1987 "Florence"
Written by ERIC CHARTERISwith music by SHADE SMITH
directed by SAM WINER
CENTENNIAL THEATRE
July 18 - August 1, 1987
Florence Nightingale - born of English parents in Florence, Italy May 12th, 1820. Died England, August 13th, 1910.
Although Florence lived a long and incredibly useful life, it is for the relatively short period of her life and work during the Crimean War that she is both honoured and remembered. She went to Scutari, Turkey with one aim in mind; that to make nursing a dignified profession by actively demonstrating that women could work with the Army Medical Department. But while she was attending to the wounded she also added another cause to her life, the improvement of the lot of the common soldier.
Florence, as a younger woman, was taught philosophy; mathematics, Latin, and Greek as well as European history by her father who loved culture especially French and Italian. She was certainly gifted both intellectually and physically, much more so than her older sister Parthenope. So why should this talented your socialite, wealthy and intelligent, want to sacrifice her chances on a foreign shore tending men who were more at home in the company of prostitutes?
At home, Florence could scarcely conceal her contempt for the life of domestic triviality for which she was destined by her ambitious parents. She grew more and more convinced that life and wealth had not been given to her for any self gratification but in order that she might serve others. Florence wrote on February 7th, 1837, that with relief and joy she was called by God to serve. Convinced by the real voice, Florence, not then knowing in what capacity she would work, was secure in the knowledge that God would make her life significant. She was able to gather the maturity that would stand her in good stead when she was to face the horrors of the wounded, dying, starving soldiers left rotting in the so called hospital at Scutari.
Nursing was not a respectable career then. She offered her life and went willingly to the task set her. Working in silence, no one knowing how many lives were saved by her and her nurses, the world then scarcely gave her a thought. We know now how much is owed to this pioneer nurse.
`Florence' is about Florence Nightingale, that she will be honoured and remembered for her commitment and faithfulness.
The plot follows as faithfully as possible the life of Florence Nightingale between the age of eighteen and thirty-five.
Act one deals with the vehement opposition of her family to Florence becoming a nurse, wanting instead to capitalize on her obvious potential to attract a suitable husband. Florence, however, becomes a nurse when it was regarded as the most degrading occupation a woman could have. After years of hysterical opposition, she succeeds and within six months is regarded as a leading authority on nursing care. The act ends with the outbreak of the Crimean War and a visit from the Secretary of State for War and close friend Sir Sidney Herbert asking her to take a party of nurses to the Crimea where Times war correspondent Howard Russell has described the terrible conditions experienced by the army. In deciding to go, Florence breaks her close attachment with Richard Monkton-Milnes who has courted her for some years.
Act two takes place in the military hospital at Scutari in Turkey. Florence immediately runs into opposition from Dr. John Hall, the senior medical officer. Against incredible difficulties, she effects great improvements not only in health care but in food and activities for the soldiers. Hall's opposition continues but an enquiry vindicates Florence and she was able to continue her great work.
N.Z. born Daphne Payne makes her first return appearance on the Auckland stage after performing extensively in stage musicals, concerts and one woman shows in New York, Los Angeles and throughout the U.S.A. for many years. A former pupil of Dame Sister Mary Leo, N.Z. audiences will remember Daphne Payne in many leading roles in musicals on both Auckland and Hamilton stages including `South Pacific', `Showboat', `The Student Prince', and `Can Can'. Playing the lead in this world premier production of `Florence' adds another major role to an already impressive fist of credits.
Although Florence lived a long and incredibly useful life, it is for the relatively short period of her life and work during the Crimean War that she is both honoured and remembered. She went to Scutari, Turkey with one aim in mind; that to make nursing a dignified profession by actively demonstrating that women could work with the Army Medical Department. But while she was attending to the wounded she also added another cause to her life, the improvement of the lot of the common soldier.
Florence, as a younger woman, was taught philosophy; mathematics, Latin, and Greek as well as European history by her father who loved culture especially French and Italian. She was certainly gifted both intellectually and physically, much more so than her older sister Parthenope. So why should this talented your socialite, wealthy and intelligent, want to sacrifice her chances on a foreign shore tending men who were more at home in the company of prostitutes?
At home, Florence could scarcely conceal her contempt for the life of domestic triviality for which she was destined by her ambitious parents. She grew more and more convinced that life and wealth had not been given to her for any self gratification but in order that she might serve others. Florence wrote on February 7th, 1837, that with relief and joy she was called by God to serve. Convinced by the real voice, Florence, not then knowing in what capacity she would work, was secure in the knowledge that God would make her life significant. She was able to gather the maturity that would stand her in good stead when she was to face the horrors of the wounded, dying, starving soldiers left rotting in the so called hospital at Scutari.
Nursing was not a respectable career then. She offered her life and went willingly to the task set her. Working in silence, no one knowing how many lives were saved by her and her nurses, the world then scarcely gave her a thought. We know now how much is owed to this pioneer nurse.
`Florence' is about Florence Nightingale, that she will be honoured and remembered for her commitment and faithfulness.
The plot follows as faithfully as possible the life of Florence Nightingale between the age of eighteen and thirty-five.
Act one deals with the vehement opposition of her family to Florence becoming a nurse, wanting instead to capitalize on her obvious potential to attract a suitable husband. Florence, however, becomes a nurse when it was regarded as the most degrading occupation a woman could have. After years of hysterical opposition, she succeeds and within six months is regarded as a leading authority on nursing care. The act ends with the outbreak of the Crimean War and a visit from the Secretary of State for War and close friend Sir Sidney Herbert asking her to take a party of nurses to the Crimea where Times war correspondent Howard Russell has described the terrible conditions experienced by the army. In deciding to go, Florence breaks her close attachment with Richard Monkton-Milnes who has courted her for some years.
Act two takes place in the military hospital at Scutari in Turkey. Florence immediately runs into opposition from Dr. John Hall, the senior medical officer. Against incredible difficulties, she effects great improvements not only in health care but in food and activities for the soldiers. Hall's opposition continues but an enquiry vindicates Florence and she was able to continue her great work.
N.Z. born Daphne Payne makes her first return appearance on the Auckland stage after performing extensively in stage musicals, concerts and one woman shows in New York, Los Angeles and throughout the U.S.A. for many years. A former pupil of Dame Sister Mary Leo, N.Z. audiences will remember Daphne Payne in many leading roles in musicals on both Auckland and Hamilton stages including `South Pacific', `Showboat', `The Student Prince', and `Can Can'. Playing the lead in this world premier production of `Florence' adds another major role to an already impressive fist of credits.
ACT ONE
Musical numbers
SCENE 1 - A fashionable square in central London.
19th Century World', `Don't let the Family down', 'Oo'd be a Nurse?'
SCENE 2 - The Nightingale home.
`Girl of your Dreams', `The Mayfair Set'
SCENE 3 - At a house party.
`Society Saga', `Shakespeare said'
SCENE 4 -`Chorus Narration #1'
SCENE 5 - The Institute for the Care of Sick, Gentlewomen in distressed circumstances.
`The Interview'
SCENE 6 - `Chorus Narration #2'
SCENE 7 - London Square
`It's So Nice', `It's War!'
SCENE 8 - Florence's Study.
`Choices'
SCENE 9 - London Square
`Nightingale Girls'
ACT TWO
Musical Numbers
SCENE 1 - A fashionable square in central London.
SCENE 2 - Scutari in Turkey.
`Willies of Whitehall', `When will we learn?', `Get Started', `When Men were Men',`Supply Officers Song'
SCENE 3 - `Chorus Narration #3'
SCENE 4 - London.
`The Commission Song'
SCENE 5 - Scutari.
`Alexis' Song', `Teaching The Army', 'Inkerman Cafe', 'Superintendent Song'
SCENE 6 - London.
'Is She The Tops?'
SCENE 7 - Scutari.
`You are the Light'
SCENE 8 - London.
`Florence', `You are the Light'
There will be a fifteen-minute interval between Act 1 and Act 2.
Coffee & soft drink available in the foyer.
Musical numbers
SCENE 1 - A fashionable square in central London.
19th Century World', `Don't let the Family down', 'Oo'd be a Nurse?'
SCENE 2 - The Nightingale home.
`Girl of your Dreams', `The Mayfair Set'
SCENE 3 - At a house party.
`Society Saga', `Shakespeare said'
SCENE 4 -`Chorus Narration #1'
SCENE 5 - The Institute for the Care of Sick, Gentlewomen in distressed circumstances.
`The Interview'
SCENE 6 - `Chorus Narration #2'
SCENE 7 - London Square
`It's So Nice', `It's War!'
SCENE 8 - Florence's Study.
`Choices'
SCENE 9 - London Square
`Nightingale Girls'
ACT TWO
Musical Numbers
SCENE 1 - A fashionable square in central London.
SCENE 2 - Scutari in Turkey.
`Willies of Whitehall', `When will we learn?', `Get Started', `When Men were Men',`Supply Officers Song'
SCENE 3 - `Chorus Narration #3'
SCENE 4 - London.
`The Commission Song'
SCENE 5 - Scutari.
`Alexis' Song', `Teaching The Army', 'Inkerman Cafe', 'Superintendent Song'
SCENE 6 - London.
'Is She The Tops?'
SCENE 7 - Scutari.
`You are the Light'
SCENE 8 - London.
`Florence', `You are the Light'
There will be a fifteen-minute interval between Act 1 and Act 2.
Coffee & soft drink available in the foyer.
1853, October 4th. Turkey declares war on Russia. Russia saw the opportunity to dominate weak Turkey and secure an entrance into the Mediterranean Sea.
1854, March 28th. Britain and France join Turkey and declare war. After the Allies land, Russia evacuates the Balkans in September of the same year.
1854, September 13th-18th. London & Paris decide the power of the Russians must be broken. Troops land on the Crimean Peninsular.
1854, September 20th. The Battle of Alma. 1854, October 8th-16th. The Siege of Sevastopol.
1854, October 25th. The Battle of Balaclava includes the 20-minute long Charge of the Light Brigade which will go down in history as a monument to gallant soldiers doomed to death by the arrant stupidity of Lord Cardigan and Lord Lucan.
1854, November 5th. The Battle of Inkerman. Due to War correspondent William Howard Russell, an outraged British public forces the fall of the government and Florence Nightingale arrives with her `Nightingales' to attend to the wounded coming from Balaclava, where she remains until the end of the war in July 1856. She travels home privately as `Miss Smith' and vigorously sets about changing the course of nursing, spending the greater part of her last fifty years of life in bed or shut up in her room.
1907. King Edward makes Florence Nightingale the first woman to be appointed the Order of Merit.
1910, August lst. Florence dies at the age of ninety and is buried, as she insisted, not in Westminster Abbey but at Fast Wellow, Hampshire beside her parents who had striven so hard to prevent her remarkable career.
Florence Nightingale.........................................Daphne Payne
Mr Nightingale......................................................Peter Jones
Mrs Nightingale.............................................Colyeen Broadley
Parthenope Nightingale..................................Robyn Kennerley
Understudy to Florence...................................Robyn Kennerley
Richard Monkton-Milnes.......................................Paul Sinnock
Dr Howe.........................................................Howard Russell
Bill Borlase.....................................................Howard Russell
Mary Clark...................................................Bronwyn Arlington
Nurse Jones........................................................Jan Sutcliffe
Nurse Tapsell 1...................................................Jan Sutcliffe
Sergeant.............................................................David Lines
Alexis Soyer...................................................Anthony Carroll
Dr Hall............................................................Eric Chareteris
Sir Sidney Herbert................................................Derek Keith
Wounded Soldiers..........................Paul Fannon, Peter Holmes
COMPANY
Leanne Jones .....................................Michelle Plunkett
Marcia Keen.............................................Saskia Stigter
Bronwyn Landers....................................Katrine Bennett
Jo Lawson............................Jan Sutcliffe (dance captain)
Margaret Ussher........................................Linda Sinden
Alison Platt.....................................Kim-Louise Matchett
Craig Starkey ..........................................David Watson
Russell Nuttall..........................................Kevin Hawkes
Paul Fannon..........................Tony Nelson, Peter Holmes
CHILDREN
Andrea Wilkie..........................Rachelle Forbes
Nicole Mackie...........................Monique Mackie
Monique Forbes.............................Scott Payne
Who all play Londoners, soldiers and nurses.
ORCHESTRA
Keyboards........Bill Chessum, Amanda Henry, Shade Smith
Bass Guitar.................................................Brian Holden
Drums........................................................Peter Ludlow
Flute.......................................................Gordon Palmer
Clarinet & Saxophone.................................Lisa Ferguson
Trumpets.................................Vic Bartley, Owen Goodwin
Trombone...............................................Graham Gough
Musical arrangements by Amanda Henry & Bill Chessum
This production of `Florence' is supported by the Auckland Savings Bank and Peach Vienna Foods.
The society would also wish to thank:
Paul Noble, Auckland Operatic Society. St Thomas Light Orchestra Club The Light Orchestra Club
ERIC CHARTERIS
Eric's introduction to shows was in a training college production of `Hugh the Drover' in the 1950's - standing next to Donald McIntyre in the bass chorus! After gaining principle roles in a number of G.&S. productions, family life took priority until 1977 when he performed in the Northern Opera production of 'Carmen' and since then has been involved in a number of Auckland shows including favourite roles of Jupiter in 'Orpheus in the Underworld', King Arthur in `Camelot' and Arthur Sullivan in 'Tarantara'. Eric became interested in writing shows during 1980 and collaborated with Shade Smith to produce `A Ring of Bright Magic' premiered in 1983 and since performed regularly throughout N.Z. This has encouraged Eric to write `Florence' and this premier production is the culmination of some three years effort.
1854, March 28th. Britain and France join Turkey and declare war. After the Allies land, Russia evacuates the Balkans in September of the same year.
1854, September 13th-18th. London & Paris decide the power of the Russians must be broken. Troops land on the Crimean Peninsular.
1854, September 20th. The Battle of Alma. 1854, October 8th-16th. The Siege of Sevastopol.
1854, October 25th. The Battle of Balaclava includes the 20-minute long Charge of the Light Brigade which will go down in history as a monument to gallant soldiers doomed to death by the arrant stupidity of Lord Cardigan and Lord Lucan.
1854, November 5th. The Battle of Inkerman. Due to War correspondent William Howard Russell, an outraged British public forces the fall of the government and Florence Nightingale arrives with her `Nightingales' to attend to the wounded coming from Balaclava, where she remains until the end of the war in July 1856. She travels home privately as `Miss Smith' and vigorously sets about changing the course of nursing, spending the greater part of her last fifty years of life in bed or shut up in her room.
1907. King Edward makes Florence Nightingale the first woman to be appointed the Order of Merit.
1910, August lst. Florence dies at the age of ninety and is buried, as she insisted, not in Westminster Abbey but at Fast Wellow, Hampshire beside her parents who had striven so hard to prevent her remarkable career.
Florence Nightingale.........................................Daphne Payne
Mr Nightingale......................................................Peter Jones
Mrs Nightingale.............................................Colyeen Broadley
Parthenope Nightingale..................................Robyn Kennerley
Understudy to Florence...................................Robyn Kennerley
Richard Monkton-Milnes.......................................Paul Sinnock
Dr Howe.........................................................Howard Russell
Bill Borlase.....................................................Howard Russell
Mary Clark...................................................Bronwyn Arlington
Nurse Jones........................................................Jan Sutcliffe
Nurse Tapsell 1...................................................Jan Sutcliffe
Sergeant.............................................................David Lines
Alexis Soyer...................................................Anthony Carroll
Dr Hall............................................................Eric Chareteris
Sir Sidney Herbert................................................Derek Keith
Wounded Soldiers..........................Paul Fannon, Peter Holmes
COMPANY
Leanne Jones .....................................Michelle Plunkett
Marcia Keen.............................................Saskia Stigter
Bronwyn Landers....................................Katrine Bennett
Jo Lawson............................Jan Sutcliffe (dance captain)
Margaret Ussher........................................Linda Sinden
Alison Platt.....................................Kim-Louise Matchett
Craig Starkey ..........................................David Watson
Russell Nuttall..........................................Kevin Hawkes
Paul Fannon..........................Tony Nelson, Peter Holmes
CHILDREN
Andrea Wilkie..........................Rachelle Forbes
Nicole Mackie...........................Monique Mackie
Monique Forbes.............................Scott Payne
Who all play Londoners, soldiers and nurses.
ORCHESTRA
Keyboards........Bill Chessum, Amanda Henry, Shade Smith
Bass Guitar.................................................Brian Holden
Drums........................................................Peter Ludlow
Flute.......................................................Gordon Palmer
Clarinet & Saxophone.................................Lisa Ferguson
Trumpets.................................Vic Bartley, Owen Goodwin
Trombone...............................................Graham Gough
Musical arrangements by Amanda Henry & Bill Chessum
This production of `Florence' is supported by the Auckland Savings Bank and Peach Vienna Foods.
The society would also wish to thank:
Paul Noble, Auckland Operatic Society. St Thomas Light Orchestra Club The Light Orchestra Club
ERIC CHARTERIS
Eric's introduction to shows was in a training college production of `Hugh the Drover' in the 1950's - standing next to Donald McIntyre in the bass chorus! After gaining principle roles in a number of G.&S. productions, family life took priority until 1977 when he performed in the Northern Opera production of 'Carmen' and since then has been involved in a number of Auckland shows including favourite roles of Jupiter in 'Orpheus in the Underworld', King Arthur in `Camelot' and Arthur Sullivan in 'Tarantara'. Eric became interested in writing shows during 1980 and collaborated with Shade Smith to produce `A Ring of Bright Magic' premiered in 1983 and since performed regularly throughout N.Z. This has encouraged Eric to write `Florence' and this premier production is the culmination of some three years effort.
SHADE SMITH
Shade began his music making early in life singing and playing songs from shows and hits of the fifties. Later, he played in a Beatles type band throughout the Waikato. During the seventies Shade began writing songs in a soft rock style and his band `The Rumour' played around N.Z. and on T.V. Since 1981 he has written three children’s' musicals; `Star Blaze', `Valley of the Voodons' and `A Ring of Bright Magic', musicals based on fantasy themes. "Florence is my first true story musical. It is a story worth telling and I hope to continue writing similar musicals."
SAM WINER
Director
Director
Sam was born in England and came to New Zealand in 1957. He later studied Shakespearian production at Massey University and was an actor for some thirteen years before he quickly established himself as one of Auckland's leading directors and winning the N.Z. Drama Federation Award on three occasions. He has previously directed "Sentenced to Life", "Mr Wilberforce M.P." and in 1985 directed "The Dairy of Anne Frank" for Pilgrim.
BILL CHESSUM
Musical Director
Musical Director
Bill is not only the current chairman of the society but he has also been the musical director for all our musicals starting with `Ride! Ride!' in 1978 through to the 1984 production of the same show. Music master at De La Salle College, Bill also is musical director for other companies. `The Boy Friend' and `The Music Man' for Pukekohe and `Where's Charley?' for Auckland Operatic are his three most recent shows. Bill has worked closely with Shade Smith on the music for this production of `Florence'.
AMANDA HENRY
Assistant Musical Director.
Amanda is a registered nurse by day and an extremely hard working, efficient assistant musical director by night! Amanda has had many years experience in theatre and all its facets; performer, director, musician and hall opener. The care and attention that Amanda has given in training the cast for this musical has been appreciated by cast and director alike.
KERI MORRISON
Choreographer
Keri is a teacher of American jazz dance and tap and has choreographed many Auckland musicals. A company secretary with 2 children she prefers being on stage but her demands as a choreographer have kept her in the wings directing the complex dance routines for this show.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Stage Manager......................................................................................Mary Boyd
Asst. Stage Manager..........................................................................Helen Olliver
Production Assistant...............................................................................Kevin Airey
Wardrobe Mistress..............................................................................Marion Neller
Costume Consultants..................................Claire Gallagher, Peter Carr, Whetu Paula
Wardrobe Assistants.........Audrey Carr, Wendy Dowsing, Margaret Croucher, Elsie Neller
Set Design..........................................................................................Alan Gribble
Set Construction.............Neil Lobb, Ken Skinner, Peter Carr, Bruce Weston, Brent Jones
Lighting Design.............................................................................Neville Brownlee
Lighting Operator.............................................................................Noeline Wright
Sound Effects........................................Syd Yarrow Sound System Controller Neil Lobb
Properties.................................................................................Geraldine Riesterer
Properties Assistant...............................................................................Mary Davis
Prompt.........................................................................................Glenda Matchett
Rehearsal Pianist................................................................................Shade Smith
Publicity.........................................................................................Glenda Matchett
Graphics...............................................................................................Alison Sims
Front of House........................................................................Avis and Jack Cooper
Box Office..........................................................................................David Davies
Transport............................................................................................Colin Waters
Refreshments.......................................................................................Kathy Lobb
Photography........................................................................................Barry Spring
Programme........................................................................................Bruce Weston
COMMITTEE
Life Member: Rev. Stanley Goudge
Chairman: Bill Chessum, Secretary: Colin Waters Treasurer: David Davies, Committee: Kevin Airey, Merilyn Benson, Avis Cooper, Mary Davis, Wendy Dowsing, Aileen Henderson, Neil Lobb, Glenda Matchett, Marion Neller, Ngaire Stewert, Pam Straka, Bruce Weston.
Your support for Christian Theatre.
Pilgrim Productions Inc. relies on the support of the people of Auckland who seek theatre productions that will not only entertain but also give hope and the will to grapple with the problems of our day. Would you like to help? You can become a member of the society by sending your donation or $9.00 subscription.
Lighting Operator.............................................................................Noeline Wright
Sound Effects........................................Syd Yarrow Sound System Controller Neil Lobb
Properties.................................................................................Geraldine Riesterer
Properties Assistant...............................................................................Mary Davis
Prompt.........................................................................................Glenda Matchett
Rehearsal Pianist................................................................................Shade Smith
Publicity.........................................................................................Glenda Matchett
Graphics...............................................................................................Alison Sims
Front of House........................................................................Avis and Jack Cooper
Box Office..........................................................................................David Davies
Transport............................................................................................Colin Waters
Refreshments.......................................................................................Kathy Lobb
Photography........................................................................................Barry Spring
Programme........................................................................................Bruce Weston
COMMITTEE
Life Member: Rev. Stanley Goudge
Chairman: Bill Chessum, Secretary: Colin Waters Treasurer: David Davies, Committee: Kevin Airey, Merilyn Benson, Avis Cooper, Mary Davis, Wendy Dowsing, Aileen Henderson, Neil Lobb, Glenda Matchett, Marion Neller, Ngaire Stewert, Pam Straka, Bruce Weston.
Your support for Christian Theatre.
Pilgrim Productions Inc. relies on the support of the people of Auckland who seek theatre productions that will not only entertain but also give hope and the will to grapple with the problems of our day. Would you like to help? You can become a member of the society by sending your donation or $9.00 subscription.
Enquiries: The Secretary, Pilgrim Productions, Colin Waters, 13 Alberta Street, Pt. Chevalier.