Monica Moore - Page 7

Michael Hurst is simply captivating as Danny Moffat. Hurst didn't show us the life of Danny Moffat, he took us with him, transporting us to another time and place melding both skill and charisma. This is a first-class theatre experience

The beautiful setting of the amphitheatre on the shore of Lake Pupuke and adjacent to the main PumpHouse Theatre is the perfect place to enjoy a night of Shakespearean theatre. Come early and enjoy the offerings of the French Rendezvous Cafe complete with bar facilities. Bring your own cushions and blankets if you wish and set yourself up for a great night of theatre right in the centre of the North Shore.

The nominations for the iTICKET Northern Area Performance Theatre Awards were officially announced on Tuesday night at a special function held at the iTICKET Office in Ponsonby, Auckland.

The world premiere of emerging playwright Richard De Luca's 'Death of a Dream' has certainly paid off for Dolphin Theatre's Committee as it took out an array of  awards including Best Production, Best Female Lead Role, Best Supporting Female, Best Supporting Male and Best character male at their annual end of year awards night and Christmas party.

Director Syd Mannion and his team have encapsulated the essence of what this story is about and this is the crucial success of this production. The characters are sensationally played; they are charismatic, exquisitely presented in delicious period costume and the story is supported with a craftily constructed set.

Shortland St the Musical. Was that a sharp intake of breath? What madness is this? At least, that was my reaction when I first heard that this show was being developed into a full-length musical comedy. I have seen little bits and pieces of the long-running soap, but I never really recognised what my other friends saw in it and therefore chose to block it out of my television browsing hours. I do feel compelled however to pay homage to the long-standing show, well into its third decade and has been sold to many overseas countries.

I was  intrigued to see how the producers would breathe life into this and they have crafted a show that takes you on a bittersweet journey that is incredibly moving. And yes....you will cry. I am slightly annoyed at them for making me cry in public, I like to keep up my tough guy reputation...but I could not hold back.

Howick Little Theatre's production of I'll Leave It to You successfully transports the audience back to another time with a sublime attention to detail of every aspect of the production. The full house on Opening Night was treated to a hilarious farce encased in a visually authentic wrapping of superb set and costumes.

The much-loved characters of yesteryear are brought to life in this resplendent production that more than pays homage to the 1939 movie version of this show. Director Michael Sanders and his team have created a magnificent production igniting the same feelings of wonder and joy that the movie version brought to the screen whilst playing the full advantage of the medium of live theatre.

Manukau Performing Arts production of 'The Wiz' is an exuberant journey down the yellow brick road in an original Pasifika Panto style. It's entertaining, energetic and brimming with talent.  The diverse cast is bound in the unity of voice; each with a rich, unique sound that complements the funky soulful and bluesy music score.  The singing is stunning. Any of those voices could slip into a New York nightclub with ease.

Dolphin Theatre's production of 'Goodnight Mr Tom' is a beautifully orchestrated piece of theatre and it is difficult to reconcile that the set, special effects and performances of almost all cast members are not that of a professional company.

It has been often said that theatre is a great medium to observe the perplexing politics of our world but it's not that often that a play is able to be presented as clearly, succinctly and as compellingly engaging as ATC's Rendered which opened at ASB Waterfront Theatre last Thursday.

The cast is a highly skilled and engaging collective talent of charismatic performers who well-honour the Pulitzer winning musical that had a successful 12 year run on Broadway.

A great night of theatre, a complimentary drink, supper and a singing performance from one of Gore's popular entertainment groups.

Songs of a New World is a collection of stories of individual experiences cleverly connected, bringing our human struggles into community, confirming that you're not the only one who feels 'like that'.

The Addams Family combines dark chuckles with laugh out loud fun. You wouldn't want to miss out on experiencing this cast of up and coming musical theatre stars. Tickets are vanishing fast, and deservedly so - grab one before they sell out.

A tangled web of dark and complex circumstances is delivered with a mix of hysteria, confusion, accusation and cold calculation under the direction of Reg Williams at Centrestage Theatre Company's production of The Crucible which opened on Friday night.

The totally fabulous music and script are delivered with a synergy and symmetry that draws the audience into mesmerising entertainment.

 [title of show] is a winner: a funny modern spin on the backstage musical, a love letter to those who make and those who appreciate the modern musical. It is hilarious, cheeky, ironic, witty, charismatic, moving and huge fun! Take some time out to come and dream out loud!

Auckland Theatre Company's Filthy Business is a deliciously authentic piece, fiery and funny encapsulating the many layers and struggles within the human condition. One cannot help be immersed in the great plot lines, the rich characters and the humour all delivered with perfect East End Accents.