From 14th to 18th February 2012 Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society will present Annie at the Playhouse in Whitley Bay. From its Broadway beginnings to the classic film musical, this heart-warming rags-to-riches story of Annie’s adventures – from the run-down New York orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks – is a tale that has been told all over the world. Directors Christopher Carr and Chris Johnson, Musical Director Bob Crabtree, and Choreographer Ellie Wilson have been working extremely hard with principals, chorus and an outstanding group of talented young girls aged between 8 and 14 years. Annie has a brilliantly memorable score including It’s A Hard Knock Life, Easy Street and of course the unforgettable Tomorrow, plus a side-splittingly funny script, so it really is no surprise that Annie has become one of the best loved family musicals of all time
Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society (TAOS) is a vibrant group, consisting of enthusiastic, hard-working and talented members of varying ages. The Society aims to deliver two shows every year – both with an individual approach – and has presented a wide variety of productions as diverse as South Pacific and The Wizard of Oz; Die Fledermaus and Barnum; Beauty and the Beast and Titanic; My Fair Lady and Chess; The Sound of Music and Blitz; with Oliver, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, The Dancing Years, Kismet, The Merry Widow, Salad Days, Calamity Jane, The Student Prince, Show Boat, Carousel, Annie Get Your Gun, Finian’s Rainbow, The Desert Song, Oliver, Carousel, The Boy Friend, Kiss Me Kate, The King and I, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Song of Norway, Half a Sixpence and Gigi being just a few examples of the many shows staged since its formation in 1947.
Interspersed with various oratorios and concerts TAOS unceasingly demonstrates how versatile it is and, as well as presenting first-class entertainment for our audiences, continues to offer great opportunities to young and talented performers, some of whom have progressed to the professional stage, and we are always delighted to welcome new and enthusiastic members who can sing and act. We do, however, have several members who do not wish to perform on stage, but who can offer their ‘talents’ in other ways. Working backstage is not the most glamorous role, but it is nevertheless an essential one, and our backstage team is one of the best in the area, with their work and efforts going a long way towards our very successful productions. Similarly, the person who sits quietly in the corner with a copy of the script ready to ‘prompt’ a performer if necessary, is an extremely valuable member. Our Accompanists, Wardrobe Team, Props Manager, Booking Secretary, Front of House Manager and Programme Sellers are all part of the ‘Team’ that forms Tynemouth Amateur Operatic Society.
We work with extremely capable and highly respected Directors, Musical Directors and Choreographers and after more than sixty years TAOS is still presenting shows of a very high standard. Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m., at the Baptist Church in Howard Street, North Shields, and nearer to a show additional rehearsals can be called on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings. Anyone who would be interested in joining us should contact the Secretary, Stuart Davidson, on 0191 253 1802.