CDS: Not cancelled, just postponed

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Last year was going to be extremely active for the Cayman Drama Society, with a challenging variety of shows – seven major productions in the space of 14 months.

At least those were the plans, CDS chairman Alan Hall summarised at the group’s annual general meeting Monday night.

The first four shows went off as scheduled, all of them making a profit and Anne of Green Gables exceeding all expectations with numerous sold out performances.

It was intended that the season would be rounded off with The Murder Room in late September, A Christmas Carol in November and a spectacular production of Peter Pan to open the 2005 season.

Then Hurricane Ivan intervened. The last three plays have had to be postponed because they all require a full stage, which the Prospect Playhouse has been deprived of by the storm.

But none of the plays has been cancelled, Mr. Hall assured members. “They will go on.”

Exactly when they will go on was an implied question underlying much of the rest of the meeting.

Theatre manager Peter Phillips detailed the damage to the building and reported that negotiations were ongoing with a local firm to carry out the reconstruction work. Plans are to increase the size of the stage in the process. He responded to questions about what work, if any, could be done by members.

Mr. Phillips said there was a great deal of work ahead. He hoped to see it done by June or July.

Treasurer Valerie Cottier had produced financial reports under difficult conditions, Mr. Hall explained, because she lost her home in the storm. Copies were available to all members in attendance and will be brought back for approval at an extraordinary general meeting later in the year.

The final item of business was election of officers. Mr. Hall said all members of the executive committee were reluctant to leave the theatre in its present state without the certainty of knowing what is to be done. They were therefore all offering to stand for re–election.

This proposal was formalised and accepted by members. The executive committee for 2005 is comprised of: Alan Hall, chairman; Penny Phillips, secretary; Valerie Cottier, treasurer; Peter Phillips, theatre manager; Regina Oliver, Rick Glass, Ian Morgan, Colin Wilson and Cathy Wight, members.

A happy hour production meeting is scheduled for this evening at the theatre, from 5.30. Ideas for plays and club nights are being sought; “observers” are also welcome.