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O Extravaganza! The Great Extrav Reunion Weekend & Capping Revue Revival [1993]
Reunion — O Extravaganza!
Reunion
O Extravaganza!
Rumour has several famous names making cameo appearances in O Extravaganza! Sir Geoffrey Palmer is expected to blow his trumpet. John Clarke may return. Roger Hall said the chance to get on the boards again was one reason why he was keen to take part. The other main reason was the opportunity to meet up with his colleagues from the good old days.
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1954 Marsqueraid:
Dave Crowe as Prime Minister Sydney Holland woos Electra - the electorate, aka Bill Sheat. Dave Crowe is the father of cricketers Martin and Jeff.
Looking through old programmes for Extrav reveals a remarkable number of names now well known. John Fernyhough was sales manager and a member of the male ballet in 1957; cartoonist/scientist Bob Brockie was production designer for The Paye Off; Barbara Ewing did sound effects.
For Extravaganza 67 the producer was Bill Sheat, writers were Roger Hall and Steve Whitehouse, choreography was by Deirdre Tarrant and the programme was the work of Hugh Rennie.
The student magazine Spike in 1959 included a letter from one R E Jones expostulating against the executive's decision to spend £400 at an advertising agency to promote the show. Jones demanded some "Original Thinking. (This is not only effective but free)".
Also appearing in the programme credits are names like Keith Holyoake and Anita Ekberg, but there are doubts as to their authenticity.
One cast list for the male ballet gave a few names and added: "The other members of the ballet are worried about their reputations and desire to remain anonymous."
Nostalgia Train
George Andrews and fellow veteran Murray Gray are organising an all day "Nostalgia train trip" to Wellington on Friday July 16 for Auckland Extrav survivors. They plan to use the time creatively to rehearse their Extrav contributions – including the revival of some durable characters.
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L to R: Planning to reunite at O Extravanganza! are the Green Onions team from 1967: Sharyn Kiddle (now in London), Stephanie Tarrant (from Brisbane), Bobbi Menzies, Pru Meyer, and - if we can find her - Paddy Stephens.
Rollo Returns
O Extravaganza! is likely to include "Rollo the Ravaging Roman" and, of course, a male ballet.
Bill Sheat is preparing photocopies of some Extrav scripts and programmes — classics such as: Hollandaze, The PAYEoff, Vat '59 and Well Fair Laddie.
Programme
The reunion kicks off at 6.30pm on Friday July 16 with a conversazione in the Waterloo Room of the St George Hotel in Willis St. Registration takes place there and again on Saturday from 2pm at the Memorial Theatre on campus.
Saturday will be devoted to rehearsals, catching up with old friends, and campus tours. The atrium in the award-winning Union extension will be a focal point, with displays of nostalgia set up and refreshments ready to flow. Two "devastating performances" of O Extravaganza! are scheduled for 4.30pm and 8.30pm, with audience participation encouraged. Afternoon tea will be served from 2.45pm, and a buffet tea at 6.30pm. Tickets will be available at the State Opera House, or from the Alumni Relations Centre.