December 2008 Newsletter
* Christmas thought.
Many of us have begun to celebrate a Mid Winter in July as a way of making sense of all the usual images of snow and warmth and substantial dinners that are associated with Christmas. Christmas is not so much a date or a time or even a season but a state of mind, a feeling of love and the will to do good to others. It wraps around us like a shawl in a conspiracy of love. However, this is the time of the year we celebrate the event we call Christmas when shepherds were invited to join a family celebration and stargazers invented the art of gift giving.
Christmas, perhaps the greatest drama of all - lights, costumes, song and dance all come together to show us that that there is truly room enough in our hearts for love to be given, received and unwrapped. Pilgrim Productions wish you a show stopper of a Christmas.
Christmas, perhaps the greatest drama of all - lights, costumes, song and dance all come together to show us that that there is truly room enough in our hearts for love to be given, received and unwrapped. Pilgrim Productions wish you a show stopper of a Christmas.
* This year.
Gwyneth Glover directed a highly successful production of that eternally popular comedy ‘Charlie’s Aunt’. The play was a very different production in an inventive setting that taxed the cast of young (and a few more ancient) players.
Thanks to careful budgeting and gratifyingly full houses at many performances, we made a tidy profit that will help to offset some of the less gainful shows of the past few years.
Costumes were supplied by Carol Evens and supplemented with great skill by Marion Hines who undertook a huge job that was appreciated by the cast.
The set was built by Peter Carr and willing assistants. Again, many friends came to our aid to bring this production up to performance standard.
By the last night we could all say how much we enjoyed playing to the full houses in a season of ‘Charlie’s Aunt’.
So thanks to the talented cast and the dedicated crew of both back stage and front of house who worked under Gwyneth’s skilled direction to bring that elusive Aunt to our theatre.
Thanks to careful budgeting and gratifyingly full houses at many performances, we made a tidy profit that will help to offset some of the less gainful shows of the past few years.
Costumes were supplied by Carol Evens and supplemented with great skill by Marion Hines who undertook a huge job that was appreciated by the cast.
The set was built by Peter Carr and willing assistants. Again, many friends came to our aid to bring this production up to performance standard.
By the last night we could all say how much we enjoyed playing to the full houses in a season of ‘Charlie’s Aunt’.
So thanks to the talented cast and the dedicated crew of both back stage and front of house who worked under Gwyneth’s skilled direction to bring that elusive Aunt to our theatre.
* Next year
THE DAY THEY KIDNAPPED THE POPE
A news headline? Radio bulletin or a television item? None of these but a New Zealand premier of an Italian play by Joao Bethencourt. After reading this entertaining and thought provoking play and with the encouragement of a couple of theatre directors, we have decided to offer it as our major production next year. While the title may seem provocative to say the least, the play deals with not so much a kidnapping but the unusual ransom demanded.
With warm and real characters, tightly paced dialogue and an ending to surprise, we know this play will both entertain and uplift as well as giving us all something to think about in world still obsessed with violence.
After her successful production this year, Gwyneth Glover has been approached to direct this play. Gwyneth will hold auditions for all roles - parts for all ages - on February the 22nd at the Bicentennial Hall next to the Pitt Street Methodist Church at 2 PM. Details and a list of cast required will be announced and published in the New Year.
With warm and real characters, tightly paced dialogue and an ending to surprise, we know this play will both entertain and uplift as well as giving us all something to think about in world still obsessed with violence.
After her successful production this year, Gwyneth Glover has been approached to direct this play. Gwyneth will hold auditions for all roles - parts for all ages - on February the 22nd at the Bicentennial Hall next to the Pitt Street Methodist Church at 2 PM. Details and a list of cast required will be announced and published in the New Year.
* Around the Churches.
Magenta, the touring drama group associated with Pilgrim Productions had a very successful and worthwhile season this year. After an initial run of 13 performances in churches around Auckland and Hamilton, another season followed with the players visiting Great Barrier Island, several schools and again Hamilton with 'A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Jericho' directed by Carolyn Flint. This team of highly motivated Christian actors have not only shared their faith and talent but also raised a considerable amount for their chosen charity, Mercy Ministries.
* Commentary
One of our best received plays in recent years was the outstanding production of ‘The Boys Next Door’. A new production of it was mounted by the Dolphin Theatre last April and at their annual awards night this year, it picked up not only Best Play but also Best Actor, Best supporting Actor, Best New Comer, Best Female Character Actor, Best Costumes and Best Set Decor. Our warmest congratulations to Barry Spring and his team that included 2 of the original Pilgrim cast members.