The SWOC Scandal
9
From Madame President… Hello Fellow SWOCers and Friends. In the afterglow of Phantom, I received copies of 3 letters which had been sent to the newspaper. As they haven’t appeared yet, I would like to share excerpts with you. To the many performers, vocalists, dancers and musicians, young and old and everywhere in between, the large production and backstage crew, costume and set designers, lighting and sound technicians, and other support personnel that always delight in their crucial behind the scenes role - you all deserve the highest praise for bringing together an extremely challenging show (some call it a ‘monster’) and turning it into an engaging, entertaining, and highly charged emotional and artistic experience. But one name should at least be mentioned - Christine, played by Bunbury’s Nerida Mangano, was just superb. What a splendid vocal performance. Supported masterfully by Phantom Rob Littlewood. Nerida’s unbelievably soaring vocal lines rose to the heavens driven on by the Phantom’s uncontrolled but irresistible musical passions. In the end, Christine chooses Raoul, and the Phantom is left bereft and alone - love is lost. We are left feeling a profoundly deep compassion for him, the victim of his own all consuming musical passions. Good music theatre is always entertaining. Great music theatre becomes vibrantly alive in our psyche, and transports us to a special place beyond words. A privilege to be present - once again, well done SWOC! Gordon Tayler The theatre, sets, the cast and the crew gave us a very intimate performance of The Phantom of the Opera that was WORLD CLASS. Congratulations South West Opera Company, Director Andy King and Musical Director Marguerite Monagle, the orchestra, Deb Prentice, for the stunning costumes, the very talented leading performers and cast and not forgetting the Technical Manager, Alan Burke and the set, sound and lighting designers. We are blessed to have these gifted, talented and passionate people to perform in our City. Bravo Bravo and bouquets to SWOC and BREC who gave us Phantom of the Opera. Eileen Wenn Congratulations and sincere thanks to the South West Opera Company and to orchestra members who gave us an unforgettable performance of The Phantom of the Opera. We attended a packed house matinee on Sunday 14 October and were privileged to hear the superb voices of Ben Talbot, Claire Bailey and supporting singers. As always, the SWOC chorus provided harmony and depth to the production, including their off-stage backing for some scenes. Praise also to Musical Director, Margaret Monagle and to Deb Prentice for her extraordinary set and costume design. The complex, challenging demands for Phantom - rigging, sound, lighting, special effects - were fulfilled in the expert manner we have come to expect from the SWOC team. Nicole Kostezky’s ballet career in Australia, UK and Russia was obvious in the performance of her dancers. Bunbury and surrounding regions are fortunate to have access to a Company of such an outstanding calibre and dedication. Our lives are enriched by their performances and they deserve our wholehearted and generous support. Jo Robertson The SWOC Scandal Newsletter of the South West Opera Company (Inc.) Patron: Rolf Stene October 2018
Transcript of The SWOC Scandal
From Madame President…
Hello Fellow SWOCers and Friends.
In the afterglow of Phantom, I received copies of 3 letters which had been sent to the newspaper. As they haven’t appeared yet, I would like to share excerpts with you.
To the many performers, vocalists, dancers and musicians, young and old and everywhere in between, the large production and backstage crew, costume and set designers, lighting and sound technicians, and other support personnel that always delight in their crucial behind the scenes role - you all deserve the highest praise for bringing together an extremely challenging show (some call it a ‘monster’) and turning it into an engaging, entertaining, and highly charged emotional and artistic experience. But one name should at least be mentioned - Christine, played by Bunbury’s Nerida Mangano, was just superb. What a splendid vocal performance. Supported masterfully by Phantom Rob Littlewood. Nerida’s unbelievably soaring vocal lines rose to the heavens driven on by the Phantom’s uncontrolled but irresistible musical passions. In the end, Christine chooses Raoul, and the Phantom is left bereft and alone - love is lost. We are left feeling a profoundly deep compassion for him, the victim of his own all consuming musical passions.
Good music theatre is always entertaining. Great music theatre becomes vibrantly alive in our psyche, and transports us to a special place beyond words. A privilege to be present - once again, well done SWOC!
Gordon Tayler
The theatre, sets, the cast and the crew gave us a very intimate performance of The Phantom of the Opera that was WORLD CLASS. Congratulations South West Opera Company, Director Andy King and Musical Director Marguerite Monagle, the orchestra, Deb Prentice, for the stunning costumes, the very talented leading performers and cast and not forgetting the Technical Manager, Alan Burke and the set, sound and lighting designers. We are blessed to have these gifted, talented and passionate people to perform in our City. Bravo Bravo and bouquets to SWOC and BREC who gave us Phantom of the Opera. Eileen Wenn
Congratulations and sincere thanks to the South West Opera Company and to orchestra members who gave us an unforgettable performance of The Phantom of the Opera. We attended a packed house matinee on Sunday 14 October and were privileged to hear the superb voices of Ben Talbot, Claire Bailey and supporting singers. As always, the SWOC chorus provided harmony and depth to the production, including their off-stage backing for some scenes. Praise also to Musical Director, Margaret Monagle and to Deb Prentice for her extraordinary set and costume design. The complex, challenging demands for Phantom - rigging, sound, lighting, special effects -were fulfilled in the expert manner we have come to expect from the SWOC team. Nicole Kostezky’s ballet career in Australia, UK and Russia was obvious in the performance of her dancers.
Bunbury and surrounding regions are fortunate to have access to a Company of such an outstanding calibre and dedication. Our lives are enriched by their performances and they deserve our wholehearted and generous support. Jo Robertson
The SWOC Scandal Newsletter of the South West Opera Company (Inc.) Patron: Rolf Stene October 2018
What more can I say, except a HUGE THANK YOU to our Producers (Tony and Sigari, who also singlehandedly set back the teaching of phonics by at least 20 years) and all the volunteers who tirelessly beavered away behind the scenes – musicians, marketers, sewers, painters, builders, props, hairdressers, makeup artists, “mantlers” & dismantlers, hostesses, grant applicators. There were so many different personnel performing a myriad of tasks. But in my mind, there is one slightly built young lady who deserves a very special mention – Alan’s daughter who lay face down and immobile in the bottom of the gondola amidst all the goings-on in Phantom’s lair.
Our time with the Phantom was also noteworthy as we celebrated a 21st Birthday (Tia’s), an engagement (Chloerissa’s) and umpteen birthdays including Lorna’s 80th. The hearty Happy Birthdays served as great warm ups. Your SWOC family extend love and very best wishes to Susie and Lockie as they prepare for their respective nuptials (not to each other!)
But as the echoes of the last Music of the Night fade and memories of standing ovations, curtain calls, bouquets, pizza and auctions recede, CHC is once more alive with the sounds of music. The SWOClets have resumed, the adult chorus is preparing for the Christmas Concert (Sunday 9 December) and the Musical Theatre Group starts up again on Thursday 8 November.
Yours in Harmony. Marianne Lehmann - President
Thu 8th November Musical Theatre Group resumes
Sun 9th December Christmas Choral Concert St Boniface Cathedral
Sun 16th December Carols at Mandalay Busselton
Mon 17th December SWOC Christmas Party
Sat 16th February 2019 Jalbrook Garden Concert Balingup
Sat 9th March 2019 Annual Harvey Picnic Concert - Gibbs Pool
Lockie and Andrew have new careers ahead. Andy and Mary-Ellen have (just) stopped giving notes; Marguerite has laid down her baton (for two nights at least); Deb has stopped sewing (for five minutes); Marianne and her team have moved onto the next event; the cast and orchestra have returned to their day jobs; Rob, Lockie, Brett and Norm have put down their drills and hammers; the cast have returned all scores and scripts, bar one, (number 17) and production have run away to Margaret River.
Bump-out took place the following day and it was clear that the bonfire of the Thursday prior had created plenty of space in the shed, so that all sets including the frames, the chandelier, the elephant and the lair would fit (just). The chandelier now swings above the costume area and Ernest (the elephant) has since gone to the Halket shed in Gelorup where he has room to wiggle his ears, until such time as it can be decided what to do with him.
Loose ends revolve around money reckoning as expenses pour in and we are delighted to have sold 3,609 tickets. Lost property includes 3 track-suit (hoodie) jackets and some other small items.
Another legacy of the whole production is the co-operative spiral we all worked in for months up to completion. It was a wonder to behold, as issues came and went, resulting in a large outpouring of drama, music, visual spectacle and awe. Thank you to all from the bottom of our hearts: it would not have been the same without any one of you. And, what song is going through your head at the moment?
Sigari
SWOC CALENDAR
Celebrate in your own style!
Marg Peters 2 November Di Scotland 6 November
Suzie Maratea 8 November
Peter Eckersley 20 November
Elspeth Binckes 30 November
Tanya Passmore ?? November
Phantasmagoria finale
The curtain has come down on the last show of the Bunbury season of Phantom of the Opera. What a tremendous show! What an audience response! What a great after show party and auction:
Please submit your questions to
I have been asked many times over the last few weeks how I am coping now that Phantom is all over? Just move straight onto your next production of course! For me, that is planning my imminent nuptials and for fellow SWOC members it means pulling their tinsel out and getting their Christmas spirit shinning! And as usual there is the case of “What do we wear?”
For the concert held in St Boniface - basic formal blacks, being full length pants or skirt. Differing hem lengths looks odd in a choir formation so please try to find something suitable. Men - a long sleeved dress shirt, ladies - a top/blouse with a short, 3/4 or long sleeve. Performing in such a beautiful church is special. Please avoid a sleeveless or strappy top. Again if one person has their arms out in a sea of black it stands out and looks odd. It is often quite hot so keep your fabrics light and airy. SWOC will provide a gold scarf to be worn (yes they can be hot and scratchy for some...wear a collar perhaps?) and a neat shoe or dressy sandal that is comfortable for you to stand in for an extended time.
Mandalay dress standards are a bit more relaxed. Basic blacks, with perhaps an added Christmas tie, hat or earrings!
I hope you all have a lovely time- unfortunately I won’t be joining you this year as we will be on our honeymoon!
Susie xx
The upside of being front of the house for all performances is meeting friends and acquaintances, especially the ones we haven’t seen for a long time. Many of them came from far and wide, including several ex SWOCers like Ruth Taylor, Julie and Stephen, Coral Emerson, Kayleen Russell, Brian and Liam Duane, Tessa Fothergill, Darriel and Gary, Mike and Penny Elliott and Jude Smith . It was a pleasure to see you all.
Many thanks to Team Programme who had a busy time covering all six shows, where audiences were buying programmes even after the show! Our team members were Julie Mitchell, Di Scotland, Lorraine and Zeanna Bond, Charo Chacón, Claire and Sarah Grant, Kate Martin. Judi Gibbs and Jenni Minchin were also hostesses at both of the VIP events.
From a publicity point of view, watching the full and almost full houses mesmerised and giving standing ovations, was a marketing dream fulfilled.
Marianna SWOC Marketing
Susie (Madam Giry in Phantom) and Johnny are getting married on Saturday 17th November.
Lockie (Auctioneer in Phantom) and Lee are tying the knot on Sunday 11th November.
Wedding Days Wishing you every happiness
from the SWOC family
TWO WEEKENDS OF
HUG-FEST
The SWOC Christmas party will be held on
Monday 17th December
In the home of Jenni and Bruce Minchin
This event is great fun so keep this date free!
More details in the next edition.
Golden Phantom Moments
President Marianne Lehmann 0448 805 519 [email protected]
Secretary Geoff Binckes 9795 1667 [email protected]
Treasurer Ray Grant 0497 413 191 [email protected]
Committee Jenni Minchin 0409 104 933 [email protected]
Committee Gundi Maratea 9726 3290 [email protected]
Committee Glen Maslin 0409 105 028 [email protected]
Committee Susanna Maratea 0408 957 436 [email protected]
Committee Tony Martin 0439 820 485 [email protected]
Committee Rob Hill 0403 796 159 [email protected]
Committee Marianne Yip 0419 214 338 [email protected]
Committee Deb Prentice 0409 773 595 [email protected]
Musical Director Ex officio
Marguerite Monagle 0439 886 326 [email protected]
Ex officio Jenean Halket 0427 955 388 [email protected]
Please email all SWOC Scandal contributions to the
Editor Wendy Graham at [email protected] or
telephone
0439 529 102
YOUR SWOC COMMITTEE
Some phinal words phrom the phading Phantom
The Phantom held sway over us for many months, and now the curious affair of The Phantom of the Opera is receding into our memories. For some time, however, the fact that he is there, inside our minds, will remain significant; and for a few of us his presence is still keenly felt in practical terms as we unravel and document the complexities of this amazing production to satisfy our partners (SWOC and BREC), the copyright holders (Origin Theatrical) and the City of Bunbury, who supported this production with a very substantial grant.
The Aphter Phantom Phestivities in the phoyer attracted a big crowd, many of whom were phooled by the Phantom’s auctioneer and his ophphsider into promising money in exchange for phantomic ephemera. Those who made such promises and have not yet succeeded in acquiring of paying for their booty should contact the Phantom at [email protected] or 0439 820 485 / 0439 928 770 to make appropriate arrangements.
There are some who have been little more than slaves to the Phantom’s whims for many months, and whose contributions are not widely recognised, but without whom the Phantom would never have emerged from his lair. It is with great admiration and gratitude that we invite you, SWOC’s extended family, to join us in congratulating and acknowledging them for what they created; in alphabetical order of areas of activity, they are as follows. 1. BREC collaboration
The importance to this production of BREC’s wholehearted collaborative efforts cannot be overstated.
Quite apart from the benefits of shared financial risk, they have provided us with access to facilities not
being used by others; their technical team has made substantial contributions to the show and has
participated throughout in planning, design and implementation; office, box office and Front of House staff
have all been helpful at all times. Sharon Custers, in setting up our joint production agreement, and Fiona
de Garis, in leading its implementation, have set precedents which we hope may provide a basis for future
BREC support of community productions in the foremost venue of the South West region.
2. Costumes and design
Deb Prentice, our remarkably talented designer and costumier, has literally worked day and night for many months on dressing the Phantom and his cast, to her own exacting speciphications. Not content with this, she also designed and decorated the set. Her commitment to the Phantom took her far beyond what is reasonable to expect of anyone, and her expert contributions enhanced this show immeasurably. Other major contributors in these areas included Heather Hill, Hellen Cooke, Susie and Gundi Maratea, Keaton Howe, Gavin Pedrochi and Nathan Gardiner (who designed and created, along with photographer Paul Verhagen, the display for the VIP lounge and foyer).
3. Direction
Andy King was a passionate and inspiring leader in all the Phantom’s activities. He was totally available to the Phantom whenever needed, over a full year. His work on all aspects of the projection system was particularly extensive.
Mary-Ellen Sutherland, both as Assistant Director and Choreographer, gave more of her life to this show that most of us would realise, also making crucial contributions to the casting process.
Marguerite Monagle was, as ever, a highly conscientious Musical Director. This show, which included the Phantom’s phrankly phrightphul music and Lloyd Webber’s presentation thereof in a horriphic phormat which phrightened ophph more than one potential instrumentalist, also presented her with phearsome challenges in interpreting and conducting the music, as well as training and directing the singers.
4. Marketing
SWOC’s Marianna Yip devoted much of her life for some months to marketing this show. She worked with BREC’s Sam Wright and Jo Semmens, and between them this team used their skills and resources to bring 3,609 paying customers to the box office – a number well in excess of the budgetary requirement, which was in itself optimistic.
5. Programme
Producing a substantial glossy programme for a show involving well over 100 participants is a major undertaking for anyone, and Marianna Yip took this on, contrary to her better judgment. It proved as difficult as ever, but, again as ever, came out wonderfully well. Marianna had help and support from Sigari and the team at Bunbury Print (Rhonda, Shane and Paula) who again donated time and expertise. Marianna then organised the distribution and sale of the programmes, breaking even despite printing costs double those of previous shows.
6. Props
The Phantom demanded construction of substantial props, costumes and set pieces which only appeared on stage for brief scenes. This meant large numbers of all 3 commodities. Charles and Theresa Wilks worked enthusiastically and conscientiously for many months to generate excellent props, including the gondola, the clapping monkey, the gruesome severed head and numerous helmets, spears, etc.
7. Set Construction
This was largely done by Rob Hill, who must have spent most of his life on phantomic phabrication since starting early in the year; this in addition to a substantial part in the cast. He called upon the services of his trusty ophphsider Lockie, and between them they created, erected, and subsequently dismantled and transported, much of the set. Also seriously active in this area were Brett Cooke and Norm PhFlynn.
8. Technical contributions beyond the call of duty were generously made by many, under the leadership and problem-solving expertise and initiative of Alan Burke; notably Sean Smith, Keaton Howe, Darren Jenkins, Peter Jago and Paul Parkes.
Our thanks and congratulations go to these exceptional contributors, as they now join all of us – the highly talented and hard-working A and E casts; the chorus and dancers; orchestra; backstage crew; hairdressers and make-up artists; dressers; rigger; stage management team; rehearsal accompanists; box office staff; lighting and sound designers and operators; FoH staff; set painters; producers and all other phellow Phantom phollowers – in taking a phinal bow on the virtual stage to yet another standing ovation.
Tony Martin
Editor’s note: On behalf of all of the Phantom phamily I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony and Sigari, who also dedicated their lives to this production. Their hard work, attention to detail, and good natured demeanour was the glue that held this production together and helped to provide Bunbury with a show of such a professional standard.
Thank you to all the contributors of the photos I have plagiarised (Saskia, Claire, Theresa, Susie – any others?)
Tony & Sigari with their creation – Earnest the elephant Earnest going for a check-up before his semi-retirement!
