Programme 1974 – 78th Production and Come to the Circus

NAPIER FRIVOLITY MINSTRELS

78th Production

1974

With Pleasure

The Napier Frivolity Minstrels Inc.

present their

78th Minstrel Show

Producer: SHIRLEY JARRETT

Followed by their 1974 Production – Pantomime

COME TO THE CIRCUS

Written by: SYD HENNEY

Produced by: MAURICE BARTLETT

MUNICIPAL THEATRE, NAPIER AND EXTENDED TOUR OF TAUPO AND HAWKE’S BAY

ONE

A Message from the President

GOOD EVENING, it is my pleasure to welcome you to yet another production of the “Frivs”.

You will see with us tonight many familiar faces, some of whom have been with us for more than 25 years, but we also take pride in presenting new members for your entertainment – we trust you like them, for it is these members who will keep the name of the “Frivs” alive for, we hope, another 78 years.

This past year saw a milestone in the history of the “Frivs”. On 8th June, 1974, our patron, Mr Wally Ireland, officially opened our very first permanent home. As we perform for charity and therefore have no set income you can see that this has been no mean feat, we now have a very valuable asset. To all members I say thank you for the hard work you have put in to make the show a success, and to you, our audience, thank you for your continued support.

May you have a most enjoyable evening with “Frivs” and a safe journey home.

MICHAEL SMITH
President.

Hon. Secretary –

Now in his third year as secretary for the “Frivs” and eighth year performing, this past year has been very rewarding for John and the Frivs. Seeing the foundation and completion, in the rebuilding of the “Frivs” hail has been a tremendous task, and coupled with “getting the show on the road”, his time has been certainly taken up. He would like to thank all who have in some way helped in this year’s production, on stage and behind the scenes, for all these people have helped to make the show the success, we hope, you see tonight.

John Ferguson, secretary

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TWO

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THREE

Our Patron –

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Executive and Members of the “Frivs” for giving me the honour to officially open the “Frivs” newly decorated and pleasant headquarters and rehearsal rooms.

Members have put in a great amount of time and hard work in doing this, but I am sure that in the future, they, the members that will follow them, will look back with pride at what has been done by the “Frivs” to bring entertainment to the people of Hawke’s Bay for the past 77 years.

Wally Ireland
(Patron)

Producer – Minstrel Show

Once again our Minstrel Show producer, Shirley Jarrett, has put some sparkle into the chorus movements for tonight’s show. Regretfully this is Shirley’s last year with the “Frivs”, as owing to increased demand in her dancing studios she has had to relinquish her position as producer. We would like to publicly thank Shirley for her continued interest and hard work over the last 12 years, and hope that someday she may be back with us again.

Shirley Jarrett
Producer
(Minstrel Show)

Producer – Pantomime

New to the production team this year is Maurice Bartlett. Maurice has already had quite an association with the “Frivs” In that the past eight years has seen him as drummer (primarily), backstage scenery, painter, make-up assistant, and many other varied tasks.

Producing a show is completely new to Maurice, and 1 think you will agree with us that he has done a terrific job.

Maurice would like to thank the cast of “Come To The Circus” for their part in helping make this a success.

Maurice Bartlett
(Producer-Pantomime)

Musical Director –

Musical Director this year is also someone new to the production team. Edith Ferguson has been associated with many choral organisations over many years in Napier. The “Frivs” were indeed fortunate that Edith was able to assist this year with the chorus work, and orchestra.

In private life, Edith is a registered music teacher, teaching piano and theory of music.

Edith Ferguson R.M.T.
(Musical Director)

FOUR

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FIVE

“ON STAGE “

1974

Lynette Foster
(Miss Mandy)

Joy Oemcke
(Miss Dinah)

Roger Williams
(Mr Sambo)

Merv Oemeke
(Mr Bones)

Dick Wood
(Mr Interlocutor)

Richard Shadbolt
(Mr Moss)

Neil Faulknor
(Mr Rastus)

The Girls
JUDY ANDERSON
STELLA ASTWOOD
MARGARET ATKINS
ISABELL FORSYTH
CLARE MANNING
SU MORRIS

The Dancers
PHYLISS [PHYLLIS] ASTWOOD
JOAN DAVY
KAY EDMONDSON
JILL EDMONDSON
GILLIAN WILLIAMS

The Boys
ALF CHURCH
JOHN FERGUSON
GLYNN LAWRENCE
MICHAEL SMITH
GRAHAM THOMPSON
KERRY SINGLE

Committee for 1974/5

Mesdames   STELLA ASTWOOD (Treasurer)
FAY ROGERS
MARGARET ATKINS
LYNETTE FOSTER

Messrs   MERV OEMCKE
RICHARD SHADBOLT
LESTER SHERLOCK
ROGER WILLIAMS

VICE-PRESIDENT AND HOUSE MANAGER, NORM ETHERIDGE.

SIX

The Ladies of the Circle

Left to right: JUDY ANDERSON, PHYLLIS ASTWOOD, KAY EDMUNDSON, JOAN DAVY, CLARE MANNING.

Left to right: JILL EDMUNDSON, ISABEL FORSYTH, STELLA ASTWOOD, MARGARET ATKINS, GILLIAN WILLIAMS

The Men of the Circle

MICHAEL SMITH, JOHN FERGUSON, KERRY SINGLE, GRAEME THOMPSON, ALF CHURCH, GLYN LAWRENCE.

SEVEN

THE 1974 “FRIVS”

present their

78th MINSTREL SHOW

Producer:   Shirley Jarrett

Musical Director:   Edith Ferguson

Overture Southern Melodies:   “Frivs” Orchestra

1.   We’re back again “ANOTHER OPENING – ANOTHER SHOW” – the entire company.
2.   Everyone seems to be “ON TOP OF THE WORLD .
3.   Darkies are nostalgic as they sing “RAGTIME MINSTREL BAND”, “ROBERT E. LEE”.
4.   Mr Interlocutor – Dick Wood renders for us “THE END OF THE ROAD” – Solo.
5.   Hear all about ourselves, with the Darkies, “SO EARLY IN THE MORNING”.
6.  The entire cast sing “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” – featuring the Dancers.
7.   The Frivettes with “MA, HE’S MAKING EYES AT ME”, – followed by “SWEET 16” – the Boys.
8.   Old Negro number “DRY BONES”, featuring Rastus, Sambo, Interlocutor, Glyn, Graham and Alf.
9.   Everybody’s favourite Stella Astwood sings “THE WHITE DOVE” – Solo.
10.   Two toe tapping numbers “EVERY LITTLE WHILE and “SILVER LINING” – featuring Alf and Graham’.
11.   Action at its best – PADDY McGINTY’S GOAT” – the Company with Mr Rastus.
12.   Hawaiian Dancers feature in “SONG OF HAWAII”, “DREAMY HONOLULU”, “HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS”.
13.   Mr Sambo (Roger Williams) as Bill Baillie in “RO-RO ROLLING”, “BILL BAILLIE”, “CHESAPEAKE BAY”, MANDY LEE”.
14.   The Frivettes say “HEY LOOK ME OVER” and the men ask “DID YOU EVER GET THAT FEELING IN THE MOONLIGHT”. They all sing “PUT YOUR ARMS AROUND ME”.
15.   Our grand finale, “AIN’T WE GOT FUN”, “BABY FACE”, “I WANT TO BE HAPPY”, “CHARLESTON” – the entire Company perform.

CURTAIN

EIGHT

The Napier Frivolity Minstrels invite you to –

COME TO THE CIRCUS

A CAROUSEL OF MIRTH AND MUSIC

Written by Sid Henney
Produced by Maurice Bartlett

CAST (in order of appearance)

CLANCY   (A Barker for the Fortune Teller)   DICK WOOD
PROFESSOR HUGO POPOFF   (The Ringmaster)   ALF. CHURCH
SHEERLUCK JONES   (Head of Neva Sleeps Investigating Agency)  NEIL FAULKNOR
DOCTOR FLOTSUM   (his associate)   GLYN LAWRENCE
BLOTTO   (A clown)   JOY OEMCKE
GUS   (A Barker for the Mighty Marvello)   KERRY SINGLE
ZEPPO   (A Barker for the glamourous [glamorous] dancers)   MERV. OEMCKE
CARLO   (A Barker for the Happldaze Puppets)   GRAEME THOMPSON
MARVELLO THE MIGHTY   (A magician)   MICHAEL SMITH
MITZI   (The popcorn seller)   MARGARET ATKINS
BOKKO   (A clown)    ROGER WILLIAMS
RICARDO, THE GREAT   (The Magician’s partner)   JOHN FERGUSON
ZAZA   (The glamorous Eastern dancer)   JUDY ANDERSON
LOLITA   (The South American bombshell)   LYNETTE FOSTER

CHORUS

GYPSY ROSE   (The forunte[fortune] teller)   STELLA ASTWOOD
BONZO   (A clown)   JUDY ANDERSON
BUNTY   (A clown)   ISABEL FORSYTH
CHIEF LITTLE BEAR   RICHARD SHADBOLT
CALAMITY JANE   CLARE MANNING

DANCERS

PHYLLIS ASTWOOD, KAY EDMUNDSON, CHRISTINE CROSS, JOAN DAVY, JILL EDMUNDSON, GILLIAN WILLIAMS

Scenes:   1 – A day in the life of the Happidaze Circus – early afternoon.
2 – A day in the life of the Happidaze Circus – that evening.

NINE

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Scene 1:

1.   The orchestra sets the mood. Sit back and be entertained.
2.   Introducing the Happidaze Circus Company in “THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH”
3.   “Sheerluck” and “Doc” are feeling happy. “Doc” reminds “Sheerluck” they have always been “FREE” to go where they have felt like going!
4.   The Barkers take over. Carlo advises all and sundry to visit the Happidaze Puppets and introduces “POPO THE PUPPET”.
5.   Mitzi causes Carlo moments of puzzlement. The Barkers are decisive in “HEY THERE”
6.   Meet the “NATIVE DANCER” as told by “Sheer luck” and “Doc” to “Zaza”.

Scene 2:

7.   The evening carnival swings into action with “LOVE’S ROUNDABOUT”.
8.   The Great Ricardo presents a mystery act.
9.   Clancy and Mitzi try to cheer “Professor Pop-off” in “THE WORRY SONG”.
10.   “Sheerluck” meets the South American bombshell. All she can say to his invitation to walk in the moonlight is “NO CAN DO”.
11.   The Mighty Marvello does a free show on the outside and the atmosphere is set by the number “SPOOKS”.
12.   Blotto and Bokko are unhappy. Professor Pop-off reminds the “LAUGH, CLOWN, LAUGH”.
13.   Troubles mount up and make “Sheerluck” quite depressed. Doc and company advise him to “PUT ON A HAPPY FACE”.
14.   What Is It that causes “Sheerluck” and the Company to ask each other to “SCRATCH SCRATCH DE BACK”?
15.   The day is nearing its end and the Happidaze Company say come to the circus “THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH”!

Dance Routines   Shirley Jarrett
Wardrobe Mistress   Fay Rogers
Prompt   Su Morris
Choral Director   Edith Ferguson
Stage Manager   Syd Hardgraves
Scenery Design   Don McNab

THE DANCERS
Left to right: JILL EDMUNDSON, GILLIAN WILLIAMS, CHRISTINE CROSS, PHYLLIS ASTWOOD, JOAN DAVEY, KAY EDMUNDSON,

SCENE FROM PANTOMIME

‘BONZO” AND “BOKKO” BEFRIEND “MITZI”.

TEN

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ELEVEN

Meet the Frivs Orchestra

MICHAEL SIMKIN   (Clarinet), JOY COULAM (Piano), NGAIRE DALLIMORE A.T.C.L. (Piano), MARK ULYATT (Sax.), ARTHUR BUCKLEY(Sax.), MAURICE BARTLETT (Drums), LEON SPEAKMAN (Bass), CRAIG ASTWOOD (Drums), CLIFF HOWELL (Trombone and Bass).
Absent: TED COLLIER (Violin).

Our new Hall

The “Frivs” new hall was officially opened by our patron, Mr Wally Ireland, on Saturday, June 8, 1974. Official guests included His Worship the Mayor, Mr Peter Tait, and Mrs Tait, Honorable M.P. for Napier, Mr Gordon Christie and Mrs Christie, Napier City Councillor Mr Arthur Richards, and Mrs Richards, “Frivs” President Mr Michael Smith, and Mrs Smith, and Mrs Percy Spiller. Music was provided by the Jack Butler Dixielanders and special guest entertainer was Mr Jon Zealando, magician and ventriliquist [ventriloquist] of international fame. Jon Zealando appeared in Napier at the opening of the “Frivs” hall especially for the occasion.

We would like to publicly thank all past and present members who have helped in any way with this venture, both finacially [financially] and with generous assistance in the rebuilding of the hall.

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

TWELVE

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THIRTEEN

Now meet the Backstage Team

“Snow” Rayner
(Programmes)

Fay Rogers
(Wardrobe)

Syd Hardgrave
(Stage Manager)

Left to right:   SYD HARDGRAVE (Stage Manager), DIANE GOBLE, STEVE KIRBY (Sound), SU MORRIS (Prompt), LESTER SHERLOCK (Asst. Stage Manager), COLIN GOBLE, HELEN SMITH, ALAN SPIVEY.
Absent: HARLEY JARRETT (Asst. Stage Manager).

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Don McNab
(Scenery Painting)

Scenery Design –

Don McNab, former “Friv” and former student of the late Roland Hipkins and Ernie Gunn had his early art training in Napier before continuing his studies overseas. Hon. Artist Member of the N.Z. Academy of Fine Arts, he is well represented in art collections both at home and overseas, and has been associated with major stage productions in U.K. and the United States in the field of stage and industrial exhibitions.

He has recently retired from the post of design and display officer with the Ministry of Defence in Wellington, and taken up residence in Napier.

The “Frivs” were indeed thrilled to have the services of Don, and hope he has a long and happy association with the “Frivs”.

CREDITS – We would like to thank publicly the following people:  Don McNab (programme cover design), John Ferguson (compiling programme), Elizabeth Flowers (assistance with dance routines), Langley, Twigg, Doole & Cowley (Hon. Solicitors), Wimsett &Wilson (Hon. Auditors), H.B. Motor Co. (Management and Drivers) D. McLachlan (Publicity Photos), Bevan Saunders  (Waghorne Street), Ted Collier (Music Parts, Violin), Napier Operatic Society (loan of costume), Trevor Atkins (lyrics early in the morning).

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FIFTEEN

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SIXTEEN

How the Frivs Prepare for a Production

Each year the season commences with the Annual General Meeting, which is usually held in March. At this meeting plans for the coming theatrical year are discussed and requests for visits by the company are considered, the itinerary for the new production is then finalised.

For the last few years this itinerary has included some 21 performances, ranging from as far afield as Taupo in the north, to Levin in the south. Performances are usually given to assist schools and school committees, and although financial returns are not kept by the “Frivs”, all moneys raised go to the organisation that the company plays for.

The only exception to this is the Napier performances, which are shared by local schools, organisations, and the “Frivs”, as this is the only way the company is able to finance each new production. The “Frivs” believe that if they are able to budget for each year and break even they have performed their function, and this is achieved without a single performer receiving any remuneration whatsoever.

Each new production is prepared before the new rehearsal period starts in March. Musical numbers are searched for and in this the Minstrel Show portion of the programme gets more difficult each year as the “Darkie” type of numbers are hard to find.

What is regarded as the pantomime section of the production is prepared locally and later on in the rehearsal, this, too is prepared with much thought and tribulation. Rehearsal periods are from March to August and usually occupy one night during the week (Monday) and nearer the first performance are stepped up to one extra rehearsal over the last two or three weeks. Production of the show is more leisurely than some Societies but for all that does not seem to blunt the enthusiasm of members and the longer season seems more enjoyable.

The work involved with the orchestra, ballet, and chorus is quite formidable as, for the orchestra some 50 numbers have to be scored, and for the ballet and chorus a similar number of concerted and dance routines have to be thought out and arranged. All work to one end, the first performance – the orchestra attends most rehearsals, the chorus members throughout the 5 month rehearsal period, backstage and other helpers usually find some excuse to attend on a Monday night; such is the feeling of belonging that every “Friv” member is conscious of.

The reward is the satisfaction of a show well perfomed [performed] and the goodwill and affection that all our audiences seem to have for the company. An affection built up over the past 77 years, by other “Frivs” . . . and we like to believe, the efforts of the present Frivolity Company.

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