Monica Moore - Page 9

The cast is fabulous and is supported by a creatively constructed set to deliver this much-loved story.

What would you do to go home? This futurist piece will quench the thirst of sci-fi apocalyptic theatre lovers for sure.

The vibe amongst the audience as we left the theatre was very definite. I had to control my urge to hug random strangers and tell them I loved them. I could just tell others wanted to do the same! 'Love me Tender, Love me do'. This timeless message from the heart was delivered in a refreshing and touching way melting even the hardest of hearts.

Be prepared to be uncomfortably dazzled and delectably delighted by North Shore Music Theatre's season of Heathers.While labeled a black comedy, Heathers is a razor-sharp satire of teenage High School dilemma delivered through a deliciously uncomfortable glorious lens. This show may be about teenagers but it is for those looking back on a time in the past and making connections to what's going on in the world today.

It's unusual to be confronted by themes suicide, bullying, sexual assault and murder when you spend a night at your local community musical but this is what North Shore Musical Theatre's production of Heathers offers. Theatre replicates life and with the talk around the world about the horror of the school shootings in America, this musical is very timely. Although a black comedy in it's essence, Heathers explores uncomfortable and difficult issues.

There's always a definite vibe within the walls of a theatre; it's the nature of its purpose; to create an atmosphere, sparking the emotions and stimulating the senses.

There's nothing in life that can stop you from reaching your dreams, only you can stop yourself. Tevita Lolohea's dream is to win gold for his country at the Olympics but when life hits him with a punch he never expected, more than just his dreams are tested. His heart, his will, and his faith are all put to the test. This play has heart, pathos and Tongan humour as the reality of life for many Tongan families in New Zealand is clearly identified through this story of family love and the struggles to make ends meet while still living by their deeply traditional and cultural religious values.

Top quality theatre is produced in the southern region of New Zealand. The pool of talent is incredible, the theatres are beautiful, the shows are well attended and the financial support is forthcoming thanks to the commitment of institutions such as the local Licensing Trusts and Community Arts Trusts.

There's no natural light. It's all 'created'. Words and music notes are taken off the pages and placed in a space that manifests the power to interpret and share with others. The colours, sounds, moods and emotions are all man-made. It's glorious!

The rock aspect came across loud and strong throughout the show. Ron Grut as Jesus has an incredible voice that more than delivers the emotion demanded by this role. While the music (circa 1970 AD) and the message (circa 30 AD) are timeless this show is set in a mix of the two. with a bit of 70's Godspell-meets-Hair and the addition of some Broadway razzamatazz. The strength is in the powerhouse of vocals that the company delivers.

Expect your emotions to be immersed in the story as Goretti Chadwick in the role of Mama, conquers, engages and takes you on an emotional journey of her struggles and feelings. One cannot help but love Mama; her humour, pathos and raw emotion as she finds solace in the revelation of her life, first to Blackie her recently deceased cat and then Moa, a chicken who takes up residence in her back garden. Auckland audiences will only stand up when they are truly moved. The play concluded with the near full house jumping to their feet in a standing ovation resonating with a full deep response to the the emotional depth of the beautiful piece of art that had unfolded before them.

The 2018 Auckland Fringe is the first annual iteration of the festival - an organic result of the momentum created from the success of the 2017 Fringe. The Auckland Fringe has existed in various guises since 2009, but it wasn't until the current Festival Director Lydia Zanetti took over during make-or-break times, and carried off an explosive Auckland Fringe in 2017 that we've seen it start to show its teeth.

Myth and dystopia collide in Pan is Dead, a new dark fantasy musical from Theatre of Love.In a society where gender is obsolete and equality achieved, will the desire to dominate bind people in different ways? Are we capable of obtaining utopia? And who is Pan? A good shepherd or a lascivious predator? I was pleased that I ventured into the woods to find out for myself.

Pardon me Alan Turing is an important piece of theatre and has the legs to go a lot further than its Auckland or Wellington season. The story needs to be told on a international stage.This play manages to find the right balance. The humour seduces you, then the themes confront you.

Who doesn't love a night of glamour and glitz and this year at the Northern Area Performance Arts Awards the cabaret show has the theme Mkurder Moulin Rouge Style. Theatrical superstar Kit Haines is directing and promises excitement plus when Auckland Community Theatre supporters get together to celebrate, recognise and appreciate all those who make theatre 'happen' and keep it alive.

Bringing a book about volcanoes, tunnels, mud aliens and magical stones to the stage makes for some unique challenges and there had been a lot of talk of how it could be staged. Director Sara Brodie, who gained notoriety with her direction of the highly successful The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Auckland Theatre Company 2016), has melded a technical team who have created a landscape of tension , thrill and drama for the performers to tell their story.

Creating an atmosphere of eerie drama in Victorian London has been successfully achieved by North Shore Music Theatre's Production of Jekyll and Hyde on at the Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna.

'Get thee to a nunnery' now has a whole new meaning after seeing Sister Act at the ASB Waterfront Theatre on Saturday night. The audience loved it, their energetic clapping and 'wa-hoos' said it all, with most jumping to their feet during the final number.

The audience, like a swimmer on the heels of the winner are absorbed; engagement levels surpass time and we find ourselves suspended; knowledge of the 90 minute time frame is superfluous.

A big tick for Manukau Performing Arts' production of Sweet Charity. They have gathered top talent to create a great night's entertainment. Megan O'Reily is Charity Hope Valentine, the big eyed, tarnish-proof waif who gives her last dime to the less fortunate and her heart to any guy who will look her way. O'Reily's role is huge and she superb. One cannot help but love her. She's the deal real. The production benefits further with a stellar supporting cast and ensemble.