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From the collection of Jean Freeman
presented by Greville Watson |
Rushden Operatic Society
The Three Musketeers - 1948
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RITZ THEATRE, RUSHDEN
The Rushden Operatic Society
Affiliated to the National Operatic and Dramatic Society
presents
"THE THREE MUSKETEERS"
A Romantic Musical Play
MUSIC BY RUDOLF FRIML
BOOK BY WILLIAM ANTHONY McGUIRE
LYRICS BY P. G. WODEHOUSE AND CLIFFORD GRAY
BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CHAPPELL & CO., LTD.
Monday, 24th May,
to
Saturday, 29th May, 1948
Daily Performances at 7.15 p.m.
Matinee on Saturday at 2.15 p.m.
PRODUCED BY MADGE MACKLIN
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THE STORY
At the “Jolly Miller” inn near Paris we find the three dashing Musketeers of Dumas’s famous novel. They are soon engaged to fight separately against D’Artagnan, an ambitious youth from Gascony. The brave and amorous Gascon secures Planchet as his valet and foils the Comte de Rochefort, spy of Cardinal Richelieu, in his attempt to entrap Constance Bonacieux, bearer of a message from Anne, Queen of France, to the Duke of Buckingham.
Outside the Convent of Carmier that evening the Queen and Buckingham meet as old lovers but decide to part for ever, and as a keepsake Anne gives the Duke a diamond heart which was her wedding gift from the King. Watching them, however, are de Rochefort and “Milady” – the beautiful but treacherous Lady de Winter.
At the same spot D’Artagnan, who has been protecting the Queen, prepares for his duels with the Musketeers, but instead of crossing swords with these warriors he joins them in a triumphant affair against the Guards of the Cardinal. They are all arrested for duelling, but the “punishment” meted out by the King only illustrates his secret delight at the defeat of the Cardinal’s men.
Meanwhile the Cardinal’s spies have done their work, and Louis publicly accuses the Queen of an intrigue with Buckingham. With D’Artagnan’s help the accusation fails, but Richelieu cunningly suggests a peace-offering in the form of a State ball at which the Queen shall wear the diamond heart
Louis agrees, and the situation develops adventurously, for Milady is dispatched by the Cardinal and D’Artagnan by the Queen – each in quest of the fateful trinket. Delayed by the Cardinal and his agents, D’Artagnan reaches London too late to prevent Milady stealing the jewel from Buckingham, but, over-taking her on the return journey, he enters her bedchamber at the “Jolly Miller.” Pretending to make love, he snatches the jewel from her bosom, at the same time exposing on her shoulder the brand of a murderess. De Rochefort arrives, and D’Dartagnan settles accounts with him in a thrilling fight.
In the final scene – the ball at the Hotel de Ville – it is the Queen who triumphs, and for the Gascon who has saved her honour there is a double reward – the hand of Constance and the uniform of a King’s Musketeer.
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The Cast
In the Order of Their Appearance |
Sergeant Jussac
Comte de Rochefort
Innkeeper
Zoe
Lady de Winter
Porthos
Athos
Aramis
Constance Boncieux
Planchet
D'Artagnan
Anne (Queen of France)
M. de Treville
The Duke of Buckingham
Cardinal Richelieu
Louis XIII
Brother Joseph
Premieres Danseuses
of the Court
Aubergiste
The Bos'n
Patrick (Valet to Buckingham)
The King's Attendant
Mother Superior |
Victor Parsler
John Tee
Reginald Roberts
Rose Drage
Renee Bates
Percy House
Alfred Couper
Douglas Gilbert
May Knight
Stanley Marriott
John Corbett
Emily White
Gordon Rixon
Sydney Hudson
Victor Garlick
Frank Philp
Sidney Smith
Joy Hincks and
Audrey Darnell
Gwynneth Rowlands
William Ainge
Patrick Higgins
Charles Jones
Dora Marriott |
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SCENES
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Act 1
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MUSICAL NUMBERS
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| Scene |
1 |
Outside "The Jolly Miller" Inn,
near Paris
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2 |
Lane leading to Rue du Colombier
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3 |
Courtyard in Rue du Colombier
outside the Convent of Carmier
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4 |
Cardinal Richelieu's chambers in
the Palace of the King
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5 |
The Garden of The Tuileries |
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Opening Chorus
Entrance of Musketeers
Trio (Constance, Porthos and Aramis)
Entrance of D'Artagnan
Recit (Innkeeper and D'Artagnan)
and Chorus
Duet (Constance and D'Artagnan)
Song (D'Artagnan and Chorus)
Incidental Music
Chorus
Song (Queen)
Fight
Quartet (D'Artagnan, Athos, Aramis,
Porthos) and Chorus
Ballet
Trio (Queen, Buckingham and Constance)
Duet (Constance and D'Artagnan)
Entrance of the King
Chorus
Finale |
"Come, it's summer time"
"We're all for one"
"He for Me"
"Well, what's all the noise"
"And what do you wish"
"Heart of Mine"
"My Sword and I"
"Vesper Bell"
"My Dreams"
"March of the Musketeers"
"Love is the Sun"
"Your Eyes"
"Welcome the Queen"
"You sent for me, Sir" |
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INTERVAL OF FIFTEEN MINUTES
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| Scene |
1 |
An Inn at the Port of Calais
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2 |
Duke of Buckingham's Palace,
England
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3 |
The Shrine
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4 |
Before the Inn of the "Jolly Miller"
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5 |
Milady's Bedchamber
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6 |
Cabinet of the Queen
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7 |
The Ballroom of the Hotel de
Ville |
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Entr'acte
Opening Chorus and Song (Porthos)
Spanish Dance
Incidental Music
Song (Aramis) and Chorus
Incidental Music and Chorus (Musketeers)
Reprise (Musketeers)
Duet (Constance and D'Artagnan)
Ensemble (D'Artagnan) and Chorus
Pages' Dance
Incidental Music
Song (Buckingham)
Song (Constance)
Incidental Music
Fight
Reprise
Minuet
Ballet
Ensemble
Queen's Entrance
Incidental Music
Ensemble
Exit and Finale |
"Fill up, everybody"
"Ma Belle"
"His sword will cleave his way"
"We are the Musketeers"
"One kiss from you"
"My Sword"
"Queen of my Heart"
"Ev'ry little while"
"My Dreams"
"Welcome to Her Majesty"
"We are the Musketeers" |
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The Orchestra
| Conductor: |
O.L.Lawrence. |
| Violins: |
L.T.Heggs, Tina Faulkner, T.Anthony,
E.T.Kershaw, D.F.Hilson. |
| Viola: |
S.Seamarks. |
| 'Cello: |
W.Teal. |
| Double Bass: |
B.Smith. |
| Flute: |
R.Pettit. |
| Oboe: |
C.Smith. |
| Clarinet: |
S.Hornsey. |
| Horn: |
T.G.Carter. |
| Trumpets: |
W.Groome, G.Groome, M.J.Roberts. |
| Trombones: |
R.H.Benning, E.Webster. |
| Drums: |
E.West. |
| Harp: |
Mona Cockerill. |
| Pianoforte: |
H.James. |
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The Chairman's Message
The success the Society met with in its presentation of
"Blossom Time" has led to the more ambitious production
of "The Three Musketeers."
On behalf of the Society I welcome all our patrons, and tender
my thanks to all who have played a part, in whatever capacity,
in the presentation of this production.
I feel especial mention must be made of the hard work put in
by our Producer, Miss Madge Macklin, who has been untiring
in her efforts.
Your appreciation and support will be our reward.
Frank E. Brown
An Amateur Production
These performances of "The Three Musketeers" are given by
amateurs under professional direction.
The members of the company attend the operatic and ballet
classes of Rushden Evening Institute.
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Madge Macklin (Producer)
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Acknowledgments
are very sincerely and gratefully made to
Mr.W.Hewitt, his co-directors and the staff of the Ritz for their great interest and helpful co-operation.
Northamptonshire Education Committee and Mr.W.A.E.Sherwood for fostering the Society's rehearsals as a branch of education work at Rushden Evening Institute.
Mr.S.G.Ette for the programme cover design and Mr.J.M.Akerman for service to the Publicity Sub-Committee.
Messrs.Colton Bros. for the loan of their premises as our Advance Booking Office.
Northamptonshire Newspapers Ltd., for publicity.
Mr.John Roddis and other voluntary stage workers; Mr.Frank Philp and Mr.Tony Faulkner for joining the cast at short notice; the St.John Nursing Division for attendance throughout the week.
The esteemed President and Vice-Presidents and all others who have given support and service.
And also to our energetic producer . . . .
Costumes by B.A.Simmons & Co., Ltd.
Scenery by Capes of London.
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CHORUS and BALLET
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The Ladies of the Chorus
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Pamela Bettles
Heather Brookes
Christine Carter
Audrey Cave
Margaret Chapman
Phyllis Clarke
Luise Coleman
Joyce Cox
Winifred Cox
Muriel Denton
Vera Denton |
Freda Dickens
Doris Drage
Margaret Edwards
Grace Foster
Rose Frost
Joan Goodman
Margaret Harris
Jose Hewitt
Kathleen Hobbs
Anne Hogwood
Hilda House
Hilda Howes |
Phyllis Lack
Doreen Marks
Jessie McFarlane
Doreen Perkins
Eleanor Randall
Jean Spencer
Dora Whiteman
Eileen Wilcox
Erna Williams
Elizabeth Wilson
Constance Wrighton |
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William Ainge
William Clarke
Donal Coughlan
Thomas Daniels
Richard Felce
Arthur Frost |
Stanley Hodgkins
Patrick Higgins
Terence King
Stanley Knight
Michael Knight
Robert Lawrence |
Philip Mould
Fred Richardson
Frank Stringer
Harold Hilson
Keith Whiteman
Ian Smith |
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Cardinal's Guard
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| Alan Groome |
John D. Roddis
Malcolm Wright |
Ronald Tilley |
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Lackeys
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| Gordon Betts |
Derek Barsby
Charles Jones |
Alan Draper |
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The Ladies of the Ballet
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Nancy Brooker
Betty Cowley
Audrey Darnell
Sheila Eaton |
Gwen Elliott
Freda Faulkner
Moyra Groome
Jean Hardwick
Joy Hincks |
Maureen Jones
Peggy Jones
Molly Terry
Jean Wheeler |
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Tavern Dance by Joy Hincks and Tony Faulkner
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Souvenir Sellers
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Lily E. Cooke (principal)
Marion Ainge
Rita Bailey
Lilian Dickens
May Garley |
Helen Harbour
Ivy Ingram
Gladys Mann
Daphne Peck
Audrey Perkins |
Beryl Rowlett
Elizabeth Smith
Enid Warner
Stella Wicks
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THE RUSHDEN OPERATIC SOCIETY'S
OFFICIALS
President: Walter C. Tarry, Esq.
Vice-Presidents:
Captain J.M. Bailey, MC, MBE
Alderman J.W. Barker
P. Bugby, Esq.
D. Chamberlain, Esq.
W.E. Capon, Esq.
F.C. Caswell, Esq.
A.C.A. Colton, Esq.
F.G. Deane, Esq.
W. Edwards, Esq.
F.G. Felce, Esq., JP
H. Fisher, Esq.
A.W. Head, Esq.
F.L. Heygate, Esq.
Wm.M. Horrell, Esq.
D. Knight, Esq.
Alderman G.S. Lingren, MP |
Dr. O.B. Lean
H.E. Mackness, Esq.
G.W. Marriott, Esq.
H. Mitchell, Esq.
Mrs. A.U. Muxlow, CC
Martin O'Connor, Esq.
Dr. B.W. Paine
R.W.E. Paragreen, Esq.
Alderman H.R. Patenall, CC
D. Peck, Esq.
W. Peck, Esq.
Dr. A. Dorothy Pickard
J. Radburne, Esq.
H. Robinson, Esq.
A.L. Sanders, Esq.
T. Sanders, Esq. |
W.B. Sanders, Esq.
H. Selwood, Esq.
F.J. Sharwood, Esq.
C.A.G. Slater, Esq.
J.G. Spencer, Esq.
R. Tarry, Esq.
A.E. Tear, Esq.
Edgar Wadsworth, Esq.
T. Watson, Esq.
John White, Esq.
C.R. Wildman, Esq.
P.W. Wills, Esq.
John L. Wilson, Esq., MC
C.K. Woods, Esq.
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| Chairman: |
Frank E. Brown |
| Secretaries: |
Eva K. Bryant and
Phyllis G. Bryant |
| Musical Director: |
Oswald L. Lawrence |
| Accompanist: |
Harold James |
| Ballet Mistress: |
Jose Marsh |
| Stage Managers: |
Don Bugby and Charles
Mitchell (for the Ritz Theatre) |
| Make-up Artist: |
Jules Marten, assisted
by Florence Tolman |
| Wardrobe Mistress: |
Nellie Hart, assisted
by Ivy Smith |
| Call Boys: |
Vincent Badham and
John Swingler |
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| Vice-Chairman: |
Don Bugby |
Business
Manager: |
Bernard R. Palmer |
| Deputy Musical Director: |
John W. Cooke |
| Treasurer: |
Roy T. Saint |
Fencing
Master: |
Peter Bell
(by permission of
the County Drama
Committee) |
| Prompter: |
Hylda Gates |
Property
Masters: |
Herbert Ingram and
Martin O'Connor |
| Chief Steward: |
Edward Wadsworth |
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Committee:
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Hylda Bugby
J.W. Cooke
L.V. Elliott |
P.W. House
G. Knight
Eleanor Randall
Constance Wrighton |
E.J. Rowlett
W.A.E. Sherwood
Edward Wadsworth |
Stewards:
Messrs. G.T. Macpherson, F. Thornton, E. Clark, C. Perkins, H.F. Hill, D. Peck,
E.J. Rowlett, B.K. Wadsworth.
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Pictures of the Players
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Constance
(May Knight) and
D'Artagnan
(John Corbett)
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Sergeant Jussac
(Victor Parsler)
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Buckingham
(Sydney Hudson)
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Anne of France
(Emily White) and
King Louis XIII
(Frank Philps)
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Athos (Alfred Couper)
Porthos (Percy House)
and
Aramis (Douglas Gilbert)
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A game of chess between
Cardinal Richelieu (Victor Garlick)
and Planchet (Stanley Marriott)
watched by Brother Joseph (Sidney Smith)
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De Rochefort
(John Tee)
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Zoe (Rose Drage)
and
The Innkeeper
(Reginald Roberts)
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Lady de Winter
(known as "Milady")
(Renee Bates)
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