Tassie Theatre talk

[tash]

I'm going to audition - whether I get in or not ....

Oh pooh. As if you won't.

The General Meeting is being held this Tuesday, where the fate of the LMS production of Les Mis will be decided... [cue dramatic music]

PTB schedule has been changed again. Beauty and the Beast has been replaced by Singin' in the Rain, and Last Five Years is on the backburner I love that show so much.

[Buff]

When I saw the date of the meeting, I thought I'd be able to make it (the first meeting I'd ever be able to attend without having something else on!) but, of course, something has come up so I won't be able to attend and vote for Les Mis!

Let us know how it goes

Do you know why PTB has changed it's shows?

I've also seen a van around town with the PTB logo on it and a website address, but the website is blank

Buff

[Buff]

It's official - Les Mis will be produced next by the Launceston Musical Society.

Director - Graeme Paine
Musical Director - Peter Quigley

Auditions look like being on 18-19 February 2006

Buff

[tash]

I really can't say why PTB changed shows, I was a consultant of the group but for some inexplicable reason I've been given the cold shoulder... Anyway. I know there were problems uploading the PTB website to the address - something about an incorrect password along the way - and the temporary website has expired. Not to worry. There's a PTB christmas performance this Friday, I can't remember where.

I'm excited about Les Mis - and during the meeting last night, so are the rest of the members. There was a powerpoint presentation about the show, and the reasons why the committee decided to stage it, and everyone left happy. LMS is asking for ideas for the chamber show for 2006 and the two shows for 2007, as well as potential directors to come forward. (Why aren't the rights for Avenue Q available?!?!)

[Buff]

The reports I heard said it was a very positive meeting. I've heard whispers of what the second show will be but:

(1) Don't know if it's fully official yet;
(2) Not sure if I'm allowed to tell

Buff

[mitzi]

I can't wait to audition for Les Mis and climb the barricade - roll on February!!

And I've seen a lot of Graeme's work over the years (and he's directed Les Mis twice in Hobart already... with plans for a 3rd version, I believe)... so should be fantastic!

PS And a barricade that revolves? Heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buff]

Good to see you again, Mitzi.

The revolving barricade will be pretty cool. I googled Graeme's name and he's pretty qualified

Buff

[mitzi]

Yeah... I've seen a couple of his Uni Revue's when they've visited Lonnie, and seen him in 'Allo 'Allo as the German General (very funny!)

I made the trip to Hobart earlier this year to see his "junior" production of Les Mis. The set was minimal but extremely effective - so there were no lumbering sets holding things up. And some excellent up and coming talent... wouldn't be surprised if some of them audition in Feb, too.

[mitzi]

CANCELLED

LMS have cancelled their production of Les Miserables.

Seems they were having too many difficulties finding crew and then their Musical Director pulled out due to family illness.

The Committee will have some serious explaining to do. This show was approved by members TWICE and I believe under their constitution a show can only be cancelled by a vote of 75% of members (or something like that).

Guess they will be calling yet another General Meeting of the group to do all that and choose a different show for 2006.

How about something ground-breaking like Oklahoma? or My Fairy Lady?

Oh I know... they could do The Witches of Eastwick and struggle for an audience.... just like the good old days of LMS.

[Les Mis Saga]

Whilst it is correct that the LMS have cancelled Les Mis (and about bloody time, I say), I heard very positive plans last evening at the first Assassins rehearsal about their plans for the year.

Les Mis was destined for diaster from day one and finally the Committee saw the light after their MD dropped out.

A Committee Member said that their choice for this year and next will be properly informed and based upon proper criteria and with the resources available.

Bring it on … If you hear before I do, please make a post!

[mitzi]

Get over yourself!

Firstly, why on earth would LMS stuff be discussed at a Players rehearsal.

Secondly, the majority of members APPROVED the choice of show, not ONCE (100% approval), but TWICE (majority approval). And the committee don't have the authority to cancel a show. Read your constitution.

Les Mis has the potential to make $80k profit. Minimum. That's why it is constantly in production at companies all around the country.

And thirdly, if you don't like a show you don't have to do it.

And as for "proper criteria" the current committee spent a weekend going thru all possibilities for 2006 and found that the original choice did meet all criteria and was justified.

Unfortunately, the constant campaign of negativity and small town politics has doomed the show.

Of course, the upside is that someone else in Tassie has already snapped up the rights.

[mitzi]

Oh, and before I forget...

In addition to potential auditionees from Lonnie, performers from the NW Coast and Hobart have been preparing to audition for Les Mis for months and a number of them (including several professional singers) have declined other performance opportunities to be available for LMS.

The fallout to LMS's shaky reputation this week is already impressive. And statewide.

[Les Mis Supporter]

Rumour is that the cancellation of Les Mis was related to a lack of support and participation in the off stage roles.

Mitzi - you were obviously very vocal in your support (as is evident here) and I assume when you attended the General Meetings.

What was your role in helping Les Mis be staged by LMS?

[tash]

The view from here:

LMS have cancelled their production of Les Miserables.
Seems they were having too many difficulties finding crew and then their Musical Director pulled out due to family illness.

The enormity of the role of MD requires the person to be based in Launceston. There is a limited pool of MDs to choose from in Launceston, and an even lesser amount who not only have the expertise and experience, but also the contacts required to fill the orchestra. The same applies to the production team – there is a small number of people that have the ability to execute the roles to the degree that would be required. Without Peter Quigley, without interest from those who had filled the roles for the past LMS productions and without any replies to the expressions of interest advertisement, you don’t have a lot of choice. Especially with auditions three weeks away.

The Committee will have some serious explaining to do. This show was approved by members TWICE and I believe under their constitution a show can only be cancelled by a vote of 75% of members (or something like that).

Secondly, the majority of members APPROVED the choice of show, not ONCE (100% approval), but TWICE (majority approval). And the committee don't have the authority to cancel a show. Read your constitution.

Les Mis has not been cancelled yet. The production has yet to be rescinded by motion and voted by the Members, which is likely to happen on January 31, judging from numerous comments from several prominent, influential and vocal Members. The show has been approved once by LMS – it has never been rescinded, which was pointed out at the December 6 meeting last year. What needs to be considered is that when it was first presented to the Members, Les Mis was envisaged as a pro-am production, which was to secure a substantial budget through sponsorship, partly based on the popularity of the stars. Which, obviously, has not happened. Les Mis has evolved quite drastically from its original proposal – it’s not the same show that won 100% approval from its Members.

Firstly, why on earth would LMS stuff be discussed at a Players rehearsal.

It happens when you live in a small town. Most of the Assassins cast are LMS members.

In addition to potential auditionees from Lonnie, performers from the NW Coast and Hobart have been preparing to audition for Les Mis for months

Whilst it’s wonderful that productions are becoming a state-wide affair, it’s important to remember that it is a Launceston production. Aside from alienating the local talent, by casting outsiders you run the risk of losing even more community support.

and a number of them (including several professional singers) have declined other performance opportunities to be available for LMS.

It’s presumptuous and arrogant to assume you’ll be cast as a lead - unless they had been guaranteed a role, and as far as I know, LMS does not practice this. Casting is not only based upon talent – there are other factors, such as availability, a concern for those outside of Launceston. And if not cast as a lead, I doubt that any of these people would consider taking on an ensemble role.

Of course, the upside is that someone else in Tassie has already snapped up the rights.

Then the effort of all those people won’t go to waste.

Les Mis has the potential to make $80k profit. Minimum. That's why it is constantly in production at companies all around the country.

If you have community interest and support.

[/end rant]

[From the other end of ths isle]

Well, well... looks like you're all gettin your nickers in a knot in the top end of the state. Bring on the Meeting and make sure you let us dedicated Southerns know the goss. For what it coun ts for, I think the LMS has a fantastic reputation. Keep it up!