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Photo: Neil Mackenzie
XERXES at St James Theatre
reviewed by Paul Diamond 17 Mar 2011
Sublime blend of voices and orchestra
First performed in 1738, Xerxes has finally made it to New Zealand, in the first fully staged professional production of any of the 47 operas written by Handel. The wait has been worthwhile – this production is splendid. [more]

Photo: Neil Mackenzie
CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA AND PAGLIACCI at St James Theatre
reviewed by Paul Diamond 1 Sep 2011
Powerful, dramatic works shattering yet uplifting
These two short operas, just over an hour each and known as Cav & Pag, premiered in 1890 and 1892 respectively. Since 1893, they have tended to be performed together, always in the same order. It’s an apt pairing, both being concerned with timeless tragic stories of love that goes wrong, ending in violence. [more]

SWAN LAKE ON ICE at Isaac Theatre Royal
reviewed by Brigid Kelly 1 Jul 2010
Emotion and story prevail over astonishing technique
One of ballet’s most often-presented classics has been given new heart and a touch of fire in this lavish, satisfying production by touring Russian company Imperial Ice Stars. [more]

AUNTY MCDUFF’S MAGICAL TRUNK at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge
reviewed by Emma Whittaker (New Zealand Herald) 6 Jul 2010
Children caught up in magical hi-jinks
A monster who needed lessons on how to scare was the favourite for some, while others were excited about helping a girl speak to a prince. [more]

YOUNG & HUNGRY FESTIVAL OF NEW THEATRE 2010, WELLINGTON at BATS
reviewed by Adam Burgess and Lynn Freeman (Capital Times) 14 Jul 2010
The best of the bunch
This is one of the best crop of Young & Hungry shows in its 16 year history – I reckon I can say that having seen almost every single one. They get the tick of authenticity from Adam (15) in terms of language, technology references, set, characterization and humour. The hard-bitten veteran critic, meanwhile, finds all three commissions to be absorbing, topical, surprising and beautifully performed and produced. [more]

THE YOUNG AND THE WITLESS IV at Fringe Bar, Cnr Cuba & Vivian
reviewed by Phoebe Smith (2) 20 Jul 2010
Unpredictable soap produces amusing absurdism
WIT’s season of improvised soap opera, The Young and the Witless IV, is going strong at the Fringe Bar on Wednesday nights. It attracts large and exuberant houses who are not disappointed as the improvisers deliver a compelling combination of narrative twists, character based gags and sardonic breakings of the fourth wall. [more]

LALALUNA at Theatre Royal
reviewed by Moreen Eason & John Jefferies 22 Jul 2010
Pure delight in finding the light
La La Luna is enchanting. And Mad. And funny. And magical. And enthralling! It transcends all ages and cultures. The audience, from the very young to the very old, was entranced and mesmerised by Wolfe Bowart’s amazing one-man show ... [more]

ANGIKA: TALES OF THE ROMANCES & BATTLES OF HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES at Suter Theatre
reviewed by Moreen Eason & John Jefferies 6 Aug 2010
Complex and exotic tales danced with compelling charm and beauty
Nelson is indeed fortunate to have Vivek Kinra and the Mudra Dance Company in performance. After holding a classical Indian Dance workshop, and performances for local schools this week, Kinra, with two members of the Mudra Dance Company (Ramya Bhagavathula and Anuksha Narayan) created an evening of magic in the Suter. [more]

SWAN LAKE ON ICE at ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
reviewed by Jacqueline Smith (New Zealand Herald) 23 Jul 2010
Russian classic gorgeous served on ice with twist
Tchaikovsky's Russian love triangle - the tale of Odette, Odile and Prince Siegfried - has toured the world for 135 years, and it seems it will never get old. [more]

CIRQUE MOTHER AFRICA at SKYCITY Theatre
reviewed by Jacqueline Smith (New Zealand Herald) 17 Sep 2010
Prepare to be happily freaked out
Extraordinary performers produce some hair-raising moments Well, they certainly got their timing spot on – Aucklanders are soggy to their bones at the moment. But the beaming smiles, cheery bongos and helzapoppin dancing of these crazy African performers took the audience to their hot, sunny and dry mother continent ... [more]
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