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FROM THE PRESIDENT ~ JO BUCKINGHAM Welcome to Clue: The Musical! MDMS have taken a different approach in our show choice and style for this second half production. In previous years we have performed variety shows; we thought it was time for a change. I saw a performance of Clue a few years ago and laughed the entire way through it. The characters are larger than life, totally over the top and hilarious!! The other aspect of the show I really enjoyed was the fact that the audience get to play along. Growing up, I loved the Cluedo board game, so having a chance to play the game with real life characters...well, who could resist! We would like to welcome Michael Butler as Director and Amy Cumming as Musical Director. It’s the first time for both of them on an MDMS production team although both have performed with MDMS on stage. This is also Amy’s début into Musical Directing! Thank you both for your hard work and dedication, you have both done an amazing job. Once again, MDMS Committee members have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, I would like to thank them for their hard work and support. We hope you enjoy this production and good luck picking the murderer, the weapon and the room...
MDMS COMMITTE
President ~ Jo Buckingham Vice-President ~ Kelly Sherman Secretary ~ Trish Guthrie-Jones Treasurer - Don Ellis General Committee ~ Laura Morley, Amy Cumming, Kathryn White, Fiona Palmer & Adrian Carr
LIFE MEMBERS Heather Dunne Val Kewish (dec) John Collins May Cook Tony Worley (dec) Olive Connell Trish Guthrie-Jones Robyn Westwood
MDMS would like to thank...
Maroondah Secondary College Steve Cavell Chris & Rob Bennett David Sly Phillip Van Nes Matt White & Tanya Gordon Becky Alexander Konika Minolta Fab Nobs Theatre Company Nova Theatre Company Babirra Music Theatre Williamstown Musical Theatre Company Theatre People Brian Amos (Eastern FM 98.1) Kevin Yates & Marie Ryan (3INR Radio) Cheryl Threadgold (Melbourne Observer, 3AW) Kim Annette School of Dance
DIRECTOR ~ MICHAEL BUTLER Michael is thrilled to be back working with MDMS after playing Jesus in their 2010 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and as the Mikado is 2007’s The Hot Mikado. With some thirty or so productions as an actor now under his belt he makes his directorial debut with Clue: The Musical, after also having served as Assistant Director for The Witches of Eastwick (ARC) and as director on various concerts and pantomimes with Whitehorse Musical Theatre and FabNobs Theatre. On stage credits include The Baker (Into The Woods), Michael (Tick, Tick, Boom!), Sammy (The Wedding Singer), and Drake (Honk) to name a few. In 2007 he understudied the role of Billy Bigelow for industry veteran Scott Irwin in the professional season of Carousel.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR ~ AMY CUMMING Amy has performed in orchestras and onstage in many amateur musical productions over the past four years. Amy has performed on drum kit for Booroondara Youth Theatre and Camberwell Theatre Company’s RENT (2008), SLAMs Skirts (2010), and JustUs’ Tomorrow Morning (2010 and 2011). Amy has also played Bass Guitar and Drum Kit in variety shows, including performing alongside talents such as Paul Gelsumini (one of the The Ten Tenors) and vocal group Suade. Recently, Amy performed in ACDC lane and at Spencer’s live with the punk rock band The Shade Collective (2010-2011). Amy’s on-stage credits include: Kelsi in Whitehorse’s production of Disney’s High School Musical (2009) and Rizzo in Fabnobs’ Grease (2010). Amy also appeared in the ensemble as part of MDMS’ Jesus Christ Superstar (2010). Amy has worked on many solo, duo and sessional music projects over the years including her own composition and recording projects. This is Amy’s first musical direction gig and she hopes you enjoy the amazing vocal tones of the cast, and the bands appreciation of the musical score.
PRODUCTION TEAM
BAND
Keys........................................... Martine Wengrow Production Manager...................Jo Buckingham Bass Guitar.............................. Alex Welch Director............................................Michael Butler Drumkit.................................... Amy Cumming Musical Director............................Amy Cumming Costume Design...........................Kathryn White Repetiteur.......................................Martine Wengrow Stage Manager..............................Julia Duke Lighting Design.............................James Ness Sound Design................................Phillip Van Nes Floor Manager...............................Fiona Palmer Set Design.......................................Michael Butler & Chris Bennett Set Construction...........................Chris Bennett, Rob Bennett, Jo Buckingham, Kelly Sherman & Kathryn White Graphic Art......................................Kathryn White Scenic Art........................................Leigh Sherman & Kelly Sherman Props.................................................Jo Buckingham & Kelly Sherman Ticket Secretary.............................Laura Morley Program Design............................Kathryn White Front of House...............................MDMS Committee Kiosk Coordination......................Trish Guthrie-Jones
FROM THE DIRECTOR...
Welcome to what is sure to a night of big characters, big fun and big laughs. After running Off Broadway in 1997 the show has gone on to be a favourite amongst school and community theatre groups in the United States. With its identifiably oddball characters, its interactive game play style and its interchangeable script, the show provides for a very unique theatre experience. Oddly the show is rarely performed in this country which has made the challenge of developing this production even more enjoyable. The emphasis tonight is on fun. The cast are crazy, the show is a laugh a minute and it is up to you the audience to make it whatever you choose. You are all invited to play along to help us solve the crime as we work our way towards one of 216 different endings that this show has scripted. My thanks go out to the show’s wonderful cast who have not had an easy task of putting this very complex show together in just over 6 weeks. Each one of them brings something very special to this show so I hope that you will enjoy their fabulous work. Thanks also to our first time Musical Director Amy Cumming, who has worked so hard and done a fantastic job, and to Martine for her endless hours at the keyboard. Behind the scenes, a big thank you goes to all members of the committee and production team who have worked tirelessly to assist with the show. In particular, to Jo Buckingham for her endless efforts as both production manager, props manager and Company President and to Kathryn White for working her butt off on almost all of the design elements of this show. Enjoy the laughter, enjoy the game and here’s hoping you are our lucky winner.
el
Micha
FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR...
When I moved out earlier this year, the one board game that I had to sneak out of my parent’s possession was Cluedo. This Parker Brothers board game was always a hit on rainy days in winter. When Michael approached MDMS earlier this year with the show Clue: The Musical, I knew I had to be a part of this creative endeavour. Being my first show in the role of Musical Director, I have gained an excellent insight into a part of musical theatre that I have admired for many years. Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Michael on his excellent vision and thank him for allowing me to creatively achieve what I wanted with the score. Big snaps to the cast who have done a phenomenal job not just learning lyrics and harmonies, but producing surreal sounds together. Thank you cast for your patience, energy and sublime vocal abilities. Many thanks to the wonderful piano playing Martine Wengrow for being our repetiteur and a mentor during this process. Big thanks to Jo Buckingham and Kathryn White for their copious amounts of hugs and support. Thanks to Kelly Sherman, Julia Duke, Laura Morley and the committee and of MDMS for the confidence boosts. Thanks to Alex Welch for his awesome bass guitar skills and Glen Barnett for his musical insights. And of course thank you audience for supporting this wonderful show. Now go find out whodunit!
Amy
THE SONGS
The time is now. The place is Boddy Manor. ACT TWO
ACT ONE The Game
The Game - Reprise
Life Is A Bowl Of Pits
She Hasn’t Got A Clue
The Storming Of Normandy
Everyday Devices - Reprise
Everyday Devices
Seduction Deduction
with
Once A Widow
Foul Weather Friend
Corridors & Halls
Don’t Blame Me
The Murder
The Game - Reprise
SEAN POCOCK as MR BODDY Sean has been lucky enough to have performed in many shows with MDMS over the years, most recently as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar. After a break from the world of musical theatre he was most recently a proud member of Octave Theatre‘s Floyd Collins. Sean has studied at the National Theatre Drama School, and can be seen in many short films thanks to the creative aspirations of his friends.
STUART DODGE as MRS WHITE Stu has been seen with many theatre companies across Melbourne: with Babirra as Sir Sagramore in Camelot and Paul in Kiss Me Kate, Whitehorse’s Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle) and RENT (featured dancer), with Catchment Players in their productions of Oklahoma!, Joseph, Guys and Dolls, Song and Dance, Fame, Annie, Grease (Roger), My Fair Lady, Witches of Eastwick, Godspell and many concerts. For Catchment, Stu has also directed, choreographed and designed Seussical Jr., Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr., and the Victorian amateur premiere of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Stu has appeared in WMTC’s production of The Wedding Singer (Glen Guglia), with ACT in Chess, Hair, RENT (Benny), Grease (Teen Angel), Cats (Old Deuteronomy), and Blood Brothers (Mickey – MTGV nomination: best lead male). In 2010 Stu finally got to play his dream role of Judas in MDMS’ production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
GORDON LYON as PROFESSOR PLUM Gordon has performed in a wide variety of amateur theatre productions, from Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady to Haj the Beggar in Kismet. Gordon has also played a number of less musical roles; as Hortensio in Taming of the Shrew, Jack Favell in Rebecca, Gosforth in Gosforth’s Fete and many others too numerous to mention or sadly even remember. However, most of that was a quite long time ago. After a twenty year hiatus, he resumed performing in Encore Theatre’s 2009 production of Wit, and recently performed in MDMS’ 2010 production of Jesus Christ Superstar as the apostle Matthew as well as playing the Wizard in Park Players 2010 production of The Wizard of Oz. Gordon has enjoyed working with MDMS again in Clue. He hopes it’s mutual.
KATE BURNS as MISS SCARLET Having sworn she was going to take a break from theatre in 2011, Clue: The Musical marks Kate’s second show for the year having also appeared in Cabaret with Catchment Players. Some of Kate’s previous stage credits include Rent (Whitehorse Musical Theatre), Dusty: The Original Pop Diva (CLOC), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Catchment Players), Songs for New World (PEP Productions), Seussical the Musical (Whitehorse Musical Theatre) and The Wizard of Oz (Catchment Players). In 2008 she musically directed and co-directed Warrandyte High School’s production of Highlights, and in 2009 she returned to musically direct their production of Honk. Having grown up playing Cluedo (and all the while secretly idolising Miss Scarlett), Kate is thrilled to be bringing such an iconic character and game to life. She wishes you all the best in solving tonight’s murder!!
ANG CUY as MRS PEACOCK Ang comes to MDMS with many years of theatre experience, both on and off stage. Ang’s performance highlights include: Mrs Meers (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Catchment Players), Smitty (How to Succeed...,Babirra), Little Becky Two-Shoes (Urinetown, WTC), The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland, ACT), Lady Bracknell (The Importance of Being Earnest, BCT) the Police Sergeant in Altona’s now notorious production of Pirates of Penzance, Sonia (Godspell, Catchment Players) and most recently, Mae Coleman (Reefer Madness, Fab Nobs). Ang also recently just performed in her eleventh pantomime with ACT (Old Father Time) which may go some way towards explaining her comfort level with the style of acting required for Clue. Ang is also proud to be part of the team responsible for developing the Catchment Kids’ productions over the last few years; as the musical director & co-director for their productions of Seussical Jr, Aladdin Jr and Alice in Wonderland Jr (MTGV Judges Award, commendation for direction and design). This year, she has taken on a role as Artistic Director for the new junior program at Williamstown Musical Theatre Company, which launched with a sell-out season of Beauty & the Beast Jr.
JUSTIN CLEAVER as COLONEL MUSTARD Justin has only just returned to the stage this year, performing in his first show in six years, playing the role of Life in PEP Productions’ The Game. He quickly followed that up playing Panch in Fab Nobs’ Spelling Bee and is very excited to be taking on the iconic role of Colonel Mustard. Whilst on his performing hiatus, he directed three shows for PEP Productions; Cosi, Zom Com and I Hope I Get It (Lyrebird Award for Best Director, Guild Commendation in design for the concept of the show). Justin has also directed Sweet Charity, and Cosi for BuSTCo and has performed in numerous shows over the years including: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (twice), Fame, The Importance of being Earnest, Cosi, A Chorus Line and Waltzing Matilda.
DALE HALL as MR GREEN Humble media student by day, Dale has graced the stage as Danny in Grease and The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Heathmont College) and made his amateur theatre debut in SLAMS Avenue Q, playing Mrs Thistletwat and the ‘other’ hand. From there, Dale has climbed the pecking order to secure coveted role of Mr Green in Clue: The Musical. Using the principles of method acting, Dale has himself become the sexy man-hunk that is Mr Green and hopes his portrayal lights up your day. Happy hunting!
JOSIE WHITE as THE DETECTIVE Josie trained in various dance styles, including Classical, Contemporary, Russian and Irish, for eight years at the Utassy School of Dance. She has been involved in several MDMS productions; including One for the Girls, Intros and Exits and was a featured dancer in both Oklahoma! and Jesus Christ Superstar. Earlier this year, she played the role of Ruth in MDMS’ production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Last year, Josie also rocked a jauntily angled hat in Players’ production of The Hot Mikado. By day, Josie teaches preppies at Christ Our Holy Redeemer.