BREAKING NEWS from Gaos, 1 March 2022:
The WW2 story in our musical show For the Boys, and the present situation in Ukraine are having a profound effect on us. GAOS will donate all profit from this show to aid Ukranian refugees.
Can you imagine the feelings of the cast members – in this powerful musical show about the human toll of war – when suddenly we are living in the same situation today? (And our cast includes two members from the Ukraine and the Russian Federation, both of whom are supporting one another during this very difficult and emotional time.)
In light of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, GAOS - Geneva Musical Theatre - will donate all profits from this show to support Ukrainian refugees. We hope that For the Boys can add to the resounding cry that peace must prevail and that this cruel and unnecessary war must end.
The idea is only a few hours old, but already the Commune of Nyon has offered to waive the rental cost of the Théâtre de Marens for this production, ensuring even more financial support for the Ukrainian refugees. For this we offer a big thanks!
Orignal article continues here:
For The Boys is a unique piece of musical theatre showcasing twenty 1940’s songs which provided nostalgia for peace, motivated the troops and promised a better future.
It was written and is directed by Mags Sheldon, presently living in Vevey, an experienced playright, accomplished actress and singer, and an advanced student of theatre.
In Scotland she grew up fascinated by the stories she heard about the impact of the war on her family’s lives. When her grandmother died, Mags inherited a box of letters and poetry sent home by her grandfather from the front lines. They were written by service men and service women to their loved ones during World War Two.
"These are incredibly moving and inspired me to tell the story of these amazing people who sacrificed so much for the sake of others," explains Mags. "Not just those who served, but those who were left behind and how they stepped up, often risking their own lives working in dangerous roles. Every character portrayed in the play is based on a real person."
Music during the 1940’s was built around the jazz and big band styles. The music often reflected the pain that the country was going through while still remaining upbeat and positive about the future.
This genre of music demands the talents of exceptional, experienced Musical Directors. One is Paddy McDonald who is well-known to GAOS audiences for starring roles on stage and musical direction. Mags and Paddy have added the talent of Gill Brigginshaw also as Musical Director. She has twice before directed For the Boys in the Vevey area. Their creative flair brings this music to life.
The 1940’s were alive with dancing and movement, people needed a way to relieve their stress, and one of the best ways to do that is to dance. The show includes several talented dancers, directed by experienced choreographers Gen Steele and Karen Ball.
The set establishes the world For the Boys is set in and the style of the piece. It was designed by Creative Director Empi Mörn and built by a volunteer team in the GAOS professional workshop.
Clever and dramatic use of projections and lighing by the Mathieson family, and sound by Jon Nixon’s team all combine to help transport the audience back in time to an American canteen, and a British bomb shelter.
GAOS is kindly offering one lucky knowitall.ch reader a pair of tickets to see For the Boys at the Théâtre de Marens in Nyon (a Fr. 70.- value). Just fill out this form and answer this question: What decade does For the Boys take place?
Only one entry per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Monday, 28 February 2022. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner's name drawn at random on Tuesday, 1 March 2022. The winner will be notified by email. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted.
For the Boys
Théâtre de Marens
1260 Nyon
Thursday, 3 March 2022 @20h
Friday, 4 March 2022 @20h
Saturday, 5 March 2022 @19h
Sunday, 6 March 2022 @14h
Tickets: www.theatreinenglish.ch
More information: www.gaos.ch
