Programme – Blood Brothers

WILLY RUSSELL’S award winning musical

BLOOD Brothers

By Arrangement with Samuel French Ltd London and Play Bureau NZ Ltd

Proudly supported by
Bank of New Zealand
Tailored Financial Solutions

From the President

Welcome

“Did you hear the story of the Johnstone twins?
As like each other as two new pins, Of one womb born, on the self same day, How one was kept and one given away?”

This is how the story of “Blood Brothers” begins, and it is our pleasure to welcome you to this performance.

“Blood Brothers” is brilliant melodrama, with such power, such intense belief in itself, and above all such a wealth of good music, that it carries one along with it in almost unreserved enjoyment” – so said the Guardian newspaper in London. We ask you to judge for yourself.

We are privileged to have Wellington’s Geoff Turkington as our director. Geoff has not directed for Napier Operatic before, but comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise both in New Zealand and overseas. He has been ably assisted by Hawke’s Bay’s own Stephen Gibbs as Musical Director. We hope they have both enjoyed working with Napier Operatic, and we look forward to savouring their talents again in the future.

On behalf of the Society, let me extend our sincere gratitude to you, our patrons for your ongoing support.

We also wish to recognise our mainstays, Bank of New Zealand and Esam Cushing, for their tremendous backing as sponsors for 2002. Such benevolence enables the Society to stage productions of this high standard.

Now please sit back and enjoy the show.

Lesley Reid – President

History

Who or what is the Napier Operatic Society? It is a group of dedicated people who spend what sometimes seems to be the bulk of their free time, promoting and performing Musical Theatre to the people of Hawke’s Bay.

This year the Society enters its 116th year. Our home is the great complex, the Tabard Theatre, which is second to none in the country for a theatre its size.

In respect to membership we probably are the largest amateur theatre group in the Southern Hemisphere. We are now seeing fourth generation families working in our theatre.

Over the past years the Society has performed many great musicals in the Municipal Theatre in Napier, Les Miserables, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar, Return to the Forbidden Planet are just some of the more recent.

Of course, as well as our major production we continue to perform our restaurant theatre shows at the Tabard, these shows are vital for the continuing profitability of the Society. Last year, we formed a Children’s Theatre group. We believe that the young people must be encouraged, because they are the future of the Society.

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Page one

Napier Operatic Society presents
WILLY RUSSELL’S
award-winning musical

BLOOD
Brothers

We are proud to join with the Napier Operatic Society in fostering the artistic spirit and talent of our region.
Esam Cushing

The Cast

Mrs Johnstone   Julie Hales
Mrs Lyons   Karen Green
Narrator   John Fletcher
Mickey   Andrew Burch
Eddie   Kelly Durston
Linda   Kristy Witchelo
Sammy   Kei Body
Donna-Marie   Philippa Jones
Mr Lyons   John Marshall

Ensemble

Kali Chote
Matt McGirr
Glen Pickering
Phillip Rhodes
Nicole Taylor
Guy Witchelo

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Page two

Geoff Turkington – Director

Not many people get the opportunity to have their dream come true. Being offered the opportunity to not only direct ‘Blood Brothers’ but to direct it for the Napier Operatic Society, Geoff says, is like all his dreams coming true.

Originally from Dannevirke, Geoff is currently based in Wellington and juggles directing professionally throughout New Zealand, Australia and Asia, with designing and producing corporate large scale multi-media live events with his company GASP Creative Event Management.

‘Blood Brothers’ is recognized as a very complex show to direct and Geoff has embraced his role with passion. The writer Willy Russell once said he would never release the rights to amateurs as no non-professional cast could pull it off. Let you and tonight’s production be the judge of whether he was right or not.

“I would like to dedicate this show to both my parents and sister who, although not always understanding me, have consistently supported me emotionally, and been there to pick me up when I fell – even to this day – God help them.”

Stephen Gibbs – Musical Director

Stephen has spent most of his Operatic Society time in the pit! As a cellist (and occasionally double bassist) he has been involved in orchestras for well over two dozen musicals and operas for Hamilton Operatic Society, Opera Hawke’s Bay and a few others.

For Napier Operatic Society he was in the orchestra for Chess (his favourite show) and Jesus Christ Superstar, and then took a turn on stage in, Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd”. Swapping bow for baton he was Musical Director for Moby Dick – The Musical’, but found it hard to stay off the stage even when it meant a fairly precipitous descent in a fairly bizarre costume!

“After two such awesome experiences I just couldn’t say ‘no’ to Blood Brothers. The cast and band have been amazing to work with – such a strong and talented bunch – a real pleasure.”
During the day Stephen juggles being a performer (with his string quartet and duo), teacher and being a journalist.

Hawke’s Bay Today

Page three

Synopsis

This haunting musical tragedy of our times, written by the author of Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, is an intriguing rags-to-riches story. Mrs Johnstone, deserted by her husband and struggling to feed a houseful of kids, learns she is expecting twins and knows she cannot possibly afford to keep them. She chars for childless Mrs Lyons who begs on of the twin boys from her at birth. Mickey Johnstone and Edward Lyons grow up streets apart, not knowing that truth but becoming firm friends (and even falling in love with the same girl) despite their differing backgrounds and the attempts of Mrs Lyons to keep them apart. Mickey loses his job, marries the girl, turns to crime and becomes dependent on tranquillizers. Edward goes to university and prospers as a councillor. A narrator intrudes like Fate to warn that a “price has to be paid”. That price is the life of the blood brothers who die-Edward at the hands of Mickey and Mickey at the hands of the police-fulfilling the prophecy that twins parted at birth will die on the day they discover their heritage.

“Undoubtedly the most exciting thing to have happened to the English musical theatre for years.” -Punch, London

“A full-bodied musical, a wonderful melodrama that is also a thoroughly modern ballad opera.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Deeply moving and beautifully delivered.” – London Broadcasting

“For years we have… longed for a show in which words and music, characterisation and songs are given equal weight… Blood Brothers is such an event.” – Time Out

“Blood Brothers sparkles on Broadway. Willy Russell has the gift for heartbreak… This musical’s power to terrify, amuse and beguile gallops along… It is impossible to leave Blood Brothers unmoved. Even people who don’t like musicals will love this work.” – Connecticut Post

“A genuine crowd pleaser. …Blood Brothers remains a one-of-a-kind show… and no musical theatre fan should fail to experience it.” – Theatre Week

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Page four

Julie Hales
The last production Julie was seen in for Napier Operatic was ‘Chicago’, where she played the role of Velma Kelly. In the interim, Julie has kept busy raising a family and participating in other local theatre in Central Hawke’s Bay. Julie has found the role of Mrs Johnstone challenging but very exciting.

Andrew Burch
Andrew put on hold his first year at the Wellington Performing Arts Centre to take up the challenging role of Micky Johnstone. Performing from a young age he has appeared in numerous productions around Hawke’s Bay including roles in ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Moby Dick’. Andrew feels very privileged to be involved in ‘Blood Brothers’ and to work with such a vibrant and charismatic Director.

Kelly Durston
Just three short years ago Kelly was in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program during which a visiting drama group performed. Their influence was a catalyst for Kelly, graduating from a local drama school and stepping into this his first role for Napier Operatic Society.
He rates this as his favourite show so far and says it’s great working with Andrew, Geoff Stephens and everyone involved with ‘Blood Brothers’. Thank you.

John Fletcher
Napier Operatic last saw John as Judas in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and in ‘Westend to Broadway’. This year he has taken time out from his busy café, Rhythm and Blues, to join the cast of ‘Blood Brothers’. His professional music career has seen him perform all over New Zealand and overseas. We welcome John’s vast vocal experience to our stage once again.
“My special thanks to Kinena, Dane, Soleil, and Keshia, for holding the fort while I play the big rock star. I love ya!”

Karen Green
Having graced our stage some twenty-three years ago, Napier Operatic Society is pleased to have Karen as cast member once again. You have seen Karen on our stage many times in roles such as Svetlana in ‘Chess’ (where she worked with Blood Brothers director Geoff Turkington), Katisha in ‘Mikado’, Buttercup in ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’, and many more for a variety of societies.
“Playing the character of Mrs. Lyons has been very rewarding and I have relished the challenge of this task. Thank you Geoff for having the courage to cast a ‘singer’ in this dramatic role.”

four

Page five

John Marshall
John comes from a strong choral background having sung in a variety of different vocal groups. He is no stranger to Napier Operatic shows. Past productions include ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Chess’, ‘Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘Love Off the Shelf’. John’s most recent role was as the robot in ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’.

Kristy Witchelo
Kristy has been involved in theatre and performing arts since the age of six. She graduated from E.I.T. Performing Arts-Drama in 2000. In 2001 Kristy performed in ‘Sweeney Todd’, playing Joanna, and Starbuck in ‘Moby Dick’. Kristy’s passion is theatre and aspires to make a living of her dream.

Philippa Jones
Pip lost the chance of a ‘normal life’ after being introduced to theatre and in particular Napier Operatic Society at the age of 6 months. Inheriting strong theatrical genes, Pip was inspired to attend the first HB Youth Drama School tutored by the late Bruno Lawrence. With years of dancing and singing lessons, Pip has participated in many shows including ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Slice of Saturday Night’, ‘Dirty Weekends’ and ‘42nd Street’.

Kei Body
“Hi. I would have to say that having a hobby like this has got to be good for the body. A whole lot of laughs and multiple personality disorders but I think I’m sound of mind.”
Kei has been involved in ‘Sweeney Todd’, ‘Moby Dick’ and ‘Westend to Broadway’ for Napier Operatic.

Kali Chote
Kali’s passion will always be performing. A classically trained dancer since the age of four, Kali attends Havelock North High School and has performed in numerous shows and choirs.
Kali’s time with ‘Blood Brothers’ has been memorable and the skills she has gained will help her aspire to a career in the performing arts.

Page six

Matt McGirr
Matt’s first time on stage was in ‘Moby Dick’ last year. It was so enjoyable he decided to audition for ‘Blood Brothers’, and here he is. Matt says “doing this production has been a great learning curve and I look forward to auditioning for future productions.”

Glen Pickering
Glen is a 5’ 9”, brown hairdo, blue eyed single Leo. He enjoys coffee, sports and most styles of music. He is a social drinker and loves evenings out with his friends. When he is not with his friends he is involved with the theatre. His favourite musical is ‘Rent’. Please enjoy.

Phillip Rhodes
Phillip has been involved in the theatrical circle for some time now. His involvement with Napier Operatic Society includes ‘Westend to Broadway’ and now ‘Blood Brothers’. Phillip has a Diploma in Voice and has played many lead roles while studying including Pilate in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, Riff in ‘West Side Story’, MacHeath in ‘The Beggar’s Opera’, and Benedict in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

Nicole Taylor
This is Nicole’s second show for Napier Operatic Society. She loved her experience in ‘Westend to Broadway’ and wanted to give it another go! With a Diploma in Performing Arts-Drama under her belt Nicole now plans to continue with study in musical theatre and jazz.

Guy Witchelo
“I have been involved with theatre for over 25 years and I have been looking forward to being a part of this production since I first heard of it. There are two reasons for wanting to be a part of this show: firstly, because it is the only show I have wanted to be in since being a member of the cast Napier Operatic Society’s ‘Les Mis’ in 1995, secondly because it is an opportunity to be on stage with my daughter Kristy.

Page seven

Act One

Marilyn Monroe   Mrs Johnstone
My Child   Mrs Lyons, Mrs Johnstone
Easy Terms   Mrs Johnstone
Shoes Upon the Table   Narrator
Easy Terms (reprise)   Mrs Johnstone
Kids Game   Sammy, Linda, Mickey and Ensemble
Shoes Upon the Table (2)   Narrator
Shoes Upon the Table (reprise)   Narrator
Bright New Day (preview)   Mrs Johnstone
Long Sunday Afternoon   Mickey, Eddie
Bright New Day   Mrs Johnstone and Full Company

Act Two

Marilyn Monroe (2)   Mrs Johnstone
Shoes Upon the Table (reprise)   Narrator
That Guy   Mickey, Eddie
Shoes Upon the Table (reprise)   Narrator
I’m Not Saying a Word   Eddie
Miss Jones   Mr Lyons, Miss Jones and Ensemble
Marilyn Monroe (3)   Mrs Johnstone
Light Romance   Mrs Johnstone, Narrator
Shoes Upon the Table/Madman   Narrator
Tell Me It’s Not True   Narrator

Crew

Sonya Aifai – Production Manager
Sonya has worked in a wide variety of areas in the theatre since 1988, ranging from catering to props to show administration to onstage.
Sonya spends a great deal of her time organizing the Napier Operatic Society Theatre School. Sonya has really enjoyed working with such a talented cast in this production and looks forward to being Assistant to the Director for ‘Les Miserables’.

Clive Buttery – Construction Manager
Clive has been an active member of Napier Operatic Society for several years. He gets involved in all aspects of theatre from building to catering. Clive is a keen member of the current Executive Committee and leads the building sub-committee for the Tabard Theatre.
Clive has enjoyed working with the day crew building the ‘Blood Brothers’ set and is looking forward to the next venture Napier Operatic Society has to offer.

Anne Collier – Properties Manager
Anne has been an active member of Napier Operatic Society for 13 years. She has worked in most areas of theatre, including on stage. She particularly enjoys the props department, as it is exciting being in the wings amongst the ‘buzz’ of the show.

Paul Collier – Lighting Designer
Paul has been an active member of Napier Operatic Society for many years. He enjoys the challenge of the many new shows now available. Paul has designed lighting for many shows over the years including ‘Chess’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Westend to Broadway’. This is an exciting year for Paul as he designing the lighting for both ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Les Miserables’.

Raymond Gempton – Hair Designer
Raymond has been involved with Napier Operatic Society since ‘Cabaret’ in 1994. He has performed in various shows for the society but now enjoys being presented with the challenges and rewards of hair design for large theatre shows and is certainly enjoying being a part of the ‘Blood Brothers’ team.

Chris Green – Set Designer/Scenic Artist
Having studied commercial art in Australia Chris has gained exceptional experience over the past years. His artistic talent has taken him to Britain, U.S.A and the Caribbean to do commission pieces. His love of theatre has kept him busy for 18 years as set designer/artist, working mainly for Theatre HB where he is President. This is Chris’ third show for Napier Operatic Society and we are pleased to have him on board for ‘Blood Brothers’.

Norah Griffin – Production Secretary
Norah has had a lifelong interest in dance & theatre and has performed in Napier Operatic Society shows during the 1950’s & early 60’s. A member of the Executive Committee, Norah has assisted over the years in numerous backstage roles and is delighted to again be given the opportunity to be a part of another wonderful production.

Alan Jones – Stage Director
Alan joined the props team for ‘New Moon’ in 1956. Since then this long serving Executive Member, Life Member and proud recipient of the Musical Theatre Federation of NZ Merit Award, has been either onstage, backstage or front of house for every production. He enjoys working with younger members so they can experience the same enjoyment from theatre as he has.

Harley Jones – Head Flyman
Harley’s first show with Napier Operatic Society was the 1980 production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. He has been involved with numerous society productions with his biggest challenges being head flyman for ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘42nd Street’.
Harley has also worked for Opera Hawkes Bay and touring companies when in the Bay.

Leigh Jones – Stage Manager
Theatre, especially dance and music, has always been a part of Leigh’s life. A member of the Royal Academy of Dance, her association with Napier Operatic Society began in 1963 when she was a cast member of “Where’s Charley?’ Leigh has been involved in many aspects of theatre from tea lady to choreographer to stage management for both Napier Operatic Society and Opera Hawkes Bay.

Sarah Kerr – Make Up Manager
When she is not appearing on stage Sarah can usually be found somewhere behind the scenes. She’s thrilled to be heading the make up team for ‘Blood Brothers’. There’s a real atmosphere backstage before a show, that she finds truly addictive. A third generation member of Napier Operatic Society, Sarah loves all aspects of theatre.

Lois Reefman – Wardrobe Manager
Lois has been an active member of Napier Operatic Society for 27 years. Recently Lois’ contribution to Napier Operatic Society and other local theatrical groups was acknowledged with the Civic Honour Award from the Hastings District Council for service to recreation and the arts, a Merit Award from the Musical Theatre Federation of NZ, plus Life Membership to Napier Operatic.