Callander Amateur Operatic Society
2000 - La Vie Parisienne
The scene and tone are set at the very beginning of Act I, set in the Gare de L’Ouest, where large numbers of people are arriving for a good time in Gay Paree. Two men about town, Raoul and Bobinet, compare notes about their recent and unsatisfactory liaisons, and decide to stick to the pursuit of aristocratic girls in future. Bobinet seems to have a countess in his sights, and Raoul is awaiting the arrival of a Swedish baroness, who turns out to be accompanied by her Swedish baron. The two men set up a series of strategems to help to assure their planned conquests, including putting the baron and baroness up (in separate rooms) at a private house presented as a hotel.
Events are made easier by the Baron’s infatuation with Metella (known to Bobinet and Raoul, and possibly to many others), and complicated by the arrival of Brazil, a colourful character who falls for Gabrielle, a glove-maker known to Raoul and Bobinet, and offers to assist with a further ploy, to create a fake reception to keep the baron temporarily out of circulation.
In Act II, the conspirators are at the Villa Fontenue, planning the evening, Brazil even more exotic dressed up as the Oblong of Skwairut, and exuding joie de vie. A host of friends and staff dress as aristocratic guests, the baron and baroness are skillfully kept separate, the celebration is perhaps insincere but is certainly energetic, and the baron ends the evening prostrate with tiredness and emotion.
Act III is set in the Cafe des Anglais, where the maitre d’hotel, obviously on the side of the conspirators, arranges a private room for the Baron and Metella. She however rediscovers her affection for Raoul, and gets the baron interested in a mystery stranger – his wife, of course, in disguise. It all unravels, but the baron is obliged to confess that a great time has been had, and all ends untidily but happily.
The musical numbers included 'No, No, No' and 'Joie de Vie'.
CAST
Gabrielle, a glove maker
Baroness Gondremarck, a Swedish visitor
Metella, an "entetaining" lady
Pauline, a domestic servant
Julie, a domestic servant
Louise, a domestic servant
Colette, a housekeeper
Charlotte, a fashionable coquette
Marie, a fashionable coquette
Raoul, a man about town
Bobinet, a man about town
Brazil, a wealthy Brazilian
Baron Gondremarck, a Swedish visitor
Marcel, maitre d'hotel
Pierre, a man servant
Jacques, a man servant
Station Master
Tourist Guide
Vivien Pope
Margaet Milligan
Angela Dickinson
Olga Watkins
Julie Milligan
Sally Henderson
Isobel Dickinson
Marilyn Emery
Sheila Dickson
Bob Johnson
John Taylor
Louis Pope
Gordon McKenzie
George Stewart
Stewart Johnstone
Maurice Temple
Ray Watkins
Murray Ure
PARISIANS, RAILWAY STAFF, TOURISTS, GUESTS AND SERVANTS
Joan Barrie,Susan Battye, Alma Cadzow, Margaret Cameron, Fiona Campbell, Janet Goring, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Sandie Luti, Helen Millar, Jean Millar, Sheila Morrison, Louise Notini, Laura McKenzie, Ann Ross, Janet Shimidzu, Wilma Sutherland
Bill Ballantyne, Jim Hannah, Peter Hemphill, Crawford Johnstone, Ian McIntyre, Norman Murray, Mike Reeder, Alex Walker
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - Anne Ballantyne
More about this show can be found by clicking here.
2001 - Me and My Girl
Parchester, the family solicitor, has discovered that the 13th Earl of Hareford secretly married a working class girl who died shortly after giving birth. The heir to the Hareford millions must be found.
Our story begins in the late 1930s with a group of London’s high society arriving at Hareford Hall for a whoopee weekend hosted by the elegant Duchess of Dene and her “friend” of many years, Sir John Tremayne.
The Duchess’s daughter, Lady Jacqueline, has her eye on the Hareford millions and the 14th Earl, despite being engaged to golly gumdrops Gerald.
The new heir, a likeable Cockney costermonger, goes by the name of Bill Snibson.
His manners leave a lot to be desired and oh horror!, he eats peas with a knife. The Duchess likes a challenge and wants new blood in the family, so sets about introducing Bill to elocution and etiquette lessons. The only fly in the ointment is Sally – Bill’s level headed, down to earth Cockney girlfriend. Sally does not remotely figure in the Duchess’s scheme – she must be removed.
Who comes to the rescue? You can’t beat experience! Sir John knows all the answers. He’s been there, done it and although we can hardly say “got the tee shirt”, we will say, “got the pearly waistcoat”.
A happy ever after show!! And great songs including 'Me and My Girl', 'Lambeth Walk', 'The Sun Has Got His Hat On' and 'Leaning on a Lamp Post'.
CAST
Bill Snibson
Sally Smith
Maria, Duchess of Tremayne
Sir John Tremayne
Lady Jaqueline Carstone
The Hon. Gerald Bolingbroke
Cedric Parchester, Solicitor
Lord Battersby
Ladt Battersby
Charles, Head Butler
Staff:
Molly
Phebe
Nancy
Justin
Potter
Mrs. Brown
Bob Barking
Policeman
Telegram Boy
Pearly King
Pearly Queen
Lady Brighton
Mrs. Worthington-Worthington
Mrs. Stainsley Asherton
The Hon. May Miles
Cockney Prostitute
Bob Johnson
Sally Henderson
Alma Cadzow
Bill Ballantyne
Olga Watkins
Gordon McKenzie
John Taylor
Jim Hannah
Angela Dickinson
David Moore
Fiona Campbell
Janet Goring
Jean Millar
Norman Murray
Peter Hemphill
Margaret Scott-Brown
Peter Tarrent
Ray Sly
Alistair Johnstone
Peter Hemphill
Janet Shimidzu
Margaet Milligan
Penny Hannah
Isobel Dickinson
Margaret Cameron
Susan Battye
ANCESTORS
Ian McIntyre, Alastair McLachlan, Kenneth Milligan, Tim O'Rourke, Maurice Temple, Colin Goring
CHORUS
Joan Barrie, Susan Battye, Margaret Cameron, Isobel Dickinson, Sheila Dickson, Marilyn Emery, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Margaret Milligan, Helen Millar, Laura McKenzie, Janet Shimidzu, Wilma Sutheland
Crawford Johnstone, Ray Sly, Peter Tarrent
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - Anne Ballantyne
More about this show can be found by clicking here.
2002 -Kaleidoscope
The first of two compilations which have showcased the scope of the Society - a musical celebration of the most popular songs from many of everyone's favourite shows - The King and I, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music, State Fair and many more.
The show was Introduced by a grandad (Bill Ballantyne) and granddaughter (Emma Milligan), with themed sections of Music Hall, Gilbert and Sullivan, Wild West, Richard Rodgers, and Partisan.
Numbers included 'Tell Me, Pretty Maiden', 'When a Felon’s Not Engaged', 'Many a New Day', 'Getting to Know You' and 'Va Pensiero'.
2003 - Gypsy Love
Antonio, a handsome and passionate young gypsy, is in love with Miranda, daughter of Sir Peregrine Plomley and engaged to Lawrence, son of Lord Lyell, the Lord Lieutenant. As Act I opens, we find the gypsies camped in Sir Peregrine's estate. Lord Lyell arrives to complain and is diverted by Sir Peregrine, who meantime has been joined by Lady Pheobe, on whom he intends to use his charm. Lucinda, Peregrine's younger daughter, arrives with her ineffectual boyfriend Oswald; this relationship does not have Peregrine's blessing. Peregrine meets Antonio and thy talk civilly. Antonio sings for the entire company, about Romany life. Shortly thereafter, Antonio and Miranda elope, to mixed reactions.
Act II is set outside a local tavern where the gypsies are clearly welcome. They sing songs of gypsy love and Dilaia, a gypsy girl who had thought Antonio was for her, wonders if she has now lost him. Antonio tries to calm Miranda's misgivings about the gypsy life she has chosen. They join to sing about a gypsy wedding day. When Miranda makes it clear she would like a traditional wedding, Antonio says he cannot see why she cannot have both. Miranda and Dilaia, despite their uncomfortable relationship, do talk and sing the freedom of Romany life,
Peregrine and entourage arrive looking for Miranda. They do however accept Peregrine's points that it is her decision and also that there are attractions in the sypsy style; 'Wild, Wild' they agree and approve of in song. Ria, Queen of the Gypsies, arrives. She and Lord Lyell do not agree, but they do develop mutual respect. Ria goes off to speak to Antonio and wedding preparations continue.
In Act III we are in the ballroom of Plomley Place,which has been got ready for the wedding of Miranda and Lawrence. Meantime, Peregrine has proposed to Pheobe and Oswald to Lucinda; 'Lucky Us' they sing. Antonio eneters and approaches Lawrence. A crisis does not develop, although Antonio makes it clear that he has been warned off by Queen Ria, in the interest of the Romany people. The show ends happily with a waltz.
Musical numbers include 'Gypsy Love', 'Waltzing With You' and 'I've Got Something'.
CAST
Sir Peregrine Plomley
Miranda, his daughter
Lucinda, his younger daughter
Lady Pheobe, an eligible widow
Kathy, Miranda's former nurse
Dilaia, a gypsy girl
Ria, Queen of the gypsies
Antonio, a romantic gypsy rogue
Lord Lyell, Lord Lieutenant of the county
Hon. Lawrence Lyell, his son
Oswald Oliphant, Lucinda's reluctant boyfriend
Pringle, Sir Peregrine's valet
Innkeeper, a friend of the gypsies
John Taylor
Angela Dickinson
Julie Milligan
Olga Watkins
Wilma Ellis
Susan Milligan
Sally Henderson
Martin McCrindle
Bill Ballantyne
Bob Johnson
John Coe
Danny McKirgan
Pete Hemphill
CHORUS
Joan Barrie, Alma Cadzow, Heather Cameron, Jan Dalziel, Sheila Dickson, Eileen Fashie, Angie Fisher, Lynda Gibson, Janet Goring, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Laura McKenzie, Helen Millar, Jean Millar, Margaret Milligan, Donna-Jayne Moffat, Sarah Murphy, Helen Murray, Janet Shimidzu, Beryl Temple, Lorna Young
Ian Fashae, Alan Fisher, Jim Hannah, Crawford Johnstone, Ian McIntyre, Cyril Rice, Maurice Temple
2004 -Viva Mexico
In Act I, set outside El Rancho Grande, which pretends to be a guest-ranch, we see Mama (who runs it), local folk, bandits, and, among the latter, Ramon, who almost everyone realises to be also “Zorro”, the masked bandit. On the orders of Mendoza, the bandit-in-chief, the bandits have pillaged a coach which was carrying funds from America to El Presidente. Lopez, the hated chief of police, is hanging around, and has his eye on Raquelita, who is in love with Ramon (and he with her). We are introduced to the Rancho’s incompetent (and comic) assistants, Pablo and Pepe, and to Sergeant Bernardo, Lopez’s unfortunate subordinate.
The luggage-less travellers from the coach, Senator Vanders and his daughter Lucille, are directed to the Rancho for accommodation. Lucille lets Ramon know that she recognises him from the robbery, and Ramon is clearly attracted to her, to the annoyance of Raquelita’s friend Lola. Mendoza, a caricature of a revolutionary and bandit, stumbles on the gathering, but his identity is protected. The locals devise a flea circus as a cover for searching the Senator’s clothes for the cash.
In Act II, Lucille addresses a song to Zorro (“O, Foolish Moon”). Lopez tries to persuade Lola to betray the bandits. At the ceremony, held in the ruins of the ancient Aztec temple, Mendoza enters and clumsily signals to Ramon. This is noticed by Lopez, hiding in the shadows. Lola jumps to her feet, there is a gun-shot and Lola falls. It turns out to be no worse than a graze and the fiesta goes ahead, “Hat Dance” and all.
The scene for the start of Act III is the market place on market day. Entertainment is provided by two toreadors, who turn out to be Pablo and Pepe. Mendoza arrives and announces that the revolution is over and a new presidente installed. He has found the funds – which were in the form of a bank draft – and hands it back to the Senator. Ramon and Raquelita are fully reconciled. Lola’s bravery in putting herself between Lopez’s gun and Ramon is recognised. All is not quite over and happy ever after. Lopez, dismissed from his post as part of the coup, appears and threatens to shoot Lucille. He is however overpowered. Ramon surely no longer needs to be Zorro; he can busy himself at the Rancho. His reaction is not recorded as the show ends.
Notable musical numbers include 'La Cucuracha', 'The Toreadors’ Song' and 'O Foolish Moon” and top of that there is of course 'The Mexican Ha Dance'.
CAST
Raquelita, a 'belle senorita'
Ramon, the bandit leader 'Zorro'
Mama Inez, owner of 'El Rancho Grande'
Bernardo, Sergeant of Police
Senator, an American businessman
Lucille, the Senator's daughter
Mendoza, a Mexican revolutionary
Pepe, Ramon's handyman
Pablo, Ramon's handyman
Casilda, friend of Raquelita
Lola, friend of Raquelita
Conchita, friend of Raquelita
Priestess
Lopez, Chief of Police
Donna-Jayne Moffat
Peter Macdonald
Olga Watkins
Bob Johnson
Dan McKirgan
Angela Dickinson
John Taylor
Paul Luti
Ross Carrie
Laura McKenzie
Sally Henderson
Wilma Elliss
Margaret Milligan
Alasdair Gammack
CHORUS
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Fiona Campbell, Sheila Cleland, Sheila Dickson, Eileen Fashie, Angie Fisher, Lynda Gibson, Janet Goring, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Adrianne Masson, Helen Millar, Jean Millar, Jennifer Monaghan, Helen Murray, Kerry McKirgan, Marianne Pearson, Janet Shimidzu, Beryl Temple, Lorna Young
Matthew Duncan, Ian Fashae, Alan Fisher, Jim Hannah, Peter Hemphill, Ian Inglis, Crawford Johnstone, Steven McAlipne, Maurice Temple, Robert Thomson
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - James Cassidy
More about this show can be found by clicking here.
2005 -Ultimate CAOS
Triumph out of adversity. For family reasons our original producer had had to withdraw from the show, so the Society decided to present its second compilation - a celebration of the many wonderful songs they ha performed over the previous 25 years.
The late Sarah Beaney stepped in as Producer and she together with Ian Milligan and two stalwarts of the Society, Helen Millar and Olga Watkins, created a wonderful musical experience. Five scenes, a spanking pace, witty introductions, a selection of well known show stoppers and a good number of songs from past performances by CAOS, from the solemnity of Sabbath Prayer (Fiddler on the Roof) to the outrageous Jemima Shine (By-Passed).
THE COMPANY
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Liz Cameron, Fiona Campbell, Sheila Cleland, Sheila Dickson, Wilma Ellis, Eileen Fashie, Angie Fisher, Toni Gentles, Janet Goring, Sally Goring, Marion Haines, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Sally Henderson, Marianne Herron, Jeanette Hutton, Adrianne Masson, Helen Millar, Jean Millar, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monaghan, Helen Murray, Laura McKenzie, Angela Ranaldi, Ann Ross,Janet Shimidzu, Rachel Stanfield, Val Stewart, Liz Tarrant, Beryl Temple, Olga Watkins, Lorna Young
Graham Davies, Matthew Duncan, Ian Fashae, Alan Fisher, Jim Hannah, Peter Hemphill, Ian Inglis, Crawford Johnston, Gordon McKenzie, Dan McKirgan, Alastair McLachlan, John Taylor, Maurice Temple, Robert Thomson
2006 -South Pacific
In 1949, the musical South Pacific opened to rave reviews from the critics. Once again Rodgers and Hammerstein had a hit musical on their hands, this time with a story taken from the prize-winning novel Tales of the South Pacific, which they had set to music. The theme of the show was thought to be very controversial, dealing as it does with relationships between people of different races and backgrounds.
The story takes place during World War II on a French colonial island recently taken over by the Americans, who are trying to clear all the surrounding islands of Japanese. The hero, Emile de Becque, a French planter, falls in love with Nellie Forbush, an unsophisticated girl from the “sticks” and while she returns his love, she is horrified when she finds out that he has two children from a relationship he has had with a Polynesian woman, now dead.
We are introduced to the amusing characters of the “Seabees” – the American sailors of the construction battalion (hence the acronym) led by Billis, who are running a nice black market line in grass skirts and shrunken heads. The sailors are bored because they are far removed from the front lines and have no female company. There is a group of nurses on the island, but they are “spoken for” by the officers. The sailors long to visit the island of Bali Ha’i which is out of bounds. Their only contact is through Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese woman who trades with them.
A new officer appears on the scene – Lieutenant Cable. When Bloody Mary sees him she decides to introduce him to her daughter Liat. Cable falls in love with Liat, contrary to everything he has been taught to believe. The sailors and nurses are preparing a show for Thanksgiving Day. Emile arrives to speak to Nellie, but she is unwilling to listen to him. He and Cable leave on a dangerous mission; they are to be dropped on a Japanese-held island to set up a reconnaissance post. Nellie is devastated when she discovers Emile is gone .....
The dramatic conclusion to the story proves to be entertaining and emotional for audience and cast alike.
Great songs absolutely abound with the pick of them being 'Some Enchanted Evening', 'There is Nothing Like a Dame', 'Bali Ha’i', 'I’m Gonna Wash That Man', '’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy', 'Younger than Springtime' and 'This Nearly Was Mine”.
CAST
Ngana
Jerome
Henri
Ensign Nellie Forbush
Emile de Becque
Bloody Mary
Yeoman Herbert Quayle
Luther Billis
Stewpot
Professor
Ensign Dinah Murphy
Ensign Janet Macgregor
Lt. Joseph Cable
Capt. George Brackett
Cmdr. William Harbison
Liat
Lt. Buzz Adams
Shore Patrolman
Amarillia Moffat
Harry Milligan
Alistair Johnston
Susan Milligan
Peter Macdonald
Vivien Pope
Matt Duncan
Ken Milligan
Crawford Johnston
Brian Collie
Marianne Herron
Angela Dickinson
Kerry Mathewson
John Taylor
Dan McKirgan
Carrie Millar
Ritchie Duncan
Matt Duncan
ENSIGNS, ISLANDERS, NUNS, NURSES, SAILORS, MARINES AND SOLDIERS
Mary Barclay, Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Fiona Campbell, Wilma Ellis, Eileen Fashae, Angie Fisher, Toni Gentles, Janet Goring, Marion Hanes, Adrianne Masson, Helen Millar, Jean Millar, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monaghan, Helen Murray, Ann Ross, Janet Shimidzu, Rachel Stanfield, Val Stewart, Lorna Young
Ian Fashae, Alan Fisher, Jim Hannah, Peter Hemphill, Ian Inglis, Ken Roberts, Ray Sly, Robert Thomson, Murray Ure
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - Iain Fraser
More about this show can be found by clicking here.
2007 -The Merry Widow
It is Paris about 1900 and we find ourselves in the ballroom of the Pontevedrian Embassy. The Ambassador, Baron Zeta, has a problem on his mind. He must find a way to save his country from bankruptcy. One solution is to prevent the rich and beautiful heiress Anna Glavari from marrying a foreigner. He has decided that Count Danilo, an embassy attache would be the ideal bridegroom and the purpose of the party we are witnessing is to bring the two together; but all is not going to plan. Danilo, irresponsible and light-hearted, has not yet arrived at the party and cannot be found anywhere. Immersed in match-making, Baron Zeta has failed to observe that his wife Valencienne is engaged in a passionate flirtation with a French officer, Camille, the Count de Rosillon.
At last Anna arrives, escorted by a crowd of hopeful suitors and the party adjourns for supper. Meanwhile Danilo arrives exhausted, direct from Maxim’s – his favourite haunt, and promptly falls asleep. He is soon awakened by Anna. They discover they are old “acquaintances”, parted long since by Danilo’s rich uncle. Anna reminds Danilo of their past affair, but he declares that he will never marry her now because of her fortune. Further complications arise because of Valencienne’s lost fan. Anna chooses Danilo for her partner in “Ladies’ Choice” and as she does so, realises her attraction to him is still alive in her heart.
Anna throws a party in the gardens of her house. All are in national dress and Anna sings a national folksong, the famous “Vilia” [which is one of Lehar’s greatest successes]. Zeta and Danilo try to find out who Camille’s lady friend can be. Meanwhile Valencienne and Camille appear and the pair retire to the summerhouse. Now horrors! Baron Zeta has called a meeting of his staff at that very summerhouse. He finds the door locked and through the keyhole he believes he sees his wife and Camille. Furiously he tries to break down the door, but Valencienne escapes by another way and Anna takes her place. As Camille and Anna come out of the summerhouse, Anna announces their engagement. She is delighted by Danilo’s reaction to the announcement. He is madly jealous and she interprets this as a sign of true love.
We find ourselves again in the garden of Anna’s house, this time decorated as “Chez Maxim’s”. Danilo is delighted to learn from Anna the truth of the summerhouse episode, but he still cannot declare himself. Only when she tells him that by the terms of her late husband’s will, she will lose her millions upon remarriage, does he propose, and she gladly accepts, telling him then that the money goes to whoever becomes her new husband.
Musical numbers to remember include 'Merry Widow Waltz', 'Vilia' (another favourite of the Society's) and 'Driving in the Park With You'
CAST
Anna (Madam Glavari) - The Merry Widow
Danilo (Count Danilovitch) - Attache
Baron Zeta - Ambassador
Valencienne - the Ambassador's wife
Camille - Count Rosillon
Njegus - Baron Zeta's factotum
St. Brioche - diplomatic guest
Cascada - diplomatic guest
Kromov - an Attache
Olga - wife of Kromov
Bogdanovitch - an Attache
Pritsch - an Attache
Sylvia - a lady guest at the embassy
Praskovia - a lady guest at the embassy
Grisettes:
Lolo
Dodo
Jou-Jou
Fro-Frou
Clo-Clo
Margot
Angela Dickinson
Peter Macdonald
John Taylor
Marianne Herron
Bob Johnson
Dan McKirgan
Ian Inglis
Matt Duncan
Brian Collie
Olga Watkins
Ray Sly
Crawford Johnston
Wilma Ellis
Margaret Scott-Brown
Fiona Sutherland
Linda Ottmer
Helen Millar
Adrianne Masson
Susan Gibson
Tina Loots
CHORUS
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Sheila Cleland, Sheila Dickson, Eileen Fashae, Angie Fisher, Toni Gentles, Janet Goring, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Marion Haines, Kate Hemfrey, Jean Millar, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monaghan, Janet Shimidzu, Val Stewart
Keith Alexander, Ian Fashae, Alan Fisher, Jim Hannah, Peter Hemphill, Findlay Lumsden, Robert Thomson
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - Iain Fraser
More about this show can be found by clicking here.
2008 - Annie Get Your Gun
Annie Get Your Gun opened at the Imperial Theatre, New York on May 16, 1946. It had been written specifically for Ethel Merman. P laywright Dorothy Fields had felt that casting Merman as Annie Oakley would guarantee a sure-fire hit. The New York production of Annie Get Your Gun ran for 1,147 performances and was the third longest running musical of the 1940s. It was the biggest Broadway hit of Merman’s career. The 1950s screen adaptation starred Betty Hutton and Howard Keel.
The 1999 Broadway revival showcased Bernadette Peters – probably the prettiest and sexiest Annie to date, not to mention probably the greatest singer of the bunch. The show was somewhat updated for modern times. Not only did Peter Stone make revisions to Herbert and Dorothy Fields’ original book (the story is now a show within a show, namely Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show), but there have been revisions to Berlin’s original score as well. This is the version of the show which CAOS presented and despite the updated script and reworking of some of the music, it has not lost its innate charm and simplicity. All the favourite musical numbers are still as lively and vibrant as they were in 1946.
The story revolves around Annie Oakley, an illiterate hillbilly with a knack for shooting guns. Persuaded to join Buffalo Bill’s travelling Wild West Show, she soon falls helplessly in love with Frank Butler, the show’s featured shooting ace. However, when Annie eclipses Frank as the show’s main attraction, she realises she’ll have to make some hard choices if she wants to win the man she loves. On the advice of her “adoptive father”, Chief Sitting Bull, Annie realises that to win Frank she must lose the final shooting match and finally accepts the fact that she “Can’t Get a Man With a Gun”.
This show has so many wonderful songs including 'There’s No Business Like Show Business', 'Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly', 'The Girl That I Marry', 'You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun' and 'Anything You Can Do'.
CAST
Frank Butler
Buffalo Bill Cody
Dolly Tate
Tommy Keeler
Winnie Tate
Charlie Davenport
Foster Wilsn
Chief Sitting Bull
Annie Oakley
Jessie, Annie's little sister
Nellie, Annies other little sister
Little Jake, Annie's little brother
Running Dear
Eagle Feather
Dining Car Waiter
Sleeping Car Porter
Pawnee Bill
Messenger
Band Leader
Mrs. Sylvia Potter-Porter
Mrs. Schuyler Adams
Peter Macdonald
Crawford Johnston
Angela Dickinson
Mark MacDonald
Marianne Herron
Iain Fraser
Iain Inglis
Dan McKirgan
Vivien Pope
Eilidh Mongan
Eilidh Strang
Jolene Levy
Brian Collie
Brian McKay
Matt Duncan
Peter Hemphill
Brian Collie
Brian McKay
Ian Milligan
Susan Gibson
Janet Shimidzu
CHORUS
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Sheila Cleland, Sheila Dickson, Toni Gentles, Susan Gibson, Janet Goring, Marion Haines, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Tina Loots, Adrianne Masson, Maggie Maygor, Helen Millar, Jean Millar, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monaghan, Jo Page, Doris Pywell, Janet Shimidzu, Val Stewat, Fiona Sutherland
Matt Duncan, Peter Hemphill, Ian Inglis, Brian McKay, Maurice Temple
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - Iain Fraser
More about this show can be found by clicking here.
2009 - Fiddler on the Roof
The first show ever to have been repeated by the Society, 'Fiddler on the Roof' is surely one of the great musicals - comedy, drama, tragedy - all rolled into one to depict the sweep of history, great movements of people, the importance of tradition and the outside influences threatening to tear it apart. In 1994 many said then that it was the best show ever produced by the Sociey and now in 2009 people in the community are once again saying that this was our best show ever. It's not really possible to make comparisons between shows over such a span of time, but clearly the community and the cast enjoy 'Fiddler'. Certainly it was rewarding to rehearse and perform and each show was a tour de force.
Many of the cast in this year's show also appeared in 1994 aqnd there were some amazing casting parallels between the shows ....... in 1994 Peter Macdonald (this year's Tevye) played Perchick and this year that part was played by Peter's second cousing Mark MacDonald; 1994.s Hodel was played by Angela Dickinson, second cousing to Emma Milligan who played Hodel this year; Chava, this year, was played by Donna Milligan whose mum Julie played Chava in 1994 and of course Angela, who played Golde this year, is neice to 1994's Golde, Margaret Milligan ........... TRADITION!!
CAST
The Fiddler
Tevye, the Dairyman
Yente, the Matchmaker
Avram, the Bookseller
Nachum, the Beggar
Lazar Wolf, the Butcher
The Rabbi
Mendel, the Rabbi's son
Golde, Tevye's wife
Tzeitel, Tevye's eldest daughter
Hodel, Tevye's second daughter
Chava, Tevye's third daughter
Shprintze, Tevye's fourth daughter
Bielke, Tevye's youngest daughter
Motel, the Tailor
Mordcha, the Innkeeper
Perchick, the Student
Grandma Tzeitel
Fruma-Sarah, Lazar Wolf's first wife
Constable
Fyedka
Shaindel, Motel's mother
Sasha
Rifka
Mirila
Yussel
Mhairi McKay
Peter Macdonald
Vivien Pope
Brian McKay
Brian Collie
Bob Johnson
Matt Duncan
Tobias Paul
Angela Dickinson
Marianne Herron
Emma Milligan
Donna Milligan
Eilidh Mongan
Megan Gibson
Michael Coyne
Ian Inglis
Mark MacDonald
Wilma Ellis
Val Stewart
Alasdair Gammack
David Young
Olga Watkins
Harry Milligan
Janet Shimidzu
Lorna Gallacher
Crawford Johnston
VILLAGERS
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Sheila Cleland, Isobel Dickinson, Sheila Dickson, Lorna Gallacher, Toni Gentles, Janet Goring, Marion Haines, Liz Hammond, Penny Hannah, Tina Loots, Adrianne Masson, Kerry McKirgan, Helen Millar, Jean Miller, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monaghan, Jo Page, Rachel Peebles, Doris Pywell, Ann Ross, Janet Shimidzu, Marslaidh Smith, Rachel Stanfield, Fiona Sutherland
Peter Hemphill, Jim Hannah, Crawford Johnston, Kerry Mathewson, Dan McKirgan, Ken Roberts, Ray Sly, John Taylor, Robert Thomson, Murray Ure
VILLAGERS' CHILDREN
Fiona Cameron, Rachel Scholfield, Holly Fraser, Adrianna Gentles, James Thompson
2010 - The Pirates of Penzance
For the second year in succession the Society decided to repeat a previously presented show and it was a good decision. The show, one of Gilbert and Sullivan's Savoy operas, proved to be a resounding success. The Pirates of Penzance is pure entertainment, with many memorable songs and characters.
The alternative name for the operetta is 'The Slave of Duty' and as the play unfolds it soon becomes apparent that this refers to Frederic's obsession to always 'do his duty'. On becoming 21 years old, Frederic is awarded his indentures by the Pirate King. However, the original indentureship stated that on achieving his 21st birthday, Frederic could leave the pirates. This he chooses to do, but his 'sense of duty' not only leads him to inform the Pirate King of his decision to leave but also compels him to inform the pirates that he will, from now on, do his utmost to ensure their extemination.
The pirates, being a band of tender-hearted orphans accept that this is indeed Frederic's duty and take no steps to prevent him from leaving or carrying out his duty. In the meantime the Major-General's many daughters turn up at the Pirate's Cove, believing it to be deserted and proceed to cavort about. Frederic, who until that moment, had only set eyes on one woman - Ruth, his nurse - immediately falls in love with the eldest sister - Mabel. The pirates return and decide they are each going to marry one of the sisters and go looking for the local padre. In the nick of time however, the Major-General turns up to rescue his daughters. He achieves this by taking advantage of the pirates' well-known habit of releasing captives who claim to be orphans. Like so many before him, the Major-General pretends to be an orphan and the pirates set free he and all of his daughters.
The pirates, being a band of tender-hearted orphans accept that this is indeed Frederic's duty and take no steps to prevent him from leaving or carrying out his duty. In the meantime the Major-General's many daughters turn up at the Pirate's Cove, believing it to be deserted and proceed to cavort about. Frederic, who until that moment, had only set eyes on one woman - Ruth, his nurse - immediately falls in love with the eldest sister - Mabel. The pirates return and decide they are each going to marry one of the sisters and go looking for the local padre. In the nick of time however, the Major-General turns up to rescue his daughters. He achieves this by taking advantage of the pirates' well-known habit of releasing captives who claim to be orphans. Like so many before him, the Major-General pretends to be an orphan and the pirates set free he and all of his daughters.
CAST (In Order of Appearance)
Samuel
Pirate King
Frederic
Ruth
Edith
Kate
Isobel
Mabel
Major-General Stanley
Sergeant of Police
Andy Law
Brian McKay
Alex Hayes
Olga Watkins
Angela Dickinson
Maggie Magor
Lorna Gallacher
Emma Milligan
Bob Johnson
Brian Colloe
A special mention for Alex Hayes, who came in at the last minute (mid-way through January) to to take up the part of Frederic. The part is a big one with lots of lines and lots of songs to learn. Not only did he learn them but he also gave a magnificent performance. Well done Alex and thank you!
MAJOR-GENERAL's DAUGHTERS AND GOVERNESSES
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Sheila Cleland, Isobel Dickinson, Sheila Dickson, Wilma Ellis, Toni Gentles, Janet Goring, Marion Haines, Liz Hammond, Tina Loots, Adrianne Masson, Lauren McGowan, Helen Millar, Jean Miller, Margaret Milligan, Donna-Jayne Moffat, Jennifer Monaghan, Jo Page, Doris Pywell, Ann Ross, Janet Shimidzu, Marslaidh Smith, Val Stewart
PIRATES & CONSTABULARY
Matt Duncan, Peter Hemphill, Ian Inglis, Crawford Johnston, Calum McNeil-Ritchie, Brian Ritchie, Tim Stewart, John Taylor, Murray Ure
Musical Director - Ian Milligan
Producer - James Cassidy
2011 - Hello Dolly!
2011 - Hello Dolly!
Based on 'The Matchmaker' by Thornton Wilder, Hello Dolly! tells the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a matchmaker who has been hired to arrange a marriage for the widowed half-millionaire Horace Vandergelder. This show marked the debut for CAOS of Hannah Sanderson in the title role of Dolly and the first male lead role for Brian Collie. The show was a wonderful mix of colour, wonderful songs and great good fun. The show stealer is of course the title song Hello Dolly, but other wonderful songs included the opening number 'Call on Dolly' featuring Dolly and the full chorus; 'Ribbons Down My Back' sung by Lorna Gallacher (as Irene Molloy); the hilarious 'Elegance' featuring Irene , Minnie, Cornelius and Barnaby and 'It Only Takes A Moment' sung by Irene and Cornelius.
The review published by NODA was very complementary as and went as follows:
"The role of Dolly (Hannah Sanderson) was superbly played with comedy timing and delivery ensuring maximum impact and entertainment with an excellent singing voice delivering the well loved numbers to perfection. Vandergelder (Brian Collie) was well played with a strong comedy flair perfectly characterizing the role also with a very fine singing voice. Cornelius (Mark MacDonald) and Barnaby (Callum McNeill-Ritchie) were a talented pair with Barnaby demonstrating some excellent comedy talent. The role of Mrs Molloy (Lorna Gallacher) was delightfully played and sung, with Marianne Herron in the role of Minnie Fay giving a delightful comedy performance. The role of Rudolph (Bob Johnson) was superbly played and ensured maximum impact in this key scene. The roles of Ambrose (Brian McKay) and Ermengarde (Maggie Magor) were nicely played with fine performances from Ernestina (Olga Watkins), Mrs Rose (Lauren McGowan) and The Judge (Ian Inglis). A strong chorus ensured the big musical numbers were delivered with maximum entertainment."
Dolly Levi
Horace Vandergelder
Irene Molloy
Cornelius Hackl
Minnie Fay
Barnaby Tucker
Ermengarde
Ambrose Kemper
Rudolph Reisenweber
Ernestina
Mrs Rose
The Judge
Hannah Sanderson
Brian Collie
Lorna Gallacher
Mark MacDonald
Marianne Herron
Callum McNeill-Ritchie
Maggie Magor
Brian McKay
Bob Johnson
Olga Watkins
Lauren McGowan
Ian Inglis
TOWNSPEOPLE OF YONKERS,FEEDSTORE CUSTOMERS, POLKA CONTEST CONTESTANTS, WAITERS ETC
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Sheila Clelland, Isobel Dickinson, Sheila Dickson, Wilma Ellis, Toni Gentles, Marion Haines, Liz Hammond, Adrianne Masson, Lauren McGowan, Helen Millar, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monoghan, Jo Page, Doris Clark, Janet Shimidzu, Marslaidh Smith, Mike Clarke, Peter Hemphill, Ian Inglis, Bob Johnson, Ken Roberts, John Taylor, Murray Ure.
Musical Director: Ian Milligan
Producer: James Cassidy
2012 - La Perichole
2012 - La Perichole
'La Perichole', a comic operetta by Jacques Offenbach was a bit of a step into the unknown for CAOS. No one had heard of it before, but it had been suggested by Ian Milligan as a show that would show off the Society's singing ability at its very best ..... and boy was he right. The whole Society had great fun rehearsing for and performing this show. The setting was Lima, the capital of Peru in the 1750s when Peru was a Spanish dominion. To suit the whim of the Viceroy - a great man for the ladies - an attractive street-singer (La Périchole) is brought to court and made a Countess by the simple expedient of marrying her to a newly-titled 'Count' who is really her street-singer partner and lover. Like all of Offenbach’s work, this show was full of good comedy character parts, engaging romantic intrigues, colourful costumes and delightful music.
The show received great critical acclaim from our audiences and none of the members will forget the spine-tingling moment every night when, at the beginning of Act 2, our audiences gave a collective gasp and a spontaneous round of applause at the amazing costumes worn by the ladies chorus.
Lorna Gallacher played the title role of Perichole and sang beautifully throughout the show. Her leading man, Piquillo, was played by Director James Cassidy to great effect. There were superb performances by all the Principals, but who can forget the Aged Prisoner played by our Stage Manager, Peter Rickard.
CAST
Perichole
Piquillo
Don Andrez (The Viceroy)
Dona Inez (The Viceroy's Daughter)
Serafina (Ines's Duenna)
Felix (Captain of the Guard)
Count Cigarillos (Lord Chamberlain)
Baron Panatellas (Chief of Police)
Esteban (Landlord of The Three Green Parrots)
Gonsalez (Landlord of the Golden Salamander)
1st Notary
2nd Notary
Paquita (A Flower Seller)
Conchita (A Flower Seller)
Eulalia (A Lady of the Court)
Mercedes (A Lady of the Court)
Aged Prisoner
Lorna Gallacher
James Cassidy
John Taylor
Marianne Herron
Wilma Elliss
Bob Johnson
Callum McNeill-Ritchie
Brian McKay
Ian Inglis
Matt Duncan
Heather Cameron
Janet Shmidzu
Lauren McGowan
Charlotte McFarlane
Olga Watkins
Maggie Magor
Peter Rickard
TOWNSPEOPLE OF LIMA, SOLDIERS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE VICEROY'S COURT
Joan Barrie, Heather Cameron, Doris Clark, Sheila Clelland, Angela Dickinson, Isobel Dickinson, Sheila Dickson, Toni Gentles, Janet Goring, Marion Haines, Liz Hammond, Charlotte McFarlane, Lauren McGowan, Helen Millar, Margaret Milligan, Jennifer Monoghan, Ann Ross, Janet Shimidzu, Susan Simpson, Fiona Sutherland, Matt Duncan, John Gallacher, Ian Inglis, Andy Law, Robert Simpson, George Stewart, Connor Wilson.
Musical Director: Ian Milligan
Producer: James Cassidy
Stage Manager: Peter Rickard
2013 - Anything Goes
2014 - Oklahoma!
It's just before Oklahoma becomes a new state - Laurey Williams notices that Curly, a handsome though shy ranch hand, has been acting strangely around her. Through some course of events, she and Curly soon realise the feelings they have for each other. Judd, a hired hand at Laurey's home, also has feelings for Laurey. Together, she and Curly have to do something to save their relationship and keep Judd from doing something terrible. Woven into this plot is the life of Ado Annie, one of Laurey's friends. Her boyfriend has just gotten back from an exciting trip to Kansas City. While he was away, she has fallen for a peddler who is a ladies' man and doesn't really want to marry her. Does she give Will, her boyfriend, "all or nuthin'", or does she run away with the peddler? Set against the backdrop of ranching Oklahoma, this musical is full of fun, music, and romance for everyone. If you'd like a taster for the music from this musical, scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the 'play' button.
2015 - South Pacific
We first did this show in 2006 and some of the original cast appeared in this production also. However, there were a lot of new faces and all were looking forward to performing one of Broadway's greatest musicals.
Can a girl from Little Rock (Nellie Forbush, played by Lorna Gallacher) find happiness with a mature French planter (Emile de Becque, played by James Cassidy) she got to know one enchanted evening away from the military hospital where she is a nurse? Or should she just wash that man out of her hair? Bloody Mary (Angela Dickinson) is the philosopher of the island and it's hard to believe she could be the mother of Liat who has captured the heart of Lt. Joseph Cable USMC (Grant Webb). While waiting for action in the war in the South Pacific, sailors and nurses put on a musical comedy show. The war gets closer and the saga of Nellie and Emile becomes serious drama. It is1943 and the United States Navy has established several bases in the Solomon Islands, in preparation for an invasion towards New Guinea and the Central Pacific. On one such island lives Emile, whom the Navy wishes to employ as a scout to nearby Japanese held islands. To accomplish this task, Nellie is ordered by her commanding officer to ask Emile to carry out this dangerous task . Amidst an outstanding musical score, and breathtaking scenery, the drama of "South Pacific" unfolds.