ELDORADO MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS

Established in 1924 Eldorado has experienced all the ups and downs of producing operettas and musicals in a very demanding environment. Indeed members come and go but the main core has kept the flag flying by maintaining a good constitution which has proved to be the essential element for continuity.

Keeping up an optimistic outlook to encourage the enthusiasm of members is also very demanding particularly when long standing members and associates pass on as acknowledged by the many messages of condolence included in the programmes of Eldorado’s last few shows. Ideals of loyalty also change with the older values having to give way to modern attitudes where the enforced norm, in an area of choice and variety, is along the lines of “what’s in it for me”. This particularly applies to men who, because of the shortage of the amateur dramatic type, have the world at their feet.

Eldorado is fortunate to still be able to produce shows in one of the main line theatres of South East London, The Broadway Theatre, which although very costly could prove to be the most important factor affecting it’s continuity when linked to it’s new venture under the umbrella of ELDORADO YOUTH PRODUCTIONS. Here, two members in particular have taken it upon themselves to introduce young people to amateur dramatics by producing “BUGSY MALONE” next January. This follows the success of “Oliver” and “Annie” which proved to be Eldorado’s most rewarding shows as far as ‘bums on seats’ was concerned and which has given an insight into the future where children, although getting considerable tuition in drama and the Arts are not able to experience the excitement of the real theatre atmosphere.

This provision cannot and should not fail to give those young people who do not make it to university another outlet for their talents and interests as well as an alternative leisure or social activity. Moreover the self esteem, confidence and good development than it can generate must justify its promotion.

The enthusiasm of our young performers is very evident and some of the principal characters are shown in this promotional photograph.

Who knows, maybe some of these guys might stay around to help us avoid a repeat of our current predicament where a severe shortage of men is threatening our production at the end of March 2004 of the Broadway version of “THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE”. Any willing men reading this should contact our membership secretary Jo on 07939321195 look up our group in the AMDRAM website list or visit our website.