The Show

The Vaudevillians

BC's #1 Seniors Entertainment Troupe

THE SHOW

Before television, before movies, before radio, there was Vaudeville. This was the principal entertainment media for over 80 years. We take great pride in re-introducing a wonderful era that few remember but all will enjoy.

This year's show, entitled "The Vaudevillians Go for Gold" has a sports themed format featuring some original material by Director Gordon Long. Among the numbers you will find, are "Take me out to the Ball Game" and a hilarious satire on Canada's failure to record a gold medal on Canadian soil "Silver Medals Turn to Gold. Returning favourites are the Leprechaun, our own George and Gracie, the "Old Coots" and of course the "Gossips." Choreographer Sandra Green has come up with 3 new exciting dance numbers. You won't want to miss seeing "The Entertainer" done as a tap piece, a remake of an earlier dance number done 5 years ago by the troupe, entitled "By the Sea," and a brand new "Can Can". The over riding tone of the show is feel good family style humour.

The Vaudevillians would like to thank the thousands of patrons of our shows during 2009

and wish them well in the coming year. Our goal is to present the best possible entertainment suitable for all ages.

****UPCOMING SHOWS****

November 13th, 2010 7th Annual Bursary show

Surrey Arts Centre, Bear Creek Park

Surrey, B.C. 2.00 and 7.30 p.m.

THE VAUDEVILLIANS NOW PROUDLY SUPPORT TWO BURSARIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS:

THE FRAN DOWIE VAUDEVILLIAN SCHOLARSHIP

Bursary presently stands at $7500 and planning for 2009 is underway. We would like to thank the Arts Council of Surrey, and the Youth Arts Council of Surrey for their dedication and assistance in making this an exciting new avenue to assist young students in Surrey.

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THE SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF VAUDEVILLE BURSARY IN
HONOUR OF JIM TRIMBLE

The November 14th, 2009 shows were an outstanding success. While the numbers were down a little this year, over 600 enthusiastic patrons enjoyed the two performances. The highlight of the evening came upon conclusion of the evening show when President Marvyn Shore presented two Douglas College students with cheques from the bursary as well as presenting a cheque to the Foundation to be added to the Bursary. To the astonishment of the M/C, Jim Trimble, by a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors it was announced that the Bursary has been renamed "The Society for the Preservation of Vaudeville in Honour of Jim Trimble." due to his endless passion and tireless work for the success of the Vaudevillians.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Gordon Long was born and raised in Burns Lake. He has a BA (English), an MA (Theatre), and a Professional Teaching Certificate from UBC. Over the past 27 years in Prince George, he has taught, at some time, all grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He is the writer and director of numerous children's plays and musicals, produced by schools, community theatre groups, and choirs. He was the creator, writer, and director of the Fort George Follies Theatre Company in Prince George. He has now semi-retired from teaching and is living in Tsawwassen, offering workshops in Classroom Drama to teachers and other interested groups, based on his Speech Arts handbook, "Creative Poetry Performance". When he can find the time, he travels, skis, snowboards, takes photographs, and races sailboats. His latest new accomplishment: teaching English in Korea.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Alice McAuley is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with a Batchelor in Music. She taught piano and organ, and was a church organist and choir leader for 40 years. For 10 years she was an examiner and adjudicator. Besides the Vaudevillians she accompanies the Sunrise choir, directs the Kennedy senior's choir, is in charge of Variety Plus vocal soloists and dancers and has been the Grand Organist for the Order of the Eastern Star.

ACTOR FRAN DOWIE

Fran has moved on to bigger and better audiences. On December 21, 2006, he passed away and has joined a host of angels up above. It will only be a matter of time before he scripts, directs and performs for millions of adoring fans in his new venue. His influence and guidance will long remain with the Vaudevillians.

THE CAST

There are 26 cast members who perform and an additional 3 stagehands. Many have years of singing and performing with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Sweet Adelines, and other musical and dance companies. All members are seniors who have come together to share the joy of entertaining and helping others through fund raisers and community events. They particularly enjoy performing for senior's residences and senior's centers. None of the cast are paid, although there is a nominal charge for the shows to cover the cost of equipment and costumes.

The Vaudevillians are:

Kay Reid, Jim Wilson, Alain Jeansonne, Deanna Vowles, John Breckenridge, Robert Kelly, Jo-Anne Pearce, Penny DeSanto, Eileen Shore, Ian Currie, Jim Trimble, Pat Trimble, Martha Jost, Anne Fraser, Arnie Watton, Geri Watton, Marvyn Shore, Dorothy Perkins, Bev Rempel, Andrena Greavette, Enjoli Merchant, Al Beadon, Bernadette Ray, Doris Carruthers, Bi Jun Li, Doreen Brodie, Pam McKinnon, Linda Baxter, Grahame Boulton,

ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Beverleyrose Crowston

CHOREOGRAPHER

Sandra Green

DIRECTORS ASSISTANT

Tory Puffer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Marvyn Shore

Vice President - Geri Watton

Past President - Pat Trimble

Secretary - Pam McKinnon

Treasurer - Doris Carruthers

Directors - Andrena Greavette, Anne Fraser, and Jim Trimble