Programme 1979 – The Great Waltz

A NAPIER OPERATIC SOCIETY
PRODUCTION

The Great Waltz

MUNICIPAL THEATRE, NAPIER

August 1979

The Napier Operatic Society
proudly presents

The Great Waltz

in the Municipal Theatre
Napier

Director – Laurie Swindell
Musical Director – Cecil Fitzwater
Choreographer – Leigh Jones

Music by Johann Strauss Senior and Junior

Musical adaptation by Eric Wolfgang Korngold
Robert Wright & Forrest
Lyrics by Wright & Forrest
additional lyrics by Forman Brown
Book by Jerome Chodoron from the original by Moss Hart & Milton Lararus
by arrangement with
Tams-Witmark Music Library Inc., New York

August 4 to 11, 1979, inclusive

DIRECTOR — LAURIE SWINDELL

Laurie Swindell needs little introduction to theatre audiences of Hawke’s Bay. She has a wealth of theatrical experience which is in constant demand by societies for their many and varied productions, all of which achieve the highest standards. Her previous production for this society was a combined venture with Hastings Musical Comedy Co. – the successful “My Fair Lady”.

By her dedication, skill and untiring efforts, audiences are assured that this production will give them many unforgetable [unforgettable]  moments. The society expresses its grateful thanks to her for fine direction.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR – CECIL FITZWATER

A tireless and meticulous worker, Cecil has assembled and trained his orchestra and rehearsed all the principals and chorus of this production. His proven ability and musical knowledge have contributed in no small measure to the success we have enjoyed in recent years. This is the one Cecil has been waiting for, and from the moment he raises his baton we can assure as always, an enriching performance from his orchestra.

CHOREOGRAPHER – LEIGH JONES

Leigh Jones has been deeply involved with this Society for many years as a dancer and choreographer. Her knowledge of dance enables the standard achieved for “The Great Waltz” to be a highlight of this production. Our thanks Leigh for your efforts.

The Great Waltz

The famous 19th century composer, Johann Strauss, known as The Waltz King, conducts nightly at Dommayer’s elegant Gardens on the outskirts of Vienna. Shortly to leave on a world tour of Paris, London and Berlin, Strauss is truly a national hero.

The Waltz King has urged his son, also named Johann but affectionately as Schani, into the Banking business and has forbidden him to have anything to do with music. Unknown to him however Schani begins to compose in secret.

Schani is in love with the local baker’s daughter, Resi Ebeseder, who encourages him to develop his talents. She secures him an engagement to conduct the orchestra at Dommayer’s and urges him to present his compositions to the public test.

Johann Senior is preparing to celebrate his birthday at a “Surprise Party” at Ebeseder’s, but before he arrives an important person arrives. The world famous Opera star Mme. Helene Vernet. Direct from triumphs in Paris and London, she is to make her debut at the Vienna Opera. Ebeseder recognises her as Trudi Platzmeyer, the young girl who left Vienna years before in search of an operatic career.

Hearing of Strauss’ party and interested to find out if he will recognise the girl he helped years ago, she asks to be invited to the party.

The party takes place and Helene and Johann meet, but he recognises her only as the Opera star Helene Vernet. A mild flirtation begins but is interrupted by the strains of a piano from the house. It is Schani playing his latest composition. Johann shows his displeasure and when Schani tells him he is to conduct at Dommayers he orders his son to cancel the engagement, saying Vienna would never accept one so inexperienced. Father and son argue and when Johann leaves Resi persuades Schani to leave Vienna and seek his fame elsewhere. Fired with enthusiasm Schani agrees.

Act Two is set two months later. Johann has returned from his world tour and takes up his courtship of Helene in that most romantic of places, the Vienna Woods.
Schani has also returned and father and son meet at Dommayer’s, but a planned reconciliation develops into an argument and the two part again.

Helene recognising Schani’s talent, but unable to convince Johann, intervenes. She arranges for a false invitation to Johann to meet with the American Ambassador and unaware that it is a hoax, Johann leaves with barely an hour to spare before his concert.

The hour is up, Johann has still not returned and even a display of fireworks arranged by Hirsch, Strauss’ manager, fails to pacify the guests, particularly when the display is a disaster.

Helene again steps in and suggests to Dommayer, “They want Strauss, GIVE them Strauss … Johann Strauss Junior”. Schani steps in and announces his composition “The Blue Danube” but the audience is in no mood for substitutes.

At this point Johann returns, aware that he has been tricked, Schani leaves the stand and prepares to take his music away, but Johann takes up the baton AND his son’s composition and conducts “The Blue Danube” for the delighted audience.
Father and son, Johann and Helene are reconciled as The Great Waltz is performed.

CREDITS

The Society acknowledges with thanks the support and help of the following:
Eric Thorpe
Betty McKay
John Holmes
B.C.N.Z.
Owen Birchall
S. W. Jones Ltd
Ballet and Opera Workshop – for Costumes
Winifred McCarthy
Rehearsal Pianist:  Mary Bell
Victoriana – Taradale
Lions Club of Napier (Host)
Williams & Kettle Travel
Central School
Wellington Operatic Society

Robert Houston – JOHANN STRAUSS Snr

Since 1953 Robert has played leading roles in many productions for this Society. They all read of success. Robert’s rich, magnificent baritone voice enhances him to cast as well as the audience. Add to this his acting experience and you have a lead actor who is a star.

Dawn Unsworth – HELENE VERNET

Bringing a wealth of experience from both the concert platform and the musical stage, Dawn has also produced “Oops Titipu” and Music Hall 1978 for this Society. With her fine soprano voice and that indefinable “presence”, she is ideally suited to the role of Helene Vernet.

Haldane Scougall – JOHANN STRAUSS Jnr.
“SCHANI”

Well known in musical circles, Haldane is the possessor of a warm tenor voice. He has not confined his talents to the concert stage, having performed in this Society’s Music Hall and the lead in “Oops Titipu”. His performance as “Schani” will add further lustre to his name.

Alison Thomson – RESI EBESEDER

Alison has already played a lead role for this society in “Pirates of Penzance” and also a part in “The Man of La Mancha”. Her lovely lyric soprano voice along with her vivacity and charm make her a perfect choice for Resi Ebeseder.

A NAPIER OPERATIC SOCIETY PRODUCTION

The Great Waltz

CAST IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
Organ Grinder:   Bill Dukes
Four Composers:
Peter Crawshaw
Michael Gee
Alex McClelland
Cam Souter
Ebeseder:   George Clark
Albert:   Chris Coker
Katie:   Glenys Russell
Herman Hirsch:   Buddy Collins
Dommayer:   Anthony Bewley
Resi Ebeseder:   Alison Thomson
Helene Vernet:   Dawn Unsworth
Captain Elliott:   Peter de Garis
Schani (Johann Strauss Jnr.):   Haldane Scougall
Ernst:   Mark Dawson
Gustave Hartkopf:   David Reefman
Johann Strauss Senior:   Robert Houston
Fritz:   Michael Emerson
Albert Drechsler:   Bill Treseder
Frau Haberwaetzel:   Valerie Shaw
Prince Ling Ching:   Don Hurley

LADIES CHORUS
Judy Buttery
Karyn Briggs
Anne Clifford
Lucille Flemming
Bernadette Foley
Christine Gale
Ann Lothian
Joanne Murphy
Jeanette Murray
Kerry Plested
Cheridah Sewell
Valerie Shaw
Julie Williams
Glenys Russell
Elly-Ann Pritchard

GENTLEMENS CHORUS
Chris Coker
Peter de Garls
Mark Dawson
Bill Dukes
Michael Emerson
Craig Ennor
Michael Gee
Alex McClelland
Cam Souter
Tom Taylor
Peter Crawshaw

“VIENNA YOUNG PEOPLE’S DANCING SOCIETY”
Judy Buttery
Lynette Dyer
Linda Jones
Diane McGehan
Debbie O’Leary
Judy Passmore
Barry Digman
Allan Howes
Garry Howes
Barry Garland
Glenn Mayo
Gary Northe

SCENE AND MUSICAL NUMBERS
Prelude

Act 1
Scene 1 –
A street in Vienna outside Ebeseder’s Coffee House:
“Two by Two” – Composers Hirsch and Company
“A Waltz with Wings” – Resi & Dommayer
Helene’s entrance:
“I’m in love with Vienna” – Helene and Company

Scene 2 –
Johann Strauss’ apartment:
“Philosophy of Life” – Johann Strauss
Reprise

Scene 3 – The Kitchen at Ebeseder’s:
Gustave Hartkopf:   David Reefman
“Love and Gingerbread” – Resi, Schani and Ebeseder
“Banditen Gallop” – Ballet

Scene 4 –
The garden at Ebeseder’s:
“Teeter-Totter Me” – Schani and Helene
“Happy Birthday” – Company
“The Years are You” – Johann and Company
“State of the Dance” – Katie, Hirsch, Hartkopf, Frau Haberwaetzel and Company
“Radetsky March” – Ballet
“Of Men and Violins” – Helene and Johann

Scene 5 –
The living room in Ebeseder’s house:
“An Artists Life” – Schani and Resi
“Finale – Artists Life, Two by Two” – Schani, Resi, Johann and Company

Act II – Prelude
Scene 1 –
In the Vienna Woods:
“The Enchanted Woods” – Helene and Johann

Scene 2 –
Outside Dommayer’s:
“Celebrated People” – Dommayer, Hartkopf and Company
“At Dommayer’s” – Dommayer, Hartkopf, Hirsch and Company

Scene 3 –
The Garden at Dommayer’s:
“At Dommayer’s” – Company
“The Gipsy Told Me” – Schani and Resi
“Polka – Tritsch – Tratsch” – Ballet
“No Two Ways” – Johann, Schani, Helene and Resi

Scene 4 –
An ante-room in Dommayer’s:
“We hate Music” – Dommayer, Hirsch and Hartkopf

Scene 5 –
The Ballroom:
“The Blue Danube” – Helene, Resi and Company

GREAT WALTZ ORCHESTRA

Conductor:   Cecil Fitzwater

Piano:   Mary Bell
Violins:   Enid Dunn
Norma Smith
Charlie Jukes
Stuart Meyers
Winifred Bickerstaff
Monica Osche
Cello:   Kate Contos
Bass:   Leon Speakman,
Cliff Howell
Flute:   Mary Hodgetts
Clarinets:   Alan Thorpe
John Reed
Trumpets:   Stewart Boston
Jonathan Krebs
Trombones:   Keith Robinson
Brian Kennedy
French Horn:   Mike Winter
Drums:   Jock Seton

Photo captions –
Captain Elliott and Dreschler
Peter de Garis, Bill Treseder

Katie and Albert
Glenys Russell, Chris Coker

Members of the Young Persons Dancing Society

The Four Composers
Peter Crawshaw, Michael Gee, Cam Souter, Alex McClelland

Resi Ebeseder
Alison Thomson

In the Vienna Woods – Ladies and Gentlemen of the Chorus

Ebeseder, Hartkopf, Dommayer and Hirsch
Geo. Clark, David Reefman, Anthony Bewley, Buddy Collins

Helene Vernet and Johann Strauss
Dawn Unsworth, Robert Houston

Officers of the Society 1979

Patron:   E. G. Collier
President:   W. Beckett
Vice President:   D. P. Hurley
Immediate Past President:   H. N. Unsworth
Chairperson:   L. Browne
Secretary/Treasurer:   F. Twyford
Hon. Auditor:   L. Robertson
Hon. Solicitor:   J. Matthews
Hon. Life Members:   Mrs H. Collier, E. G. Collier, C. White, R. Wright
Committee:   M. Bewley, B. Browne, L. Deere, D. Hawkeswood, R. Johnson, M. Kennah, J. Lee, R. Lockyer, A. London, A. Jones.

Production Personnel

Director:   Laurie Swindell
Musical Director:   Cecil Fitzwater
Choreographer:   Leigh Jones
Stage Manager:   Barrie Browne
Asst. Stage Manager:   Michael Hyde
Lighting Designer:   Gwyn Ace
Wardrobe Mistress:   Lois Reefman
Asst. Wardrobe Mistress:   Sue Ward
Properties Master:   Don Hurley
Asst. Properties Master:   Doreen Hawkeswood
Mechanist:   William Shirras
Head Flyman:   Alan Jones
Asst. Head Flyman:   Clive Buttery
Chief Make-Up Artiste:   Dawn McCowatt
House Manager:   Bill Beckett
Prompt and Production Secretary:   Audrey London
Society Photographer:   Ross McKelvie of Hursts Studios
Publicity:   Fred Twyford, Ross McKelvie
Programme:   Bunny Unsworth
Call Steward:   Jillian Sweeney
Supper Ladies:   June Lawrence, Marg. Earny, Nancy Jones and Friends

WARDROBE TEAM AND DRESSERS
Denise Houston
Lynette Robertson
Pam Reading
Fiona Cameron
Jenny Cotterill
Michelle Martin
Francis Murray
Doreen Ritchie
Ros van de Ven
Yvonne Simpson
Rachael Canham
June Flett
Elaine Thorp
Dinny Davidson
Scotty Hawkins
Nora Griffin
Jill Harrison

STAGE CREW:
William Perry
Malcolm Smith
Douglas Peters
Brent Kerr
Wayne Trow
Peter Shepherd
Oliver Christofferson
Lyndsay Craig
Ross Tattle
Denis Kelliher

LIGHTING TECHNICIANS
Peter Eade
Denis Newport
Robert Lockyer
Tony Unsworth
Pauline Anderson
Robin Johnson
Mark Hammer
David Parker
Simon Browne

MAKE-UP TEAM:
Moyra Bewley
Jill Lee
Beryl Ritchie
Judy Reiger
Teresa Wright
Tris Green
Allison Wright

HAIR DRESSERS:
Robert Deacon
Cheryl Piper
Margaret Oaks
Catherine Cassidy

FRONT OF HOUSE:
Bill Beckett
Bunny Unsworth
Fred Twyford
Noel Tolhurst
Noel Hatton
Winton Richards
Chris Brown

FLY CREW:
Malcolm Kennah
Doug Ramsay
Neil Smith
Sid Martene
Carl Winter
Leigh Cameron
Graham Lawlor
David Tutty
Keith Jones
Malcolm Palmer

PROPERTIES:
Dale Reid
Judy Herbert
Ruth Cushing
Janice Campbell
Rhonda Bewley
Linda Hutchinson
Pam Graham
Alex Clausen
Dianne Bernstone
Isabel McIntyre
Lynda Stevens

The Committee thanks the many Friends and Members of the Society who have helped in this Production in any way – “The Waltz would not have been ‘Great’ without you all”.

Photo captions –

Barrie Browne
Stage Manager

Gwyn Ace
Lighting Designer

President’s Message . . .

Photo caption – Bill Beckett

During the last eleven years this Society has brought to the people of Hawke’s Bay many enjoyable and successful shows. Can you remember them?
1968   Sound of Music
1969   Camelot
1970   Pink Champagne
1971   South Pacific
1972   Oliver
1973   Fiddler on the Roof
1974   My Fair Lady
1975   Man of La Mancha
1976   Pirates of Penzance
Old Time Music Hall No. 1
1977   Oops Titipu
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Old Time Music Hall No. 2
1978   Oh What A Lovely War
Old Time Music Hall No. 3
1979   Grease

It is with great pleasure the Society now brings to you “The Great Waltz”. The Committee feels it has been fortunate in bringing together the best of Hawke’s Bay’s singing talent. These people, together with our experienced and competent production team, I feel sure will give you an evening of light entertainment you won’t forget for a long time to come.

PIPELINE PRODUCTIONS

Old Time Music Hall:
On 16th November a three week season of our fourth “Old time music hall” will open at the Tabard Theatre. This year’s Director, Mrs Allison Wright, has a skeleton programme already mapped out. It promises to be another popular production with Master of Ceremonies Paul Waring again in the chair.

As has happened in the past, only members will be given an opportunity to book a table. However, if you are not a member and would like to be sure of seeing the Music Hall, fill in the application form below and send it to us as soon as possible.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”

Next year’s major production is scheduled for June when we bring you a two week season of “Superstar”. If you enjoyed “Joseph” then you will really love “Superstar” which was written by the same composers. It will be a musical, dramatic and visual spectacle you should not miss.

On behalf of the Executive Committee who enjoy bringing you live entertainment of a high standard, I hope you love tonight’s Show and thank you for coming.

W. O. BECKETT, President.

To The Secretary,
Napier Operatic Society,
Box 756,
Napier.

Dear Sir,
Please find attached a cheque for $5.00, being my 1979 subscription to your Society. I understand this subscription makes me a financial member until 31st December 1979 and that I will be placed on the circulation list for Society newsletters.

Yours faithfully,

Name
Address

McMillin Craig Ltd., Napier

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