Pukekohe Light Opera Club

Club member Arron Cortesi pays this tribute to Peter Mc:

Was shocked to hear this week about the loss of our Peter Mc Robbie. He meant a lot to me as a role model and friend and a was a big part of the club in every way possible.

I wanted to share a little story that has always made me laugh, it has always stuck with me and says so much about Pete.

- it was around the time we were beginning rehearsals for Jesus Christ Superstar, i had only previously done one other show with PLOC, was still rather nervous about this acting thing and fitting in with a new group who seemed so comfortable with one another. First rehearsal, all the apostles were there and sorting themselves into respective singing groups - baritones, bass's, and tenors. Never having sung before, and being rather awful, i didnt have a clue where to place myself. I approached Mary and Bill before we begin and it is decided i should sing tenor. Mary points out where to sit and says that I should follow Peters lead and reassures me he'll look after me. "Who is this Peter?" Mary indicates the ginger headed man in the fishermans jersey. He waves and smiles and i go over introduce myself and pull up a pew next to him. -

"Mary says i should just follow your lead, i dont really know anything about this singing business" I say.

"well stick with me and youll be just fine" says Pete.

Bill strikes up and we begin singing our way through 'Whats the Buzz'. I struggle to keep up, everyone is so confident and this Peter chap is just sailing through. I soon get lost amongst it all but the gingerhead guy is definately in control and singing his heart out. As i lose my place in the sheet music I lean over to the man next to me to see where hes at, keeping his eyes forward and still singing he points to where we are up to on the sheet music in his hand. Something begins to strike me as slightly odd and it soon dawns on me that the music hes reading is upside down. As this realisation appears on my face i look up just in time to see the faintest smile start to spread across his. True Peter Mac.

I am unfortunately not able to make it up to the funeral this saturday, but my heart goes with the members of the Pukekohe Light Opera.... I have a date with Pete this saturday night over a nip of Sherry here in Wellington (I know a guy who swears its the best thing to warm the vocals!) All my love to Janet and the Mc Robbie Clan and to all those who were lucky enough to know Peter Mac.

aroha nui

Aaron