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Report
by Reba Gillman |
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At 7:30 pm on Monday January 12, over 50 people gathered in
Harris Bell Hall at Westminster Manor. At least half were society
members,
providing more than the quorum of 15 necessary to do our business.
It was a pleasure to welcome the many residents of Westminster
Manor who always seem to enjoy our offerings, and to see the
familiar faces of the loyal members who come to help us do our
annual business. Our Society used to meet regularly ten times
a year and it's always good to see some of our long-time friends.
President
Libby Weed presided pleasantly and efficiently. She first called
on our Treasurer, Dave Wieckowski, to report
on Society finances. He told us that although our 2008 production
of The Pirates of Penzance was an artistic success
-- our best ever -- we overspent our budget and actually
lost money.
Note
that
any member may call our office and ask for a copy of this
report.
Next, Allan Longacre, chair of the nominating committee,
announced
the suggested slate for the 2009 Board of Directors: continuing
members Byron Arnason, Chris Buggé, Reba
Gillman, June Julian, David Little, Allan Longacre, Libby
Weed, and Dave Wieckowski; and new members Stephen Reynolds,
Kathryn
Saar, and Ingrid Yaple. Byron Arnason and Kathryn Saar regretted
that they were not able to be present. Libby said a few choice
words about each nominee, and asked each to stand for all
to see. She asked for nominations from the floor. There were
none
and Allan moved that we accept the slate as presented. Sue
Ricket Caldwell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Libby reminded us that although there were only 11 nominees,
the board expected that we would add a member later to fill
the 12th space.
She then introduced Bill Hatcher, long-time
member and former President, whom we have hired to be Production
Manager. He explained that the
main characters in Iolanthe, our June 2009 production,
are the Fairy Queen and the Lord Chancellor, and that the
chorus
consists entirely of female Fairies and male Peers. He told
us a lot about how the show is shaping up, giving special
attention to his research into costume companies, with much
historical
detail.
Some of these colorful companies have been doing business
for over 100 years. The venue will be the new theater at
Travis
High School where our presence has been welcomed warmly.
Ralph MacPhail, Jr. is our Artistic and Stage Director and
Jeffrey
Jones-Ragona is our Music Director. Fifteen musicians will
play in the orchestra.
 Business
accomplished, we took a break for refreshments and friendly
conversation, enjoying the tasty munchies supplied
by our members. Then we returned to our seats for the musical
singalong led by Eva Laskaris, accompanied by Lady High Pianist
Martha Dudgeon.
All joined in enthusiastically singing the
delightful "Soon as we may, Off and away!" the
finale from Iolanthe (preview of our summer 2009
production); "For
he's gone and married Yum-Yum --" featuring Eva Laskaris
as Pitti-Sing in the finale from The Mikado (preview
of our summer 2010 production); and a review of our summer
production 2008,
The Pirates of Penzance, with the familiar songs, "Here's
a first rate opportunity to get married with impunity;" "Hold,
monsters!" featuring June Julian as Mabel; and the magnificent
patter-song "I am the very model of a modern Major-General," performed
flawlessly by Arthur DiBianca.
To close the program
in our traditional way, all stood to sing "Now to the
banquet we press," from The Sorcerer, and "Hail,
Poetry" from The Pirates of Penzance, with Art
singing the Pirate King's lead-in verse. And so ended another
happy
Gilbert and Sullivan evening. |
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you have any questions please email
us. |
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