Ware Operatic Society

Affiliated to  the National Operatic and  Dramatic Association

                      

Latest News

  Tickets are now available for

Titanic the Musical      

Story and book by Peter Stone        Music and lyrics by Maury Weston

We will be performing this amazing musical in February/March 2012, 100 years after the ocean liner sank when it hit an iceberg.  

Titanic is the Winner of 5 Tony Awards, including the coveted title of Best Musical. It is an epic musical re-telling of the historic and tragic night in April 1912, when so many dreams, ambitions and lives were submerged beneath the icy Atlantic waters. With a cast of characters drawn from real life, a soaring musical score, Titanic captures the entire sweep of the voyage, from its initial joyful optimism to its ultimate heartbreak.

John Hebden will be producing and Adam Baum musically directing this show. Do not miss it.  It has only been performed a few times in the UK and has proved a sell out well before it opened.  

If you are interested in being involved back stage, speak to Maurice, our membership secretary, on 01992 586456 email, membership@wareoperatic.org.uk - we will be delighted to have you on board!  We rehearse at Ware Arts Centre, Kibes Lane, Ware every Thursday evening and principals rehearse on Tuesdays.




Carousel ran at the Hertford Theatre in February.

Vicky Avery writes:

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” has always been a favourite musical for many people and I was so pleased to see the Hertford Theatre well attended as this certainly gave the company a boost when the curtain rose.

The opening seemed somewhat lacking as there was no usual fairground hustle and bustle however the lack of activity certainly gave the audience the chance to fully appreciate the orchestra and perhaps this was the aim.

Characters were well matched and Julie and Billy demonstrated their vocal ability perfectly without one overshadowing the other. Both performances were solid and characterisation and diction well defined. Carrie and Enoch had great fun with their parts although I would have liked to have seen Enoch relax just a little more. “Geraniums in the Window” was lovely. The clambake was well positioned and Nettie commanded the stage with confidence.

Full use was made of the somewhat restrictive stage and the lighting was good. I was a little concerned with the individual tree pieces used in the waterfront as they did not seem to match anything and looked somewhat out of place. Never the less, musicality and general positioning were good and costumes were appropriate.  The children worked well with the adults and seemed totally absorbed with the proceedings. The ballet was a little disappointing and lacked story and substance. However, this society has a reputation founded on excellent vocal ability not how well they can dance and the chorus vocals were a pleasure to listen to. The audience enjoyed themselves and so did I.











The photos above were taken by Steve Beeston photography, at the dress rehearsal.  See some more at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=61887&id=154567124557800




Welcome to our new president, Deborah Miles-Johnson


Photo: Benjamin Ealovega

Ware Operatic are extremely priveleged to have Deborah as our new President. The Society has maintained a connection with and followed her exciting career ever since we were lucky to have her rehearse and conduct our performances of The Sorceror and La Pericole as well as an Operatic summer concert in the 1990s.

    

              An Appreciation of Ron Neagus

It was with great sadness that we heard that Ron Neagus passed away on 8th November 2009 after a short illness.

Ron's association wth Ware Operatic Society started over 40 years ago alongside his wife Deirdre. It took some time for him to follow Deirdre and start "treading the boards" but he was persuaded to become Compere of the Variety Group after supporting it backstage and making some of the props and scenery. For one sketch he made a small set for the inside of the "Orient Express" but made sure he could transport it to different venues in the back of his car. Ron's gentle sense of humour always helped warm up the audience and start the show with a smiling audience.

Ron served on the management committee of the society for many years, serving as Business Manager; he also provided a calm presence front of house during show weeks, making sure that there were enough helpers available. He also looked after VIP guests invited by the Society, before the show and at the interval.

Ron was also the powerhouse behind the redevelopment of Ware Arts Centre where
the Society rehearses for its shows and summer concerts.

Review

I was delighted to be invited to Ware Operatic’s 40th Anniversary Concert. I had had the pleasure of attending many of their musicals but the concert was a first. I was not disappointed. 

The evening began with the courtiers and townsfolk singing Long Live Elizabeth from Merry England and what a chorus it was. The hall reverberated again and again with the perfect harmonies of this well rehearsed choral group of some fifty one performers. 

Following the opening Malcolm Dorling (MD) explained in his own personal style, just how the evening would run and why various pieces had been selected. This was not a night for soloist after soloist to stand up and sing their party piece; this was a celebration of music performed in the past and then possibly in the future. 

The programme had something for all tastes, from Lehar to Gilbert and Sullivan and Verdi to Cole Porter. I particularly enjoyed Mick Wilson singing Bui Doi from Miss Saigon and Hugh Legg and Sara Grimshaw singing from La Traviata. However, for me, the piece that showed this society at its best was a choral arrangement of the solo anthem from Chess. This was exceptional and quite moving. 

I had a wonderful evening and I congratulate the society on an anniversary event to be proud of. Special mention should go to Barbara Manning, the pianist. Her thoughtful and sensitive accompaniment complemented the performers at all times and not once did I feel that I was listening to the piano and not the artist. Bravo! 

Vicki Avery

And click here to go to the review in the Hertfordshire Mercury.  You will need to navigate to page 65 (page 34 of the supplement).