Ron Drew's Music Page - Activities
Singing - South Shields Amateur Operatic Society
Chapter 5.8 - Snippets of Chorus Lines
From Issue No. 8 - (March 1998)
To celebrate her election to life-membership of SSAOS, after 50 years of association, and dedicated to the SOCIETY, we are very pleased to present the following contribution from Ina Dance. (Sadly Ina died in 1999)
It seems to me incredible that fifty years have passed
Since first I joined the AMATEURS - these years have gone so fast.
But the've provided memories that I'll forever treasure,
As merely being in the AMATEURS has given me such pleasure.
#
The first show I appeared in -"MERRY ENGLAND" I recall,
Twas just a concert version held in St. Aidan's Hall.
But then the show the next year - to our joy was "ROSE MARIE",
And in the Regent Cinema a real delight to see.#
Names flash past - Ernie Hedley, Alec Forrester, Ted and Stew,
Rosamund, Fred and Dulcie to name but just a few.
"BLESS THE BRIDE" and SHOWBOAT" "CAROUSEL" and "DESERT SONG",
"WHITE HORSE INN" and many more - the list becomes too long.#
Rehersals were enjoyable in Mortimer's old school hall,
Working with producers - learning words and all.
Then came the day when all must go - costumes to collect
With bits to alter - and get everything correct.#
Then, introduced to dressing rooms and that caused many shocks,
Cockroaches to cope with - cries "keep them off the frocks."
And then the show itself began - packed houses and applause
And at the end so much loud praise as they exit through the doors.#
And I think our SOCIETY is just the very best
With all the rising talent - much better than the rest.
So here's to SSAOS may membership still grow.
Good luck, success and plenty of fun in every future show.####
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