NEW ZEALAND THEATRE NEWSROOM - Page 23

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.

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.

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.

Intelligently and meticulously directed by Zane Fleming, many layers unfold throughout this professional quality two-hour narrative.

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.

Chicago: High School Edition is an exceptional mesmerising show with contagious energy.

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'.

The Jungle Book is the second half of a double-feature, along with The Aristocats, presented by Nelson Youth Theatre.

A beautiful and moving story that connects with history and the people

As soon as you step into the gloomily lit theatre, the 'once upon a time' mystery of the fairy tale woods immediately enchants you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Court Theatre Trust has announced that, because of the horrific and tragic loss of life and trauma suffered by the community, especially the Muslim community, these past few days, they have made the decision to not go ahead with the EQ F@#%ING C production at this time.

Written by Albert Belz, 'Astroman' captures a kiwi slice of life from the '80's; a heartfelt and energetic piece highlighted with humour, struggle and plenty of 'ah-ha', 'ha-ha' and 'awww' moments in all the right places.

Book a babysitter, because tickets to the most hilariously unfiltered theatre show about parenthood, Emily Writes' Rants in the Dark, go on presale today.

This performance not only circumnavigated around my heart several times but captured it in a willing surrender of raw emotional energy.

New Zealand's newest arts festival, Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival, has revealed the first event in its inaugural programme.

It's those feelings and desires to which we can all connect.