What's Up Next??

It's a champagne tribute to a glittering age gone by...and the man & talent that was Cole Porter.

A Mixture of biography and song/dance depicting the life of the irrepressible Cole Porter.

Arranged through Music Theatre International of New York.

Tentatively scheduled to be staged February-March 2010.

At Lakeshore Catholic High School Auditorium, 150 Janet Street, Port Colborne, Ontario

What's It All About?

“Red, Hot and Cole” celebrates with songs/dances that have become legendary international standards from such classic shows and movies as “Anything Goes”, "Kiss Me Kate", "High Society" and "Can-Can", among others. It traces Porter's life from his childhood in Indiana to the stages and penthouses of New York, London, Paris and Venice. From the Porter repertoire of music are some lesser known songs such as "Ridin' High", "War Song", "I'm Throwin' a Ball To-night" and favourites such as "I Get a Kick Out of You", "I Love Paris", "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love", "Let's Misbehave”, "In the Still of the Night", "Don't Fence Me In" and "You're the Top".

Born into wealth, Porter travelled the world without a care. It is his lifestyle we experience through this production from his lack of confidence, to his success through the encouragement of close friends such as Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin. His tragedy of having his legs crushed falling from his horse, to his dependence on others through years of agonizing pain.

Casting

Registration for the auditions will take place on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., Lakeshore Catholic High School Auditorium, 150 Janet St., Port Colborne. It will be the Port Colborne Operatic Society's 65th Annual Broadway Musical. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings.

The score for "Red, Hot and Cole" is to be shared by many vocalists and dancers, male and female. The door is open-everyone gets to enjoy "this party". There are obviously main roles such as Cole Porter and his wife Linda, his manservant and confidante; characters such as Monty Wooly, Carrot Top and Elsa Maxwell, plus many more...another staging challenge.

The proverbial "Red Carpet" is out to all local singers and dancers, 18 years and older to become a member of this huge cast...and celebration.

Requirements: A good singing voice; experienced dancers and above all, MEN are needed. Membership fee, including insurance for a Society member is $20.00 on stage and $10.00 backstage.

Behind The Scenes

It takes a large corps of volunteers to bring any Broadway show to life. The Society NEEDS willing hands looking for a hobby for the winter months. A hobby that gets you involved with the "birth" of a Broadway show without ever having to step in the spotlight. There is a dire need for more help backstage.

What is involved - building sets, stage properties, planning costumes, painting, during the show moving things on and off the stage...putting on make-up, helping actors with quick costume changes, and many more.

In the technical field, come and learn about special stage effects, theatrical lighting, and effective sound. You don't have to be stage-struck to become involved with theatre. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Society has one of the top rated sound systems available today. It's fascinating volunteer work while you are learning a craft.

If interested, come out to Lakeshore Catholic High School on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m., call 905-834-9318 or e-mail jd.ruiter@cogeco.ca for more information.

It's Over

Our latest production, "THE WIZARD OF OZ" is a wrap .... and what a production that was. A technical challenge that was met by our "guys"...great work fellas. The show was a huge success - patrons flocked to our doors for more than one performance. Our final weekend was entirely "SOLD OUT!"

Attendance to the "Wizard" easily topped the 5,000 mark. This show managed to spin "magic" through an audience. The is no greater tribute to the long hours of rehearsal than to see a packed house with "Standing Room Only" posted. We were extremely fortunate to have a strong major cast with 17 year old Vanessa Vella leading the way as Dorothy Gale, accompanied by three talented guys - Jamie Mowat as Scarecrow; Tim Barnai as Tin Man and Wayne Smalldon as Cowardly Lion. A big bouquet of "thanks" goes out to all our Tech crews and our cast, and especially to our supporters through the Community Partners Programme and advertisers in our program, and above all to our patrons who showed their appreciation after each performance and spread the word around..."got go see it".

Community Partners

The Society has been offering an opportunity for local business and individuals to support the annual musical by supporting a performance. If you would like to get on the Society's support wagon by becoming a COMMUNITY PARTNER, JUST GET IN TOUCH! The Society is a registered charity 832443675R0001. You will receive a charitable receipt for tax purposes; two tickets to "your" night; a public acknowledgement in our programme and in our Lobby Showcase, and an audio announcement before opening curtain. If you are interested please contact the society at 905-834-9318 or e-mail jd.ruiter@cogeco.ca or by fax 905-834-8955 or mail to Box 383, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 1B7

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, has provided a grant to the Society permitting us to make washroom renovations and provide a new roof on our facility at Bethel Harmony Hall, making the building a healthier, stable structure within our community. The Society is extremely grateful to the Foundation for their support.