Community
3 June, 2021
Gazza's Goss: Bali Hai in Port Douglas
BEING one of life’s worst fidgets, I struggle to sit down and watch a film from start to finish and this drive’s my wife mad.
My first recollection of making my way through a whole movie was in the mid 1970’s, watching South Pacific with my Grand Parents. It was a bold attempt, as the musical runs for over two hours.
What sticks in my mind, from this marathon televisual experience, was the ear catching songs, many of which achieved great chart success around the world, together with the striking storyline that portrays the tangled web of war, love and racism.
The original 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical is now coming to the Douglas Shire, starting TODAY, Friday June 4th, at the Clink Theatre.
Presented by an amazing collection of talent known as the Douglas Theatre Arts Group, dates also include June 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12, each starting at 7.30pm. A matinee option is also available on June 13 at 2PM.
One great star of the original TV production was American Broadway and film actor John Kerr. It’s therefore an interesting coincidence, or should I say ‘o-kerr-ence’, that the Clink Theatre’s very own Producer is Michael Kerr, with Jennifer Kerr as Assistant Director.
For a bit of history, in 1991 the old Mossman courthouse, a sturdy wooden structure, was due to be replaced and the Douglas Shire Council needed someone to take it off their hands. A suggestion was made to move it somewhere else and turn it into a theatre, so the building was transported down the Cook Highway to where it now stands at 18 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas.
So, basically the old police lock-up was transformed into the majestic Clink Theatre which now seats up to 120 people for much more pleasurable stay.
Anyone thinking that this all sounds very amateurish, should think again, as the professionalism and energy of all involved, including actors, lighting, costume, producers and directors is as good as any capital city theatre around the world… and to prove my point, I was fortunate enough to get a sneak preview as the Douglas Theatre Arts Group rehearsed for the upcoming theatre entertainment feast
So, make it a date and book yourself in for South Pacific at the Clink Theatre, Port Douglas.
Visit www.clinktheatre.com.au or call 4015 3216 for details.
As my curtain call approaches, it’s time for me, Gazza, to sign out.
Send your stories to; gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
You can catch up with Gazza each weekday afternoon between 4 – 7 pm on 90.9 FAB FM in Port Douglas.
