Monica Moore News

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.

'Hale Center Theater Orem will stream 'Songs of Hope' with Hale@Home, featuring Six Time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald, and more than a dozen other Broadway stars, and local favorites!

This story is a sensitive one and there's some pretty dark themes running through it. Tuatara Collective are committed to an innovative arts practice that supports mental health in the arts industry for artists and audiences. A psychologist or qualified counsellor is present during all performances a?' a first in the industry and a very apt and necessary way to acknowledge the seriousness of these issues.

The high-voltage laughter was genuine and shockingly easy. All five nominees were exceptional and presented us with their own individualised well-crafted 'slice of life', entwined with fragments of their personal stories. Go along and see their individual shows!

Director Glenda Pearce is known for her attention to detail and she has successfully replicated the realism of the retirement home; highlighting the atmosphere and the experiences of the diverse characters who live there and delivering the humour.

'Shakespeare was Written by Chicks' pokes fun at poetry, prose and patriarchy- challenging, questioning and debating the authenticity of Shakespeare's literary contributions as fake news- by 'proving', using examples of strong women from history whom he ripped off,  and apparently claimed as his own talent.  

The combination of Sir Roger Hall's script, director Colin McColl's skill and supreme delivery by Alison Quigan and Mark Hadlow (ONMZ) created the synergy for superb entertainment. Sir Roger Hall maybe in his 80's but he's let us all know loud and clear that he still has 'it'; in fact, this latest work is one of his best.

The image of Shakespeare peering out, as if hidden from behind a barrier, as the choice of poster, entices and intrigues - and sets the scene for a pair of revealing performances - is he watching us, or are we watching him? Shakespeare's insights into the tortured depths of the ambitious and unscrupulous, paired by his playful reveal of pastoral romance set against the seven ages and stages, in human development.

With the flamboyant style of Prince and a voice as mind-blowing as Freddy, this daring deviant riffs through 'RESPECT', breezes through 'Bohemian Rhapsody', and will leave you singin' in the 'Purple Rain'. It's all the queens and kings you love to belt along to, in a hilarious cabaret romp you'll be talking about for days. Will he have a coronation, or just a corona?