THE HITCHIN THESPIANS

MARCH 2010 THE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE, STEVENAGE For all your mailing and postroom needs

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The Music Man HITCHIN THESPIANS present

Book, music and lyrics by Based on a story by MEREDITH WILLSON &

Direction JIM SNELL Musical Direction JOHN EDWARDS

Monday 8th - Saturday 13th March 2010 The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Box Office: 01438 363200 Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD. on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK. www.hitchinthespians.org.uk The Hitchin Thespians - About us... In 1902 a group of like-minded Musical Theatre Hitchin Thespians thrive on challenge and its local ladies produced a policy has always been to present, whenever possible, the first local performance of Coleridge- amateur performance of many newly released shows along with Taylor’s “The Gitanos” in Hitchin. other more avant garde shows that many other local societies Following the success of this have been wary of. performance, on 21st February 1903, a decision was taken to form Choral Choir and Concerts In addition to musical theatre Hitchin The Hitchin Amateur Light Opera Company with the Reverend G. B. Thespians has a strong choral tradition with the choir performing a Gainsford as President. In 1905 the name was changed to comprehensive repertoire, as one member put it “from Bach to The Hitchin Thespians, for the sake of brevity. Bernstein, and beyond”. We typically sing three concerts a year at Initially Hitchin Thespians devoted itself largely to the works of various Hitchin venues including St Mary’s Church. Our ever Gilbert and Sullivan but popularity of other shows grew following popular “Christmas at Woodside” concerts are normally a sell out. WW1. It is interesting to note that in 1933 “The Desert Song” was played to an audience of almost 10,000 people in a week at The Workshops and Sponsorship We are proud to fulfil our educational Hermitage Cinema. In 1977 the Society presented “Robert and aims and ambitions though workshops and sponsorship. In recent Elizabeth” at the newly opened Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage years we have sponsored members to attend voice and performance and has continued to produce shows at this venue ever since. training at Little Benslow Music School and have also run master 1991 saw the completion and official opening of “Woodside classes with professional singers and voice coaches for our Hall – The Home Of Hitchin Thespians”. This purpose built suite members to attend. Young Thespians, our youth group, encourages provides us with our own rehearsal facilities and a young people from the age of 10 to experience and develop performance venue for our smaller scale productions. performance and stage skills, usually performing two shows a year. From the Chairman... Welcome to this evening’s performance of ‘The Music Man’. It has been many years since Thespians last staged this musical and whilst it’s not one that is performed as often as it should be I know you will enjoy the general high-jinx and will recognise a number of very familiar tunes. The main song associated with this show is of course ‘Seventy Six Trombones’ but perhaps you will also remember ‘’ which was a hit for The Beatles. We are delighted to welcome back Jim Snell as our Stage Director for this show, whose last show with us was ‘Sweeney Todd’. John Edwards joins us again as both an exacting and ever capable Musical Director. Rehearsals have been hard work, but tremendous fun and I hope you will enjoy the results of the company’s labours in this performance. ‘The Music Man’ is very much a family show and it has been fun working with and getting to know the children who have joined with us for this production. Hitchin Thespians like to maintain a varied programme and so this more traditional show is a contrast to previous productions of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, ‘Chess’ and ‘Sweeney Todd’. I would like to thank you for supporting us in this production and if this is the first production of ours you have attended we hope it will be the first of many. Now it’s time to sit back, read the synopsis and enjoy the show as the curtain rises on this bustling town in Iowa.

Lucy Miller-White

The Committee 2009 /2010 CHAIRMAN: Lucy Miller-White LIFE MEMBERS: TREASURER: Mark Savage Olive Ansell, Ann Crook, Brenda Cundell, HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY: Alex Evans Marion Hargraves, Audrey Jenkins, Derek Jenkins, Denis Rowland, PRODUCTION MANAGER: Sarah Bailes Gordon Wharton CHORAL MANAGER: Sheila Soothill

BUSINESS MANAGER: Kate Webb HONORARY MEMBERS: WOODSIDE HALL MANAGER: Ann Crook Bert Broe, Mollie Gilbert, Edgar Gilbert, SOCIAL & FUNDRAISING: Vivienne Tadman Roger Heath, Bernard Mallett, COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jim Snell, Justin Thomas Christine Fox, Charles Langford, Susan Osbourn The Production Team JIM SNELL - Production Director Jim is delighted to be back with Hitchin Thespians directing his 43rd production for the company especially as ‘The Music Man’ is a particular favourite of his. He works with societies extensively throughout the Home Counties and is just about to commence rehearsals of Stephen Sondheim’s musical ‘Follies’ for Wembley Operatic Society. He has won many NODA awards for ‘Best Production’. Jim is an active voluntary fundraiser for ‘Breakthrough’ – the breast cancer research charity, and any other spare time is enjoyed in the garden or travelling. JOHN EDWARDS - Musical Director Here comes the Music Man! During my time as Music Adviser in Banffshire, I had responsibility for a number of remote primary schools in the Scottish glens. My red Ford Cortina (instantly recognisable in the snow clad hills) would be greeted in the school yard by calls of “It’s the music manny!” - since the youngsters knew my arrival spelt a morning or an afternoon away from other curriculum demands and a fun-filled session of music-making. It was a privilege to be the ‘Harold Hill’ of Glenlivet, Aberlour, Tomintoul and other locations (many with strong whisky associations!) and I look forward to generating equal enthusiasm for music-making this week among the citizens of River City, Iowa. SARAH BAILES - Associate Choreographer Sarah has been involved in amateur dramatics for 30 years. She has been a member of Hitchin Thespians since 1993 and has taken part in many productions including playing Miss Flannery in our recent production of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’. Previously she danced with Harrow Light Opera Company and has performed and choreographed for several societies in the North London area. For the last seven years Sarah has been choreographer for Young Thespians and is now delighted to be working with the ‘grown-ups.’

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

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 0EL [email protected] Alternatively, if you would prefer you can join our ‘SHOW MAILING LIST’ The Story...

Harold Hill, a travelling salesman posing as a Professor of Music, goes from town to town selling in each the idea of forming a local boys’ band. He says he is ready to begin training the band if the town will buy all the necessary equipment from him. Not being able to read a note of music, he absconds with the money as soon as he has made a sale.

His confidence trick has succeeded in town after town until he reaches River City, Iowa. Here an old crony, Marcellus Washburn, warns him about the townspeople. Harold Hill overcomes the incredulity of a committee sent to investigate his credentials by inducing them to form a barbershop quartet.

His easy spiel soon wins over the townspeople, although his motives are still suspected by some, especially Marian Paroo, the local librarian and music teacher. She is the only one who really has proof that Harold is a con man, but she chooses to overlook this fact because she loves him.

Through falling in love with Marian, Harold fails to make his usual getaway when the town officials are ‘tipped off’ about him by a rival salesman. Harold is forced to stage a demonstration by the Town Band he has formed in order to prove the efficacy of his teaching methods. Their rendering of the ‘Minuet in G’ would not have pleased Beethoven, but it arouses such enthusiasm amongst the wishful thinking parents that Harold is completely exonerated.

Infected by the contagious spirit, even Harold has a change of heart and marches in step with the rest of the town. ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★ nTom Evans Professor Harold Hill

Tom is delighted to be returning to a lead role with Thespians after a short break. Over the last twenty or so years Tom has played many leading roles for us in shows such as ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, ‘Carousel’, ‘Kiss Me Kate’, ‘South Pacific’,‘Seven Brides For Seven Brothers’ and ‘Chess’. Despite this ‘The Music Man’ is a first for Tom as it is the first time that he will be appearing on stage with past and present pupils of Martins Wood Primary School where Tom is Head Teacher. nNicola Niles Marian Paroo

Nicola joined Hitchin Thespians five years ago and since then has enjoyed both performing in the chorus and taking on principal roles. Nicola's other roles have included Hodel in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, Gloria in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’, Emma in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ and Yum-Yum in ‘The Mikado’. She has also performed with Luton Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society playing Gianetta in ‘The Gondoliers’, Hope Harcourt in ‘Anything Goes’, Phyllis in ‘Iolanthe’, Ann in ‘Half a Sixpence’ and Eliza Doolittle in ‘My Fair Lady’. During the day she teaches part time, is chauffeur for her children's extra-curricular activities and sometimes she finds time to help her husband on their new allotment. ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★ nMike Barker Marcellus Washburn

This is Mike’s 24th show with Hitchin Thespians. He has performed many character roles for us, such as Prince Nikki in ‘My One and Only’, Alexander Molokov in ‘Chess’, Henry Miller in ‘Calamity Jane’ and Harold in ‘The Full Monty’. Mike has also enjoyed taking lead roles for other local societies such as Eric ‘Rubber-Legs’ Devine in ‘Slice of Saturday Night’, Dr. Whackoff in ‘Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens’ and Colonel Pickering in ‘My Fair Lady’. He has been performing, directing and choreographing shows locally for many years and has just finished a run in a 2010 Panto - ‘Beauty and the Beast’. nKaty King Mrs Paroo

Katy has been a member of Hitchin Thespians since 1976 and has taken part in 53 shows, in some of which she has had main parts - Sister Berthe in ‘The Sound of Music’, Edith in ‘HMS Pinafore’, Patricia Fodor in ‘Crazy For You’ and Grandma Tzeitel in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. Katy has also had cameo roles in many other shows and solos in several of our concerts. Being a member of Thespians has been somewhat of a family affair over the years for Katy, as her parents, sister and daughters have also been members. Her daughter Caroline is one of the dancers in this production. Outside Thespians she enjoys horse riding, walking her dogs and reading. ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★ nAlex Evans Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn

Alex has been a member of Hitchin Thespians since 1989 and is currently Secretary of the Society. Her favourite recent roles have been Mrs. Mullins in ‘Carousel’ and Estelle in ‘The Full Monty’ which she performed both in Hitchin and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. By day Alex is the Head of Pixmore Junior School and is mum to two boys. She is delighted to play the part of Eulalie and looks forward to working with her real life husband, Tom, on stage. nStephen Holder Mayor George Shinn

Stephen has been involved in music all his life, singing in school choirs and becoming an award winning boy soprano at the Cheltenham Song Festival. From there he went on to become involved in the pop music scene during the 1960s. Stephen joined Luton Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society in 1970 and has since appeared in over 70 productions, playing a number of leading roles, his favourite being Doody in ‘The Arcadians’. He has also produced a number of shows for them. Stephen has worked as producer with several other local societies. Since joining Hitchin Thespians Stephen has played the Rabbi in our recent production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★

The Barber Shop Quartet (L to R) Mike Steele Kier Home Ian Hamilton Mike Roberts Olin Britt Jacey Squires Ewart Dunlop Oliver Hix

The ‘Pick-a-little’ Ladies (L to R) Julia Nicolson Tracey Gwynne Vivienne Tadman Lucy Miller-White Ethel Toffelmier Mrs Squires Maud Dunlop Alma Hix ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★

Katie Lambert Connor Lalitte Katherine Males Zaneeta Shinn Tommy Djilas Gracie Shinn

Bethany Duxbury Adam Discipline Andrew Davies Colette Mitchell Amaryllis Winthrop Paroo Winthrop Paroo Amaryllis SCENES & SONGS... Act One Overture

On board a train to River City, Iowa Rock Island ...... Salesmen & Charlie Cowell

Main Street, River City ...... Townspeople ...... Harold & Townspeople

Mrs. Paroo’s Parlour Piano Lesson ...... Mrs Paroo & Marian Goodnight My Someone ...... Marian & Amaryllis

The Madison Gymnasium in River City High School Columbia, Gem Of The Ocean ...... Eulalie & Townspeople Ya Got Trouble (Reprise) ...... Harold Seventy-Six Trombones ...... Harold & Townspeople Ice Cream / Sincere ...... Harold & Quartet

Street in front of the Library The Sadder But Wiser Girl ...... Harold & Marcellus Pick-a-Little / Goodnight Ladies ...... Eulalie, Ladies & Quartet

The Madison Library Marian The Librarian ...... Harold Library Dance ...... Harold, Marian & Dancers

The Paroo’s Porch My White Knight ...... Marian

Main Street The Wells Fargo Wagon ...... Townspeople, Winthrop & Quartet Act Two ...SCENES & SONGS Entr’acte The Madison Gymnasium Eulalie’s Ballet ...... Eulalie & Ladies It’s You ...... Quartet ...... Marcellus & Townspeople Shipoopi - Dance ...... Townspeople & Dancers Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little (Reprise) ...... Eulalie & Ladies The Hotel Porch Lida Rose / Will I Ever Tell You? ...... Quartet & Marian The Paroo’s Porch Gary, Indiana ...... Winthrop, Mrs Paroo & Marian Lida Rose (Reprise) ...... Quartet The Footbridge It’s You – Ballet ...... Dancers Till There Was You ...... Marian & Harold Goodnight (Reprise) ...... Marian & Harold Madison Park Till There Was You (Reprise) ...... Harold River City High School Seventy-Six Trombones ...... Full Company

The use of cameras, mobile phones and other recording equipment is strictly prohibited. Please do not smoke in the auditorium.

There will be an interval of 20 minutes between acts. There will be strobe lighting during this performance. ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★

The Dancers

The Company ★ ★ ★ ★ THE COMPANY ★ ★ ★ ★

Harold Hill ...... Tom Evans Maud Dunlop ...... Vivienne Tadman Marian Paroo ...... Nicola Niles Alma Hix ...... Lucy Miller-White Marcellus Washburn...... Mike Barker Ethel Toffelmier...... Julia Nicolson Mayor George Shinn ...... Stephen Holder Charlie Cowell...... Charles Langford Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn ...... Alex Evans Gracie Shinn ...... Katherine Males Mrs Paroo ...... Katy King Constable Locke ...... Philip Arend Tommy Djilas...... Connor Lalitte Winthrop Paroo ...... Adam Discipline Zaneeta Shinn...... Katie Lambert ...... (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat Eve) Jacey Squires ...... Kier Home Winthrop Paroo...... Andrew Davies ...... (Tues & Thurs Eve & Sat Mat) Ewart Dunlop ...... Ian Hamilton Amaryllis...... Bethany Duxbury Oliver Hix ...... Mike Roberts ...... (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat Eve) Olin Britt ...... Mike Steele Amaryllis...... Collette Mitchell Mrs Squires ...... Tracey Gwynne ...... (Tues & Thurs Eve & Sat Mat)

TRAVELLING SALESMEN Paul Adams, Philip Arend, Michael Bailes, Martyn Bignell, Nick Morgan, Michael Niles DANCERS Martyn Bignell, Holly Böhme, Caroline Bonja, Christopher Collett, Caroline Hirst, Michelle Johnstone, Sarah Jones, Frazer Lucas, Marie Marcantonio, Kirsty McArthur, Mark Savage, Lindsey Williams TOWNSPEOPLE Paul Adams, Philip Arend, Jean Austin, Michael Bailes, Sarah Bailes, Judith Coen, Lizzie Cree, Judith Harrison, Rhian Hegarty, Jack Lardent, Nick Morgan, Michael Niles, Julia Skinner, Pat Staff, Bryan Summers, Barbara Thomas, Nicole Thomas, Melanie Troiano, Kate Webb CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE (RED TEAM - Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Evenings) Anna Bourbousson, Imogen Harper, Amie Heath, Chloe Heath, Dean Kirkbride, Haydn Mullane, Rebecca Wood (BLUE TEAM – Tuesday &Thursday Evenings & Saturday Matinee) Amélie Bernard, Chloe Bernard, Jemma Grigson, Louis Marcantonio, Charlotte Platten, Emma Roberts, Jake Seabrooke Hitchin Thespians is proud to be affiliated to the National practice. The NODA Annual Summer School offers training Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) which was from professional tutors in acting, directing, music directing, founded in 1899 as the main representative body for musical theatre, stage management and other technical amateur theatre in the UK. It has a membership of some aspects of theatre performance. 2,500 amateur/ community theatre groups and Bursaries are available from National and Regional 3,000 individual enthusiasts throughout the funds. Regular Regional magazines and the country, staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts quarterly ‘NODA National News’ provide a range and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing of useful advice and information for amateur venues, ranging from leading professional theatres societies and practitioners, as well as free listings of to village halls. performances, free classified ads for selling, buying NODA is divided into eleven national Regions, each or hiring scenery, props, scripts, and details of shows headed by a Regional Councillor who sits at the ruling released or restricted for amateur performance. body of the Association and who is supported by NODA’s trading area offers access to goods and a network of Regional Representatives and other services for members and other amateur theatre volunteers. The Representatives and their volunteers are the enthusiasts, such as NODA pantomimes, a sheet music service, vital link to the grass roots of the Association, the amateur official badges, youth representatives, commendation badges and theatre companies themselves. The association is administered Long Service Awards.Their awards are available for presentation to from its headquarters in Peterborough. those who have given active service to amateur theatre for a NODA offers multiple benefits to its members, providing free expert period of ten years and every five years thereafter. NODA Insurance advice and factsheets on the many issues which can arise in provides a package that caters for the specific needs of amateur putting on a performance. NODA represents the interests of theatre with discounted premiums for NODA members. amateur theatre in authorities, rights holders and the media. NODA aims to ensure that it provides help to amateur societies Conferences, workshops and seminars held at National and and individuals in achieving the highest standards of best practice Regional level all help the members to share information on best and performance, and in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. ★ ★ ★ ★ STAGE & SCREEN ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘The Music Man’ is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson was inspired by his boyhood in Mason City, Meredith Willson. The show is based on a story by Willson and Iowa, in writing and composing his first musical, The Music Man. Franklin Lacey. In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, Willson invited Franklin Lacey to help him edit and simplify the winning five Tony Awards, including ‘Best Musical’, and running for libretto and considered eliminating a long piece of dialogue 1,375 performances. The original cast about the serious trouble facing River City parents. Willson included (who went on to realised it sounded like a lyric, and transformed it into the now- reprise his role in the 1962 screen famous song, ‘Ya Got adaptation) as Harold Hill, Barbara Cook Trouble’.The character, as Marian, and Eddie Hodges as Marian Paroo, was Winthrop, with , David Burns inspired by Marian and Iggie Wolfington in supporting roles. Seeley of Provo, Utah, The first Broadway revival, directed and who met Willson during choreographed by Michael Kidd, opened World War II, when on June 5, 1980, at the New York City Center, where it ran for 21 Seeley was a medical performances. The cast included Dick Van Dyke as Hill, Meg records librarian. Bussert as Marian, and Christian Slater as Winthrop. The Music Man has been parodied in a number of TV shows, The cast album won the first Grammy Award for ‘Best Original including The Simpsons episode ‘Marge vs. the Monorail’. The Cast Album’. The show's success led to revivals and a popular television program Family Guy has parodied the musical at least 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television remake starring twice. In the episode ‘Brian Wallows and Peter's Swallows’, Lois Matthew Broderick as Hill and Kristin Chenoweth as Marian, with chastises Brian's high standards in a spoof of Mrs. Paroo and Victor Garber, Debra Monk, and Molly Shannon in supporting Marian in ‘Piano Lesson’. In another episode, ‘Patriot Games’, roles. In 2008, a revival of the show at the Chichester Festival Peter showboats after scoring a touchdown by leading a Theatre, England, starred Brian Conley as Professor Harold Hill stadium full of people in a rendition of ‘Shipoopi’, complete with and Scarlett Strallen as Marian Paroo. choreography from the film. HITCHIN THESPIANS PATRONS 2010 Mrs V Barker Mrs M E Fairchild Mr & Mrs W E Lewis Mr G H Russell Mr & Mrs P Barry Mrs D Fisher Mr A Lintern Mrs R Saunders Mr & Mrs J Bedingfield Mr & Mrs J Franks Mrs & Mrs M Mackenzie Mrs L. M. Shaw Mrs M Bidwell Mrs J Frith Mrs B Mallett Mrs P Slade Mr & Mrs P Blacker Mr & Mrs M Galloway Mrs A Mansfield Mrs V Slade Mr N Bone Dr & Mrs S P Gardiner Miss H Mansfield Mrs & Mrs A Smith Mr R Bray Mrs N Gilderthorp Dr C F & Mrs E A Mathews Mrs B Smith Mrs M Brendish Mrs M Gill Mr & Mrs J Metzger Mrs J P Smith Mrs M Briddon Mr R Gorbing Mrs N Morgan Miss P Tadman Mrs S Budin-Jones Mr B Griffiths Mrs J Morris Mrs A D Taplin Miss R E Burrows Mr P Guthrie Mr M Newbery Mr & Mrs A.R.Taylor Mrs E Calverley Mrs S Haigh Mrs J Newton Mrs K Theakstone Mrs D E Chennells Mr & Mrs C Hamilton Mr & Mrs D Nicholls Mrs V Thompson Mr R Cobb Mrs A Hammond Mrs M Oliver Mr & Mrs D H Verney Mr & Mrs G T Cork Mrs B Harvey Mrs C Page Mr & Mrs R Vickers Mr & Mrs D R Crick Mr R Hawkins Mr I Page Mrs M Walker Mr N Cundell Mr & Mrs D Haynes Mrs E Parsons Mrs B Wall Mrs S Davies Miss B Hillyard Mr & Mrs K A Parsons Mrs M Watson Mrs M Day Mr P & Mrs A Hollingsworth Mr M C Pascal Mr G Williams Mr R Day Mr P Houldcroft Dennis E. Pateman J.P. Mr & Mrs P Willmott Miss B Deamer Mrs J E Howe Mrs B Pennicott Mrs R Willmott Mrs G Donald Mr & Mrs L Hughes Mrs C Plowman Mr & Mrs C Wilson Mr M P Doonan Mrs P Hunter Mrs P M Pollard Mrs S Wisbey Mr & Mrs A Dover Mrs M Jones-Davies Mrs E Pratt Mrs B Wiseman Mrs H Dublino Mr I Kennedy Mr & Mrs N W Revill Mr R Woodhead Mrs E Edwards Mr P King Mrs M Richmond Mr & Mrs P Woods Mr M Everitt Mr & Mrs H Leonard Mrs G Rowland Mr & Mrs R Worbey For Hitchin Thespians Stage Manager ...... Philippa Tadman Chaperone Co-ordinator ...... Claire Bailes Assistant Stage Manager ...... Richard Cobb Chaperones . . .Alan Bailes, Claire Bailes, Peter Bailey Production Manager ...... Sarah Bailes ...... Lorraine Davies, Justine Dickson, Ben Hodson Production Assistant ...... Anna Hallett ...... Wendy Mullane, Carolyn Roberts, Helene Sahri Lighting ...... Dave Nott Wardrobe Manager ...... Keryle Rutherford Sound ...... Steve Overton Show Week Wardrobe Team ...... Nicki Bowles Scenery ...... Scenic Projects ...... Margaret Brendish, Helen Goddard, Pearl Hare Costumes ...... Carousel Costumes, Leamington Spa ...... Angela Hollingsworth, Barbara Pennicott ...... and Hitchin Thespians ...... Mary Roberts, Wendy Ward Business Manager ...... Kate Webb Stage Crew ...... Viv Stephenson, Wayne Hough Business Support ...... Nick Morgan ...... Cliff Gulbis, Neil Leggat Programme Design ...... TeeeGeee Design Props ...... Melanie Plowman, Katie Hrbek Programme Editing & Advertising . . . .Susan Osbourn Continuity ...... Charles Langford, Melanie Plowman ...... Kate Webb Make Up Manager ...... Donna Barrett Programme & Poster Printing . . . .Streets of Baldock Make Up Team ...... Sarah Barry, Ron Burton Photography ...... Ralph Rapley/XMO4 ...... Michelle Marple, Bron Martin Front of House Manager ...... Lilian Dixon Rehearsal Accompanist ...... Robert Day Assistant to the Director ...... Iain Rutherford Librarian ...... Chris Fox OUR LAST PRODUCTION OCTOBER 2009 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF THE HITCHIN THESPIANS ...COMING SOON... THE YOUNG THESPIANS PRESENT Below Stairs THE MUSICAL 15th - 17th April 2010,Woodside Hall, Hitchin Spring Concert featuring Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast Saturday 17th April 2010, Christchurch Church, Bedford Road, Hitchin

THE HITCHIN THESPIANS CHOIR PRESENT Carmina Burana Sat 17th July 2010, The Hitchin Girls’ School, Hitchin (PART OF THE HITCHIN FESTIVAL) The King & I 12th - 16th October 2010, The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

NB We shall be looking for children to appear in this production. If interested please see our website for details www.hitchinthespians.org.uk

HITCHIN THESPIANS: 01462 641575 GORDON CRAIG THEATRE: 01438 363200

CALLING YOUNG THESPIANS... If you like to sing, act or dance and are in Year 6 and above we want to hear from you. Young Thespians meet Sunday mornings at Woodside Hall,Walsworth Road, Hitchin, from 10am to 12 noon. There is a charge of £25 to take part in each production.Young Thespians will be presenting... at Woodside Hall from 15th - 17th April 2010 If you are interested please contact Ann Crook 01462 434181, [email protected] FOR THE GORDON CRAIG THEATRE

Flute & Clarinet ...... Ian Killoran Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone . . . . Clare Taylor Clarinet & Bass Clarinet . . . . . Neil Pennock Clarinet & Bass Saxophone . . . Derek Kirby The Trumpet 1...... Ellie Lovegrove Trumpet 2 ...... Robin Totterdell Orchestra... Trombone ...... Paul Sylvester Violin...... Janet Hicks Violin ...... Andrea Kelly Double Bass...... Fiona Nisbett Percussion ...... James Pickford Keyboards ...... Robert Day 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. Having just finished our annual three night run of ‘Christmas at Woodside’ we are now embarking on rehearsals for our Spring concert. This is to be a light classical programme presented in Christchurch Church, Bedford Road, Hitchin on April 17th with a programme to include music by Pergolesi, Haydn and Mozart and featuring Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. On July 17th we shall be presenting ‘Carmina Burana’ in Hitchin Girls’ School as part of Hitchin Festival. Interested in joining us? Should you feel that you would like to sing, come and join us. You will be welcomed. Contact our secretary on 01462 458803 or by email at [email protected]. Visit our website at www.hitchinthespians.org.uk to learn more about our choral and show activities.

HITCHIN THESPIANS Based on the novel present ‘Anna and the King of Siam’ Tuesday 12th - by Margaret Landon Rodgers & Saturday 16th Hammerstein’s October 2010 The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Box Office: 01438 363200 Web: www.gordon-craig.co.uk

Music by Book & Lyrics by This amateur production is presented by RICHARD OSCAR arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD. RODGERS HAMMERSTEIN II on behalf of R&H Theatricals of New York. HITCHIN THESPIANS PAST PRODUCTIONS 1903 ...... The Gitanos 1950 ...... Rose Marie 1988 ...... Annie Get your Gun 1904 ...... The Sorcerer 1951 ...... Bitter Sweet 1989 ...... The Mikado 1905 . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard 1951 ...... Yeomen of the Guard 1989 ...... The Boyfriend 1905 ...... The Mountebanks 1952 ...... Viktoria & Her Hussar 1990 ...... My Fair Lady 1906 . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance 1953 ...... The New Moon 1991 ...... Kiss Me Kate 1907 ...... The Gondoliers 1954 ...... Wild Violets 1991 ...... Cabaret 1908 ...... The Mikado 1955 ...... Magyar Melody 1992 ...... Oklahoma 1909 ...... H.M.S. Pinafore 1956 ...... The Quaker Girl 1992 ...... The Sound of Music 1910 ...... Trial by Jury 1957 ...... Goodnight Vienna 1993 ...... Trial by Jury 1910 ...... Ruddigore 1957 ...... Call Me Madam 1993 ...... H.M.S. Pinafore 1911 . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard 1958 ...... Bless the Bride 1994 ...... Guys and Dolls 1913 ...... Patience 1959 ...... Love from Judy 1994 ...... Charlie Girl 1920 ...... The Gondoliers 1960 ...... Oklahoma 1995 ...... A Little Night Music 1921 ...... The Mikado 1961 ...... Carousel 1995 ...... Barnum 1922 . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard 1962 ...... Hansel & Gretal 1996 ...... 42nd Street 1922 . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance 1962 ...... The Merry Widow 1996 . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance 1923 ...... Ruddigore 1963 ...... Kiss Me Kate 1997 ...... Hello Dolly 1923 ...... The Sorcerer 1964 ...... Pink Champagne 1997 ...... La Cage Aux Folles* 1924 ...... Iolanthe 1965 ...... The Music Man 1998 ...... Crazy For You 1924 ...... The Gondoliers 1966 ...... Trial By Jury 1998 ...... Chess 1925 ...... Merrie England 1966 ...... The King & I 1999 ...... Oliver! 1925 . . . .The Yeomen of the Guard 1967 . . .Orpheus in the Underworld 1999 ...... Singin’ in the Rain* 1926 ...... Patience 1968 ...... Half A Sixpence 2000 ...... Mack & Mabel 1926 ...... Trial by Jury 1969 ...... Carmen 2000 ...... South Pacific 1926 ...... H.M.S. Pinafore 1970 ...... Kismet 2001 ...... The King & I 1927 ...... The Mikado 1971 ...... The Merry Widow 2001 ...... Half A Sixpence 1927 ...... Miss Hook of Holland 1972 ...... The Sound of Music 2002 ...... Carmen 1928 ...... The Geisha 1972 ...... Hello Dolly 2002 ...... My One & Only 1928 ...... A Country Girl 1973 ...... Most Happy Fella 2003 ...... West Side Story 1929 ...... Princess Ida 1974 ...... Night in Venice 2003 ...... Barnum 1929 ...... Veronique 1975 ...... South Pacific 2004 ...... Seven Brides for 1930 ...... Tom Jones 1976 ...... The Beggars Opera ...... Seven Brothers* 1931 . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance 1976 ...... Bitter Sweet 2004 ...... Jesus Christ Superstar 1931 ...... Merrie England 1977 ...... Robert & Elizabeth 2005 ...... Kiss Me Kate 1932 ...... The Belle of New York 1977 ...... Yeomen of the Guard 2005 ...... Carousel 1932 ...... Rose Marie 1978 ...... Die Fledermaus 2006 ...... Me & My Girl 1933 ...... The Desert Song 1979 ...... Fiddler on the Roof 2006 ...... The Full Monty 1933 ...... The Vagabond King 1980 ...... Showboat . 2006 ...... Jekyll & Hyde* 1934 ...... The New Moon 1981 ...... Hello Dolly 2007 . . . .Thoroughly Modern Millie 1935 . . .The Maid of the Mountains 1982 . . .Orpheus in the Underworld 2007 ...... The Mikado 1936 ...... Miss Hook of Holland 1983 ...... The Music Man 2008 ...... Chess 1937 ...... The Student Prince 1983 ...... Grease 2008 ...... Calamity Jane 1938 ...... Goodnight Vienna 1984 ...... Carousel 2009 ...... Sweeney Todd 1939 ...... Showboat 1985 ...... The Merry Widow 2009 ...... Fiddler on the Roof 1946 ...... The Rebel Maid 1986 . . . . .The Pirates of Penzance 2010 ...... The Music Man 1947 ...... The Desert Song 1986 ...... Trial by Jury 1948 ...... The Gondoliers 1987 ...... Kismet * NODA Region 9 Eastern Area Award 1949 ...... Chu Chin Chow 1987 ...... West Side Story Sheila Soothill wishes Hitchin Thespians every success with ‘THE MUSIC MAN’ THE DRUM PLACE Unit 5, 80 High Street Walkern, Herts. SG2 7PG Tel: 01438 860334 Fax: 01438 861326 Email: [email protected] [email protected] HamiltonHamilton DaviesDavies 28 High Street, Stevenage, SOLICITORS Herts, SG1 3HF Fax: (01438) 740084 Email: [email protected] Website: www.hamiltondavies.co.uk Tel: 01438 315898

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