I cant think of anything more enjoyable than that particular moment when the house lights go down, the

glow comes on the curtain, and you know in a second or two the show will begin. That, to me is still magic

In the Beginning
Before one can start a story like this, it has to be acknowledged that there were other amateur performers in Cowra before the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society. Earlier entertainers go back as far as 1878 when the Cowra Dramatic Society was formed, which performed at Murrays Emporium at the Royal Hotel Assembly room. In April 1920 this group became the first Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society, although it is unknown how long they lasted under this name. Of course there were also the Cowra and District Choral Societies, the Musical Society and other unnamed groups who performed within the district. At a meeting in late November, 1962, it was decided that a full length musical would be produced in the near future. At that time members practised in the Wesley Centre and functioned under the name of the Cowra Choral Society as a choir, with David Lewis as conductor. It transpired that this group would become the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society, still retaining the choir, but branching out into the area of musical comedy with the first production being Jerome Kerns Sally .

Noel Coward
The Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society, re-organised in the early 1960s has provided the district with on-going musical and dramatic entertainment ever since. With its members and performers coming from all walks of life and all ages. In 1993, senior members of the M&D put together a Vocal Ensemble which is now in great demand by many local organisations, and is used for their special functions.

Cyril Treasure
Cowra Civic Centre - home to many M&D performances

Robyn Ryan

LUNCHTIME THEATRE
Kerrie Bailey and Jenny Friend, lunchtime theatre stalwarts

Canberra Area Theatre Awards

The CAT Awards

Lunchtime theatre has proven to be a popular event in the cultural calendar. The one act plays provide many opportunities for aspiring directors, costume and stage designers.

Amateur theatres night of nights at the CAT Awards. Theatre groups far and wide are represented in all the categories.
Richard Neate in Love Letters A lunchtime theatre production.

Were not in Kansas now!

An enormous cast both on and off stage came together to produce an outstanding production which resulted in a Best Costume Designer CAT Award for Coty Farquhar. Coty designed the costumes which were made by a willing and hard-working team. The following photographs are with thanks to Coty.

The Wizard of Oz

Glinda the Good Witch, The Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow and Tin Man, Dorothy and Toto, CAT Awards Logo

Clockwise:

The Wizard of Oz
The journey toward staging a successful production is like Dorothys journey to find the Wizard of Oz. These photos document some of Coty Farquhars costume design and development to the end result on stage. Despite a fairly small costume budget, Coty sourced materials through creative scrounging, recycling the most unexpected items and innovative use of plastic garbage bags! Since the performances, and her subsequent award for Best Costume Design in hte CAT Awards, many people and costume designers have sought her secret of success! Cotys involvement is indicative of the parental participation when a child is involved in performing.

Snow White, pirates and the Hairy Fairy

EVER wondered what happens when Snow White comes across a bunch of pirates? YAMA - theatre for young people and an important part of the M&D, staged another successful performance earlier this year. The story takes place in the forest of the Funky Fairies, where Snow White (played by Bonnie Keys) and her mother (Steffanni Gardener) are looking at putting on their own play for everyone to see. However, Bad Beard the Pirate (Kieran Murray) has other plans and wants to become a famous buccaneer by taking over the lead role in the pantomime. In order to make this happen he captures both Snow White and the Fairy Queen (Lily Wright).

Snow Whites mother (Steffanie Gardener and Bad Beard (Kieran Murray)

CA TA No war min d ee

10

11

The Importance of Being Ernest

Lady Bracknell: To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose both looks like carelessness.

12

13