Monica Moore - Page 9

The 2018 Auckland Fringe is the first annual iteration of the festival - an organic result of the momentum created from the success of the 2017 Fringe. The Auckland Fringe has existed in various guises since 2009, but it wasn't until the current Festival Director Lydia Zanetti took over during make-or-break times, and carried off an explosive Auckland Fringe in 2017 that we've seen it start to show its teeth.

Myth and dystopia collide in Pan is Dead, a new dark fantasy musical from Theatre of Love.In a society where gender is obsolete and equality achieved, will the desire to dominate bind people in different ways? Are we capable of obtaining utopia? And who is Pan? A good shepherd or a lascivious predator? I was pleased that I ventured into the woods to find out for myself.

Pardon me Alan Turing is an important piece of theatre and has the legs to go a lot further than its Auckland or Wellington season. The story needs to be told on a international stage.This play manages to find the right balance. The humour seduces you, then the themes confront you.

Who doesn't love a night of glamour and glitz and this year at the Northern Area Performance Arts Awards the cabaret show has the theme Mkurder Moulin Rouge Style. Theatrical superstar Kit Haines is directing and promises excitement plus when Auckland Community Theatre supporters get together to celebrate, recognise and appreciate all those who make theatre 'happen' and keep it alive.

Bringing a book about volcanoes, tunnels, mud aliens and magical stones to the stage makes for some unique challenges and there had been a lot of talk of how it could be staged. Director Sara Brodie, who gained notoriety with her direction of the highly successful The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Auckland Theatre Company 2016), has melded a technical team who have created a landscape of tension , thrill and drama for the performers to tell their story.

Creating an atmosphere of eerie drama in Victorian London has been successfully achieved by North Shore Music Theatre's Production of Jekyll and Hyde on at the Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna.

'Get thee to a nunnery' now has a whole new meaning after seeing Sister Act at the ASB Waterfront Theatre on Saturday night. The audience loved it, their energetic clapping and 'wa-hoos' said it all, with most jumping to their feet during the final number.

The audience, like a swimmer on the heels of the winner are absorbed; engagement levels surpass time and we find ourselves suspended; knowledge of the 90 minute time frame is superfluous.

A big tick for Manukau Performing Arts' production of Sweet Charity. They have gathered top talent to create a great night's entertainment. Megan O'Reily is Charity Hope Valentine, the big eyed, tarnish-proof waif who gives her last dime to the less fortunate and her heart to any guy who will look her way. O'Reily's role is huge and she superb. One cannot help but love her. She's the deal real. The production benefits further with a stellar supporting cast and ensemble.

The New Zealand premier of Sunset Boulevard opened at the Playhouse Theatre in Glen Eden on Saturday night.

'That Bloody Woman' brings a new, fresh vitality to the world stage' It touches the spirit of humanity and packages it in a powerful mix of sexy-punk juxtaposed with the historically authentic, smokey haze, flashy lighting and emotionally charged totally awesome music that will literally rock you.

Hall's characters exemplify that age does not wither, eccentricities are accented, reputations less important and the quest for satisfaction and meaning from life heightens as the reality of mortality looms closer. Join the swindling Garry and Trish, the disillusioned Helena and her ageing husband Angus as they encounter the sexy Kitty and the practical Edna at the swanky Cambridge Retirement Home on the North Shore of Auckland. The very elderly Shelia, Eve, Joyce and Jessie also shed their own brand of 'old' as mortality looms.

Glizty, intriguing AND a true story! Papakura Theatre Company's 'Catch Me If You Can' is a extravaganza of singing, dancing and a brilliant story line. As a bonus there's a 12 piece jazz band on stage comprising of some of Auckland's top musicians led by Musical Director Edwin Randell.

Manukau Performing Arts warms up winter with it's hip-hop Latino Musical, In The Heights

The singing in Harlequin Theatre's production of Bonnie and Clyde is simply stunning.

The epitome of youthful vitality entertained with endless energy North Shore Musical Theatre's 'Bring It On' at the Pumphouse Theatre Takapuna.

As the curtain rose on the opening scene of Auckland Theatre Company's Amadeus my ageing aesthetic senses were overwhelmed but like a kid unleashed at a new playground I moved from sensory overload to great joy as the stunning artistry before me sunk in. It was simply beautiful.

The only difference between a professional show and a community theatre one is the price of the ticket and I was once again convinced of this after the opening night of Papakura Theatre Company's 'Beauty and the Beast.'

Auckland Music Theatre Company has sold out for it's cabaret season of 'Expect the Unexpected'. After the opening night hype there was a rush for tickets and this speaks volumes. The show is a potpourri of cleverly crafted entertainment. The vocals are stunning and supported by great moves and characterisation.

Bravo to CentreStage Theatre company for their choice of show. Writers Dempsey and Rowe have provided a wealth of witty and tuneful material which, combined with some clever staging and talented performers results in a refreshing night of entertainment.