Extrav. Goes on

Rehearsals to Start Soon

The decision on the script was long awaited, and long overdue., The President explained that it had been difficult to get the selection committee together to discuss the subject, but it is hardly likely that the delay need have been as long as it was. The show is tentatively called "In Dutch," but the authors advise that the name was chosen in a hurry and is likely to be altered. The writing of the script itself took only sixteen days, and it is understandable that It needs considerable touching up—the dialogue, especially needs brightening. It does, however, have the makings of a good show, and by the time the cast is finished with it who knows what it will be like? The plot is a strong one, as plots for Extravs. go, and it serves to hold the show together quite well it is of course, somewhat unusual for an Extrav. to have real cohesion, and this is one of the reasons why some of the shows of the recent past have not been as successful as they otherwise deserved.

It is not intended here to go into the show in any great detail, except to point to one or two portions of it. The complete structure will become apparent to the cast. It has its weak spots, and its brighter moments. As was noted above, the dialogue as a whole wants brightening. The authors, it is understood, are at present engaged on a substantial rewrite, and are not in a position to say what the eventual outcome will be.

One scene, set in the operating theatre of the Public Hospital, has the makings of good satire, and another scene in the Rosa Dependency is quite good. All the actual characters occur throughout the show, usually, though not always, with a sufficient explanation for their presence.

So much for the show Itself. The makings of first class entertainment (note: I only said "the makings") are there, and the rest is up to the producer and cast. The dates for which the Opera House has been booked are unfortunate, but unavoidable: the same difficulties have been encountered this year as occurred last year. It is Impossible to get a definite booking for the Opera House, as overseas and travelling companies have preference, and this means that we are likely to be supplanted almost at a moment's notice. This year, however, the management of the Opera House ore obliged to give one month's notice if they require the theatre for other purposes, so that unless they cancel the contract before the first of May, we are at least assured of our booking although it is [unclear: rather] late in the year.

Next year, If the Municipal Theatre is in operation we should be in a more fortunate position and it is to "be hoped that Extravaganza can revert to its original place—in Capping Week itself.

The Executive has not overlooked the possibility that there may yet be a cancellation of our booking and is making alternative plans to stage a show in the Little Theatre if the Opera House is not to be available in this event selected scenes from both scripts will be presented. A show held in the Little Theatre would not have the appeal of a show in the Opera House, but the Executive felt that continuity must be maintained, and as no production at all was staged last year, it would be better this year to have the Little Theatre than nothing at all.

This year's producer is Jeff Stewart, who long ago graduated Master of Extravs. with First Class Honours. He has produced at least one show and has been a co-author of two. Many will remember his original Music in "Hollandaze," which was the outstanding feature of that years script. Some of his songs have been used two or three times in Extravs. "I can't get a girl to practise on," and "The Courts of British Justice" being two of his most outstanding. Experience from "Hollandaze" however, has shown that a show, to be successful, needs well known tunes, which the audience are familiar with in this year's show, there will be only one original tune.

Jeff is a tip top producer, who is especially good on choruses. The singing of the choruses in "Vothuhalla." for which Jeff was responsible, will be remembered as the clearest and best in recent years. With him in charge this year, there is every likelihood, that from the production point of view the show will be really first class.

Now you know all about it. It is more than essential that this year above all years the show should go on. Not only is it due to be staged in Coronation week, but there is, the other factor to be considered that I mentioned earlier. With no Extrav. last year it is vital that the tradition should not be permitted to slip for another year. We do not want the Annual Extravaganza to fade into the forgotten memories of the past. Then too, there is the fact that the longer it is between shows, the more likely the public are to forget their existence. It may not be easy . . . for some of you it may be very difficult, but the Association and the Extravaganza need you more than ever. They need your support and active co-operation they need what only an enthusiastic cast can give to a show. And if you make the effort, you will not be the losers by It. The extrav. has Always been the big social event of the year at Varsity and the friendships you will make will be ample reward in themselves. Not only can you have a good time, but you can meet people from all [unclear: spheres] of student life-people with whom you would have little or no contact with otherwise.

Make this year's show a good one. It's up to you Be in it!