BWW Review: ASB Season of THE AUDIENCE at ASB Waterfront Theatre by Monica Moore
- May 13, 2019 'The Audience' is an unexpected experience of an unrelatable life becoming relatable and of humanity meeting humanity.
A life and rhythm is breathed into the script cleverly connecting 'she who is above' to the hearts of the masses, delivering this message: The Queen is a person, she feels and needs and at times her life is unrecognisably and stiflingly difficult.
The theatrical value weighs heavily on talent both individual and collaborative; making refined nuances of timing and delivery, well, crucial.
BWW Review: THE SPIRIT OF ANNIE ROSS at Howick Little Theatre by Monica Moore
- May 09, 2019 There was just the right amount of scary to keep me on my seat and the use of lighting and sound was on point to deliver this. This was a crucial element to the play's success and succeed it did.
BWW Review: MIDDLE AGE SPREAD at Pumphouse Theatre Takapuna, Auckland by Monica Moore
- May 09, 2019 Written by Roger Hall it is a classic, cleverly crafted comedic social commentary of 1970's New Zealand middle class. Opening in 1978, Middle Age Spread is one of Hall's most successful social comedies, with an extended Wellington season, a New Zealand-made movie and a West End production that ran for 15 months.
This play stands the test of time and like Oscar Wilde who made frivolous fun of 'the dilemmas of the people at the time' Hall's work has evolved into an historical lens that pokes fun at 'from whence we have come'.
BWW Review: GANGSTER'S PARADISE at ASB Waterfront Auckland by Monica Moore
- April 30, 2019 Having been part of writer Leki Jackson Burke's 'south side' school experience I can validate that he has expressed the heart of the experiences of young Pasifika people as they negotiate their way through high school. A determined mother, empathetic teacher, the importance and relevance of performing arts and young people who are willing to overcome difference and find connection in their commonality are all relevant themes well represented in this contemporary piece.
BWW Review: 8 REASONABLE DEMANDS at ASB Waterfront Auckland by Monica Moore
- April 29, 2019 This high energy, 'sit on the edge of your seat' play is crafted written by Joni Nelson who has cleverly meshed a social commentary into rollicking great entertainment that you will enjoy and will make you think.
There are loads of laughs and surprises (who exactly is in the bathroom?) amongst the pathos and this story had me engrossed from the beginning to the end. A sign of a great play is when time flies. Time flew.
BWW Review: GANGSTER'S PARADISE at ASB Waterfront Auckland by Monica Moore
- April 29, 2019 Having been part of writer Leki Jackson Burke's 'south side' school experience I can validate that he has expressed the heart of the experiences of young Pasifika people as they negotiate their way through high school. A determined mother, empathetic teacher, the importance and relevance of performing arts and young people who are willing to overcome difference and find connection in their commonality are all relevant themes well represented in this contemporary piece.
Nadia Reid, Liam Finn And Anna Coddington Perform With The APO by BWW News Desk
- April 29, 2019 The past and the future of Kiwi music will be celebrated in June when beloved New Zealand musicians Nadia Reid, Liam Finn and Anna Coddington join the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) to perform some of our most iconic songs.
BWW Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Westside Theatre TAURANGA by Monica Moore
- April 28, 2019 Director Kaitlin Spedding and Musical Director Ashleen Fain clearly understand the power of music to evoke theatrical catharsis, and powerfully present an emotional thought-provoking universal conflict that draws us into a heartfelt story. The artistic crafting and beauty of this top quality and professional production is one which deserves full houses.
BWW Review: TIME STANDS STILL at Dolphin Theatre by Monica Moore
- April 26, 2019 Intelligently and meticulously directed by Zane Fleming, many layers unfold throughout this professional quality two-hour narrative. The opening minutes - sound effects in blackout effectively capture and convey the backstory - the horrors of modern day warfare - which alerts us to expect scars and wounds, emotional, psychological and physical. On lights up, we are immediately drawn into the disquiet.
BWW Review: BUGSY MALONE at Playhouse Theatre Glen Eden by Monica Moore
- April 25, 2019 Superbly directed by first time directed Robin Lane and supported by a young musical director Sammie Campbell, the forty-four cast members (aged from 6-16) have the audience laughing almost from the opening moments. Lane is delighted to have had the opportunity to direct this show, one which he has fond memories of, as it was his first show, aged five, playing Angelo, in Fat Sam's Gang. Lane says this is why he sees the show as more like a game than a show - and indeed, that concept comes spinning clearly through the action.
BWW Review: THE ARISTOCATS KIDS at Theatre Royal Nelson by Judene Edgar
- April 15, 2019 A packed and appreciative house of pre-schoolers and primary school-aged children along with parents and grandparents, enjoyed the opening performance of The Aristocats on Monday, April 15 by 'Team A'.
BWW Review: THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS at Theatre Royal Nelson by Judene Edgar
- April 15, 2019 The Jungle Book is the second half of a double-feature, along with The Aristocats, presented by Nelson Youth Theatre. The two shows are about 40 minutes long each, with an interval between them, which makes it an ideal outing for young children.
BWW Review: INTO THE WOODS at Off Broadway Papakura by Monica Moore
- April 14, 2019 As soon as you step into the gloomily lit theatre, the 'once upon a time' mystery of the fairy tale woods immediately enchants you. The blue gloomily lit scenery of the woods is so beautifully painted that it's as if you are really there. You are drawn into the story even before it unfolds. The 'magical' set is miraculous!
Superbly co-directed by Regan Crummer and Paulette Hadley, the young cast (aged 10-18) engages the audience immediately and captivates them until the end.
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Makes Its New Zealand Debut At The Court Theatre by BWW News Desk
- April 10, 2019 Broadway hit and four-time Tony Award winner Hedwig and the Angry Inch is coming to The Court Theatre this May, with leading lady Hedwig bringing her incredible band and collection of wigs with her.
NZ's First Fully Inclusive Kids' Musical, MADAGASCAR, Opens 16 May by BWW News Desk
- April 08, 2019 Forty-one children with and without disabilities will share the limelight in Auckland this May in New Zealand's first ever fully-inclusive children's musical, Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Junior.
BWW Review: THE MAN WHOSE MOTHER WAS A PIRATE at Pumphouse Theatre Takapuna by Monica Moore
- April 07, 2019 At the opening performance of 'The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate' on Saturday afternoon it was not just children being richly entertained , but all attending who were young at heart thoroughly enjoyed a slick 50-minute musical play.
Festival Of Comedy, Music And Drama Comes To The Court Theatre This April by BWW News Desk
- April 07, 2019 Kicking off with sold-out comedy fundraiser Stand Up for Peace, The Court Theatre is hosting a festival packed full of laughter, theatre and music; bringing some of New Zealand's best talent together in Canterbury.
BWW Review: CHICAGO at Pukekohe Performing Arts by Monica Moore
- April 04, 2019 A full house on the Wednesday after opening night is always a good sign that the grape vine is sp
Pukekohe Performing Arts production of 'Chicago' serves up a glitzy night of high energy entertainment.
BWW Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Harlequin Theatre by Monica Moore
- April 01, 2019 I've never felt quite so transported into the realities of a convent or the freshness of a mountain or the sadness of a man who has lost his wife and is too aggrieved to notice his children. This is quite discombobulating (in the best possible way) considering I've grown up with the movie, appeared in the musical twice and directed it.
The singing is sensational. Under the guise of Musical Director Andrew Christie assisted by Vocal Coach Kerry Ackerman the harmonies are on point and the light and shade most definitely in all the right places. Accolades to the orchestra who supported the performers so ably.
Michael Potts (Captain von Trapp) has a voice that is almost too big for the senses. He worked it to perfection bringing us near the point of 'overwhelm' then subtly pulling back. Potts took the feelings evoked by the music to new heights.
I could literally smell the edelweiss and those top notes - wow. He is a gifted being.
New Zealand Comedians to STAND UP FOR PEACE by BWW News Desk
- March 27, 2019 A top-notch line up of Kiwi comics are lending their talents to Stand-Up for Peace, a very special comedy fundraiser supporting the victims of the Christchurch Mosque Attacks.
Dinosaurs And Robots Come To The Court Theatre In TIME MACHINE by BWW News Desk
- March 24, 2019 The rumble of dinosaur footsteps can be heard at The Court Theatre as brand-new kids play Time Machine prepares for its April debut, taking the children of Canterbury on a journey through time and space.