NEW ZEALAND THEATER REVIEWS

The vibe amongst the audience as we left the theatre was very definite. I had to control my urge to hug random strangers and tell them I loved them. I could just tell others wanted to do the same! 'Love me Tender, Love me do'. This timeless message from the heart was delivered in a refreshing and ...

Be prepared to be uncomfortably dazzled and delectably delighted by North Shore Music Theatre's season of Heathers.While labeled a black comedy, Heathers is a razor-sharp satire of teenage High School dilemma delivered through a deliciously uncomfortable glorious lens. This show may be about ...

There's nothing in life that can stop you from reaching your dreams, only you can stop yourself. Tevita Lolohea's dream is to win gold for his country at the Olympics but when life hits him with a punch he never expected, more than just his dreams are tested. His heart, his will, and his faith are a...

The rock aspect came across loud and strong throughout the show. Ron Grut as Jesus has an incredible voice that more than delivers the emotion demanded by this role. While the music (circa 1970 AD) and the message (circa 30 AD) are timeless this show is set in a mix of the two. with a bit of 70's Go...

Expect your emotions to be immersed in the story as Goretti Chadwick in the role of Mama, conquers, engages and takes you on an emotional journey of her struggles and feelings. One cannot help but love Mama; her humour, pathos and raw emotion as she finds solace in the revelation of her life, first ...

Myth and dystopia collide in Pan is Dead, a new dark fantasy musical from Theatre of Love.In a society where gender is obsolete and equality achieved, will the desire to dominate bind people in different ways?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 pre...

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....

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 ...

Belinda Davids celebrates the music and memory of Whitney Houston in THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL: THE WHITNEY HOUSTON SHOW. ...

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....

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 A...

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....

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 chara...

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....

The applause received by the cast of 'Peter Gynt [recylced] after the opening night performance was strong, appreciative and long; extended by an audience who had indeed been taken on a 'wild ride'. The presence of the writer, called up to the stage was appropriate. Bravo....

I found Kennar's work and the performance so engaging that time became timeless as I feasted on the enthralling piece that unfolded before me. My mind was guided to the connections of movement and message through both the strengths and frailty of human nature....

Billy Elliot is the first production in the new ASB Waterfront theatre. Auckland Theatre Company's new home is a stunning venue with acoustics second to none....

Stephen Sondheim's epic musical thriller Sweeney Todd opened last night at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal, its final stop on a tour across New Zealand. A joint collaboration between New Zealand Opera and Victorian Opera, this gritty and wonderfully stylised production emphasises the most operati...