(by permission of MUSICSCOPE LTD)

Music & Lyrics by GEORGE GERSHWIN
Lyrics by IRA GERSHWIN
Book By KEN LUDWIG
Co-Conceived by KEN LUDWIG and MIKE OCKRENT
Inspired by GUY BOLTON
Material by JOHN McGOWAN

Director/Choreographer DENISE ROBINSON
Musical Director BEN KENNEDY (BMus Hons,ATCL)

LADIES CHORUS

Angie Astell, Carol Dicken, Elizabeth Dovey, Gail Hutchison, Laura Kilvert, Sheryl Lea, Rachel Mawer, Maria Rabbins, Marcelle Rollings

DANCERS

Sandra Birch, Stacey Birch, Jessica Bolus, Jo Bolton, Liz Bolton, Tasheka Brown, Rachel Grace, Jacqueline Harper, Claire Johnson, Lisa Jones, Zara Phillips, Gemma Shield, Tracey Spencer-Smith, Stacey Wall

GENTLEMENS CHORUS

James Alien, Richard Astbury, David Ball, Alan Compson, Jon Dempsey, Daffyd Gough, Karl Harris, lan Hunter, Jack Morris, Liam Price, Graham Sheldon, Dan Smith, Phil Terry

NON ACTING MEMBERS

Claire Andrews, Jackie Andrews, Veronica Bould, Lloyd Brookes, Hal Ellis, Nick France, Joan Grice, Jerry Hobbs, Stan Holmes, Clive Marklew, Tara Mackinnon, Mick Moreton, Peter Morris, Robert Picken, Andy Poulton, Tammi Poulton, Denny Robinson, Keith Rowley, Yvonne Salt, Bob Simkiss, Dave Smith, Elizabeth Tate, Graham Tarbuck, Theresa Thompson-Starkey, Jean Wadsworth, Doreen Whild, Pauline Whittaker, Jan Wolverson

LIFE MEMBERS

Kip Barratt, Jean Beard, Ron Beard, Joyce Brookes, Jenny Darlington, Chris Duff-Cole, George Ellis, Bob Frost, Chris Frost, Lyn Frost, Rosemary Moss, Anne Palmer, Wendy Peterson, Maria Robbins, Olwen Rowley, Maggie Thurgur

George and Ira Gershwin

George Gershwin - MUSIC

George Gershwin was born on September 26, 1898, and began his musical training when he was 13. At 16 he quit high school to work as a 'song plugged for a music publisher and soon he was writing songs himself. Swanee, as introduced by Al Jolson, brought George his first real fame and lead to him writing a succession of 22 musical comedies, most with lyrics by his older brother, Ira. The Gershwins' shows include Lady, Be GoodI, Oh, Kay!, Strike Up the Band, Girl Crazy and the Pulitzer prize-winning Of Thee I Sing. From his early career George had ambitions to compose serious music. These ambitions were realised in some of his masterpieces of American music, among them Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, An American in Paris and Second Rhapsody. In the late '20s, George became fascinated by the DuBose Heyward novel Porgy, recognising it as a perfect vehicle for opera using jazz and blues idioms. George's 'folk opera', Porgy and Bess, opened in Boston on September 30, 1935, and had its Broadway premiere two weeks later. In 1937, George was at the height of his career. In Hollywood, working on the score of The Goldwyn Follies, he collapsed, and on July 11, died of a brain tumour. He was not quite 39 years old.

Ira Gershwin, the first songwriter to be awarded the Pulitzer prize, was born in New York City on December 6, 1896. In 1917 The Evening Sun published his first song lyric (You May Throw all the Rice You Desire But Please Friends, Throw No Shoes). Four years later, Ira enjoyed his first major stage success, Two Little Girls in Blue, written by another Broadway newcomer, Vincent Youmans. In 1924 Ira and his brother, George, created the smash hit Lady, Be Good! and went on to continue their remarkable collaboration through a dozen major stage scores, such as Fascinating Rhythm, The Man I Love, 'S Wonderful, Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm, But Not For Me and others far too numerous to mention. During his long career, Ira also enjoyed productive collaborations with such composers as Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Kurt Weill, Bur-ton Lane and Jerome Kern, with whom he created his greatest song hit of any one year, Long Ago and Far Away Ira Gershwin died on August 17, 1983, in Beverley Hills, California.

BOBBY CHILD - Matt Elson

Matt joined the company in 2000 for MACK & MABEL. He trained at The Bettv Fox Stage School and in 2001 gained a Distinction for his BTEC NAT DIP in Performing Art's. During a company sponsored week at NODA SUMMER SCHOOL he played Baby John in WEST SIDE STORY. Principal roles with MusCom include Benny in GUYS AND DOLLS, Tony in COPACABANA, Billy in 42ND STREET and his favourite role to date Arthur Kipps in HALF A SIXPENCE. With other companies he played Mickey in BLOOD BROTHERS, Nick in FAME, Paul in CHORUS LINE, LunTha in the KING & I, Seyton in MACBETH and Cinesias in LYSISTRATA. Professional work includes GREAT EXPECTATIONS (BBC Ltd), AN INSPECTOR CALLS (National Theatre), WE'LL MEET AGAIN (Urban Voice), WULFDANCE at Millennium Dome (Zip Theatre) and STORM at the National Indoor Arena. TV saw him in DANGERFIELD (BBC), EURO 96 TITLES (Carlton), BACKUP (BBC) and HAPAG LLOYD (Sky TV/Tui Germany). Last year he performed as a Resident Production Team Vocalist & Dancer at The Atlantica Imperial on the beautiful Island of Rhodes (Openwide International) and in February performed MAGICAL MOTOWN (Shout Productions) at the Arena Theatre. Matt wishes to dedicate this performance to the memory of Sue.

POLLY BAKER - Jayne Blakemore

Jayne started dancing at the age of four at the Roma Weekes School of Dance, joined the company as a dancer in 1999 for CRAZY FOR You. Since then she has played Lottie MACK AND
MABEL, Anytime Annie 42nd STREET and Flo Bates in HALF A SIXPENCE. Principal roles with South Staffs Musical Theatre include Sally Smith ME AND MY GIRL and Poopsie THE PAJAMA GAME. Jayne is also an enthusiastic member of both societies revue groups.

BELA ZANGLER - Nicholas Sullivan

Nick joined the company last year and gave a highly acclaimed performance as Chitterlow in HALF A SIXPENCE. Has played many leading roles with the Bilston Operatic Company including Hines THE PAJAMA GAME, Drake ANNIE, Etienne CAN CAN, Oakley ANYTHING GOES, Ebenezer Scrooge SCROOGE, Pirate King THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Mr Jingle in PICKWICK.

IRENE ROTH - Holly Stringfellow

Holly joined the company in 1992 as one of the children in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, followed by another child role of Freddie in THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. Appeared as a dancer in OKLAHOMA, GUYS AND DOLLS and CORACABANA, as Lorraine Flemming in 42nd STREET and Victoria in HALF A SIXPENCE. Also gained experience with Bilston Operatic Company, in ANNIE and SCROOGE, not forgetting BUGSY MALONE and LI'L ABNER with the Funcky Chicken Workshop. Started dancing at the age of four with Marilyn Harris School of Dance and at the age of thirteen spent three years with Carol Suttie, performing in many dance shows with both schools. In January played Maid Marion in BABES IN THE WOOD for Rainbow Pantomime.

EVERETT BAKER - Kip Barratt

Kip joined the company in 1974 and has since played numerous parts including Emile de Becque SOUTH PACIFIC, Rudolph HELLO DOLLY, Carshot HALF A SIXPENCE, Mr. Fox MACK AND MABEL, Pop THE PAJAMA GAME, Elisha Whitney ANYTHING GOES, Clem Rogers THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, Capt. Bracket SOUTH PACIFIC, Henry Miller CALAMITY JANE and Mr Shalford in HALF A SIXPENCE. Other theatre work Professor Higgins MY FAIR LADY, Ali Hakim OKLAHOMA.

LANK HAWKINS - Jonathan Hallmark

Joined the company in 2002 for GUYS AND DOLLS as a dancer, having gained experience with various youth theatre groups. Appeared as a Jet in WEST SIDE STORY and Fagin in OLIVER. Also keen on backstage activities, working during the Poetry Festival at Stratford with the likes of Michael Maloney, Diane Quick and Greg Hicks. Helped on set construction for the repertory season at the Grand, played Buggins in last years production of HALF A SIXPENCE.

MRS LOTTIE CHILD - Anne Palmer

Since joining the company way back, Anne has played many leading roles, her favourite. Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC. Others include Mrs Walsingham HALF A SIXPENCE, Mrs O'Dare IRENE, Mrs Harcourt ANYTHING GOES, Mrs Spofford GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, Katie MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, Maggie Jones 42nd STREET and Mrs Botting in HALF A SIXPENCE. Anne has been an active committee member during her many years with the company and is at present Vice Chairman and Company Business Manager.

PATRICIA FODER - Margaret Thurgur

Margaret, a 'Muscom' Life Member, has always had a strong interest in drama and music from schooldays and right through college, playing various character roles. This interest proved invaluable as a teacher holding a post for drama. 'Muscom' roles have included Mrs Lippet LOVE FROM JUDY, Yente FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Ella MACK AND MABEL (twice), Maude PAJAMA GAME, Mrs Lottie Child - CRAZY FOR YOU and General Matilda B. Cartwright - GUYS AND DOLLS. Margaret is pleased to be appearing in CRAZY FOR YOU, second time around, playing a different role, Patricia, this time.

TESS - Kimberley Robinson

Kimberley has been singing, dancing and performing since the tender age of 3 years and has appeared in many musical productions with her Dancing School in Penn. She joined Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company in 1994 and has appeared as a dancer in MACK AND MABEL, OKLAHOMA, GUYS AND DOLLS and COPACABANA. Her first leading role was as Phyllis Dale in 42nd STREET and last year played Kate in HALF A SIXPENCE. Kimmy is very proud of her longstanding farnily connections with MusCom and is looking forward to playing the part of Tess this year and has enjoyed the challenge as Dance Captain for our production of CRAZY FOR YOU.

PATSY - Pascale Rollings

Pascale joined the company when she was 10 years old to take part in the annual Summer Shows. In 2002 she auditioned to be a dancer in GUYS AND DOLLS and has since performed in
COPACABANA and 42nd STREET. Played Emma in HALF A SIXPENCE and is delighted to be performing for the fifth year with MUSCOM. Pascale is a keen dancer having spent 11 years
training with MARILYN HARRIS SCHOOL OF DANCE in Ballet, Tap and Modern dance.

EUGENE FODER - Eric Page

Joined the company in 1983 and has since played many parts including Moonface Martin ANYTHING GOES, Clarkson IRENE, Chitterlow HALF A SIXPENCE, Hines THE PAJAMA GAME, Pawnee Bill ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Horace Vandergelder HELLO DOLLY, Sir Francis Beckman GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, Grandpa MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, Abner Dillon 42nd STREET, Rattlesnake in CALAMITY JANE and Carshot in HALF A SIXPENCE. Other theatre work, Mr Bumble OLIVER, Nicely Nicely GUYS AND DOLLS, Capt. Andy SHOWBOAT, Alfred Doolittle MY FAIR LADY, Capt. Doleful JORROCKS, President Roosevelt ANNIE, The Mayor MUSIC MAN, Sir John ME AND MY GIRL, Luther Billis SOUTH PACIFIC, and Avram FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Mr. Wardle in PICKWICK.

MINGO - Chris Wolverson

Chris joined the company in 1997 for SOUTH PACIFIC in the role of Lt. Joseph Cable. Since then he has played Pete CALAMITY JANE, Mingo CRAZY FOR YOU, Freddy MACK AND MABEL, Curley OKLAHOMA, Sky Masterson GUYS AND DOLLS, Pat Denning 42nd STREET and Young Walshingham HALF A SIXPENCE. Made his stage debut in 1976 in OLIVER. His many roles include Perchic FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Bob CHRYSANTHEMUM, Judas GODSPELL, Gerald AN INSPECTOR CALLS, Sebastian TWELFTH NIGHT, Japhet A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER, Captain Barton TEN TIMES TABLE, Bill Calhoun KISS ME KATE and Mr Dobson PICKWICK. As a member of the British Motorsport Marshall's Club he assists at racing circuits around the Midlands for many events including the British Grand Prix. Last year he was Director and Musical Director for the Albrighton Operatic Society's production of HIGH SOCIETY.

SAM - Stan Till

While appearing with South Staffs Musical Theatre, Willenhall Operatic Society and Muscom, numerous roles have come his way including Luther Billis SOUTH PACIFIC, Nathan Detroit GUYS AND DOLLS, Will Parker OKLAHOMA, Sam Harris GEORGE M., Chief Sitting Bull ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Marcellus Washburn MUSIC MAN, Stewpot SOUTH PACIFIC, Francis Fryer CALAMITY JANE, Custus CRAZY FOR YOU, Jamie MY FAIR LADY and Bert Barry 42nd STREET.

MOOSE - Philip Drinkwater

WThis is Philip's second show with Muscom having joined last year for HALF A SIXPENCE which he thoroughly enjoyed. Philip has performed with Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Kinver Operatic Societies and has a long association with New Kinver Players. In January played The Sheriff of Nottingham in Rainbow Pantomime's BABES IN THE WOOD at the Mill Theatre. He is trying to decide which role he is more comfortable with; the unscrupulous baddie or the dumb cowboy!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Our Patrons' and you the public for your continuing support
The Manager and Staff of the Grand Theatre
United Reform Church, Penn Road for rehearsal facilities
The support of our advertisers
Louise Taylor for poster design
Properties by Howorth Wrightson of Manchester
Sheila and Kelly of Centreprint
Wigs by Showbiz of Southampton
Coles Furnishers of Bilston for transport
Photographs: Chris Wolverson.

MESSAGES

Message from the President

Hello everyone

Here I am in my second year as President of this highly successful Company - one that I have been connected with for many years, through my mother who has been a member for 48 years, and now my niece who plays "Irene" in this production.

It has been interesting over the years to watch the young members grow and blossom into seasoned performers. This show gives so much scope for dancing, and I know that 'Denny' will put on a glittering performance - which I look forward to seeing.

I wish everyone the best of luck. To our audience, please enjoy the show and thank you for your continued loyal support.

Richard Calkin - President

Having taken up the post of chairman since September 2005 please may I first thank Olwen as outgoing chairman for all her hard work and dedication as chairman to MUSCOM. She remains a valuable member of the management committee along with her position as wardrobe mistress. I am honoured to Chair such a vibrant, enthusiastic, committed company.

The year so far has been tainted with the untimely death of a valued long serving member Ray Whittaker. Fond memories are of Ray as an acting member of the company and his enthusiasm as compere at our after show parties and his invaluable role as Father Christmas to our members children. The last few years saw Ray working hard as a non-acting member, with his wife Pauline who was our ticket secretary for many years.

In addition, I feel compelled to mention committee member and membership secretary Chris Duff-Cole who has endured a terrible year of personal tragedy with such stoicism and bravery, which has touched all of our hearts.
Our successful 2005 production of 'Half a Sixpence' has been nominated along with some other companies in Region 7 for the Best Production Award for 2005 and our programme design has received a Certificate of High Commendation from NODA. Well done to the 2005 production team of Denny, Russell and Ben, to George Ellis for his hard work on the programme and to company members who bravely posed for photographs in West Park.

We hope to surpass our success of 'Half a Sixpence' with our lavish production of 'Crazy for You' from which we hope you leave the theatre with a spring in your step and a song in your heart. Please forget your troubles and sit back as we transport you to America in the 1930's.

Marcelle Rollings - Chairman