Monica Moore News

At times verging on the absurd, this production of the Threepenny Opera (in support of the Wellington Homeless Women's Trust) is thoroughly entertaining, at times unsettling and indicative of the work's continuing popularity and relevance although the purposeful crude scenes, caustic wit and dissection of the hypocrisies of the bourgeois morality may not be for everyone.

Navigating their way through the awkwardness of a blind date; where the quest for love is a combo of hopeful anticipation and the crushing reality of rejection Aaron (Jeremy Downing) and Casey (Kristen Paulse) to and fro - entering each other's zone, testing the water, retreating and retaliating, back and forth in a dance of 'lurve'. They're great. They illuminate their characters fully infiltrating them and then there's the bonus of the great singing.

This magnificent story delivers the message of the strength of the human spirit in the face of the inhumane. The investment in both hope and dignity is craftily woven between cast and audience capturing and connecting us to both the trauma and the triumph of the human spirit. This is a must see; a reminder of what happened in the not too distant past and a push to think about our present and future.

There are laugh-out-loud moments but the comedy comes mostly from the social commentary and sharp, British gallows humour that touches a chord with anyone who has ever felt overlooked, dismissed, humiliated or rejected.  These are the men that Donald Trump appealed to with the promise of bringing back the industrial boom.  They measure their masculinity by what they can provide and their lack of prospects (especially in the face of the capable working women in their lives) only exacerbate their feelings of failure.

Choreographers Lesley Bandy and Hayz Pincheira Rowe along with Conductor Chad Davenport, have collaborated to create 'Imaginarium' a fusion of story, dance, band and song. The 55 members of the West City Concert Band are front right and centre in this performance, becoming integral visual parts of the story as they move and infuse within the the dynamics of the choreography.

'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.

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.

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'.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

BroadwayWorld presents a comprehensive weekly roundup of regional stories around our Broadway World, which include videos, editor spotlights, regional reviews and more. This week, we feature Lea Michele in THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE FLAMINGO KID at Hartford Stage, DEAR EVAN HANSEN in Toronto and More!

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.