achieve success, his successes when they came, the tragic accident which rendered him a cripple and his embittered last few years. It ended with a fabulous finale showcasing some of the best of Cole Porter's words and music. An unforgettable show for the cast, a treat to be part of artistically, a difficult one in a venue with restricted stage area and backstage facilities. It was also unforgettable for the (temporary) dramatic collapse on stage of our Noel Coward and the calm resumption of the show when he had been carted off for medical treatment!

THE CHARACTERS Cole Porter: John McKenzie Elsa Maxwell: Marie Maxwell Linda Porter: Esther O'Hara Bricktop Smith: Julie Thomson Paul (Porter's Valet): Jim Keenan Monty Woolley: Laurie Thompson Bella Spewak: Violet Thompson Noel Coward: Richard Hughes Ethel Merman: Lynn Mulvenna Irene Castle: Lori McElroy (Dance Captain) Dorothy Parker: Phil McKenzie Sara Murphy: Carol Lee Hedda Hopper: Fiona Heggie Moss Hart: John Kelly George Kaufman: John Fleming Sam Katz: Peter Kelly Clifton Webb: John J Boyle Ray Goetz: Des McCarthy English Soldier: Christopher Costello Doctor: Fiona Zambonini Starlet: Catherine Gemmell Major Domo: Tom Maley Staff: Erin Morrison and Dillon McPhelim CHORUS Sopranos: Moira Bradley, Maria Casey, Mary Marilyn Connor, Shona Donnelly, Geraldine Fleming (Dance Captain),Annette Hamilton, Christine Kelly, Anne McMenemy, Barbara Morris, Margaret Morrison, Letitia Reilly, Julie Spence (featured dancer). Altos: Yvonne Burns, Moira McIntyre, Anne Skelly. Tenor: Dan Hughes. Baritones: Raymond Lunny, Edward Pearson, John Pearson. NB: You might think the men were sadly depleted, but all the rest were taking principal roles!

Producer Peter Nevans Musical Director David Fisher Asst. MD Rebecca Keay

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