COW up and mooving

Look at that smiling group, the COW is definitely on the Moove to making a dent in the Canberra theatre scene.

Since my last post the Canberra Opera Workshop had a lunch last week where they had a professional photographer come by and take a group photo, which includes me. Yeah I actually exist. They have added this photo onto their website and it has become a lot more interactive.

We are heading into the production schedule which will involve the actual stage craft, where we are under the esteemed direction of Cate Clelland, an active director and designer within the Canberra Theatre Scene for a while know. I look forward to digging my teeth into this section of the rehearsal in preparation for our performance in December.

One of the key developments of the website is the details for tickets are available.
Location: ANU ARTS THEATRE, UNIVERSITY AVENUE, ACTON, ACT

But Dale of the blog, with your News and Ideas thing I do not know where this is. Well I consulted with the mighty demi-god Google and they have blessed us with an answer to your query, as only Google can;
http://g.co/maps/33mc8

Dates: Evening: 8.00 pm Friday, 9 & Saturday, 10 December 2011.
Matinee: 2.00 pm Sunday, 11 December 2011

Ticket Prices
Adult
$38.50
Youth (under 26 years)*
$35.50
Child (under 17 years)*
$33.50
Pensioner/Senior*
$35.50

See below for the booking information.
http://www.canberraoperaworkshop.org.au/buy-tickets-now

Find out more about COW by looking at the Website;
http://www.canberraoperaworkshop.org.au/

Remember the COW is building a community and if you are interested in developing your singing skills, or if we have a Joan Sutherland, or Pavarotti out there, COW would be a group to start making connections with.

Also keep looking at the website so you can see more of me.

Feel free to leave a comment.
If you want to send me an message email dalestamathotmail.com

Dale Stam

While here look at some past posts.

Expect a new post in the near future.

Oh and a mention on the blog for those who can identify me from that photo. Happy hunting.



Did you miss previous updates in regards to COW? Find them below;
http://dalesnewsblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/cow.html

New to Canberra check out the following;
http://dalesnewsblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/garden-capital.html

COW

Moo. Seriously moo. I do not need you to moo with me, just acknowledge it.

COW or Canberra Opera Workshop is a interesting little group that has come out of the woodwork in Australia's Capital territory to fill in a gap in the market. Sure there is musical theatre, which I have to admit is more my forte, and classical instrumental music, but lacking in the opera market.


David and Margot Reedy identified this gap and decided that they would throw their hat into the ring. Starting an opera group without Governmental art grants can be tricky, but they are pulling it off. Due in part to their different take on the auditioning process.

They advertised in local Canberra papers and the Canberra Community Theatre network website OftPrompt- congratulations to all who get that reference- Gold Star!. The advertisement stated that people were not required to audition. Shock, horror they must have been flooded with Talent Show contestents till their ears bled...well luckily not, and strangely the openess of this initial stage allowed for the group to allow for socialising and community forming, in contrast to the competitiveness I have witnessed elsewhere.

Their first performance will be the delightful comic opera The Elixir of Love by Donizetti. It will be held in the ANU Arts Centre Theatre in early December.

SPOILER! PLOT TASTE !

Little village, One slow man in love with an educated girl who enjoys the longing of the man.

She is going to marry a Sargent.

Along comes a salesman spruiking a product that will make women fall in love with him, and then let the comedy begin.

The music has a Gilbert and Sullivan like feel, and has some catchy tune with the casts voices sounding superb as they come to the end of their vocal rehearsals. You can feel the power of this company within the small church that they have been rehearsing in, and they all eagerly look forward to showing Canberra that Opera can still captivate.

Here is some information from their website.
The Canberra Opera Workshop (COW) has been formed to provide specialised training and opera performance experience for singers who are interested in opera.

Singers will follow the process from first reading, musical rehearsals, production stages, technical and dress rehearsals to the actual public performances. The workshop will also provide training work opportunities for conductors, musicians, costume and set design, construction, stage management, graphic design & publicity, stage crew and front of house.

Here is the bestest till lastest- the opera...is...(salivating yet)...in English. No more will you have to have a book of translation with you at the Opera just so you can understand what is going on. It is part of the immersive style that COW has implemented.

If you would like to find out some further information on the group, watch a rehearsal, interested in joining a future production, or want to know more about their upcoming show please use the following contacts:

Margot Reedy 0415 721 222 or e-mailing secretary@cow.org.au.
David Reedy on 62491831

Their website.
http://http://www.canberraoperaworkshop.org.au/

They are Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canberra-Opera-Workshop/233211193361441?sk=wall

Dale Stam

Spamalot nearly here, Spam, Spaming,

I have found that recently there has been a big increase in the number of people doing a search for Livid Production's upcoming production (redundant use of production there- that's 3) of Monty Python's Spamalot, which in itself was a stage production (4) adaptation of the film production (5)- Monty Python and the Holy Grail. However it brings in a variety of other references and songs from the Python production (6) catalogue, including the song that always gets people singing along- 'Always look on the bright side of life'.



Some of you are probably saying, I have not heard much from Dale about this production (7), and I mean it is just about here and what have you been doing with yourself Dale?! First off, calm down I have stuff to do, and second for better or worse I have heard very little about the show, they are keeping details close to their chest, but because I am awesome here are some little tidbits;



* The cast seems to be jelling together quite well, and have created a little community...- 'But that is what every community theatre production (8) creates?'- Well yes, but let me finish will

you;



- This show seems to be the cake that is starting to mend the fissure that had occurred between the two theatre groups with the cast being a mixture of both groups; and major discussions about auditions for AWTC.



Who would have thought that Monty Python would be the team to bring together two other teams, to create a production that will...'yes'...well the rest is a secret of the future.



* The sets, and the dances are set to be in line with Livid's usual theatricality.



* Laughter....I know that isn't really a secret, but hey once again close to chest.



I have kept my eyes and ears open, but Livid has decided not to use the possible marketing tool of my blog, and turned down my suggestion to do some behind the scenes of the show to build up the audience for it...but then we dear reader have to acknowledge that the majority of the readers of this blog are either already in the show, or were going to go anyway...so good financial decision, and hey the secrecy makes it more intriguing.



For those who don't know where to get tickets yet well here are some links for browsing;

http://www.alburycity.nsw.gov.au/www/html/196-event-details.asp?intEventID=1684

http://www.lividproductions.com.au/home/index.htm

or check out some of my previous posts on the subject.

The top one will also allow you to book in and pay for your tickets online...and are there still tickets available for the opening night- IE Tomorrow- well frankly yes...how do I know because I just purchased one, in aisle B seat 20, meaning that I am right near the stage, in the centre section, but still get the comfort of an aisle seat. I was also offered seats in the front row, centre so there is definitely seats, and good ones at that available.

For those who are sneaky or just plain awesome like me, you could even get in to see the production (I've forgotten where I am up to, 24601? Yeah that will do) 'bumping in', that is a technical term for when they bring all of their equipment from their secret lair- I mean rehearsal secret lair, and bring it to the stage, at this point the Albury Entertainment Centre, and then start to put it in, and let me just say, Livid does not disappoint, even with stage hands, and people moving stuff around, and others sitting or standing around (what, why aren't they helping- I don't know), you can still see the essence come through, as I believe Livid will to.

So stay tuned for a review!

Dale Stam

Do you require more Spam?

My previous post regarding the upcoming Livid Production of Spamalot has been rather popular and some are probably wondering why there has been such a long gap in between my reporting on it- no I did not forget about it- but I was in discussion with the committee board of Livid to see if I would be able to bring you an in depth exploration of how a show is made. Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful in my attempt and therefore must rely upon those in the know to give me some heads up-hint, hint. Either way this is the latest update;

Rehearsals for the 'Knights' have been progressing smoothly for roughly a month now, with the majority of their preliminary dance sequences plotted out- I think the one they were currently working on was 'The Knights of the Round Table/Camelot'.

I have heard that many of the Knights have been blown away by the speed and skill of Narelle on the taps. She is 'fast as' according to one source, and has been effectively propelling the Knights into their dances.

I believe that the whole cast recently got together for their first group rehearsal- 'meet and greet', and all have high hopes.

2011 is shaping up to be a raspberry jam packed theatre year for locals, and for those overseas I guess it is interesting to find out how a typical Aussie town engages in the theatrical arts.

Waiting Avidly.

Dale Stam