 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 24 Apr 2010 |
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Audience bonds with performers over technical problems When Jonathan Larson’s Rent first burst onto the American musical theatre scene 14 years ago, with personal stories about the pain, suffering and sacrifices within a community of struggling bohemians in contemporary New York, it must have been a refreshing and timely alternative to the less controversial subject matter of composers such as Andrew Lloyd-Webber. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 9 May 2010 |
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Erudite hilarity, gripping yarns, private sadness and some regret Part farce, part slapstick, yet all heart, poetry and inspired language, Horseplay gives celebrated New Zealand playwright Ken Duncum an abundance of poetic and comic licence, as he boldly empowers himself as the voice-box of two great New Zealand literary artists: poet James K Baxter and novelist Ronald H Morrieson. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 24 May 2010 |
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Thank you for the music plus... There’s a line in ABBA’s song Super Trouper, “Smiling having fun, feeling like a number one”, which in part sums up the simple euphoria the Bjorn Again formula brings to devoted ABBA and Mamma Mia fans. Four clever front line musicians-singers-performers, supported by two able back line rhythm section players, bring to life the (comparatively) bright innocence of ABBA’s all too few live performances. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 4 Jul 2010 |
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Purr-fect fun and delight Tim Bray and team bring to life author Joy Cowley and illustrator Robin Belton’s Greedy Cat with a production that celebrates feline curiosities and fun; creating a hugely enjoyable (and far more affordable) kids alternative to Lloyd-Webber’s global hit, Cats. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 7 Jul 2010 |
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Mostly entertaining and thought-provoking On an expansive set with warm colours and tones, set and lighting designer Michael Knapp uses a large cyc-screen to maximum effect, to create a clear yet cosy desert land, where we meet the many wonderful creatures and characters from the book by Joy Cowley, Snake And Lizard. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 12 Aug 2010 |
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The campest Grease ever Like any good trip down the Grease memory lane, this production is fun, energetic, colourful and while the song order is different, overall it never strays too far from the famous film version that so many remember so well. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 16 Sep 2010 |
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Unstoppable energy and sheer exuberance needs editing and better technical support The unique appeal of Winston Riddle’s Circus of Sensuality MOTHER AFRICA lies in the wild, raw exuberance of his 40-strong multi-talented cast of dancers, singers, musicians, contortionists and other colourful characters. Sourced from nine African Nations, they fill the stage and openly share their infectious warmth and unifying happiness. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 16 Jan 2011 |
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More wacky action needed amid good quips for adults There’s plenty of colour, originality and topical jokes in Roger Hall’s Cinderella - The Pantomime – hats off to Amici Productions and Caught Jesters Theatre Company for making it happen. It must be nerve-wracking to take the risk on Britain’s mid-winter Yuletide custom of Pantomime, in the middle of our warm sunny NZ Christmas holidays. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 4 May 2011 |
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Huge impact celebrated Lovers of Lloyd-Webber’s songs will leave satisfied and happy, as The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is jam-packed with the composer’s most well known signature tunes from 14 of his most popular and enduring works. [more] |
 reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe 12 May 2011 |
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Amazing precision and equally entertaining rule-breaking Surely one of the most elastic comedy duos on the global circuit, The Umbilical Brothers (Australians Shane Dundas and David Collins), deliver another brilliant, intelligent night of entertaining story-telling, using their unique blend of mime, slapstick, organic sound FX, a few basic props and finely timed theatrical devices. [more] |
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