HAODS - For the best entertainment in live theatre, together with top quality drama - amdram at its best, Henley Operatic & Dramatic Society has it all. Performing at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, NODA award winning HAODS musicals and plays are renowned for excellence.

Follies

  8th 9th 10th+
14th, 15th, 16th April 2011
Evening Performance 7.45pm

Sunday 10th Matinee performance only, 4.00pm

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Stephen Sondheims Follies

Directed by Judy Yeates

In the summer of 1970 Dimitri Weissman, the impresario who between the two world wars created and ran the " Broadway Follies", has invited his then stars to a reunion party at the old theatre which is due to be demolished to make way for a carpark.

The "Beautiful Girls" with their partners, now 30 years older, arrive at the party where the old theatre conjures up memories and ghosts of their past. These have a profound effect, particularly on the four main characters in the story. The glamorous, wealthy Ben and Phyllis and the unsophisticated Buddy and Sally. Arriving at the reunion, these two former stage door Johnnies and the chorus girls they married use the occasion to contemplate what has happened to their lives over the last 30 years. They are unhappy-Ben and Phyllis are at each others throats, while Buddy cheats on Sally because she doesnt return his love. Sally has been in love with Ben ever since a secret dalliance in the old days and has come to the reunion hoping to revive this lost romance.

Trying to recapture the happiness of their youth and comparing it with their present unhappiness their heightened emotions magically transform the old theatre and they are all swept into a cathartic, chaotic sequence called " Loveland" which brings them to their senses and makes them realise they have to create happiness with what they have. The story is told through the wonderful lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim.

See images from the show in the gallery here:
http://www.henleyoperatic.co.uk/gallery/35.html

Follies Cast Summary

Sally Durant Plummer - Julie Colson
Young Sally - Jennamarie Smith
Buddy Plummer - Ian Head
Young Buddy - Ben Head
Phyllis Rogers Stone - Marjie Seed
Young Phyllis - Samantha Fields
Ben Stone - Kevin Goodfellow
Young Ben - Jonathan Heard
Stella Deems - Sue Brown
Max Deems - Joe Seed
Emily Whitman - Hazel West Manning
Theodore Whitman - Andy James
Hattie Walker - Julie Huntington
Solange La Fitte - Judy Vaughan
Carlotta Campion - Heather Simpkin
Heidi Schiller - Barbara Head
Young Heidi - Jennamarie Smith
Christine Donovan - Wendy Huntley
Dee Dee West - Mary Dickinson
Meredith Lane - Shandra Foster
Vincent - David Parsonson
Vanessa - Ann Burley
Rosco - Ian Beyts
Kevin - Carlos Miguens
Major Domo and Loveland Cavalier - Martin Jarvis
Dimitri Weisman - Roger Redfern
Francesca - Kate Dew
Chaffeur - Peter Dayton

Waitresses and Dancers - Karen du Plessis, Kate Dew, Lin Cole, Julie Green, Sam Riley

Party Guests - Annette Bowden, Leah Corbett, Nansi Diamond, Jenny Haywood, Steve Ludlow, Alan Phillips, Peggie Wilcox

Production Team

Director - Judy Yeates
Musical Director - Amy Bingham
Choreographer - Jennifer Scott
Stage Manager - Jerry Anderson
Props - Ann Dayton
PA to Director - Ann Jenkin

A Party on the Stage Of The Old Weisman Theatre – Early 1970’s

Beautiful Girls  - Roscoe and Ensemble
Don’t Look at Me -  Sally and Ben
Waiting For The Girls Upstairs Buddy, Ben, Phyllis, Sally
Young Buddy & Ben
Young Phyllis & Sally
Listen To The Rain on the Roof Emily & Theodore Whitman
Ah! Paris! Salonge La Fitte
Broadway Baby Hattie Walker
The Road You Didn’t Take Ben
Bolero D’Amour Danced by Vincent, Vanessa,
Young Vincent & Vanessa And Dance Ensemble
In Buddy’s Eyes Sally
Who’s That Woman? Stella Deems and Dance Ensemble
I’m Still Here Carlotta Campion
Too Many Mornings Ben & Sally 

The interval

The Right Girl Buddy
One More Kiss Heidi Schiller and Young Heidi
Could I leave You? Phyllis 

 Loveland – Late 1930s
The Folly of Love – Loveland
The Ensemble

The Folly of Youth - A Bower in Loveland
Youre Gonna Love Tomorrow
Mr Ben Stone & Miss Phyllis Rogers (Young Ben & Phyllis)

Love Will See Us Through
Mr Buddy Plummer & Miss Sally Durant (Young Buddy & Sally)
Buddys Folly – A Thoroughfare in Loveland

The God-Why-Dont-You-Love-Me-Blues Danced by Mr Buddy Plummer, Sallys Folly – A Boudoir in Loveland

Losing My Mind Sally Durant Plummer

Phylliss Folly – A Honky Tonk in Loveland

The Story of Lucy & Jessie
Mrs Phyllis Rogers Stone & Dancing Ensemble

Bens Folly – A Supper Club in Loveland

Live, Laugh, Love
Mr Ben Stone & Dancing Ensemble

Follies Cast List in Full

Amy Wanlass – Musical Director

Amy studied music at Royal Holloway, University on London graduating with a Masters Degree in Historical Musicology and Performance Studies. She now works as a Music Teacher at Shiplake College. Amy has extensive experience as a rehearsal accompanist and Musical Director, most recently as MD for the Woodley Light Operatic Societys production of Guys and Dolls in the Kenton Theatre in 2010. This is Amys first show with HAODs and shes really enjoyed it!

Jennifer Scott - Choreographer

Sally Durant Plummer---Julie Colson
This is Julies first appearance for HAODS, having previously played in the Manchester area. Shes a big Sondheim fan and is really looking forward to playing Sally again. Julie has appeared in over 30 shows during an amateur career that has spanned more than 35 years. She has twice been nominated for Ashton Reporter awards for her roles in Carousel and Applause; in 2000 she was awarded the Greater Manchester Drama Federation Best Female Performance for Reno in Anything Goes.

Young Sally/Young Heidi Jennamarie Smith
Follies is Jennamaries second Production with HAODS, having appeared in Raffles of Singapore last November playing the part of Agnes, one of Raffles sisters. Before university she was involved with Reading Operatic Society where she took part in numerous Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas and Rodger and Hammerstein musicals. Since then she has been involved in Peter Pan, Jekyll and Hyde and Aladdin for Performing Arts, Winchester and Jesus Christ Superstar for Oxford Operatic Society. She has had a wonderful time being in this show, and hopes that you all enjoy it.

Buddy Plummer Ian Head
This is Ians fourth lead role for HAODS, his first role being the pompous sergeant in Pirates of Penzance. We then saw him as the womanising Alfred Jingle in Pickwick, then the pompous, boozy AND womanising Colonel Gillespie in Raffles. In Follies we see him once again playing to his strengths! Ian has played many other leading roles with other societies including Zangler in Crazy for You, Moonface in Anything Goes and Sammy in Radio Times.

Young Buddy Ben Head

This is Bens first stage role since playing the young prince in The King & I, but that was 14 years ago! Since then he has been concentrating on his music, performing in local rock bands before studying Guitar at the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2005. He is the ideal “young Buddy” because - in case you had not guessed - Ian is his dad!

 
Phyllis Rogers Stone - Marjie Seed
Marjie began her professional acting career at the Library Theatre in Manchester. At the Kenton Theatre she has played Marie Louise in The Constant Wife, Adrians Mother in The diary of Adrian Mole, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Nancy in Oliver!, Rosemary in How to succeed in Business, Hecuba in Trojan Women, Millie Crocker-Harris in The Browning Version and The Doll in Cup Final for which she won The Best Actress award at the Henley Festival. She is delighted to be back on the Kenton stage playing super-bitch Phyllis.





Young Phyllis Samantha Fields
Samantha has been performing for twenty years – from her debut as Sneezy in Snow White when she was seven, to the principle boy in Cavershams Park Hickory Dickory Dock last Christmas. She enjoys taking part in plays, musicals, operettas, pantos and farces and is currently involved with several local societies and performing in between 4-6 shows a year. Young Phyllis is her third role with HAODS following Maisie in The Boyfriend and Agatha Raffles in Raffles of Singapore. She is very excited to be a Follies girl, and is looking forward to all the challenges – from Sondheims music to the never-before-tried tap dancing!

Ben Stone Kevin Goodfellow
Kevin only became addicted to the stage about eight years ago but has filled this time with many performances. From pantomime to musicals he has enjoyed every minute but this is by far the most challenging part yet, learning a lot along the way, including improving his huge lack of ability with accents. Still he is confident that by show-time everyone will believe him to be American . . . unless theyve read this . . . oops!

Young Ben Jonathan Heard
Follies is Jonathans first appearance on stage since returning to the Bucks/Berks area last year. Before moving away in 2004, he had appeared as Strefon in Iolanthe, Walter Wilkins in Merrie England and El Dancairo in Carmen with Bourne End Operatic Society; He will soon be making a public debut as a pianist accompanying his fiancées school choir for the musical Yanomamo! In his spare time he is currently teaching himself jazz piano. He last appeared for HAODS as Frederick in their 2003 production of Pirates of Penzance and we are delighted to welcome him back!

Stella Deems Sue Brown

Following appearances in the chorus of Fiddler on the Roof and Raffles of Singapore, this is Sues third show with HAODS. Over the years she has worked as a dancer in theatres and cabaret in England and around the world, and more recently with the Sinoden Players in Wallingford, but the part of Stella is a great challenge and Sue is delighted to be part of Follies.

Max Deems Tim Green
Tims dramatic appearances in Henley include Baptista Minola, “a wealthy citizen of Padua” in the Taming of the Shrew, Col. John Jacob Astor, one of the richest passengers on the ship in Titanic - the Musical, followed by Pauncefort Quentin “a maiden uncle” in the Vortex. After playing Sir Jasper Fidget in The Country Wife – which was somewhat of a bawdy romp, he regained a little respectability as a banjo playing prep school master, a judge and a doctor in A Voyage Round my Father.  

Emily Whitman Hazel West Manning
Hazel joined the Society in 1985 and especially enjoyed performing in Carousel,Camelot, Mame, My Fair Lady, The Mikado and Stepping Out. In recent years she has mainly devoted her time to coiffuring the cast of many productions, but rather relished the idea of singing again and joining her friends old and new on stage for Follies. It truly is like a reunion party!

Theodore Whitman Andy James
Teddy and Emmy were an act in the Weissman Follies and here they reprise one of their Vaudeville numbers, joining in a Montage with Hattie and Solange:  Pitter-pat, plink-a-plunk, kiss kiss! Andy thinks that this explanation may help the audience! A seasoned showman, Andy plays the character of one half of the dippy duo with panache!

Hattie Walker Julie Huntington
Julie has a busy time of it being the Chair of the Society – so yes, all this is her fault! Hailing from Wales, she has been singing since she was in infants school! She has acted and directed for HAODS including the award winning Amadeus, which was part of the Kenton bi-centenary celebrations. She has most recently been seen as the busy-body, wannabe social climber Alice Bean in Titanic-The Musical and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, but one of her favourite parts was as Vera in Stepping Out – The Musical. She is delighted to playing Hattie Walker as the part is not too taxing but she gets to sing the best song in the show!

Solange La Fitte Judy Vaughan
Judy first graced the stage of the Kenton with an outstanding portrayal of Queenie in Showboat some 19 years ago! Since then she has gone on to perform in choirs, ensembles and working with jazz/blues bands as well as as a solo artist. Other roles for HAODS include June in Chicago, Pitti-Sing in Hot Mikado and Rose in Stepping Out-The Musical, which brought huge but wonderful challenges of ‘music in character. She was last seen on the Kenton Stage as Jellahay in the UK premiere of Raffles of Singapore last year. Judy wishes to extend special thanks, best wishes and continued success to all involved in this production of Follies, especially to Judy Yeates for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful show.

Carlotta Campion Heather Simpkin
Often cast as the prostitute or sometimes as a man, Heather is delighted to get to wear a frock that she could be seen out in.  Other productions at the Kenton include Stepping Out, Les Liasons Dangereuses, Anything Goes, Oh What a Lovely War! and various pantomimes.  Heather is a great fan of Judy, Jennifer and Amy - the creative team who gave her permission to speak some of the words of her song and not to dance.

Heidi Schiller Barbara Head
Barbara is a veteran of so many shows that they are too numerous to mention. Professionally trained, she has sung opera and oratorio. Her most notable performances for HAODS have been as Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Fraulin Schulz in Cabaret and as ????? in Titanic, The Musical. She always manages to sing the most beautiful songs in the show and Follies is no exception.

Christine Donovan Wendy Huntley
Wendys first show with HAODS was Stepping Out some 22 years ago. Since then she has played numerous comedy and character roles, winning awards at Drama Festivals not only for her acting but also for her direction. When not on the stage, Wendy writes and performs her own poetry and has several books of comic poems published, raising money for several charities including the Sue Ryder Home. She has entered many talent shows performing her poems and has twice reached the semi-finals at the Pier Theatre, Bournemouth. In the Oxford Poetry Slam she reached the finals but was just pipped at the post! I am sure there will be a comic poem about this show soon!

Dee Dee West Mary Dickinson
This is Marys 25th musical with HAODS – she just wont go away! She has hugely enjoyed working with Judy & Jennifer in the past. Her very first show was directed by Jennifer & Judy and she had a lead part. Therefore she was really keen to be in this production, especially as its a Sondheim musical.

Meredith Lane Shandra Foster
Shandra has a wealth of dancing experience, having appeared musicals too numerous to mention, but her favourite has been Stepping Out – The Musical, as it incorporated acting and dancing. More recently she has concentrated more on her acting, appearing in A Murder is Announced for the Henley Players. Professionally, Shandra has appeared in many of the “Carry On” films – including the famous scene in Carry On Camping when Barbara Windsor loses her bra! Lets hope she can keep hers on in this show!

Vincent David Parsonson
David is a one man theatre kit, as he holds a degree in Theatre Administration and Related Arts and at present Lectures in Drama Dance and Musical Theatre at Reading College. Therefore, he can turn his hand to acting, directing and choreography. He has appeared in so many shows at the Kenton Theatre and all over the world that the list would go on forever. Among his numerous acting credits is as Sir Nicholas Vaux in Henry V111 For The Queens Jubilee Celebrations at Windsor Castle. Davids on screen credits include such prestigious films such as The Krays and Let Him Have It, Professionally David is currently working On Billy Elliot The Musical. We are delighted that he is showing off his dancing talents in this wonderful show.

Vanessa Ann Burley
Anns first show with Haods was Kiss me Kate in 2001. She then went on to dance in Oklahoma, Singin in the Rain, Happy as A Sandbag, Pickwick and Oliver. But her talents do not end there as she went on to do the costumes for HAODS productions of The Beaux Strategem, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tom Jones and Calamity Jane. Dial M for Murder, The Importance of Being Earnest and Much Ado about Nothing for Black Widows, Lady Windemeres Fan for Henley Players and School of Reform for the Kenton Theatre Bicentenary. Back on the boards again more recently, she has been dancing in Maidenhead in La Cage Aux Folles, Crazy For You, Singin in the Rain (again!!), Hello Dolly and Guys and Dolls. Ann is really happy to be back dancing on the Kenton Stage at last, in time for her 10 year anniversary.

Rosco Ian Beyts
Ian is a talented actor and is also a Winston Churchill lookalike, taking on many engagements throughout the country. He was last seen on stage as ??????? in Titanic – The Musical. We are delighted that he is lending his fine tenor voice to the fantastic “beautiful girls” on stage!

 Kevin Carlos Miguens
As an avid theatregoer for many years, Carlos finally finds himself moving from the comfortable seat reserved for the audience to the challenge of the boards. The whole cast have welcomed our novice with open arms and so he would like to thank them in advancefor this opportunity to experience theatre ‘hands on. Usually, Carlos would be found behind a computerscreen!








Major Domo /Loveland Cavalier Martin Jarvis
In the past 35 years Martin has been in over 40 plays and musicals produced by HAODS, in various roles - from chorus to leading man.  He has also enjoyed giving his time helping to run the Society behind the scenes - from Chairman to Stagehand.

Dimitri Weisman Roger Redfern
Roger has been treading the boards for nearly twenty years, covering a large variety of roles including Brownlow in Oliver! (twice!) The Judge in The Deep Blue Sea, the priest in Dancing at Lughnasa and many others. The part of a theatrical impresario is somewhat different, but Roger has taken the character to his heart and is thoroughly enjoying the role.

Peggie Wilcock - Party Guest
Peggie is a veteran of the Kenton Stage, playing many genre including comedy, drama, musicals and pantomimes, winning Best Actress awards many times.  She has also appeared in HAODS open air Shakespearian productions, proving that she is a truly versatile actor

Jenny Haywood - Party Guest
Jenny has appeared in a variety of shows for HAODS and for the Henley Players: on this occasion she is only here for the champagne!!

Steve Ludlow - Party Guest
Steve is no stranger to the Kenton stage, but is usually found  in the role of the compere of Junior Star for a Night for Stageworks. Follies marks a return to a more sophisticated adult environment as a chorus boy! He has only ventured on stage on two other occasions previously, one ten years ago in Cavalcade for The Henley Players and more recently in Rebecca for HAODS. Both were “bit parts” but great fun!  Steve feels that it is a privilege to be involved with Follies, especially as he gets to act with his favourite chorus girl, the lovely Nansi Diamond!

Annie             Lin Cole
Lin is returning to HAODS after a break of some six years, whilst she danced her way around the county and had six grandchildren! She joined HAODS in 1985 for Carousel and has danced in many, many more.  She is pleased to be back on the Kenton stage once more.

Katie              Julie Green
Julie is a very busy lady, as she is a teacher, Educational consultant for the UK film industry, mum of two and part time amateur dancer!  She studied ballet, tap and contemporary dance at the Woodman School of Dancing, Canterbury and then Pineapple Dance Studios, London. She now takes tap lessons at StageWorks, trying to keep up with Emma-Jane Taylor and her crew of advanced ladies!
 
Ella                Sam Riley
Samantha is a mum of one, the Advertising Manager at the Henley Standard and part time dancer. As a child she trained at Jeannine Greville and as an adult at Mo’s Dance and Drama in Reading and currently teaches at Stageworks in Henley. Samantha is also a member of the Associated Tap Dancers.

Francesca       Kate Dew
Kate learned to dance when she is even smaller than she is now at the Linda Sweetzer School of Dance in Henley.  Her first appearance for HAODS was in Oaklahoma, followed by Singing in the Rain.  She has had a few years off to have her two children.  We are delighted to welcome her back for Follies.

Peter Dayton – Party Guest   
Peter has been on stage for many, many years, playing a variety of doctors, judges and all things official.  He is enjoying escorting the delightful Heidi to this on-stage party, meeting all his old friends.

Susie Karen du Plessis
Karen joined HAODS 6 years ago and has been loving being in, helping out backstage or simply watching all their shows since then... she has performed in Happy as a Sandbag, Stepping Out, Titanic, Calamity Jane and Fiddler on the Roof, to name a few. The acting bug bit hard, so she is also a member of The Henley Players with whom she played Mrs Robinson in The Graduate and Dainty Fidget in The Country Wife. Last year, along with her acting colleagues in The Ladybirds received the Charlotte Thomas Award in the Henley Drama Festival for the best all-women performance. About being in Follies she says: "Because I was cast first in Bedroom Farce and my priority was rehearsing that, (Henley Players, March 2011) I was allowed to do lots of small good bits and wear great costumes without the pressure of learning lines - lovely!"

Annette has been a member of HAODS for many years appearing in countless productions including The Pyjama Game, Guys and Dolls, Billy the Musical and The Boy Friend.  Professionally trained at The Garrick Theatre in Altrincham, Cheshire she has a wealth of talent to offer. Annette has also had stage experience in Malaysia and Singapore.  She is enjoying being in Follies, her first Sondheim musical.

Leah Corlett - Party Guest
Leah has been performing at the Kenton for more years than she cares to remember, appearing in nearly every show staged by The Henley Players and HAODS in some capacity or other. Affectionately known as “the best old bag in the business” she has won numerous awards in her time, not least as the horse in Orwells Animal Farm. We are delightedto have her immense talent gracing this production.

Nansi Diamond - Party Guest
Nansi thinks that it is lovely to be back on the Kenton stage after many years in retirement. After Judy yeates manage to winkle her off the sofa she is having a great time in this wonderful show. She is also delighted to have Jenifer Scott back as choreographer and to see so many old friends. It is one big reunion party just like Folies!









Alan Phillips - Party Guest
Alan has been wearing out the boards at The Kenton since 1978 appearing in well over 100 productions. For understandable reasons few have been musicals however, he welcomes this opportunity to watch the girls go by! (Pic in “Pictures”)

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