TWO MAJOR MUSICAL MILESTONES IN THE SHIRE!
In October 2021, as Miranda Musical Society Inc. marks its 54th anniversary, Foundation Member, Foundation Secretary, leading lady and Life Member LAUREL GEE celebrates her 90th birthday!! Congratulations to both.
In October 1967 Laurel, together with Director Alan Mundy and Musical Director George Rixon, called for an extraordinary General Meeting of the Miranda School of Arts Theatre Group with the intention of forming a new and exciting theatrical company. The motion was enthusiastically passed and the Miranda Musical Society (MMS) was established. Laurel was elected Secretary and Ticket Secretary (a role which she held until 1975) while she, Alan and George developed a fitting Constitution. The Miranda Schools of Arts Theatre Group was no more, and its finances were passed on to MMS...a grand total of $80!
Desert Song was chosen as the Society’s debut production and it was performed in their new venue at the Port Hacking High School Auditorium. Both the show and the new location were a big hit with their audiences. Laurel was cast in the leading role of ‘Margot’ playing opposite ‘The Red Shadow’ (Tony Clark). As well as her Committee roles, Laurel wrote, directed and starred in mini ‘revue-style’ musicals and, with other society members, performed at various local clubs in order to raise funds to pay for the royalties for Desert Song.
Laurel was an accomplished dressmaker and made many of her own costumes in order to save money on hire fees and, in the early years of the Society, also sold many of her own costumes from previous productions to raise funds.
Under Laurel’s direction and guidance the Society created its own programmes. Laurel, always anxious to protect the Society’s limited income, would organise photographers, costumes and locations while talented artists within the Society, Alan Hall and Anne Morphett, managed the design.
The debut season of four performances was a ‘sell out’ with ticket prices set at $1 for adults and 40c for children. Miranda Musical Society’s Desert Song was a huge success and they were now ‘on their way’.
Laurel went on to appear in a variety of enviable leading roles which included: Babe Williams in The Pajama Game, Lilli Vanessi/Katherine in Kiss Me Kate, Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Mrs Anna Leonowens in The King and I, Lalume in Kismet, Pistache in Can Can, Mrs Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, Mame Dennis in Mame, Nimue in Camelot, Mrs Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Principal Singer in Showstoppers. Laurel also appeared as Mrs Anna in a potted version of The King and I for the opening of the Sutherland Civic Centre (later renamed the Sutherland Entertainment Centre) in 1976.
In 1975 Laurel was honoured with the inaugural Life Membership of Miranda Musical Society. She received The Spotlight Awards – Hall of Fame 2013 – awarded in recognition of her dedication and contribution to local community theatre.
Laurel has continued to nurture many of the close theatre friendships she has made during the last 54 years. Her love of live theatre and performance continues.
Our most sincere best wishes for your 90th birthday Laurel, as well as our gratitude for your hard work and tireless dedication to the formation and continued support of MIRANDA MUSICAL SOCIETY INC.
Thank you Laurel!
ANNE PETRE-BLACK ARCHIVIST
In October 2021, as Miranda Musical Society Inc. marks its 54th anniversary, Foundation Member, Foundation Secretary, leading lady and Life Member LAUREL GEE celebrates her 90th birthday!! Congratulations to both.
In October 1967 Laurel, together with Director Alan Mundy and Musical Director George Rixon, called for an extraordinary General Meeting of the Miranda School of Arts Theatre Group with the intention of forming a new and exciting theatrical company. The motion was enthusiastically passed and the Miranda Musical Society (MMS) was established. Laurel was elected Secretary and Ticket Secretary (a role which she held until 1975) while she, Alan and George developed a fitting Constitution. The Miranda Schools of Arts Theatre Group was no more, and its finances were passed on to MMS...a grand total of $80!
Desert Song was chosen as the Society’s debut production and it was performed in their new venue at the Port Hacking High School Auditorium. Both the show and the new location were a big hit with their audiences. Laurel was cast in the leading role of ‘Margot’ playing opposite ‘The Red Shadow’ (Tony Clark). As well as her Committee roles, Laurel wrote, directed and starred in mini ‘revue-style’ musicals and, with other society members, performed at various local clubs in order to raise funds to pay for the royalties for Desert Song.
Laurel was an accomplished dressmaker and made many of her own costumes in order to save money on hire fees and, in the early years of the Society, also sold many of her own costumes from previous productions to raise funds.
Under Laurel’s direction and guidance the Society created its own programmes. Laurel, always anxious to protect the Society’s limited income, would organise photographers, costumes and locations while talented artists within the Society, Alan Hall and Anne Morphett, managed the design.
The debut season of four performances was a ‘sell out’ with ticket prices set at $1 for adults and 40c for children. Miranda Musical Society’s Desert Song was a huge success and they were now ‘on their way’.
Laurel went on to appear in a variety of enviable leading roles which included: Babe Williams in The Pajama Game, Lilli Vanessi/Katherine in Kiss Me Kate, Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Mrs Anna Leonowens in The King and I, Lalume in Kismet, Pistache in Can Can, Mrs Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, Mame Dennis in Mame, Nimue in Camelot, Mrs Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Principal Singer in Showstoppers. Laurel also appeared as Mrs Anna in a potted version of The King and I for the opening of the Sutherland Civic Centre (later renamed the Sutherland Entertainment Centre) in 1976.
In 1975 Laurel was honoured with the inaugural Life Membership of Miranda Musical Society. She received The Spotlight Awards – Hall of Fame 2013 – awarded in recognition of her dedication and contribution to local community theatre.
Laurel has continued to nurture many of the close theatre friendships she has made during the last 54 years. Her love of live theatre and performance continues.
Our most sincere best wishes for your 90th birthday Laurel, as well as our gratitude for your hard work and tireless dedication to the formation and continued support of MIRANDA MUSICAL SOCIETY INC.
Thank you Laurel!
ANNE PETRE-BLACK ARCHIVIST
