Merry Christmas to everyone, ” “or as they say in the theatre: on with the show! Happy Holidays.. .

t is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this performance of ’s White Christmas. This is a show within a show, a love Istory with lots of twists and turns along the way, angles and percentages and a little bit of larceny, but of course love wins through in the end.

We are taking you on a train journey across America to Pinetree, Vermont, “should be beautiful up there, all that snow” – “lots of skiing and schushing” I hope you’ve got your warm clothes with you!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show, and I guarantee as you leave the theatre you will be singing those familiar, and unforgettable, songs all the way home and beyond.

On behalf of the cast, production team and crew of White Christmas, I would like to wish Richard Smith a speedy recovery. He was due to play the part of General Henry Waverly, but hasn’t been at all well over the last few weeks and has reluctantly had to pull out of the show.

If you are interested in joining Spotlight to tread the boards, help back stage or front of house, please come along to the preview evening of our next production, Summer Holiday on Tuesday 9th January 2018 at Quaker Hall, Beccles 7.30pm.

Merry Christmas to everyone, ” “or as they say in the theatre: on with the show!

Barbara WarrenCHAIRMAN All about National Operatic and Dramatic Association Headquarters: 15 The Metro Centre, Peterborough, PE2 7UH Telephone: 01733 374790 Email: [email protected] Website: www.noda.org.uk

The National Operatic theatre to tackle the challenges holders and the media as well as and Dramatic Association and opportunities of the access to regional and national (NODA), founded in 1899, 21st century conferences, workshops is the leading representative and seminars to help share body for amateur theatre in ◆ To achieve these aims information on best practice. the UK. The Association has a NODA is divided into eleven NODA holds an annual membership of approximately regions, each headed by a residential Summer School 2000 amateur theatre groups regional councillor who sits on (with bursaries available) and approximately 800 the national council (ruling offering training from individual members staging body of the Association), and professional tutors in a wide musicals, operas, plays, supported by a network of range of both performance and concerts and pantomimes regional representatives and technical courses. in a wide variety of venues officials. These volunteers are ranging from the country’s the vital link to the grass roots NODA also holds an leading professional theatres of the Association; the amateur annual, national and regional to village halls. Covering a theatre groups themselves and programme and poster broad spectrum of age ranges their members competition to encourage NODA member societies high standards in design. meet the needs of all levels ◆ To provide support and of both performers, whether assistance to these volunteers Through its trading arm, dramatic, dance or musical, the Association is administered NODA Limited members and those involved backstage, from its office in Peterborough have access to a varied range of front of house or in society by a knowledgeable and products and services including administration. friendly staff who can deal insurance for both societies and with any enquiry about individuals, long service awards NODA AIMS: amateur theatre that recognise the dedication ◆ To give a shared voice to made by individuals to amateur amateur theatre Membership of NODA theatre, discounts on plays, provides theatre groups and vocal scores, libretti and ◆ To help societies and individuals with a wide range technical books and a range of individuals achieve the highest of benefits including access NODA branded merchandise. standards of best practice and to NODA’s advice service at As a rights holder NODA performance national and regional level, Limited has 150 pantomimes as well as representation to by leading authors as well as a ◆ To provide leadership and government, access to funding growing catalogue of plays and advice to enable amateur agencies, direct access to rights musicals.

Be inspired by amateur theatre Synopsis he curtain rises on a 1944 WWII Army ends in a row. The girls leave for Vermont TCamp, on . Captain Bob where they are doing a show. Determined Wallace and Private Phil Davis are putting on to smooth the path of romance, Phil books a show for the troops. tickets to Vermont instead of Miami. The Ten years later: Bob and Phil are Broadway four bump into each other on the train, but stars performing on the Ed Sullivan Show. In the surprise meeting does not go well for Bob their dressing room after the show, Bob looks and Betty. forward to their upcoming holiday in Miami. Arriving at the Columbia Inn they discover However before they leave Phil persuades that the show has been cancelled. The Inn him to drop into a nightclub, where the is in dire-straights financially, and the boys’ Haynes Sisters happen to be doing an act. It Army Commander, General Waverly, is now seems Phil has an ulterior motive: romance is the Innkeeper. clearly in the air. Bob smells a rat. Bob and Phil decide to stage their new show Bob and Phil are clearly impressed with the in a barn at the Inn, and devise a scheme to sisters’ talent and ask the girls to join them turn the failing Inn into a paying proposition for a drink after the show. Phil and Judy hit it for the General. off immediately. Things don’t go so well for Confusion and misunderstandings are rife Bob and Betty. Although initially attracted to along the way, but all turns out well of course one another the evening goes awkwardly and - because as they say “the show must go on”.

SPOTLIGHT GROUP PRESENT IRVING BERLIN’S

IN REHEARSAL Bob Wallace Phil Davis TOMMY McGEE DANIEL HUGHES This is Tommy’s This is Daniel’s second first show with Christmas show with Spotlight and Spotlight since The what a show for Lion, The Witch and a Christmas the Wardrobe in 2015, Fan! Tommy only this time he’s has been treading the amateur not playing as a little boy, but in boards since the early 80’s where he fact an army private who is quite the charmer appeared in the chorus of Showboat and apparently! During his time away from Spotlight has probably been in a show nearly every Daniel has also been involved with a local year since, taking principal parts and being dance group The Tigerlily’s, with whom he was in the chorus in shows like Me & My Girl, involved in their recent production of A Night At Guys & Dolls, Chess, The Pajama Game The Musicals, with musical numbers from Cats and Sweeney Todd to name a few! Tommy to Mary Poppins, and has worked really hard on would like to thank everyone in Spotlight his tap-dancing skills, it literally gave him blisters for their warm welcome! (just kidding).

Betty Haynes Judy Haynes DEBBIE LAMBERT HELEN STEED Debbie is delighted Helen Steed’s first to be returning stage appearance to Spotlight for was at the age of their production three, when she did of White a song and dance Christmas and routine dressed as is particularly a ladybird. She has thrilled to be taking loved singing ever on the role of Betty Haynes; which was since and has performed played by in the 1954 with many local musical societies and film. Other roles Debbie has played in theatre groups. This is her first production previous Spotlight productions include: Mrs for many years, having switched to the Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Nancy in Oliver, other side of the curtain to be stage director Mrs Cratchett in Scrooge, Golde in Fiddler for Rising Stars. She has loved every on the Roof, Jacqui in Me & My Girl, Emily minute of being back on stage and would Tallentire in The Hired Man and Glinda in like to thank all the members of Spotlight The Wizard of Oz. Debbie hopes you enjoy for making her feel so welcome. the show and wishes you all a very peaceful, Happy Christmas. Martha Watson Susan Waverly TINA VANSTON EMILY STEED This is Tina’s 25th Emily Steed loves show with Spotlight singing, dancing and in the past and performing she has played on stage and is an many wonderful active member of character roles. Rising Stars youth Particularly musical theatre. memorable are Dolly, She has performed in most of their Hello Dolly, and Bloody Mary, South productions, even if this meant appearing in Pacific. Tina has enjoyed being able to cameo roles when she was too young to be get her teeth into such a rich and diverse an official member. Her favourite production character. Martha, once a Broadway star, was Les Misérables, when she played the role of has a very dry sense of humour, is big- Gavroche. This is her first show with Spotlight hearted and an irrepressible meddler in but she hopes there will be many more. the lives of those around her - but always, she believes, for their own good.

General Henry Waverly JOHN KINGSTON John originally joined Spotlight in 2000 for their production of Me and My Girl and has appeared in many shows since. He has also been a regular member of other local societies WLOG and The Lowestoft Players, performing in numerous plays, musicals and pantomimes. After spending much of the last 5 years working abroad in Hong Kong John is looking forward to treading the boards at the Public Hall again. He would like to thank his family for all their support. Cast Bob Wallace...... Tommy McGee Phil Davis...... Daniel Hughes Betty Haynes ...... Debbie Lambert Judy Haynes ...... Helen Steed General Henry Waverly ...... John Kingston Martha Watson ...... Tina Vanston Susan Waverly ...... Emily Steed Ralph Sheldrake ...... Joe Learner Rita ...... Heidi Rix Rhoda ...... Sorrel Adams Ezekiel Foster ...... Lee Peck Mike ...... Mike Catling

Ensemble Sorrel Adams ❅ Mike Catling Lorraine George ❅ Helen Hart ❅ Kate Jackson Joe Learner ❅ James Morrison ❅ Clare Osborne Lee Peck ❅ Linda Smith ❅ Stephen Taylor Barbara Warren ❅ Chloe Williams

Pit Choir Graham Bradford ❅ Stephanie Clarke Bev Gilbey ❅ Ian Goddard ❅ Hannah Guntrip Maureen Haynes ❅ Derek Monument ❅ Sue Moore Chris Steed ❅ Mary Snow ❅ Derek Watson

The Band Musical Directors ...... Jon Gibbs & Vivien Saunders Piano ...... Jon Gibbs Drums ...... Robert Lockwood Bass ...... Chloe McEwen Reeds ...... Tara Scott Reeds ...... Deborah Walden Trumpet ...... Neil McEwen Trombone ...... Carl Harrison Act One Happy Holidays White Christmas Happy Holiday/Let Yourself Go Love and the Weather Sisters The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing Snow What Can You Do With a General? Let Me Sing and I’m Happy Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep Blue Skies Act Two Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun Sisters (reprise) Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me / How Deep is the Ocean The Old Man Let Me Sing and I’m Happy (reprise) How Deep is the Ocean (reprise) The Old Man (reprise) White Christmas I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm White Christmas Released: 1954, Starring: - Bob Wallace - Phil Davis Rosemary Clooney - Betty Haynes The film before a show Vera-Ellen - Judy Haynes riginally intended as Let me sing and I’m Happy a sequel to the 1942 There was no full soundtrack Crosby & Astaire released for the film. Decca filmHoliday Inn, Records owned the rights SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP PRESENT OWhite Christmas was set to be the to the music, but Rosemary WHITE CHRISTMAS third Berlin film Bing Crosby DIR. MR. M. CURTIZ Clooney was signed, exclusively, IRVING BERLIN’S and Fred Astaire were to star in. CAM. L. GRIGGS INT / EXT to Columbia Records. Both However, after reading the script, DAY / NIGHT record labels released a White 9 - 29 - 53 and disliking it, Astaire departed SCENE TAKE ROLL Christmas album. Decca a full the project, as did Crosby soon record, replacing Clooney with after to spend more time with his 001 12 1 . Columbia released a sons after the death of his wife. ‘selection of songs’ from the film. 1953 saw Crosby return to the and luminous, the images are clear Clooney would sing all songs on project, Donald O’Connor was and sharp, and rapid movements this selection, and duet ‘Sisters’ signed to star opposite him. Due are got without blurring—or very with her actual sister, and former to ill health, however, O’Connor little—such as sometimes is seen professional singing partner, Betty had to depart the picture before on other large screens. Director Clooney. The only place to hear principal photography had begun. Michael Curtiz has made his Clooney and Crosby singing Danny Kaye was then signed picture look good. It is too bad together is on screen in the film. to replace O’Connor. With that it doesn’t hit the eardrums and Vera-Ellen, who played Judy Rosemary Clooney signed on, the funny bone with equal force.” Haynes, was a phenomenal dancer, (having been a recent signing Whereas Variety liked it dancing on Broadway and as a to Paramount Pictures), and writing: “White Christmas should Rockette before being signed to adding Vera-Ellen, the main be a natural at the box office, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, (MGM). cast was complete and principal introducing as it does Paramount’s Clooney would later say of her photography began. new VistaVision (VV) system White Christmas co-star, that with such a hot combination as she was the “…best dancer on Count Your Blessings Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and the MGM lot”. Ellen however Released with a premiere at Radio an Irving Berlin score...Crosby was not a singer and her vocals City Music Hall, in October 1954, and Kaye, along with VV, keep were dubbed by Trudy Stevens, a White Christmas opened to a few the entertainment going in this common occurrence for musical mixed reviews. The New York fancifully staged Robert Emmett films during the Golden Age of Times was not impressed stating: Dolan production, clicking . “...the use of VistaVision, which so well the teaming should Ellen would make one more is another process of projecting call for a repeat...Certainly he film after White Christmas; Let’s Be on a wide, flat screen, has made it (Crosby) has never had a more Happy (1957), before retiring. possible to endow White Christmas facile partner than Kaye against White Christmas is now with a fine pictorial quality. The whom to bounce his misleading considered a family festive colors on the big screen are rich nonchalance.” favourite and a classic. The fictional Columbia Inn featured on screen a decade earlier in Holiday Inn recycled the, setParamount for Fun film facts! White Christmas .

Clooney Watch the scene where Crosby and Kaye reprise the Sisters routine closely, who played you will notice the amount of fun and laughter they were having. The older sister Betty, laughter was real! Danny Kaye was quite the joker on set, making everyone was actually 7 years laugh. The director noticed Kaye and Bing goofing around with the Sisters younger than routine and laughed so much he wrote it into the script. The take in the film Vera-Ellen. SPOTLIGHT MUSICAL THEATREis the GROUP best they PRESENT could get because they were all laughing so much!

IRVING BERLIN’S never been such a day in started writing it by the . The White Christmas Beverly Hills LA…’ The song side of a swimming pool was written in 1940. song would also appear Yes, in , which Berlin was signed by in Holiday Inn. It is also the late explains the rarely sung the most covered song Rosemary Clooney is Paramount Pictures ‘The sun opening verse. in recording history, related to Hollywood actor to write a song for is shining; the grass is although it will forever be George Clooney – she each season. He found green the orange and connected to Bing Crosby. was his aunt! Christmas hard due to his palm trees sway. There’s Jewish upbringing. He

Bob Fosse was an uncredited choreographer for the film. He The entire ending was re-shot would later go on to direct and choreograph such Broadway – without film! The King and shows and films, such as Queen of Greece were visiting Cabaret, the set and so they performed Chicago and All That Jazz the ending over again, all . except that is for Bing Crosby. He escaped to the golf course!

Look closely at the dancers White Christmas Director, surrounding Clooney in her number Michael Curtiz, also The Adventures, ‘Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me’ and directed and you may spot dancer/actor George of Robin Hood (1938) . Chakiris who would go on to win the (1942) Oscar for best supporting actor in (1945) would be West Side Story White Christmas the most successful. as Bernardo. Director Choreographer TINA VANSTON CLARE OSBORNE While determined Clare joined Spotlight to stay retired in 1994 after studying from ‘Showbiz’, I GCSE Drama and was persuaded to Performing Arts direct my fifteenth ‘A’ Level. She has Spotlight show. appeared in 18 Had I stuck to my belief musicals with that one can never go back, I would have Spotlight over the missed working with this phenomenally years and is delighted to be back, especially inspiring, hard-working cast. Thank you. working with the hugely talented Tina Huge thanks for Clare and Barbara’s Vanston. The choreography for White remarkable endeavour in getting us up Christmas has been a challenge, with many and running; for the production team’s long dance breaks to perfect. Clare would herculean efforts, and the technical team’s like to thank the cast for working so hard generous professionalism and stunning during the dance rehearsals with special scene changes - ‘hitting surprise pink’ and thanks to her Mum, Barbara and to Tina making us all look young again. for keeping her sane when Skies were Blue!

Musical Director Musical Director JON GIBBS VIVIEN SAUNDERS Jon is very pleased to Vivien is a music and be back working with instrumental teacher Spotlight again on based in Lowestoft. this heartwarming She studied music at festive production. Lancaster University 2017 has been a where she led the busy year for Jon, highlights include ULMS Orchestra, musically directing WLOGs production of founded the ULMS String Drowsy Chaperone here at the Public Hall, Orchestra and was the accompanist for the and making a rare stage appearance as an LU Gospel Choir. Since returning to Suffolk angry Frenchman in Ipswich Operatic and she founded the bi-yearly CALM concerts, Dramatic Society’s staging of Dirty Rotten showcasing local talent to raise money for Scoundrels at Ipswich New Wolsey Theatre. mental health awareness. She is delighted to be Jon would like to extend his thanks to involved with White Christmas, and wishes all everyone in the group for their hard work of the best to the cast and crew! and hopes everyone has a great show. Acknowledgements SPOTLIGHT OFFER THEIR SINCERE THANKS TO..... Beccles Public Hall Management Team Robert Yeatman for show and publicity photography Sue Taylor (Beccles Sewing & Handicraft) for costume items Waveney Light Opera Group for loan/hire of some costume items Debbie Lambert for her help in making some costume items Ann Lumley for assistance with quick changes Cast, crew and members for set construction with special thanks to Craige Wilson for making the mini grand piano Marion Billington for sourcing props John Gallagher for loan of props Harleston Engineering for loan of WW2 Fatigues, Helmets and other military items Jenni Newman for programme and poster design and compiling the programme St. John Ambulance for First Aid cover ECS Web Design for hosting and supporting Spotlight website A big thank you to all our advertisers and raffle prize contributors Please mention Spotlight Musical Theatre Group when you use the businesses that have supported us

Backstage crew Stage Manager...... Sam Chenery Morris Stage Crew...... Bryan Roscoe, Jenni Newman, Paul Morton Lighting ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Brian Barr Assisted by ...... Theresa Gallagher & Peter Simmen Sound ...... John Gallagher Technical Assistant �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Stephen Brown Chaperone ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Sue Taylor Set design �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Tina Vanston Set construction...... Members & friends of Spotlight, with special thanks to Craige Wilson Wardrobe Mistress ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Sue Taylor Assisted by...... Debbie Lambert & Ann Lumley Props ...... Marion Billington, members & friends of Spotlight Front of House Manager ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Sophie Cannell Front of House Team ...... Friends and members of the Group Poster & Programme Design �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Jenni Newman

Past Productions 1994 - Gigi / Half a Sixpence 2002 - Annie / Cabaret 2010 - Heavens Below / Sinbad 1995 - Hello, Dolly! 2003 - Broadway Bandwagon 2011 - Oklahoma! Humpty Dumpty Jack & the Beanstalk Beauty & the Beast 2004 - South Pacific 1996 - South Pacific / Oklahoma! 2012 - The Pirates of Penzance The Wizard of Oz Honk! 1997 - The Boyfriend 2005 - Broadway Bandwagon II 2013 - The Gondoliers / Grease Guys & Dolls Scrooge the Musical 1998 - 2014 - Thoroughly Modern Millie Anything Goes / Oliver 2006 - A Funny Thing Happened... Peter Pan 1999 - Salad Days / Where Do We The Hired Man 2015 - Tommy / The Lion, The Go From Here 2007 - The Full Monty / Oliver! Witch & The Wardrobe 2000 - My Fair Lady 2008 - Buddy-The Buddy Holly 2016 - Bad Girls / RnH Cinderella Me & My Girl Story / Oh! What a Lovely War 2017 2001 - Fiddler on the Roof 2009 - Sweeney Todd - Quadrophenia / Cinderella (pantomime) The Wind in the Willows White Christmas