 reviewed by Bernadette Rae (New Zealand Herald) 12 Apr 2010 |
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Rich carnival of vibrant colour is lacking in feeling One of China's four most famous literary novels provides the inspiration. A tragic Romeo and Juliet-ish love story unfolds against the backdrop of a prosperous feudal family. The favourite son (Baoyu) is tricked into marrying the wrong girl (Baochai) while his true love (Daiyu) dies of a broken heart. [more] |
 reviewed by Laurie Atkinson (The Dominion Post) 12 Apr 2010 |
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Politics fires passion of controversial play We empathise with this young, lively, intelligent middle-class American woman who wanted to do something to make the world a better place because she's funny, disorganised, and full of beans. She could so easily have stayed in Olympia, Washington, and lived a secure life. [more] |
 reviewed by John Ross 12 Apr 2010 |
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Challenging and rewarding acting roles One goes along to a new-ish Roger Hall comedy wondering just how well the acknowledged master will bring it off this time. Gladly, I find this to be one of his more strongly coherent plays, with a character-disclosure-and-development action that runs through its episodes which is complex and twisty enough to sustain interest. [more] |
 reviewed by Barbara Frame (Otago Daily Times) 12 Apr 2010 |
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Pace too quick for passion Much hinges on the undying love between Catherine and Heathcliff, but despite Anna Henare’s lithe charm and Timothy Foley’s handsome, dominating presence, this aspect isn’t entirely convincing and the play doesn’t quite ignite. [more] |
 reviewed by John Smythe 11 Apr 2010 |
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A Ruhl unto herself? Given Sarah Ruhl is a fabulist playwright, we are invited to relish her departures from prosaic reality and seek the fable in each story she conjures up from her fertile imagination and enquiring mind. She writes great roles for actors, too, which ensures a lively ride en route, providing the play is well cast. [more] |
 reviewed by Lindsay Clark 10 Apr 2010 |
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Zippy yet relaxed However many versions of this time-tested rags to royalty tale have entranced listeners and viewers over the centuries, there is always room for one more. The Court Jesters improvisers are a small team to tackle an on the spot rewrite, all the way from Brothers Grimm to final clinch, but they are enthusiastically supported by switched-on kinder, ready with challenging suggestions. [more] |
 reviewed by Hannah Smith 10 Apr 2010 |
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Looks and feels like an iMac It is pitched at people who can say wryly to one another “Kids. They change everything. How did we (you and me), get to be us (this family)?” I am not those people. Yet. [more] |
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reviewed by Pei Jung Lee 10 Apr 2010 |
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A marvellously produced spectacular The dance is based on a very famous Chinese literary novel by Tsao Hsueh-Chin with complex families, characters and issues. Choreographer Zhao Ming focuses on the Rong Palace of Family Jia and divides the play into four acts. [more] |
 reviewed by Michael Wray 10 Apr 2010 |
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Harmonious rendition of tensions Based on Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Miss Saigon premiered 21 years ago. It’s easy to see the reasons for the show’s longevity and appeal. [more] |
 reviewed by Laurie Atkinson 10 Apr 2010 |
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Playful theatrical sonnet portrays ageing love story The title of Edward Albee’s rarely performed play Counting the Ways refers to Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s most famous sonnet in her Sonnets from the Portuguese. (“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”) [more] |
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