EUCMS at the Opera House

Newcomers may not be aware of this significant event in EUCMS' history.  Two of our foundation members tell the story below.


Don: One away show was MOMENTUS!  We had just performed The Gondoliers by G. and S. and were approached by the chief headmaster of the inner city disadvantaged high schools.  He asked if we would consider performing for all his high school students at the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL.  Would we ever!

Ros: This was a huge request for our cast and team: it would mean arranging leave from jobs, baby-sitters for children, attending extra rehearsals to “refresh”, and (importantly) to adjust stage-moves to the much larger space of the Concert Hall stage. But that wonderful group of people who were our cast and crew was unanimous in supporting the request.

Don:  I don't know how many "sickies" were taken from work that day.

Ros: There were myriad other details to be resolved, such as entry permits, transport, and one pre-show rehearsal on the Concert Hall stage on the morning of the performance. Our scenery would be of no use on that stage and there would be no curtains.  [One] family offered their large caravan for transport of costumes and essential props: it would be just like a “country show” — but at Bennelong Point… We rehearsed our excited cast on the floor of the Eastwood Hall (which is virtually the same area as the Concert Hall stage!), the location of steps and stage scenery marked out with white tape.

Anxious moments occurred on the Big Day itself when the caravan and the bus carrying the cast were delayed behind a “go-slow” protest by 500 cyclists who jammed the Harbour Bridge for two hours. The planned morning rehearsal thus became a short walk-around the stage area; then we all proceeded to dress and put on make-up in rooms usually used by professionals and stars!

Don: We were only two to a dressing room and each room had closed circuit T.V. to show what was happening on stage.  One or two nearly missed their cues because the stage was a long way from the dressing rooms, but a lot of fun was had by all.

Ros: The reception when Tony and I walked out onto that huge stage and looked up at that sea of eager faces was something we’ll never forget.  The cheers and clapping were deafening, but finally sank to total silence as the lights dimmed and the show began.  The cast rose magnificently to the occasion and that wonderful young audience was entranced.  This was truly a two-way gift!


Thanks to Don and Ros for their separate accounts, which they have allowed us to reproduce here.


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