Award winning CO2 (Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition) take to the Mercury stage again

from 19^th -28^th September with this iconic work, voted ‘best musical’ in The Times survey.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

In this adaptation of the romantic tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the warring families are translated to New York rival gangs, the white Jets led by Riff and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo. Sworn to enmity, neither can understand the other, so when Riff’s best friend, Tony, and Bernardo’s younger sister, Maria, meet and fall in love, tragedy is bound to strike. With breathtaking choreography and music at the same time uplifting, exciting and heart-rending, this is a show not to be missed.

SEPTEMBER 19^TH-28^TH 2013

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Prices range from £10- £19.50, with concessions available

Discounts for group bookings of 10 or more

*Opening Night Special  – all tickets £13.00

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, CONTACT US USING THE FORM BELOW OR CALL CO2 ON 07707250573

Does The Sound of Music call to you?  Colchester Operatic Society are looking for two teams of children and young people between the ages of 5 and 16 to cast as the Von Trapp family in their forthcoming production of The Sound of Music, 22 Jan-1 Feb 2014 at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester.

Pre-audition rehearsals are at Prettygate Junior School, Plume Avenue, Colchester, from 7.00-9.00 on Monday 10^th, Thursday 13^th and  Thursday 20^th June with auditions themselves taking place during the day on Sunday 23^rd June.

For further information and an application form drop us a line below, or e-mail our Membership Secretary – Colin at  co2theatre@hotmail.co.uk .

Please note that Colchester Operatic Society has a robust Child Safeguarding Policy and provides trained chaperones at rehearsal and performance venues.

Following last year’s highly successful Jubilee Concert, COS are pleased to present a charity concert for 2013….. with proceeds going this time to the local Multiple Sclerosis charity MS-UK.

Audiences: will be treated to a wide range of music from Wizard of Oz, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, Tangled, Enchanted, The Addams Family musical, Little Shop of Horrors and many more fantastical songs.

Performances:    There will be two performances at the Mercury Theatre, both on Sunday 2^nd June @ 2:30pm and 7:30pm.  Click HERE for tickets

The Charity:   MS-UK (Multiple Sclerosis UK, formally the MS Resource Centre) is a national charity dedicated to giving support and information to anyone affected by MS.  In 2012, MS-UK opened a specially designed wellness gym at Joseph’s Court, Hythe Quay, Colchester, currently benefiting over 70 local people with MS.  By a attending the COS Concert this year you will be supporting this local MS-UK facility, helping with the running of the wellness gym as well as providing specialist literature and MS advisors, counsellors and support network.  For further information and how to contact MS-UK, please visit their website www.MS-UK.org

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) Young Musician 2013

Following his success in the 2012 Rotary Music Festival, Robert Gathercole progressed through District and Regional competitions to reach the 2013 Final on Saturday 4^th May.  From an estimated 6500 young performers that started the competition Robert was awarded overall Runner-up in the Vocal section.

Robert was last seen on stage last Autumn at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre performing the role of Nathan Detroit in CO2′s award winning production of Guys and Dolls. He is currently rehearsing the role of ‘Jet’ gang member ‘Diesel’ in CO2′s next production WEST SIDE STORY, SEPTEMBER 19-28 2013 AT THE MERCURY THEATRE.

Many many congratulations to Robert from The Rotary Club of Colchester, Colchester Operatic Society and CO2.

“And the winner is… CO2″   (Twice!)

CO2 – WINS  BEST MUSICAL FOR  - OKLAHOMA! 2012

        AND

CO2 – WINS  BEST YOUTH GROUP PRODUCTION FOR - GUYS & DOLLS 2012

Two months ago we received the news that CO2 had been nominated for two awards in NODA’s Eastern Region, district 11, one for each production we staged during 2012. This was fantastic news and shows that NODA recognises the efforts that both cast, crew and production team put into each production.

The day of the awards arrived, the lights had dimmed and the suspense was growing. The nominees for Best Musical, which placed CO2′s Oklahoma! against adult societies were announced, and we were delighted when our name was called across the sound system. Shortly after, the nominees for Best Youth Production were announced and once again we heard, “And the winner is… CO2″ this time for Guys and Dolls.

A massive congratulations need to go to every person who was involved in both shows. There is no one person who stands out, CO2 is a team where everyone works hard to help put outstanding productions on the stage.

So…. don’t miss the next CO2 production from the award winning company  -  West Side Story – 19-28th September 2013 at the Mercury Theatre.

The funeral for Anne Dye was held last Thursday 4th April 2013.

Following the resent auditions, CO2 are happy to announce the following members have been cast for the production of West Side Story in September 2013.

Here is the NODA review of 2013 COS production of Sweet Charity

By Ann Platten, NODA East Regional Representative. District 11.

COLCHESTER OPERATIC SOCIETY

SWEET CHARITY

Director Caroline Fritz

Musical Director Neil Summerville

Performed at the Mercury Theatre                                        31^st January 2013

SUPERB!  A stunning first class show that just exceeded all expectations in every aspect, from singing, acting, dancing, costumes, great chorus numbers, one could go on with credits for there were so many for Colchester Operatic in this show.

Heading up the cast in a very demanding part of Charity Hope Valentine was Leanne Fincham who gave an outstanding performance in voice dance and with a great feel for the comedy in the part. Leanne’s timing was perfect. To retain this level for around ten performances was a great credit both to Leanne and all the cast who gave their all.

David Rutter as Oscar Lindquist gave an excellent character as Charity’s rather shy boy friend with such an amusing sequence with Charity in the elevator. Great timing also from David, and a total understanding of his character.

Emma Ward as Helene and Jo Daniels as Nickie worked well together and “Baby Dream Your Dreams” so well sung and first class performances throughout the show.

Olly Medlicot as Vittorio Vidal was suave and sophisticated with a very good singing voice and super stage presence.A real smoothie! Ursula his girlfriend played by Joanne Davis looked elegant and very glamorous.

Herman the Proprietor of the Fan-Dango Ballroom shone in “I Love to Cry at Weddings”.I have no idea where his voice range reached towards the end of the number but it was terrific almost past top Soprano range and constant. How Jonathon maintained that pitch is staggering.

Rhythm of Life with Daddy Brubeck played by Richard Bland and a great assortment of very colorful people was a super number and great fun.

The dancers were in top form .I loved” Rich Man’s Frug” in Bob Fosse style which was expertly choreographed.

There were many little touches here and there in the production that gave cameo roles to several of the cast, all made the most of various characters and added a great deal to the performance.

Musically Directed by Neil Summerville with a terrific sounding band driving all the musical numbers in the show with great pace and keeping all the many scene changes covered. Balance of voices and band was very good.

The stage crew had plenty to do with scene changes eight scenes in Act 1 and eleven in Act 2 and did an efficient job.

A great evening with some very exciting shows coming up from both COS and CO2 this season.

Thank you for your hospitality, and once again many Congratulations on the show.

WELL DONE CO2, a well deserved nomination for a run of outstanding performances of OKLAHOMA!.

See the nomination notification letter from NODA below.  Click on any of the words “flier” to see the detail of the leaflet.

Note.  Booking for the event on behalf of COS/CO2 will be via Liz Thorne ONLY, so advise Liz if you wish to attend the 2012 Gala Award Ceremony.

Dear Liz,              

It is with great pleasure I  inform you that Colchester Operatic Society(CO2) has been nominated as one of three nominations for the Best Musical in the Eastern Region, District 11, for the year 2012. The nomination is for “Oklahoma”.

The NODA East AGM will be held in the morning of Sunday April 7^th 2013 at Burgess Hall,One Leisure ,St Ives Cambridgeshire 10.00am

 (Reception and Coffee/Tea at 9.30am).

The reception for the Gala Awards Ceremony is from 11.00am with Coffee/Tea and an opportunity to visit the NODA Trade Stands.      

The Gala Awards Ceremony will be a luncheon (a two- course meal with coffee,) which will be £28.50 per person and will be served at 12.30 pm.

The Gala Awards Ceremony will follow the luncheon.

Please be sure to note that Awards will require attendance at the luncheon by pre paid meal ticket access only, also note there is a priority booking date for societies and individuals who are nominated,details on the flyer.

It would be good to see members/friends from the society.

I enclose a flyer for your attention setting out the day’s events. Please note the flyer is on two pages.

Please book as soon as possible.

Kind regards.

Ann Platten.

NODA East Regional Representative

District 11.