Reps Theatre: Latest newsletter

Reps Reporter - December 2011

As 2011 comes to a close it’s time to look back and to plan ahead ... and, it is to be hoped, to do so with confidence and satisfaction. The year has been a busy one for Reps, but not without its problems and obstacles.

What can truthfully be said, though, is that in the midst of so much economic uncertainty (not just here in Zimbabwe but across the world), Reps has come through with flying colours and has proved itself a society with a clear focus on where it is going and how it should get there.

Members, sponsors, donors, friends, supporters, patrons and a great big slice of the community at large should be thanked for all they have done to make Reps what it is and for helping the Reps executive committee keep the ship afloat and going in the right direction. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all … have a wonderful festive season and here’s to much success in 2012.

Oh yes it does … the panto goes on

Robinson Crusoe is attracting good houses and we look forward to a successful run ending on Friday December 23. If you have not yet seen it, please come along – it’s fun and a great way to relax in this build-up to Christmas. The production team, cast and crew have worked hard on this show and it is always rewarding to see people on stage enjoying themselves so much.

Tell as many people as you can about the panto … there are still all too many people who claim they do not know what’s happening at Reps, so the more we can get the message out and about, the more the word will spread.

Many of the performances are filling up, so advance booking may be a very good idea for this show. Thanks to Spar Zimbabwe, St Elmo’s, Crystal Candy and Cortina Ice Cream for their help on this show. Childline is also benefitting from awareness and fundraising throughout this run.

Get going to Boeing Boeing

Zane E Lucas and his team of actors and actresses have been in intense rehearsal for the return of the very funny and extremely delightful farce Boeing Boeing, written by Marc Camoletti and Beverley Cross. It was done at Reps 30 years ago but the show has been updated and has recently been a renewed hit in New York and London, so even if you have seen it before, come back and have a grand old laugh with Reps’ new year show. It opens with a gala show on New Year’s Eve (show starts 6.30pm, preceded by snacks and drinks) and then runs until Saturday January 14. Book now and, as stated above, get the word out about a first class show staged with all the flair and professionalism we have come to expect of Zane E Lucas. Thanks to Farrell and Tada for their help on this show … and stand by for news of the involvement of some airlines in this great play.

Another chance for new faces to shine … in Harare’s Got Talent 4

Saturday January 28 will be the date of our next talent show, a platform for new talent in any of the performing arts. If anyone would like to show his or her talent, e-mail aquarius@mweb.co.zw now and come along to an audition on Saturday January 21 (2pm) in the Adrian Stanley Room. Singers, dancers, illusionists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians … whatever the nature of the performing art, it’s welcome. Proceeds from the show will go to Reps and the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe, both of which are fundraising to make the future brighter and better. The show itself will be at 7pm on Jan 28 … well worth coming along to watch.

It's time to Shout! for more

People have been shouting for more musicals and the next one on stage will be Shout!. Like a show with the same name featuring on Broadway and in the West End, it features a great line-up of songs from the 1960s to the 1980s … but the similarity stops there. A good singing and dance cast will present these songs and it will be great family entertainment. The show starts and ends with songs called Shout … each by a different performer and each with a different style, thematic of the era in which it emerged.

The show runs from February 16 to March 3 and two gala nights are being booked at the moment. OK Zimbabwe have indicated they will be coming in with support for this show, which is exciting news. Performers whose songs feature range from Lulu and Elvis to Creedence Clearwater Revival and T Rex and from Tears For Fears and Soft Cell to The Beatles and Abba. Booking is already open at The Spotlight. It is hoped to support Kidzcan through this show!

Various snippets

Subscription payments for membership in 2012 are due by January 14, so get on down to Reps to pay up and stay on board as a much valued member. If you are not a member get on down and join up! Philippa in the Reps office can advise on fees and assist with other queries in this regard. More people are wanted in all areas of Reps’ activity … from front of house and box office to acting and from sound and lights to crewing backstage. If you are interested call the Reps office and find out how to get involved.

Preps (theatre training for the under-12s) and Repteens (theatre training for the 12 to 19s) are on holiday now until the start of the first school term. If you are keen to let your youngsters get involved in what is always great fun and a great experience, all you need do is come down to the first sessions (Repteens 6pm Fri Jan 13 and Preps 9am Sat Jan 14) and chat to the co-ordinators. Debentures are still being welcomed, to help strengthen Reps as its builds up for the future. The Debentures are simple loans made to the society ($25 each) and can be taken up by one or by 100 … the choice is yours. Find out more through the Reps office. Sue Charnley is working hard with her own team of gardeners to tidy up the Reps gardens … a brilliant effort to help spruce up the area.

Social events steaming ahead

There’s lots on the go in the Reps members’ bar … from Frank Douie playing guitar and singing on Fri Dec 16 to the big Bikers’ Bash the following evening … to the carol singing on Weds Dec 21 and on to the New Year’s Eve party on Dec 31. Plans are already being made for more events in January … so there’s always lots to enjoy at the bar. Mails about these go out each week and also advise on what’s available on the Wednesday ‘Grub in the Pub’ night or at Adrienne’s Restaurant’s Saturday lunchtime meals.

Belgravia Shopping Centre keeps on trying to raise standards Reps is a keen and founding force behind the Belgravia Shopping Centre Owners’ and Tenants’ Association, which involves just about all the people and organisations in and around the centre. The association has arranged security guards for the front car park, built and set up a ZRP Police Post in the car park area, fixed the public toilets, done regular clean-ups and is doing a lot more to make the centre more attractive, safer and more pleasant to visit. If you live in and around the theatre find out how you can get involved by giving your name in at the Reps office. New members include Chelmsford Manor and Church of the Nazarene.

Did you know ...

... that two very respected and well-liked members passed away in recent weeks? John Ward, long-standing member and former Theatre Manager, died in the UK, to where he had retired, while Chris Lander, backstage helper and more recently caterer, passed away in his own home in Greendale. Reps sent condolences to family and friends and at Chris’ funeral service Kathy Keen represented members with a short eulogy.

Until next time, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and drive carefully. Here’s to seeing lots of you at Reps … and lots more of each of you!

Reps Exco

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Reps Theatre Maasdorp Ave / Sam Nujoma St, Harare, Zimbabwe