The Boorowa Musical and Dramatic Society, usually known as the ‘M&D’ faces a big year in 2018, when it will celebrate sixty years since its inception.
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Shortly after the formation of the Society, then known as the Boorowa Revue Company, on May 27, 1958, its first production, Canemumbola Capers, ‘a feast of music, melody, and mirth,’ was staged in the ‘Empire Theatre’, otherwise known as the Guild Hall.
All proceeds of the production went to the Boorowa District Hospital. The programme was produced by the late Bert Lawler, and, yes, the musical direction was in the hands of Mary Corcoran, who still presides at the piano for today’s choral performances.
Variety was the theme for the production, with an opening chorus, a selection from musical comedy; a ventriloquist (the late Rex Gorham); ‘Old Moore’s Almanac,’ a farce in one act; ‘Antonio’, an operatic tragedy spoof; ‘The Smallest Man in the World,’ (Bert and Margaret Lawler); a selection of tunes from the ‘naughty nineties’; ‘First Meeting,’ a dumb show, (Barry Rex); ‘Mr Fothergill Joins the Angels,’ another farce in one act; a ‘Domestic Melodrama;’ and finally a performance by the whole company of ‘Selections From Oklahoma.’
The evening concluded with the singing of God Save the Queen.
In the days before television and the internet, the production drew a capacity audience.
The production was the first of many more over the years, some of which were major undertakings, such as performances of The King and I, South Pacific and Oklahoma.
Today, due to the ageing of members and dwindling numbers the society is concentrating on choral activities, entertaining at local functions, the local hostel and hospital and retirement facilities at Harden and Yass.
Two members of the original 1958 cast, Mary Corcoran and Derrick Mason, are still involved.
The M&D is planning a reunion dinner for October 27, 2018, at the Boorowa Ex-Services Club.
It is hoped that many former members will be able to return for that occasion.
Anyone who can assist with contact details can email Derrick Mason derrickmason@bigpond.com or Lorna Spackman csp91675@bigpond.net.au