Programme 1969 – 73rd Minstrel Show and Arabian Kapers

THE NAPIER FRIVOLITY MINSTRELS

PRESENT THEIR

73rd MINSTREL SHOW

AND MUSICAL FARCE

ARABIAN KAPERS

MUNICIPAL THEATRE – NAPIER – 1969

Including Extended Country Tour of Hawke’s Bay and Taupo

SOUVENIR PROGRAMME 20 CENTS

The Napier Frivolity Minstrels

(a brief History of the Organisation)
Seventy-three years ago in Napier, there were no radios, no T.V., very few, if any, of the old fashioned phonographs with the circular wax records, and no picture theatres. There were two theatres, the Theatre Royal and the Gaiety Theatre.

1898, as far as the general public were concerned, was the time of concerts, parties, and the latest innovation, surprise parties. Anyone who could sing, play or entertain in any way was in great demand at these functions. So it was that a group of young men around town decided to get together to form a Company of like minded entertainers and hired the Oddfellow’s Hall in Milton Road where they practised new songs and routines one night a week. The cost of the Hall was met by a shilling a head levied on the new members – so was born the Napier Frivolity Minstrels.

The driving force behind this new organisation was the late Mr Percy Spiller, O.B.E., who remained in charge until his death in 1950. The late Mr Spiller steered the new Company through the trials of the Boer War, The First World War of 1914-18, the impact of the ‘Talkies’ and into the Second World War of 1939-1945, laying the firm tradition of the “Frivs” as they are known today.

It has been a policy of the “Frivs” to play for charity and money raised goes to Schools and School Committees. Indeed, in far off days if the “Frivs” had not played and raised money for various causes many a child would have gone without a prize at the end of the year or worse; the money raised being of great assistance to struggling School Committees in their endeavours to provide extra facilities.

The vissictudes [vicissitudes] of the “Frivs” have been many and varied and the Company that began as an All-male troupe in 1898 had to meet changed conditions with the 1914-1918 War – lady members making their first appearance to help keep the Company in existence after the War the “Frivs” reverted back to the all-male Show, then came the trying conditions of the earthquake period, followed by the Second World War of 1939-45 when again the ladies came to the rescue to keep the flag flying. After the War it was decided to continue a mixed Company and this has been the pattern to the present day. The “Frivs” like that famous London “Windmill” Theatre of 1939-45 fame, have never stopped performing. They have appeared in Productions since 1898 without missing one year – truly a great record.

The “Frivs” have often been asked how much they have raised for charity and as only a conservative guess it is estimated about $250,000. A record achieved without one person receiving payment for his or her services.

. . . and so the “Frivs” look ahead to the future!

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LIST OF PERFORMANCES
During the past 73 years performances have been given at the following places:
Bay View
Cambridge
Christchurch
Dannevirke
Elsthorpe
Eltham
Eskdale
Featherston
Feilding
Fernhill
Gisborne
Greytown
Hamilton
Hastings
Haumoana
Twyford
Spa Hotel, Taupo
Havelock North
Kaitawa
Martinborough
Masterton
Meeanee
Napier
New Plymouth
Omakere
Onga Onga
Opotiki
Otane
Opunake
Paki Paki
Pakowhai
Palmerston North
Patoka
Clive
Papakura
Porangahau
Port Ahuriri
Pukahu
Pukeora
Puketapu
Puketitiri
Putorino
Rissington
Rotorua
Ruataniwha
Sherenden
Stratford
Taihape
Taradale
Maraekakaho
Raupunga
Taupo
Tauranga
Te Aute
Te Haroto
Tikokino
Waikaou
Waimarama
Waipawa
Waipukurau
Waiouru
Wairoa
Wanganui
Wellington
Westshore
Whakatane
Whakatu

Page ONE

THE NAPIER FRIVOLITY MINSTRELS

PRESENT THEIR

73rd MINSTREL SHOW

Mr Interlocutor
(Ian Connell)

Mr Moses
(Bob Ross)

Mr Bones
(Trevor Dockary)

Mr Sambo
(Roger Williams)

Mr Rastus
(Sid Hardgrave)

THE COMPANY
STELLA ASTWOOD   HELEN SNADDEN   TED GARDINER  JENNY CUSDIN   JUDY SOUTER   RICHARD MANNING  DENISE GARDINER   CLARE TRUMAN   DAVID McNIVEN  COLLEEN GRAY   RUSSELL BROYDEN   MICHAEL SMITH  DIANE JOLL   JOHN FERGUSON   RICHARD SHADBOLT  JULIET POWER   NEIL FAULKNOR   ROSS WEBER
Ballet: WENDY ATKIN, JULIENNE OWEN, JAN STREETER, CHERYL SINGLE, GAEL SINGLE, CHRISTINE TREVOR, JUDY TARPLETT.
Producer and Ballet Mistress: SHIRLEY HANLEY.
Musical Director HECTOR NORRIE.
Stage Manager: ALAN JOHNSON.

Overture – Southern Melodies – Frivs Orchestra.
1.   Zippitty Do Dah and the Company are away on the Show, with a spot of Magic along the way.
2.   All the Southland is excited to see That Ragtime Minstrel Band as presented by the Frivs Company and Dancers.
3.   A quiet interlude. In melodic style Stella Astwood presents Neapolitan.
4.   The Company are back down South with Carolina Rolling Stone.
5.   The Cornermen, the Company and Dancers all take a hand in Rikki Tikki Toon.
6.   An Instrumental item Ghost Rider’s In The Sky. Presented by Ross, Neil and assisted by Denise and Colleen.
7.   Mr Bones has a problem! He Can’t Get Indiana Off (His) My Mind . . .
8.   What would you do if you had a fortune. David McNiven gives his idea in If I Were A Rich Man.
9.   Your favourite soloist in My Heart And I. Yes! it’s Ted Gardiner.
10.   The Company are in a happy mood for they are Rollin’ ‘Round The World.
11.   It isn’t this or isn’t that! It’s just T’aint. We’ll leave the Company to explain . . . .
12.   Mr Moses is seeking advice. He wants to know How’s Everything In Dixie . . . .
13.   The Frivs end in Spanish style. It all begins In A Little Spanish Town, where you will meet The Belle of Barcelona, clap your hand in a Clapping Dance, are introduced to Don Alfonso, wander through Valencia, and finally return and enjoy a stay In A Little Spanish Town.

Page TWO

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Page THREE

THE PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
Once again it is my pleasure to welcome you to the latest Production of the Napier Frivolity Minstrels – the 73rd – and trust that you will enjoy the show as much as our Members enjoy presenting it to you. A record of 73 years without missing performing in any year is a record that few organisations can match in New Zealand but it has been accomplished by the loyal support of present and past members of the ‘Frivs’.

We would like to extend to you, our audience, our most grateful thanks for your continued support. We hope you have a happy evening’s entertainment.

Photo caption –
Wally Ireland
(President)

PRODUCER – Minstrel Show
Shirley has been the ‘Frivs’ Ballet Mistress for 8 years and Producer of the Minstrel Show for the past 2 years. She is well-known in Hawke’s Bay dance circles and has her own Dancing School.

Photo caption –
Shirley Hanley
(Minstrel Show)

Musicial Director & Chorus Master
1969 is Hector’s first association with the Frivs – in the position of Musical Director and Chorus Master. His other musical associations have been with the Napier R.S.A, Tin Hat Club, The Carol’s by Candlelight organisation, School Choirs and School Music.

Photo caption –
Hector Norrie
(Musical Director)

PRODUCER – Arabian Kapers
Ian is the Interlocutor for the Minstrel Show – a position held for the past ?? years. This year he has taken on the extra role of Producer of the second half (Arabian Kapers). Other activities have been with the Napier Repertory Players and Compere with the R.S.A. Tin Hat Club.

Photo caption –
Ian Connell
(‘Arabian Kapers’)

Hon. Pianist
Another newcomer to the ‘Frivs’ organisation is Nola, and she brings to it Musical experience as a Teacher of Music. She is also well-known in Hawke’s Bay dance circles – having her own dance orchestra –  playing at dances and local nightspots. The orchestrations used in this year’s ‘Frivs’ production are the result of her industry – and the ‘Frivs’ are grateful for her contribution.

Photo caption –
Nola Atkin
(Pianist)

Secretary and Playwright – Arabian Kapers
Sid has been the Honorary Secretary for the Frivs since 1952. He has written 17 Musical Shows for the ‘Frivs’ and ‘Arabian Kapers’ is an adaption of a previous show of the 1950’s. He has also written for Radio – that of sketches and Children’s Radio Plays.

Photo caption-
Sid Henney
(Hon. Secretary)

Page FOUR

THE LADIES OF THE CIRCLE
Back Row (L to R): Denise Gardiner, Stella Astwood, Diane Joll, Claire Truman, Helen Snadden, Judy Souter.
Front Row (L to R): Jenny Cusdin, Juliet Power.
Absent: Colleen Gray.

Wardrobe Mistress
Wardrobe has been handled by Elizabeth for many years. The task is exacting and it contributes immeasurably to the success of the ‘Frivs’ productions. She has also been associated with the Napier Operatic Society, more particularly in the Make-up Department. Many societies have been helped by her knowledge in this department.

Photo caption –
Elizabeth Johnson
(Wardrobe Mistress)

THE FRIVS BALLET
Left to Right: Judy Tarplett, Julienne Owen, Jan Streeter, Christine Trevor, Wendy Atkin, Cheryl Single, Gael Single.

Page FIVE

MEET THE MEN OF THE CIRCLE
Back Row (L to R): John Ferguson, Ted Gardiner, Russell Broyden, Ian Connell (Interlocutor), Michael Smith, Neil Faulknor, Richard Shadbolt.
Front Row (L to R): Richard Manning, David McNiven, Ross Weber.

THE NAPIER FRIVOLITY MINSTRELS ORCHESTRA
Back Row (L to R): Alan Clark (Flute), John De La Haye (Violin), Jack Butler (Clarinet and Saxophone), Keith Jennings (Trumpet), Ted Collier (Violin).
Front Row (L to R); Roy Robinson (Trumpet), Nola Atkin (Pianist), Hector Norrie (Musical Director), Maurice Bartlett (Drums).
Insets (L to R): George Stuart (Violin), Leon Speakman (Bass). Absent: C. Howell (Bass).
Bon Cox (Pianist Napier performances Saturday 15th and 22nd November, 1969, and Waipawa).

CREDITS
Napier Intermediate School (Use of School Hall for rehearsals). Trevor Hayter (Scenery, designed and Painted). Napier Operatic Society (Inc.) (Use of Hall). Theatre Staff, Ushers and Programme Sellers (Napier Show). H.B. Motor Co. Ltd. (Thanks to Company and Drivers). D. McLachlan (Photographs). Miss Jane Geddis (Prompt). Sid Henney (Programme). Alan and Elizabeth Johnson, Harry Koefed [Koefoed] (Camel’s head and Body, also Properties). Allan Govern (Scenery). Rogers and Co., N. Etheridge (Properties).

The Napier Frivolity Minstrels reserve the right to change programme if necessary due to sickness or other causes.

Page SIX

The Napier Frivolity Minstrels

Present

THE COLOURFUL ARABIAN MUSICAL FARCE

ARABIAN KAPERS

(WRITTEN BY SYDNEY HENNEY)

Producer – IAN CONNELL
Routines and Ballet – SHIRLEY HANLEY
Stage Manager – ALAN JOHNSON
Wardrobe – ELIZABETH JOHNSON
(Scenery Designed and Painted by Trevor Hayter)

CAST (In order of appearance)
SQUAREDEAL ABDUL ALBUL (Second-hand Magic Carpet Dealer)   Bob Ross
FATIMA (A High Class purveyor of Turkish Delight)   Sid Hardgrave
SUZZI (Abdul’s Secretary)   Judy Souter
SABRINA (Abdul’s Favourite Camel)   ? ? ?
SULTAN OMAR HASSAN (Sultan of Muskrat)   Ian Connell
FIZZOG (The Income Tax Collector)   Trevor Dockary
ALI CASHUP (The Bank Manager)   Ross Weber
ABOU KASHIM (The Grand Vizier)   Michael Smith
ZULEIKA (A Singer)   Stella Astwood
ALI BEN ALI (A Magician)   John Ferguson
ZENOBIA (A Harem Girl)   Clare Truman
MORGIANA (A Harem Girl)   Denise Gardiner
CAST OF MERCHANTS, PALACE GUARDS AND LADIES OF THE HAREM

SCENES
Scene 1:   The Muskrat Bazaar. Mid Afternoon.
Scene 2:   A Room in the Shriek of Araby’s Palace. Early Evening of the same day.
Entracte:   A’FRANGESA   Frivs Orchestra

SCENE ONE
1.   The Ladies, Merchants and Traders of the Muskrat Bazaar tell the tale of ‘THE SHRIEK OF ARABY’.
2.   Squaredeal Abdul and Fatima are in reflective mood ‘IF YOU KNEW SUZZI’.
3.   THERE’S ONLY ONE OF YOU’ is Abdul’s comment to Suzzi! The interested spectators of the Bazaar confirm this.
4.   Sabrina, the Camel, and Abdul enjoy a dance to ‘ALI BABA’S CAMEL’.
5.   All are impressed when Sultan Omar Hassan appears and they all extol his qualities in ‘OMAR! THE SULTAN OF THE LAND!’
6.   The Sultan is exasperated with Fatima. He tells her ‘YOU NEVER SAY YES! YOU NEVER SAY NO!’
7.   What a nasty character is Fizzog, the Tax Investigator . . . .  ‘I’M FIZZOG! THE WOG!’
8.   A reprise ending to Scene 1. ‘YOU NEVER SAY YES! YOU NEVER SAY NO!’
9.   Interlude Music between Scenes . . . . CARAVAN . . . . Frivs Orchestra.

SCENE TWO
10.   The Sheik of Araby (Abdul) is in blissful content with his Harem and Zuleika adds to the scene with ‘SAHARA’, which is danced by the Palace dancers.
11.   A diversion in Magic. The great Arabian Magician Ali Ben Ali.
12.   Abdul tells what it is like ‘IN MY HAREM’.
13.   Suzzi is unimpressed with Abdul as the new Sheik in ‘DON’T PULL THE WOOL OVER MY EYES’.
14.   The Sultan entertains Fatima with ‘THE RICH MAHARAJAH OF MAGADOR’ – and the Palace occupants enter into the spirit of the occasion.
15.   The Party continues. All are in happy mood.
16.   The Sheik of Araby is annoyed. He tells Ali Cashup and Fizzog all they seem to think about is ‘I WANT SOME MONEY’.
17.   But at last all ends happily and the Party continues into the night.

Page SEVEN

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Page EIGHT

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BACKSTAGE TEAM
Back Row (L to R): Alan Johnson (Stage Manager), Alan Rogers, Garry Smith, Harry Koefed, Kerry Single, Ray Single, “Snow” Rayner.
Front Row (L to R): Selwyn Wakefield, Jane Geddis, Elizabeth Johnson, Peter Single.
Absent: Joan Colwill.

Photo caption –
Norman Etheridge
(House Manager)

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