Music hall pleases all tastes

•  Preparing for performance are ensemble members David Brown, Cath Bennett, Debbie Searle, John O’Leary and Sarah Carins. 

By Tony Scott,
November 10, 2021

The curtain has gone down on the Scottsdale Players’ latest production of old time music hall with near capacity audience of about 90 at the two-show season in the Mechanics Institute Hall. 

Director Debbie Searle was hard placed to pronounce a highlight of the program rattling off most of the eclectic performances as well as the light supper apres show, featuring individually wrapped Tim Tams.

“The soloists were a hit, the dancing diva Josephine, troubadour Sarah, tour guide and MC Kaz, who had the audience visiting four European countries in 20 minutes and the inimitable David Brown as Phillipe the French crooner.”

She said the Shimmania dance troupe were mesmerising with their shimmying and the Princes of the Punjab were only slightly less enchanting with their jiggling manly bellies on display for a Bollywood production number. 

“It was a rollicking good show and the Men of Dorset singing quartet provided a high point of artistry to go with the light and shade mix that makes these variety shows work so well.

“The brand new stage lighting and the beautiful new curtain also helped the professionalism of the amateur production.”

She thanked Ally Mercer, Greg Brown and Matt Woodham for acquiring, installing and troubleshooting the new equipment.

The concerts raised $1800 to go towards continuing improvements for the hall.

Mrs Searle is hoping someone else is willing to pick-up the baton to organise the next production.