Coral Taylor cuts the 50th Jubilee cake.
The Woolshed Theatre was at capacity for the full programme to celebrate 50 years of the Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society (Talos) this month.
The Woolshed Warblers singing a number from Oklahoma! Photo: Emma James
Life members and past presidents were honoured guests on stage and foundation member Coral Taylor had the honour of cutting the jubilee cake.
Baritone vocalist Rex Bannister “brought the house down” with his rendition of If I Were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof – a lead role he had played twice for the society.
Other highlights included the society’s two singing groups, who chose tracks to perform from 14 Talos shows.
“It was amazing, it couldn’t have been better. We had 50 performers entertaining and we were at capacity audience wise. We had a wonderful time,” president Fiona Miller said.
“The Musical Allsorts and The Woolshed Warblers each performed from seven shows. They had half an hour, and they could do what they liked.
“Everyone loved it. We chose songs from 14 of our most iconic shows, out of 150 plus, including Fiddler on the Roof, Hans Christian Andersen, Oklahoma!, Oliver and White Horse Inn.
“We also had models come out and wear the costumes from those particular shows while we were singing songs.”
Following the groups were three special items representing other shows, including Bannister’s star performance.
“We had our pantomime Dame, singing a comedy song to represent all the pantomimes that we’ve done over the years. In full Dame dress with wig and squeaky voice,” Miller said.
The Musical Allsorts singing a song from the Hans Christian Andersen show. Photo: Emma James
“We had a duet from Sound of Music. The couple that sang in the show, Sas and Jon Hurst, came back and sang Edelweiss. It was lovely.”
Miller said she was amazed to see the continued support from Te Awamutu.
“We are a community theatre. We’re by the community for the community and if we don’t have their support, we can’t do what we do,” Miller said.
“It’s on us to keep doing things that the community want to come and watch.
“That’s been the big question for every committee over the last 50 years, to choose shows that are relevant, that fit our demographic and our stage.”
The evening concluded with speeches. One was from foundation president Warwick May.
“Warwick told us how it all started. The first show Talos did was called Box Office, someone in the community wrote it,” Miller said.
“Marilyn Waring was the MP at the time. She came to the performance and knew some of the performers. She wrote comments on the programme and Warwick has got that programme. She wrote funny things about her friends involved.
“Warwick waved it around and showed us the programme.”
Talos started in 1975 with 45 peple at the first public meeting and 20 apologies and has continued to grow. Since 1986 it has had one of the few purpose-built theatres in the area.
“We’ve had lots of changes over the years but the biggest change is the technology. As it is in the whole world,” Miller said.
“From one or two stage lights and maybe a microphone, now we’ve got LED lighting and a state-of-the-art sound desk, lighting desk and a projector for back drops instead of having to paint them.
“At the moment, we’re in really good heart. We’ve got people coming to see the shows and we’ve got people coming out of our ears wanting to be in our shows.
“Our first show next year is Mamma Mia! and we’ve got people lining up already. We’re looking forward to the next 50 years.”
Coral Taylor cuts the 50th Jubilee cake. Photo: Emma James
