and green garlands with the simple dance maneuvers. While we swayed, the men began their singing rehearsal in another part of the hall, and detecting some superb songsters I craned my neck to pinpoint the talent. I later met Justin Gavel and Russell Storer, who play the romantic leads of Marco and Guiseppe to their female counterparts Gianetta and Tessa, played by Caroline Whalen and Jen Mealiea. I stepped aside while the men joined the women for more choreography and hid behind my camera lens. Finally, men and women brought their voices together and I truly felt the operetta come alive. I didn’t want the evening to end. The N.S. Society, which has enjoyed a 35-year history, celebrated recently with an evening of song, trivia games, and delightful reminiscing. As founding member Susan Woodbury noted, “We have created a tremendous group of lifelong friends.” She added, by way of honouring friends lost, “We cherish their memories and contributions to the society.” Susan joined three other honorary life members: Shirley Beckman, Ray Grant, and Mike Hodgson to cut the anniversary cake. Brian King, longtime participant and MC of the gala event, said that David Packer has “in the short term made a big impact,” adding that this will be the second show he has directed here. David is a relative newcomer to the local Society scene but brings enthusiasm, imagination, and years of Gilbert and Sullivan experience. David’s father played Yum-Yum (the female lead role!) in The Mikado at the age of ten, so the music of Gilbert and Sullivan is truly in his blood. He also tells me he “met and fell in love with a little fairy on stage left,” his wife Tanya. Apparently, it is not unusual for romances to blossom amongst Society members. The Gondoliers will be performed in Halifax and around the province this spring. Visit www.gandsnovascotia.ca/ tickets/ for more details. Check out a performance – you never know, you may even be inspired to audition next year! Stage Director David Parker. Photo: Jan Napier. Cast members (L-R) Caroline Whalen, Justin Gavel, Russell Storer, and Jen Mealiea. Photo: Jan Napier. How to be a Gondolier, Tra la An evening with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society By Jan Napier D avid Packer, stage director for the upcoming production of the Nova Scotia Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s The Gondoliers, is a man who thinks outside the box. When he invited me (with reporter’s hat donned) to take part in a cast rehearsal, to sing and dance and experience the fun from the inside out, I didn’t hesitate. I was not unfamiliar with their lavish productions and this was an opportunity that could not be missed. It would appear that inclusivity is a Society philosophy. Although auditions are required, they are somewhat of a formality. As long as you can sing, and ide | Southender Magazine | March 2012 ally read music, you are likely to be welcomed to join in on the excitement with this amateur theatre group. In the tradition of enthusiasts around the world, the comic operettas of Victorian duo William S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan live on in Nova Scotia. Not that I wasn’t intimidated; I knew that the talent would be outstanding. But like many of us who grew up with the great Halifax City Music Schools Program, I wasn’t shy of a musical background. Any fears were quickly allayed when I was warmly welcomed, handed my book for the night, and directed to the alto section amongst the female cast. The men had yet to arrive. The joy was almost palpable, with cast members paying close attention to the adept musical direction provided by Jenny Trites, who amazed me with her young confidence, born out of choral direction abilities. Yoko Nishiguchi provided piano accompaniment. We broke away to test a few dance moves under the guidance of show choreographer, Jolene Pattison, with a pep talk on exaggerating movements so that all audience members would catch the nuances of the story. David and Jolene demonstrated the playful use of red, white, Southender Magazine | March 2012 |