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Miranda Musical Society is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Brian Brown, one of our longest serving members, a life member and a committed supporter of the Society.
The following tribute to Brian has been penned by Anne Petre-Black. |
Vale BRIAN BROWN
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In 1968 Brian auditioned for Pajama Game and was cast in the lead role of Sid Sorokin thus beginning his lifelong association with MMS and in our 2000 production of Oklahoma! he reached the outstanding milestone of 50 shows.
As well as his love of on-stage roles, Brian proved early on that his commitment to MMS went far deeper. Brian was elected President of MMS in 1971 and continued as President, on and off, for the next twenty years. Between terms as President, Brian was also Social Secretary for many years. Brian’s charismatic style and strong, warm voice quickly established him as Miranda’s ‘leading man’. Over the years Brian played some wonderful roles and, due to his long association with MMS, had the opportunity to revisit some of his favourite roles. Repeat roles include Emile de Becque in South Pacific (1970 and 1984), The King in The King and I (1970 and 1986), Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (1974 and 1981), Joy Boyd (Snr) in Damn Yankees (1977 and 1989), Mr Bumble in Oliver! (1980 and 1990), Dwight Babcock in Mame (1975 and 1991), The Bishop/Thenardier’s Gang in Les Misérables (NSW Amateur Premiere) (1993 and 1994) and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls (1981 and 1999). |
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Brian also appeared in repeat shows in different roles. The Pajama Game (1968 and 1970) as Sid Sorokin and Mr Hasler, Kiss me Kate (1969 and 1982) Fred Graham/Petruchio and Harrison Howell, Annie (1985 and 1998) Oliver Warbucks and Senator Ickes, and Oklahoma! (1975 and 2000) as Jud and Andrew Carnes.
Other memorable roles include Harry Macafee in Bye Bye Birdie, Hajj The Beggar in Kismet, Judge Aristide Forestier in Can Can, Inspector Barnes in Bells are Ringing, Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly!, Max in Show Boat, Ben Rumson in Paint Your Wagon, Bernie Buchsbaum in Little Me (Australian Premiere), Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Col. William F. Cody in Annie Get Your Gun, Honore in Gigi, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha and Chaucer in Canterbury Tales. Brian also appeared in a variety of minor roles.
Other memorable roles include Harry Macafee in Bye Bye Birdie, Hajj The Beggar in Kismet, Judge Aristide Forestier in Can Can, Inspector Barnes in Bells are Ringing, Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly!, Max in Show Boat, Ben Rumson in Paint Your Wagon, Bernie Buchsbaum in Little Me (Australian Premiere), Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Col. William F. Cody in Annie Get Your Gun, Honore in Gigi, Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha and Chaucer in Canterbury Tales. Brian also appeared in a variety of minor roles.
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Brian was President of MMS at the time of the Sutherland Civic Centre opening in June 1976 and, together with fifty other Society members, presented An Evening With Rodgers and Hammerstein, in the new auditorium. Brian also played the part of The King in a pocket version of The King and I. In October 1976 MMS, with Brian as a featured soloist, was invited to perform at a Combined Organ Recital and Free Sunday Concert at the Sydney Town Hall, arranged by The Council of the City of Sydney, in conjunction with The ABC.
In 1977 Brian was President when MMS held its first gala charity premiere of Damn Yankees, to aid the Children’s Medical Research Foundation’s research into cot death. All proceeds from the sale of tickets were presented after the performance. For his commitment, loyalty and dedication to MMS Brian was honoured with Life Membership in 1977. In 1986, MMS changed performance venues for the first time since March 1968 as all previous shows were performed at the Port Hacking High School Auditorium, Miranda. So, in September 1986, with Brian as President, MMS presented The King and I at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre with Brian in the lead role as The King. |
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For over almost 40 years Brian gave generously of his spare time as well. He was MMS’ resident ‘Santa’ arriving at various picnic sites by all manner of transportation, performed at cabarets and fund raising events for charities (too numerous to mention), at nursing homes and retirement villages, as well as singing at Carols by Candlelight for the Sutherland Hospital. Brian was also a member of ‘Dad’s Army’, a small but dedicated group of stalwarts who attended every working bee, clean up and scenery day. Brian also put his former trade as a butcher to good use by barbequing thousands of steaks, chops and sausages at MMS picnics and rehearsal days. When not performing on stage Brian could be seen working ‘front of house’ as House Manager or an usher.
As well as his ‘MMS family’ Brian was extremely proud that his own family has been heavily involved with MMS. His wife Wendy (Life Member) was Costume Coordinator/Seamstress for many, many years; daughter Karen (Life Member) began performing with MMS as a child and served on the Committee as a long term Secretary. She is still actively involved and is currently our Vice President and Costume Coordinator. Brian’s sons Stephen and Mark as well as granddaughter Louise have also performed in MMS productions.
As well as his ‘MMS family’ Brian was extremely proud that his own family has been heavily involved with MMS. His wife Wendy (Life Member) was Costume Coordinator/Seamstress for many, many years; daughter Karen (Life Member) began performing with MMS as a child and served on the Committee as a long term Secretary. She is still actively involved and is currently our Vice President and Costume Coordinator. Brian’s sons Stephen and Mark as well as granddaughter Louise have also performed in MMS productions.
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