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Home , John Lennon, Judy Freudberg

DECEMBER, 1986·JANUARY 1987, Vol 10 No 6 ISSN 0314 - 3058 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Left to Right: Rob Howe, Mark Jones and Pete Bishop in the Australian production of

LENNON non's life expressed through the music Nine energetic and talented Directed by Clare Venables that he and made famous. performers play the major parts plus Designed by Michael Scott-Mitchell Clare Venables likens the style to that of more than thirty other cameo roles. Pete Musical direction by Chris Monks a documentary. " ... it doesn't have any Bishop, who has been a musician since Lighting by Peter Heufeid theatrical links really .... it's like a cross he was five , makes his first major stage Cast: Pete Bishop, Bob Howe, Mark between a documentary, a cabaret, a appearance as the younger Jones, Greg Parke, and Trevor White straight play and a rock concert." The Lennon. (Pete was playing his trumpet Athenaeum Theatre show contains more than forty hits on a terrace balcony in Potts Point, including all the popular Beatles songs adjacent to the Trust building, such as "", " Me completely oblivious to the fact that II "John (Lennon) had a unique Do", and "". For LENNON auditions were taking place ~ capacity for taking on new ideas two decades dominated there. The company manager heard his "L about how to live. He made colourful popular music both as a composer and-a playing, opened the window and invited mistakes but he was extraordinary. "Thus lyricist. He led what was in retrospect, a him to come around for an audition ... ) director Clare Venables shows her cultural revolution. LENNON tell~ his enthusiasm for the man and the era story from childhood; of the days in the BOOKING INFORMATION celebrated in the musical :LENNON, Hamburg clubs where the Beatles strug­ From Sat Feb 14. Mon to Thu at 8pm which opens in Melbourne in February. gled for survival and recognition, of the Fri and Sat at 5.30pm & 9pm Sun at 5.30pm She has taken leave of absence from her Beatles "discovery" in by AETT $16.00 on Mon 16 Feb job as Director of the Crucible Theatre, , through the years when and Tue 17 Feb only. $21.00 Sheffield, Britain's largest regional they became the most famous musical G.P. $25 .00 theatre, to direct the Australian quartet in history, and finally to Len­ Pens/Stud $17 .00 (except Sat eve) production of LENNON. non's tragic death at the hands of a Two AETT tickets per member The play is a dramatisation of Len- crazed gunman. except Feb 16 & 17 2

Original choreographer Mavis Pearson HMS Pinafore was one of the original dancers in the Premiere BBC's "Cool for Cats" television series and since then has choreographed count­ less films and stage shows including HMS PINAFORE CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, OH by Gilbert & Sullivan WHAT A LOVELY WAR and the Dave Directed by Martin Connor Allen series for the BBe. Director, Mar­ Musical Director Gregory Flood tin Connor's most recent show was Choreography and Staging by Mavis Bernstein's WONDERFUL TOWN Ascott starring Maureen Lipman , in London. Costume Design by Hugh Colman Set design by Henry Bardon HMS PINAFORE premieres in Mel­ Cast includes Paul Eddington, Marina bourne on 3 January and after a six week Prior, Philip Gould, Geraldine Turner season will tour to Brisbane, Canberra, and John 0 ' May Perth, Adelaide and finish in Sydney State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre next August. The Trust has reserved a limited aul Eddington, known to most number of A Reserve seats at three PAustralians through his roles in the evenings and two matinee performances television series "The Good Life" and as only. The concession is available only the harrassed minister James Hacker in through the membership office and will "Yes Minister" heads the cast of HMS not be on the BASS system. PINAFORE as Sir Joseph Porter, The Jackie Weaver as Elvira in BLITHE SPIRIT Ruler of the Queen's Nav-ee. The two leading ladies will be versatile comedienne and musical star, Geraldine he first production of BLITHE Turner as Buttercup and Marina Prior, T SPIRIT ran in London for four who played Mabel in PIRATES OF years; a total of 1,997 performances. It PENZANCE, and more recently remains a shining example of the style Grizzlebone in CATS as Josephine. and wit of playwright Noel Coward who Philip Gould returns to Australia fresh was known as The Master. from his success in London in 42ND The MTC production of BLITHE STREET to play Ralph Rackstraw, and SPIRIT is their Christmas offering for John O'May follows his recent roles in this year and runs until January 24. The the MTC's A SERVANT OF TWO plot concerns Charles Condomine MASTERS and THE SHADOW OF A (David Downer), a successful writer, GUNMAN to take on a more nautical who is enjoying a contented if unexciting stance as Captain Corcoran. existence with his second wife Ruth (Jen­ Both the director and choreographer nifer Hagan). His first wife Elvira, who are coming from Britain to work on the BOOKING INFORMA nON was "fascinating but maddening," had Australian production of PINAFORE. From Sat Jan 3 died young after a romantic escapade Tue to Sat at 7.30pm with another man . In order to gather Tue, Wed and Sat mats at 2 pm material for his next book, Charles AETT $24.90 on 7, 28 Jan and organises a seance and enlists the ser­ 11 Feb at 7.30pm; 7, 31 Jan at 2pm G .P. $38 .90 vices of eccentric local medium, Pens/Stud $18.90 Madame Arcato (Monica Maughan). Quite unexpectedly Mme Arcati con­ jures the of the wayward Elvira (Jackie Weaver) who refuses to Jackie Weaver return and proves to b ~ as fascinating and maddening as a ghost as she was in becomes Playhouse life . Ghost BOOKING INFORMA nON BLITHE SPIRIT Wed Dec 17 to Sat Jan 24 Mon to Fri at 8.15pm by Noel Coward Sat at 5 pm and 8.30pm Directed by.John Sumner Wed mat at 2pm Designed by Tony Tripp AETT $17.80 Cast includes Jacki Weaver, Jennifer G.P. $19.80 Hagan, Monica Maughan, David Pens/Stud $14 .80 Downer, and John Murphy Chn $8 .90 The Playhouse, Victorian Arts Centre fwo AETT tickets per member 3

enable you to forget the country's Sugar Babies­ economy, forget the world and all your Terry Bader to Star Just for Kicks problems as you enjoy the ultimate, raz­ as Norman zle dazzle, pie-in-the-face stage musical. SUGAR BABIES Wednesday, February 4 will be Trust THE NORMAN CONQUESTS conceived by Ralph G. Allen and Members' night. You may have as many by Alan Ayckbourn Harry Rigby tickets as you wish for $20.90 for that Directed by Simon Hopkinson Directed and choregraphed by night only. Designed by Shaun Gurton Ernest Flatt Cast includes Terry Bader, Robin Music by Jimmy McHugh Bowering, Kirsty Child and Christine Musical direction by Dale Ringland BOOKING INFORMATION From Sat Jan 31 Mahoney Scenery and costumes by Mon to Sat at 8pm Russell Street Theatre Raoul Pene du Bois Wed and Sat mat at 2pm Starring Eddie Bracken, Garry AETI $20 .90 (4 Feb only) he plum role of Norman, the McDonald, David Atkins and $26.90 (except evening) Tearnest, inept lover of the title in Joan Brokenshire G.P. $33.90 Alan Ayckbourn's trilogy, THE NOR­ Her Majesty's Theatre Stud/Pens $20.90 Two AETI tickets per member MAN CONQUESTS has been landed by an actor who, like Norman, lives life in the fast lane, Terry Bader. Terry has I' Since he appeared as the poor little had experience at being bumbling and Do rich boy in OUR GANG, Eddie inept, but with bravado and humour, in ~L Bracken has been loved by audi­ Cooney Farce his role as Bruce, the private detective in ences around the world. On stage, radio ABC-TV's series THE FAST LANE. and in dozens of movies his comic magic for Melbourne has stolen the show. As the "Top Banana" in the US tour of SUGAR BABIES Eddie received rave reviews RUN FOR YOUR WIFE such as "Eddie Bracken is unmistakably by Ray Cooney the star of SUGAR BABIES .... He has Directed by Ray Cooney and timing, pop-eyed energy and sheer piz­ David McCallum zazz that thrusts the show to greatness, Cast includes Jack Smethurst, Katie whether eyeballing a luscious chorus girl Manning, Paul Mason, Bruce Kerr, or belting out a raspy "On the Sunny Penny Whitely and Roy Baldwin Side of the Street" he is completely win­ Comedy Theatre ning." new production of the English farce A RUN FOR YOUR WIFE will premiere at the Comedy Theatre on February 3. This play has been on in London since -1983 and is still playing to capacity audi­ ences at the Criterion Theatre in Pic­ The three plays of THE NORMAN cadilly. CONQUESTS trilogy - TABLE MAN­ The plot concerns a London taxi NERS, LIVING TOGETHER and driver who is married to two women at ROUND AND ROUND THE GAR­ the same time. He has two identities DEN - take place over a family linked to the time of day, taking on a weekend. Although they are linked by different persona (and a different wife) continuity, each is a separate entity and after lunch each day. Problems and may be enjoyed individually. On the last much hilarity result when he is involved two Saturdays of the season all three in an accident and becomes confused as plays will be performed on the one day. to the time of day.

BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION Wed Dec 24 to Sat Mar 7 From Tue Feb 3 Mon to Fri at 8.15pm Mon to Sat at 8.15pm Sat at 5 pm and 8.30pm Wed and Sat at 2.15pm Wed mat at 2pm Roslyn Howell and Amanda Hunt, two of the AETI$19.00 AETI$15.80 Australian Sugar Babies G .P. $23.00 G.P. $17.80 SUGAR BABIES is currently delight­ Pens/Stud $18.90 Pens/Stud $13 .00 ($13.00 on Wed mats only) Chn $8.00 ing audiences in Sydney and will open Two AETI tickets per member Two AETI tickets per member here on January 31. It is a show that will 4

ship's theme will be SUGAR BABIES, Christmas inspired by the Trust show of the same Show For Cocktail Party name which will open in Melbourne in The Children January. Tickets are priced at $10.00 and members are welcome to bring friends or he second annual Festival of family. deal entertainment for the children T Christmas Trees will be opened in Member Activities should be sent in I during the school holidays will be THE the Foyers of the Melbourne Concert on the same grey booking coupon as MAGIC WISHING CHAIR at the Hall at a special function for the viewing your theatre bookings. The handling fee Alexander Theatre. The show is based of "Friends" organisations at 6pm on does not apply to Member Activities. on the popular adventure books of the Monday, 15 December, 1986. The occa­ same name by Enid Blyton. As yet the sion will take the form of a cocktail cast is not finalised but it will be pre­ party, with refreshments and entertain­ sented by the same team that produced ment, concluding at approximately 8pm. .~ ' /. \. . THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE, All areas adjacent to the Concert Hall foyers will be open for inspection includ­ ing the new Sound House. The focus , of course, will be the BOOKING INFORMATION Christmas trees themselves. Last year Mon Jan 5 to Sat Jan 31 they were decorated to reflect the tradi­ Mon to Sat at 10.30am and 2pm tions of various countries around the AETI Adults $8.90 AETI Chn $6.90 world, but this year each organisation G.P. Adults $9.90 has been asked to decorate a tree choos­ G .P. Chn $7 .90 ing their own theme. Trust Member-

Christmas Gift Suggestions

AUSTRALIAN ART DIARY intense experience, a tale full of hints, hard back book with full colour illustra­ clues and portents about the disaster to tions is offered to Members at $19 .50, a he Australian Art Diary is a quality follow. Now this remarkable perfor­ $3.00 saving on the LLp. It can either T production which will grace any mance has been recorded and is availa­ be collected from the Trust or mailed. desk be it at home or in the office. ble on a ninety-minute tape. It is (Please add $3 .50 for postage and pack­ Measuring 17.5 cm x 24.5 cm it has a offered to Members at $11.00 (includ­ ing.) hard cover and 18 colour and 22 black ing postage) which is a $4.00 discount and white illustrations. Contemporary on the LLp. and traditional artists are represented including John Perceval, Mqrgaret VICTORIAN ARTS CENTRE Morgan, Colin Lancely, E . Phillips Fox OPERA GUIDE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION and Stewart Merrett. The Diary fea­ tures a week to an opening, lists all ohn Cargher whose name is his is an excellent time to subscribe school, state, public and Jewish holi­ synonymous with opera and fine T to the Victorian Arts Centre days and has 1987 and 1988 calendars J music has written a book in which he Magazine as some lucky new subscriber on both end paperes. The Diary is aims to prove that it is absolutely will win a bundle of prizes (see insert offered to Trust Members at $14.00 (a unnecessary to know anything what­ for full details). Don't forget that Trust saving of $4 .95 on the recommended ever about opera called "How to Enjoy members may subscribe fO fl the special retail price). It can either be collected Opera Without Really Trying". In an price of $18, a saving of $3 on the usual from the Trust or mailed (please add easy-to-read format it provides the yearly rate. $3 .50 for postage and packing. hows, whys and wherefores of enjoying opera. Some indication of the approach ST MARK'S GOSPEL Cargher uses can be gained from the chapter headings - "The Opera Ain't TRUST MEMBERSHIP ne of the highlights of this year's Over till the Fat Lady Sings!", "Thril­ OFestival of Sydney was the superb lers and Chillers and Boring Open~s " . ETT membership is always an ideal rendition of St Mark's Gospel by Mal­ It makes for ideal reading for all those A gift for theatre-going friends or colm Robertson. Far from a mere reci­ people who'd like to understand opera relatives. See page 11 for further details tation, St Mark's Gospel became an but don't know where to start. The and gift membership application form . 5

Macbeth

ontinuing its tradition 'of a Cthorough and refreshing approach to the classics, the Anthill Theatre is cur­ rently performing Shakespeare's MAC­ BETH, directed by the company's Artis­ tic Director, Jean-Pierre Mignon. In the same spirit that led them to select St Joseph's Orphanage for the staging of DON JUAN last year, MACBETH will be performed in an equally prodigious location, a deserted workshop at 29 Queensbridge Street South Melbourne. Of all Shakespeare's plays, MACBETH is the one most obsessively concerned with evil. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's ambition and gift for bloodshed are given full rein. The cast includes Julie Forsyth, Robert Menzies (recently seen in the Paul Cox film, CACTUS), Greg Peter Wilson, Michele Spooner and puppets in SMALLS Saunders, Jo Kennedy and Michael Veitch. The play continues through Handspan use a fine blend of the education and who learned about December. technique of puppetry, mime, dance and humanity from his life in a Dublin slum. black theatre to present audiences with It continues at the Playhouse until theatre that is moving, absorbing, and December 13. BOOKING INFORMA nON which appeals to the imagination. AETf $11.00 . "SMALLS is enchanting ... sheer magic G.P. $13.00 Pens/Stud $7.00 . .. give yourself a treat and see it." The Bookings on 699 3253 Sydney Sun.

BOOKING INFORMAnON Wed Dec 2 to Mon Dec 21 Smalls Tue to Sun at 8.30pm Sat at 2pm and 5pm - Return Season for Sun at 5pm AETf$14.90 Handspan Hit G.P. $15.90 Pens/Stud $10.90 Two AETf tickets per member SMALLS Denis Moore as Seumas Shields devised by Michele Spooner and Peter Wilson BOOKING INFORMA nON Lighting Design by Philip Lethlean Play by Late Starter AETf$17.80 Original Music by Gavan Dunn G.P. $19.80 Bookings on 654 4000 Puppeteers include Michele Spooner, HE SHADOW OF A GUNMAN Peter Wilson, Andrew Hansen and Avril Twas Sean O'Casey's first play to be McQueen produced by the Abbey Theatre. At that time O'Casey was forty-three years old ChristInas Show SMALLS is Handspan's most recent and working as a day labourer. Despite success and was a highlight of this year's the play's success and the fact that the t the Athenaeum Theatre Max Gillies, Adelaide Festival Fringe and the Sydney "House Full" 'sign had to be put out for A Shane Bourne and Mark Little and Festival. It also had a very successful sea­ the first time in the Abbey's twenty-year his Combo, among others, are present­ son at Anthill Theatre this year. history, the playwright did not dare leave ing STAND UP FOR CHRISTMAS. SMALLS is a series of five visual vignet­ his pick and shovel job. THE SHADOW The show continues until December 20. tes which provide a variety of moods and OF A GUNMAN demonstrates the Irish a stimulating evening's entertainment. genius for transforming something For the return season a new piece, unusual into the fantastic. When you see BOOKING INFORMA nON MOMENTS, has been developed. It the play remember that this wryly ironic AETf$16.90 consists of five brief "moments" which and profound drama was written by a G.P. $17.90 labourer who was half blind following a Pens/Stud $14.90 encapsulate the pinnacles in a woman's Bookings on 63 3831 life. ) childhood illness, who had little formal 6 I

I ~~ .-SpDtl-=-'!I'.--~------fI Musical Theatre Fifty Years of Pure Escapism by Noel Ferrier

t all began about forty-six years ago I when Stoll decided to buy 1M WEISSEN ROSSL, an Austrian-based musical, which was doing very well on the Continent and decided to anglicise it for a West End presentation. And so 1M WEISSEN ROSSL became WHITE HORSE INN and another couple of numbers were added to the Benatzky score. One, "Goodbye", became prob­ ably the most famous musical comedy hit of all time, and was sung and recorded by just about everyone making records in the 'thirties. WHITE HORSE INN was the first and certainly the most successful of a new breed of musical entertainment in the theatre. It was originally a German farce which was adapted to the musical form by Benatzky and presented at Berlin in 1930. Sir Oswald Stoll heard of it, saw it and bought it and so made the jump from the operetta musical comedy form. To say that WHITE HORSE INN was a revolu­ tionary show would, of course, be nonsense. It was a traditionally based entertainment full of easy catchy Julie Anthony played the lead role in the AETTs production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC melodies of the old Viennese kind; its story was a foundation for spectacle At about this time Flo Ziegfeld was won by a short head. Certainly it does not rather than high drama; its intellectual engaging Oscar Hammerstein and have the strong story line which is much level was the lowest possible. Yet, coming Jerome Kern to adapt Edna Ferber's best of the strength of SHOW BOAT, but, in 1930, WHITE HORSE INN was just seller SHOW BOAT into a stage musical. nevertheless, it was still the first really in time to assert that that sort of Viennese Of course the original Edna Ferber book commercially successful musical comedy, operetta vein would survive (though some does not have a happy ending; Magnolia breaking as it did -right away from the writers gloomily saw it as sounding the is not reunited with Ravenal at the end - strict operetta format. Here was a show death-knell of true operetta), and to Ravenal, being the gambling cur he really with a real (well, almost) situation featur­ assert, with its very impressive perform­ is, is tossed aside (reluctantly) and at the ing real (well, almost) people, lots Of toe­ ance figures, that the big family show was end the Show Boat goes off up st ream tapping songs, beautiful girls, a couple of going to fulfil a need. minus Ravenal. But Ziegfeld wanted a comics, some pageantry, and all set WHITE HORSE INN was a pioneer happy ending and so Magnolia and the against the Austrian Alps. How could work in the spectacular musical field, full swine Ravenal are happily reunited and yo u miss? Well, as Sir Oswald soon of romance mingled with humour, full of all ends well - well, for the moment found out, you couldn't and he had a hit easy tunes. It was the ancestor of such anyway. In any event the musical comedy on his hands. The musical comedy had shows as SOUTH PACIFIC, THE KING as we know it today was born on both arrived and London and ~ew York were AND I and THE SOUND OF MUSIC, sides of the Atlantic at almost the same full of them - in London Novello and all excellent pieces that combined realism moment - WHITE HORSE INN in Coward - in America Kern, Porter and with romance in a pleasingly melodic Europe and SHOW BOAT in America. Hammerstein, Berlin. way. The intellectual writer on the theatre Both concepts set the style for the musical America took up the "musical" and, could describe it as "a Weimar Republic form of the future. despite the efforts of some brilliant musical comedy - a morbid growth, It is interesting to know that many of Englishmen, the musical became which combined nostalgia with affected the great composers that followed credit synonymous with Broadway. Between sophistication", dealing "Viennese either one or both these musicals as their 1930 and 1940 Broadway was home to operetta its most crippling blow", but creative ya rdstick. SHOW BOAT is the something like 700 new musicals. The this did not affect the fact that this was one generally recognised as being the musical bred a new style of star, Ethel the kind of enter.tainment that most peo­ "first" musical play but in actual fact I Merman, Mary Martin; it required new ple wanted. think WHITE HORSE INN probably production techniques and design - we 7

even created a few ourselves which were quite successful (COLLETT'S INN was one of our first). The pre-World War II musical was generally in the form of a musical comedy, with emphasis on girls, girls, girls, laughs, laughs and laughs and lots and lots of toe-tapping songs, many of which are remembered and performed today - the musical from where they originated having been completely forgotten. But the order of the day from the great impresarios was to turn out shows with plenty of laughs and catchy songs along with girls, girls, girls - and that is exactly what the composers and librettists did. It was post depression and the world wanted escapism and fantasy. World War II arrived and post-war affluence. Along came some of the all-time great musical comedy giants starting with June Bronhill, John Woods and Marina Prior in the original PIRA TES OF PENZANCE Rodgers and Hammerstein, , Lerner and Loewe and a totally new form theatre stage from Romberg, Frimml, much-needed platform and it is of musical play. First was a show based Coward, Kalmann through to Porter, something that Australian Elizabethan on a book called "Green Grow the Kern, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Theatre Trust is now moving towards. In Lilacs" which Rodgers and Hammerstein Lerner and Loewe up to Sondheim. other words a company operating on a turned into OKLAHOMA. This was a In Australia we now have a wealth of purely commercial and profitable basis far cry frqm WHITE HORSE INN but brilliant musical theatre talent - from would provide the financial backing for not all ' that far removed from SHOW writing to direction and design through to the creation of and workshopping of BOAT. The great American take-over of performers. It is time for us to establish Australian musicals. In a sort of a way the musical stage had begun in earnest an Australian Musical Theatre Company; the great musicals of the past would and was to hold sway for forty years in to provide a continuous repertory of all provide and become the angels of the new quantity and quality. The English were that is best in musical theatre for the Australian Musical Theatre. The Trust coming up with the odd one but never audience, which is quite obviously there, has in the pipeline two totally new reached the heights of or the output of but also to provide a platform' for our Australian musicals and much of the their American cousins - until today - own young writers, directors, designers finance for their development will be pro­ a period when Broadway is in the musical and performers to perform Australian vided by the Trust's two new musical doldrums with the Brits about to take musicals, written, created and performed productions, LENNON and SUGAR over. by Australians. We have managed to BABIES. LENNON is the wonderfully So what makes people go to musicals make the world sit up and take notice in entertaining and absorbing story of the more than any other theatre attraction? the areas of film, TV, drama, ballet and life of John Lennon and the Beatles, For this writer there is still nothing more opera; now it is time for us to crash while SUGAR BABIES is a celebration exciting, when I take my seat in a theatre, through the international musical theatre of the long-gone world of burlesque and whether it is Sydney, Melbourne, New barrier and present our astonishing variety (see story page 1). With the excep­ York or London, than listening for the young talent in this field to the world. tion of one performer, both musicals will first sounds of one of the orchestra tun­ We can only do this by providing the star Australian casts, featuring some of ing up to the performance, then seeing means and wherewithal for these talents the truly great names in Australian show the lights dim and the creation of so to have their works produced. Already business. Nineteen eighty-seven will be many differing talents - writer, com­ our creators of opera and ballet have the year of the Australian Musical - BE poser, librettist, director, designer, outlets for their work through the THERE! musical director, lighting and sound Australian Opera or the Victoria State engineers, stage managers - coming Opera and through the Australian Ballet Noel Ferrier is executive producer of the and the Sydney Dance Company. Our together; and then the talent on stage and Musical Theatre Division of the in the pit - working on their own, per­ drama writers have any number of outlets Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust. In forming the musical as written and for their works, but where do the bud­ that capacity he co-produced THE directed. The audience for the "musical" ding Rodgers and Hammerstein go to SOUND OF MUSIC with Julie Anthony has still the biggest audience going to the have their work assessed and possibly and the box office hit THE PIRATES theatre - far outnumbering the opera, work-shopped? OF PENZANCE. He is also an actor and ballet or drama buffs. But still in this An Australian Musical Theatre Com­ author; his biography "There Goes country there is no Musical Theatre pany performing the standard musical Whatsisname" was 'published last year. Company - a company dedicated to per­ classics in repertory (much as an opera He is the executive producer of LENNON and SUGAR BABIES. forming the great classics of the musical company operates) could provide that 8

Determined to find his family, he faces the perilS, opportunities and adventures of a new world. But, like all good heroes, he finally makes good. The film uses classical animation and meticulous accuracy in its details and sets, plus state-of-the-art techniques. There are some delightful characters; Tiger, a bad cat with a heart of gold and the voice of Dom Deluise; Gussie Mausheimer, the richest mouse in New York (voice of Madeline Kahn), Papa Mousekewitz who promises that AmeI;ica is a land "where there are no cats" and "the streets are paved with cheese" (soon to be disproved); Henri the French pigeon (Christopher Plum­ mer), and the fast-talking con Warrent T. Rat, and Digit, a calculating coc­ kroach. and Judy Freudberg who wrote the screenplay were the Emmy Award-winning writers for "".

THE ASSAM GARDEN Directed by Mary McMurray Screenplay by Elisabeth Bond Robert de Niro and two children in a scene from THE MISSION Starring Deborah Kerr, Madhur Jaffrey, Alec McCowen and Zia Mohyeddin Opening December 19 at the Brighton THE MISSION river mission. There he helps run the Bay Twin ' directed by Roland Joffe mISSIOn with Father Gabriel and Screenplay by Robert Bolt becomes a priest. The Church agrees to Produced by Fernando Ghia and David close the missions, and the two men are Puttnam faced with an agonising choice; to obey Starring Jeremy Irons" Robert de Niro, their superiors or to save the local tribes Ray McAnally, Ronald Pickup, Daniel from slave traders. Berrigan and Liam Neeson Opening December 4 at the Village Centre and Rivoli Directed by et in South America in the mid­ Created by David Kirschner Sseventeen hundreds, THE MIS­ Screenplay by Tony Geiss and Judy SION's background is the convoluted Freudberg power-play in the Catholic Church at Produced by , David that time, with the Spanish and Por­ Kirschner, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank tuguese kingdoms attempting to weaken Marshall Deborah Kerr in THE ASSAM GARDEN the power of the Jesuits in South Music by America and so damage their influence Opening December 26 at the Russell he role of the former Indian in Europe. Among the dangerous Indian Cinemas T memsahib seems to belong by right tribes up-river, the lives of two very dif­ to Deborah Kerr. Who could forget her ferent men become closely linked; ne for the young and young-at­ magnificent performance in the tele­ Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) is search­ Oheart. Steven Spielberg's first ven­ movie "Staying On", about the couple ing for the crucifiers of a Jesuit missio­ ture into animated movies, AN AMERI­ who chose to remain in an Indian hill set­ nary; the mercenary Mendoza (Robert CAN TAIL is the story of a family mig­ tlement after independence. In THE de Niro) is buying slaves. Back in the city rating to America late last century, but ASSAM GARDEN, Helen and her hus­ of Asuncion, Mendoza kills the younger with a difference. It is a family of mice. band Arthur have returned to England brother he loves in a brawl over a Our hero, Feivel Mousekewitz's arrival where Arthur has spent his retirement woman. Desolate , he is visited by Father in New York is unorthodox, he is swept creating an Assam jungle garden, a rar­ Gabriel and to expiate his guilt, he overboard en route and is washed up in a ity in England (as the film-makers makes an arduous journey to the up- bottle on the shores of his new home. found); a nostalgic hangover from the 9

days of the British Raj. Helen blames Krawczky's spoof of 1940s Hollywood, Arthur's death, as the film opens, on his JE HAIS LES ACTEURS. work in the garden, but when it is suggested that the garden may be While some of the films will be having included in a book of famous English their world premiere in Australia and are gardens, she takes on the gigantic task of yet to be released in Europe, others have putting it in order for inspection. Unex­ already won major awards there. Claude pected help comes from a homesick Miller's L'EFFRONTEE (Grand Prix Indian woman, whose family has no du Cinema and Cesar for Best Young desire to return to India. The garden is Actress, 1985) examines the difficulties one of the stars of the film , with its con­ of adolescence, and POLICE, directed stant demands and its effect on those by Maurice Pialat, stars Gerard Depar­ who care for it. dieu, who won Best Actor at Venice in 1985. It is a gritty genre thriller that switches midstream to an intense love story. Film Nouveau Nicolas Giraudi and Catherine Deneuve in LE LIEU DU CRIME by Andre Techine Gold Pass tickets for fourteen films festival of contemporary French will be available for $65, but Longford A films will be held at the Longford vouchers may be used for individual Cinema from 12 to 21 December. The which explores a disturbing relationship films and they are available through the program features current films from between a father and a daughter; Andre Trust for $6, a saving of $1.50. All films some of France's best-known directors; Techine's LE LIEU DU CRIME, star- will be the original language versions Jacques Doillon's LA PURITAINE, . ring Catherine Deneuve and Gerard with English subtitles.

1>~_~______b_y_Ca_ro_lo_rm_ e_ro_d ______

s you are wandering through David suggesting that he contact Greg Hocking, old one expires. But remember, if there is AJones stores this Christmas, take who was managing the Los Trios tour in a delay, your membership number time to stop and admire the white teddy New York, and see the show - which he doesn't change and your card is still valid bears on display in the Toy Department. did! Los Trios Ringbarkus will be staging for use up to three months after the expiry The Trust's Costume Hire Division in a "triumphant return" to Melbourne at date. Sydney made the costumes for them - all the Athenaeum in late January. 774 of them. The toy bears are dressed in his is the last edition of Trust News costumes all designed by Trust t would be marvellous to see our T for 1986. We'll be back in print with staff. There's a strong man , a ring mas­ I membership administration moving our first edition for 1987 at the end of ter, trapeze artists, a stilt clown and a into the twentieth century and becoming January. The membership office will be polka dot clown. It took eight people six fully computerised, but at the moment we closed from 23 December over the Christ­ weeks to complete the job; just one of have to cope with fairly antiquated maslNew Year period. be back in the intriguing contracts regularly under­ technology. Although our membership the office on Monday, 5 January. In the taken by Costume Division's made to list is on a computer it's not in house and meantime, I'd like to thank our many order service. there is always some delay in updating our memb.ers for their continuing support list to record renewals, changes of throughout the year and to wish you all a e know that Members are interested address, etc. Updates are sent to Sydney very happy Christmas and prosperous W in Trust productions and it's not on the last day of each month and proces­ New Year. easy to see at a glance in Trust News sed shortly thereafter. If your cheque which are our shows and which aren't, so arrives early in the month you could be starting with this edition, AETT presen­ waiting aroun·d six weeks for the next tations will be identified with a red Trust update to produce your new card. logo . it looks inefficient, particularly if you receive a reminder when you've already f particular interest this month is Irvin sent in your cheque, but we are doing our OBauer's New York column. Mel­ best with our inadequate system and hope bourne's own Los Trios Ringbarkus have that you will bear with us . You can help recently been seen there for the first time by returning your renewal as early as pos­ / with great success. At the suggestion of sible. They're normally sent out six weeks Liz Baillie, Hocking and Woods' publi­ prior to the due da~e to allow time for cist, we sent a message to Mr Bauer, your new card to be sent out before the / s you may have noticed, Broadway is Neill Gladwin and Stephen Kearney, A not being deluged with new amazing and they come from Melbourne. They pieces du entertainment. But ... if you are simply terrific. Neill, a Stan Laurel venture a bit up town to Lincoln Center personification, straight sad face with a you can enjoy the best musicals seen any­ great glint in his eye, and the rubbery where in a long time ... Beverley Sills, legged Stephen Kearney, who doesn't amazing lady that she is, has made the seem to have a joint in his body, are very Opera a consistent very funny. They are also original, which ~ delight and audiences throng nightly to ~ in itself is a novelty. They involve the each new inspiration. I saw a splendid '" audience to a great, a chaotic degree ... production of THE NEW MOON with juggling rolls which find their way into Cl::~ music by Sigmund Romberg. The book the audience and then back again in and lyrics, originally by Oscar Hammers­ ~ rapid fire, missiles propelled every which tein II, were revised for this production '"o way ·.with hilarious results. Messy, a by Robert Johanson, who did a wonder­ ....J junk-strewn stage, but oh so funny. I ful job of directing and choreographing remarkable work; impressive, bold, have no idea what the title or name as well. It has colourful swashbuckling theatrically and musically superb. A very means but with two such funny fellows adventure, high romance and compli­ exciting evening in the theatre. John who cares, I wish them every success ... cated plot and is played for all it's worth. Cheek sang and acted the title role, a and sure I'll see more of them if we But what really makes it memorable is tour de force, with great verve and aban­ are lucky enough to keep them here. It's the Romberg score: "Stouthearted don. Terrific stuff. one time when your loss is our gain. I Men", "One Kiss", "Wanting You", Now the most imaginative work I've hope we can send you something equally "Lover Come Back To Me", "Softly, As seen lately in the theatre ... LOS TRIOS amusing in return. in a Morning Sunrise", all in the same RINGBARKUS, playing at odd times, show. It was splendid. A happy audience late in the evening at the American Place Irvin S. Bauer is a Playwright-Pro­ for a change ... applauding ... cheering Theatre in the heart of Broadway's ducer based in New York where he ... smiling ... nice. Shortly after I went theatre district. I had heard a great deal heads THE DEVELOPMENT back to see MEFISTOFOLE with music about them, word of mouth ... so I went. STAGE, a place where the Writer is and libretto by Arrigo Boito. Directed I must say I wasn't prepared. The whole encouraged to fulfil the potential of his work. imaginatively by Tito Capobianco, it is a show is comprised of a cast of two ...

Making the most of your Trust Membership

FILM DISCOUNTS film presented by the particular chain. you can order tickets for friends who They are not therefore a guarantee of wish to be seated next to you. n most editions of Trust News we have admission to any particular screening. You should mail your ticket requests I a Focus on Films column which You can purchase as many vouchers as at least two weeks before the perfor­ highlights of the new film releases that you wish so regular film goers can keep mance date to allow for the time month. We cover films which we believe supplies of vouchers on hand. Vouchers involved in processing and delivery. will be of interest to Members. It is can be obtained on the Trust Member Should you need additional supplies of important to realise, however, that film Booking Coupon (no handling fee the booking coupon please ring the discounts are available for all Hoyts, applies) or in person from the Trust dur­ membership office on 690 8384. Greater Union and Village cinemas as ing normal office hours. Please specify Before travelling interstate, call us for well as films being screened at the which cinema chain you require when the local edition of Trust News so you Longford Cinema in South Yarra. Con­ ordering. know what's on at the theatre. Our cessional vouchers can be purchased interstate representatives will be pleased from the Trust and exchanged at any to arrange theatre tickets for... you. Hoyts, Village or Greater Union cinema THEATRE TICKETS for tickets (some Saturday and Public Holiday restrictions apply). Hoyts and f you wish to book seats for another Village vouchers can be purchased for I Trust member please quote their CHANGING ADDRESS? $5.00, while Greater Union and membership number alongside yours on Longford vouchers are $6.00 each. This the booking coupon so that you can lease let us know so that we can alter effectively means a $1.50 to $2.50 saving obtain the extra tickets at the Trust P our records and make sure your on the average general public admission member price. Although you are copies of Trust News are not delayed. If price of $7.50. restricted to two tickets at T.M. price, you're moving interstate we can transfer The vouchers are open dated and are there is normally no restriction on the your membership to any mainland State. valid for periods of between three and number of tickets you may purchase at We have offices in Melbourne, twelve months. They can be used for any the general public or pens/stud price, so Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Give the gift ofyear round theatre. Any friend, relative or business associate will appreciate your unique gift of Trust membership. It's a gift which keeps on giving throughout the year. The Trust will send the new member a distinctive card with your name and gift message or ifyou prefer, we will send you the card for personal presentation.

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POSTAGE is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for PAID II its 9,000 members throughout Australia. AUSTRALIA THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A.C.T .) Patron Her Majesty The Queen ·' AlIMAu. ' '. President '. Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM Chief Executive Kathleen Norris Directors Margaret Leask, Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman S. Atkinson C/- Quadrivium, Sir David Griffin eBE, The Hon. Mr. Justice C. J. Legoe K. E. Cowley, Dr. T. Manford, D. A. Mortimer L. G. Teale, L. D. S. Waddy, T. C. Yates. 8 Halliford St., Company Secretary: Mark Benvau London. Nl. Entrepreneurial Administrators: Dennis Linehan John Woodland U.K. Australian Content Director: Wendy Blacklock Executive Producer for Musical Theatre: Noel Ferrier Marketing Manager: David Martin Administrator of Orchestras: Warwick Ross Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Patrick Mitchell Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Priscilla Shorne Ticket Services Manager: Jo Litson Building, Props and Electrical Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael James I Membership Manager: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin Melbourne office: Carol Ormerod Brisbane office: Denis Wadley Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm Perth office: Janet Durack The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music , Theatre, Literature and Aboriginal Arts boards of The Australian Council a statutory body of the Commonwealth Government. I The Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The New South Wales Government through the Office of the Minister for the Arts. The Queensland Government Directorate of Cultural Activities. The Victorian Ministry for the Arts. The Government of Western Australia through the W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian Potter Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder member of CAPPA.

Membership enquiries should be directed to the A.E.T.T. on 6908384, 117 Sturt Street, South Melbourne. Postal address: G.P.O. Box 438C, Melbourne, Vic. 3001. Registered by Australia Post - Publication No . VBH 5728 May be opened for postal inspection.

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