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musical theatre by Lianne Payne A , . photograph from a 1955 production of lolanthe by the North Shore Light Opera Society (NSLOSI shows a group of people committed to singing and having fun. This year the society is celebrating its 49th anniversary and the mandate for fun hasn't changed over the years. Originally formed in 1948 as "Le Cantore d'Opera" and dedicated to promoting local amateur talent, the NSLOS members stage operettas--a musical form distinguished from grand opera by its inclusion of dialogue. The commitment to the enthusiasm for light opera is contagious among the society's members. There is also a remarkable trend of family ties amongst the members of the current and past productions. For example, the 1995 production of Brigadoon was a veritable family affair for the Millard family. Mike and Karen Millard participated along with Mike's sister Ann and his brother David, the couple's six-yearold daughter. Andrea, and. 4 9 Y e a r s and Still Having Fun The 1955 cast from the North Shore Light Opera Society's production of lolanthe. representing :i third generation, Karen's dad, Keith Kerry. Marjorie and Dick Whiteside were active members in the '50s and are proud of their son David's performances with the NSLOS over the last three years. But you don't have to be a blood relation to get the bug. All the members share a love for singing and from that has developed a supportive, family-like environment among the society members. Marrion Merrick, an honourary life member, has been involved since 1971. A regular chorus member. Merrick also worked wonders for many years sewing up costumes for cast members. When the society needs to rent a costume, however, they rely on their symbiotic relationship with Carole's Costume Corner. The NSLOS conthem out by sorting and renting out many of the society's costumes. Since 1948. the only thing that seems to have changed is the cost of putting on these shows--and the society has survived through some lean years. It receives some funding through the North Shore Arts Commission grants and fund raisers like a casino night, while still depending on a tremendous amount of volunteer contributions and energy. If you want to sing in a chorus, play in an orchestra, design a set, make costumes or try out your wings as a music director, this could be the place for you. Who knows, it could be the best 15 years of your life! Currently over 70 people with the "light opera bug" are participating in this year's production. The Merry Widow, which runs March 8-23 at Centennial Theatre (where they have performed since the theatre opened in 1967). For tickets call 984-4484, or see the listing in the Arts Alive Calendar of Events, page 12. For information about the NSLOS. call 983-6543. Box 6 9 8 . Lianne Payne is a board member of the North Vancouver Community Arts Council and a volunteer at PACE (Prostitution Alternatives Counselling & Education) and at The Women's Monument Project Prince Danito (Mark Grimaldi Booden) attempts to woo tributed to the the wealthy widow Sonia Sedoya (Maria West) in the establishment of the North Shore Light Opera Society's current production of store, which helps Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow.