THE WISHING TREE
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Director/Producer: Christine Brooks Creator: Rama Nicholas (Impro Melbourne) Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT) at BATS, Wellington From 8 Dec 2009 to 12 Dec 2009 The Garden Club, 13b Dixon Street, Wellington From 7 Dec 2010 to 11 Dec 2010 BATS - return season, Wellington From 20 Nov 2012 to 24 Nov 2012 Reviewed by: John Smythe; Laurie Atkinson (The Dominion Post); John Smythe (2); Lori Leigh; |
IMPROV TO REMEMBER IN THE MORNING
An enchanting new improv show, The Wishing Tree, comes to BATS Theatre from 8 - 12 December, presented by the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT). Based on a Japanese myth of love, luck and fate, a tree blossoms with genuine wishes as anonymously supplied by the audience. These true desires become the inspiration for scenes that will transport audiences to a world where their own wishes are brought to life before their eyes. Sometimes for good, other times for ill, and sometimes just for a laugh.
The Wishing Tree premiered during the 2009 New Zealand Improv Festival with a one-off show comprising performers from troupes across New Zealand and Australia. Described as "elegant and touching" (Salient Magazine), by popular demand WIT is bringing this show back to Wellington audiences who missed out on the sold-out show during the Festival.
WIT Co-Creative Director, Christine Brooks, describes the concept as "a different kind of improv. A lot of improv shows are a bit of fun, but can end up being pretty disposable, like a comedy version of a one night stand. The Wishing Tree creates improvised theatre that I want to remember in the morning."
Based on a format created by Rama Nicholas of Impro Melbourne, The Wishing Tree has been performed around the world, from Belgium to Seattle, inspiring performers and audience alike.
"We all have dreams, goals and desires," says Brooks, "but how much do we think about them? Sometimes you get what you think you've always wanted and it's kind of disappointing or you get something unexpected and it's great! The Wishing Tree allows people to reflect on their desires and wishes in a fun, open way. It's thrilling to be able to entertain people and make them think at the same time."
Starring WIT regulars from improvised soap The Young and the Witless, Derek Flores, Simon Smith, Anton van Helden, Paul Sullivan, Christine Brooks and others, The Wishing Tree will bring your true desires to life in a unique theatre experience this December.
BATS Theatre</strong>
8 - 12 December 2009
Performance dates and times:
Tuesday 8 - Saturday 12 December, 2009; 7pm
$16 full / $13 concession
Bookings at BATS Theatre: (04) 802 4175 or email book@bats.co.nz
2010 season
Tuesday 7 December – Saturday 11 December
8pm, The Garden Club (13 Dixon Street)
Tickets available from www.dashtickets.co.nz
2012 season:
20-24 November @ 7pm
BATS Theatre
Tickets $18 / $14 / $15 Groups 6+
Book now! Or call BATS on 04 802 4175
CREDITS
Performers and the lighting operator rotate. Those who created the opening night show are italicised.
Starring:
Karen Anslow, Christine Brooks, Derek Flores, Anton Van Helden, Jen Mason, Merrilee McCoy, Geoff Simmons, Simon Smith, Paul Sullivan, Wiremu Tuhiwai, plus special guests (on opening night: Eric Amber)
Musician: Sebastian Morgan-Lynch|
Lights:
Simon Smith (Designer),Brenton Hodgson, Justin Latchford, Darryn Walls, Wiremu Tuhiwai
CAST 2010
Christine Brooks, Derek Flores, Ralph McCubbin Howell, Nicky Hill, Merrilee McCoy, Mark Scott
Simon Smith, Paul Sullivan
Returning to BATS Theatre, The Wishing Tree is New Zealand's magical season of improvised theatre.
Cast 2012: