Monica Moore

I loved it. The protecting, nurturing; the strength, fortitude, and tireless commitment to their iwi, the painful endurance yet the humour; the unique and heartful humour of Maori. It is extraordinarily exquisite storytelling delivered via phenomenal, theatre.

What did our critic think of SCHOOL OF ROCK at Harlequin Theatre?

What did our critic think of THE GOLDEN ASS at Q Theatre And Artworks Theatre, Waiheke?

I am officially a big fan of Wicked and North Shore Musical Theatre’s production of it. I would encourage young and old to put on their green tights and witch’s hats and get along to the vibrant, enchanting musical for a great night out to see the local talent of a very high quality. Unfortunately, this show is SOLD OUT and that is a testament to its quality.

What did our critic think of THE WORM at Bruce MasonAlbert Latailakepa as the Worm forms a strong ensemble with Semu Filipo (the Old Worm) and Anapela Polatai'vao (the Blind Rat). These characters are well supported by Andrew Grainger and Yvette Parsons who play multiple roles. There is more than enough entertainment for children and adults throughout the journey with its imaginatively humorous encounters between the worms and underground critters.?

There is no question that this was an outstanding production and while the New Zealand Opera Scene seemed to get up and arms about stepping so far out of the normal look and feel of Opera, it brought people like Taylor to the Opera for the first time and who is now very keen to venture into something more traditional as her curiosity is now in play.

Auckland Theatre Company has begun its 30th anniversary year with a heartwarming play with all the great elements of top-class entertainment underpinned by deeper more gripping issues of trauma, loss, healing and the strength of community.

What did our critic think of THE MADE at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland?

The play boils society down to two sorts of people: the ones who are focused on the accumulation of more, and the self-serving leeches who survive off those who accumulate. The audience starts by laughing at the characters but leaves wondering if we were laughing at boldly painted versions of ourselves.  This play deserved its sell-out season. Look out for more of Burnett's work and book quickly!

The compelling layers within layers of tension that expose the complexity of the human condition are exquisitely unraveled in Auckland Theatre Company's latest production, ''Long Day's Journey into Night' currently playing at Q Theatre. I was mesmerised throughout the performance.

The audience is robbed of their sense of security; blindsided by anticipation and fear. Thrilled and chilled yet enthralled in a nervous hope that the anxiety and build-up will soon break into yet another fright....gripped by the juxtaposed emotions of hope and fear.

Director Jennifer Ward-Lealand's expertise and wisdom of the stage lives and breathes through the performance of Cassandra Woodhouse in Hanna. Woodhouse captivated the audience for the entire 90-minute performance. She is sensational. No one was in their seats - they were with her as she carried us on the emotional roller coaster the story that no one wants to be confronted with let alone a 25-year-old sweet, clever but naive young woman.

Dolphin Theatre's 'Bridal Shop Confessions' is a world premiere from award-winning New Zealand playwright Lindsey Brown. Directed by Robyn Bull it's the story of 5 childhood friends who follow through on their pact to be each other's bridesmaids.

A spell-binding sandwich-making experience? The luncheon paper taking centre stage and the attention of all? I wouldn't have believed it either!. This is just one of the many kiwi moments made into artistry during Auckland Theatre Company's Grand Horizons presented by MINDFOOD.

Dolphin Theatre Company, Onehunga Auckland delights with the New Zealand Premiere of the Donald Margulies, Chekhovian-inspired multi-generation play full of complicated thespians.

An all-female cast of clever young women delivered an intriguing and highly entertaining performance.

This April sees the opportunity for a select group of young New Zealander performers aged 16 – 23 years to take part in an exciting week-long pilot workshop of Aotearoa’s own hit musical “That Bloody Woman” from Monday 26 th April – Friday 30 th April 2022, in Ōtautahi (Christchurch)

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Inside the cavernous Fly Palmy Arena, Greek legend collides with space opera via Cirque de Soleil in the epic human-powered gravity and vertigo-defying Dust Palace sci-fi reset of Homer’s Odyssey. It’s an audacious live mash-up featuring elements of Star Trek, Star Wars, Red Dwarf and Guardians of the Galaxy. So what if a few details get changed, rearranged or condensed in the telling. This is outer space, man. Homer’s story – colossal though it is – is simply a means to frame Herculean feats of aerial artistry and dramatic beauty, while showcasing high-level production values on a grand theatrical scale.

Dave Spark and Glen Ruske are to be congratulated. Under their respective businesses Pixel and Bouncenz , together with Electro - Tech services and Hang - Up Entertainment, they have not just found a silver lining out from under COVID 19 lockdowns, they’ve found Gold! This revue style show gives the audience a taste of some 30 plus Musicals sublimely performed by six powerhouse performers from stages around the World.