Cringeworthy Boppin' in the '50s
24/05/2025 - 15/06/2025
Production Details
Written by: Andrea Sanders
Cringeworthy NZ
The Cringeworthy crew is back, this time taking you to the nifty fifties!
Following the smash hits of Cringeworthy ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, this show is a tribute to the music and culture of a time before the internet, TV, and… Ray Columbus!
Expect a toe-tapping mix of hits from Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and more—along with NZ’s very own Johnny Devlin. Complete with energetic dance numbers, witty banter, and retro costumes, it’s a rockin’ trip down memory lane!
Starring Andrea Sanders, Emma Katene, Devon Neiman, and Jared Pallesen.
Centrepoint Theatre
280 Church Street, Palmerston North
Opening Night • Saturday 24 May 2025
Closing Night • Sunday 15 June 2025
PERFORMANCES
Wednesday • 6.30PM
Thursday • 7.30PM
Friday • 7.30PM
Saturday • 7.30PM
Sunday • 4PM
https://www.centrepoint.co.nz/cringe50
https://nz.patronbase.com/_CentrePoint/Productions/CW50/Performances
Approx run time: TBC
Starring: Andrea Sanders, Emma Katene, Devon Neiman, and Jared Pallesen
Theatre , Musical ,
Doo-wop bop nostalgia with great harmonies, wigs, costumes
Review by Tania Kopytko 25th May 2025
Perfect timing! The weather is cold, the world is dismal and we need cheering up. Along comes Centrepoint to the rescue with Cringeworthy Boppin’ in the ’50s!
This is a night of fun, fun facts and nostalgia, delivered by a talented team. Andrea Sanders, Emma Katene, Jared Palleson and Devon Neiman give this Cringeworthy their vocal all. There are some lovely vocal numbers in this show which they all bring to life with melodious ease.
There is rock n roll, widgies and bodgies, crooning and sweet harmonies accompanied by some slick moves and the occasional Elvis the Pelvis thrust.
The first half establishes the era and its styles. It takes us back to 1949 and the beautiful ‘Blue Smoke’ by local Ruru Karaitiana, who was just back from the war with the Māori Battalion. We are reminded of Selwyn Toogood and that there was no TV, just radio in New Zealand. There is some good history here! Dinah Lee makes an appearance, and yes, some thought this era of music would bring the decline of the world. Well, they had thought that of the waltz as well.
The second half takes more historical licence as they explore some songs that were inspired by the 1950s era. This provides a good opportunity for more music stories and a wider variety of well-chosen popular songs. The audience laps this up and most know all the words as many are singing along during the whole show.
The costumes are bright and mad. I love the rabbits on the very full rock and roll skirt worn by Andrea Sanders. In the second half they change to widgie and bodgie style. Oh those wigs!
So, if you want to be well entertained with doo-wop bop fun with great harmonies, to be reminded of some of the fascinating oddities of 1950s New Zealand and world musical history, have a chance to sing along and generally have a great time, then this is the show for you – Cringeworthy Boppin’ in the ‘50s!
On at Centrepoint from 24 May to 15 June.
Also do not forget that Centrepoint is fundraising to develop its theatre with much needed improvements. So, support Centrepoint and if you can give a little for the development project. They deserve our support for everything they have given and give our community.
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