Spotlight on MTNZ

News from Musical Theatre NZ (MTNZ) - June 2008

 Congratulations to North Shore Music Theatre on their production of The Producers which the MTNZ Executive attended on Saturday night.  We had our first Exec meeting in Auckland this weekend (hence the delay in June Spotlight) and took the opportunity to see it. It was absolutely hilarious, Adolf the pigeon got my vote!!!  The cast were fantastic, my face ached at the end and it was a fab production, so if you are in Auckland or zone one, it is a must see.  So thank you to Tracey and the NSMT board for hosting us. We also attended the conference 2010 planning committee meeting zone one meeting on Sunday and it was great to catch up with zone one members there.  On that note, Lyn Dorreen (Auckland 2010 conference convener), John and I went site visiting hotels and we have almost confirmed the venue and dates for conference 2010 – our 50^th, in Auckland and more on that in the July newsletter but now onto ……

 Conference 2009 ………………

20 - 22 March 2009  - “Rush” to Queenstown!  - MTNZ/Showbiz Queenstown invites you to pack your gunny sack and gold pan and join us at Rydges Lakeland, Queenstown for the annual MTNZ Conference and AGM

 PLEASE NOTE EARLY BIRD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES WILL CLOSE OFF 1 DECEMBER NOT 31 DECEMBER
CONFERENCE PACKS WILL BE POSTED 1 SEPTEMBER

There will be more detailed information about conference 2009 in July’s newsletter but the Executive just met this weekend in Auckland and have confirmed the following:

Friday 20 March
We will have trade display set up all day in the main conference room (the Coronet/Remarkables room) which will be used for the Friday night function and the AGM and seminars/forums all day Saturday.  Friday night will be the usual informal social get together and further detail on that will be in July’s newsletter.

Saturday 21 March
AGM Format
8.45am – midday – AGM
Midday – 1pm – lunch
1.15pm – 2.15pm – forums and discussion
2.30pm – 5pm seminar session 

The feedback we received from members is they wanted some forum/discussion time with likeminded people within the MTNZ membership.  So we are hoping to run the following forums (facilitators tbc) and these are requests from the membership:

1. Nuts and bolts – small societies to get together to “chew the fat”.
2. Administrators/secretaries
3. Technology discussion – what’s new, health and safety updates, fire retardants etc.
4. MTNZ – the organisation, what we do, how we can do better, a surf around the MTNZ website
5. Copyright holders Q&A
6. Ticketing
7. Marketing

More detail will follow once we have confirmed with the facilitators. The second session will be seminars and we are hoping (just need to confirm with the presenters) to offer the following:

1. Marketing – small but spectacular – getting great results from your advertising budget (ideal for small/medium societies)
2. Financial management of a society, shows, budgeting
3. Set and props design
4. Directing (aimed at directors and budding directors)
5. Lighting bang for the buck – lighting musicals within budget limitations
6. Performance (aimed at actors and singers)
7. Musical directing (the first time we have ever been able to offer a seminar on musical direction, content TBC and our presenter is one of the best!!)

Saturday night is the Miner’s Hop – in celebration of the gold rush days of Otago and more detail will follow once we have things confirmed. 

Accommodation There will be accommodation costs to suit everyone’s budget.  The main hotel for conference in Queenstown will be the Rydges Lakeland (room rate $175 and sleep and go rooms $140).  Fantastic views from every room.  Next door we have Peppers (room rate $180), one minute walk away is the Lakefront Motels ($129 - $139) and Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park ($110 - $130) about 5 – 10 minutes walk away. We will have more detail in July’s Spotlight.

Conference Fees for 2009
Early Bird (if paid by 1 December 2008) - please note the date change
\      $230 single registration
\      $220 per registration if Delegate + three observers from one society

After 2 December 2008
\      $255 single registration

Seminar/Forum Sessions Only
$20 per pax for MTNZ, ETNZ members
$30 for non members
(please note this covers both the forum and seminar sessions, so the whole Saturday afternoon)

So get the conference 2009 dates in your diary and the Executive encourage everyone to come along – it will be fantastic weekend in one of the most stunning and exciting places to visit in NZ so maybe make a holiday out the trip as well …

MTNZ Society/Corporate Members Information
Notice of Zone Meetings – please note ALL members (society, corporate, associate and education) are invited to attend the MTNZ Zone meetings

Musical Theatre New Zealand - ZONE 3 MEETING
Saturday 12 July 2008, Time:  10am for a cuppa/10.30am start
Hosted by Abbey Musical Theatre, Palmerston North at the Abbey Theatre
AGENDA will be posted/emailed out to zone three members this week

Musical Theatre New Zealand - ZONE 2 MEETING
Saturday 19 July 2008, Time:  2pm Venue:  Riverlea Theatre, Hamilton
Hosted by Musikmakers, Hamilton
AGENDA will be posted/emailed out to zone three members this week

Musical Theatre New Zealand – Combined Zone 4 and 5 Meeting
Hosted by Dunedin Operatic
Saturday 6 September 2008, Time: 10am
Venue – Dunedin Operatic Rooms, Cnr Glasgow Street and Sutherland Avenue

 Combined Zone Four and Five Meeting – Dunedin 6 September – put this date in your diary now and keep the weekend free.  There will be an opportunity to see Dunedin Operatic’s CATS at the Regent Theatre on the Saturday night, so definitely worth making the trip.  Helen Horsnell our zone five rep, will gladly arrange tickets for anyone requiring them at the Dunedin Operatic voucher rate which is $46.  Tickets are going on sale this week so she is happy to book for anyone as soon as you send in the money.  Contacts for  Helen Ph: 03 455 9959  027 220 6954 email: horsnells@xtra.co.nz or 63 Albert Street, Dunedin.  We will have the conference 2009 packs hot off the press by then and the Showbiz Queenstown team and I will be there to answer questions about conference.  So come along, be great to see lots of zone four and five members there.  These zone meetings are a great opportunity for everyone to network and catch up.  Also some of the Executive try and get to these meetings.  John and I will be at the combined zone four and five meeting and John is attending the zone two meeting, and as often there isn’t much opportunity to have a chat to the Executive at conference/AGM time, and zone meetings are a good opportunity to meet members of the Executive and have a catch up.
 

Zone Five Wardrobe Workshop (but open to all MTNZ members) – 14 June at 10am
Where: Dunedin Operatic Rooms  Corner Sullivan Ave and Glasgow St  South Dunedin . Sullivan Ave almost opposite Heffs hotel or China Palace.  Please register with Zone Five Rep – Helen Horsnell 03 4559959   email – horsnells@xtra.co.nz 63 Albert St Dunedin.

Keep up to date with what is happening in your zone by checking out the zone pages on the MTNZ Website –

Zone One - http://www.musical.org.nz/zone%201.htm

Zone Two - http://www.musical.org.nz/zone%202.htm

Zone Three - http://www.musical.org.nz/zone%203.htm

Zone Four - http://www.musical.org.nz/zone%204.htm

Zone Five - http://www.musical.org.nz/zone%205.htm

Annual Subs   Many thanks to those members who have already paid. We do appreciate your support and MTNZ relies on the subs of our members to keep us ticking over and they are due by 30 June, so please, if your company/society/school still has an outstanding sub, please get it to us.  Thanks

New members – welcome new associate member Fountainhead Musicals.  Darryl Chute’s new musical ALISON is having its New Zealand premiere this year. Christchurch Cathedral School and Mount Aspiring College will be producing this fun show set in the 1960s later this year. Go to website to hear the songs and read all about this great new musical.

YOUTUBE CLIP  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnhif70V6w0
WEBSITE  http://www.alisonthemusical.com

Darryl has also had much success with his previous musical “The Outsiders” based on S.E. Hinton’s famous youth novel, with 37 productions throughout Australia and New Zealand in the past eight years. For more information check out the website: http://www.theoutsidersmusical.com

We also welcome EVANZ as associate members.  They are the Event Venues Association of New Zealand http://www.evanz.co.nz/home/index.asp  We have in the last few years enjoyed a closer working relationship with EVANZ through EINZ (Entertainment Industry NZ) and of course their members include AMI Stadium, Bruce Mason Centre, Civic Theatre in Invercargill, Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, Napier Municipal Theatre which Ian Reid is the Venue Manager of, St James Theatre, Stadium Southland, Vector Arena to name but a few. 

And we also welcome Susanne Dell from Howick in Auckland who has joined MTNZ as an associate member.  She is a director of both plays and musicals; choreographer – all types of dance including tap for musicals and other stage productions; production management of both musicals and plays and is able to work with both children and adults and can travel.  So if you want to contact Susanne susann@paradise.net.nz or 027 451 8880

New website to check out – MTNZ corporate members The Light Site in Christchurch www.lightsite.co.nz

Also for a really good history about musical theatre check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_theatre - good for a read  

Speaking of websites, thanks to those societies who have sent me through their “society” pages for updating.  I am on it – work in progress!!!  I also get a lot of emails asking for merit award forms, CAF application forms etc. so have streamlined them onto one page which links off the front page of the website.  You can download the following, so I hope you find this page useful:

Musical Theatre NZ Constitution

MTNZ Merit Award Nomination Form

Patron's Encouragement Award Nomination Form

Achievement Award

Capital Assistance Fund - Contribution Form

Capital Assistance Fund - Loan Application Form

Capital Assistance Fund - Presentation outlining the fund, criteria, from the 2006 Conference in Invercargill

Recommendation regarding minors in the theatre industry and memorandum to MTNZ members – this is a very important document and should be in your society’s guidelines and handbook.  There was discussion about this at the Zone One meeting this weekend and members felt strongly about this issue and wanted it recommended that all new members to Executives, boards, committees should be aware of these recommendations and guidelines and make sure your society has something in place to protect your young people involved in our industry.

Recommendation regarding dramatic context licencing

Charities Commission Presentation from Conference 2006 Invercargill - a good and "in plain English" resource for information about the Charities Act and registration

Website Stats for May 2008
Top Pages – Show Calendar; Auditions Spotlight, What’s On, DANZ; Technology

Top Key Phrases (off search engines and in order) – Wellington Musical Theatre; Manukau Performing Arts; Light Site, Dunedin Operatic, MTNZ, Apollo Theatre School

Hits – 87,231 (compared to 11,576 May 2007); Pages downloaded – 9,886

So looking at the above stats, if you’re show is not listed on the show calendar at least, you are missing out big time on free publicity – so get your show details through to me !!!

Congratulations to Vanessa Blake and Reece Preston (corporate members iTICKET) who recently staged their own production – Charlie Blake Preston born on 6 May – big congrats from all the MTNZ members.

And congratulations to Eric Thorpe who received a QSO in the Queens Birthday Honours List.  Eric has musically directed shows for Napier Operatic.  Also Elisabeth Grubb, a QSM for services to drama education and the community and a honorary QSM to William Grubb, for services to music and the community.  Elisabeth and William are both from South Canterbury and have been very involved with the South Canterbury Drama League and Waimate Theatre Company. To these people and to any other members of MTNZ who received honours, congratulations on your achievement and thank you for your contribution to community theatre.

Latest News from Stephanie from NASDA in Christchurch - We have 'The Witches of Eastwick' opening on June 23 and playing daily until June 29 at the Repertory Theatre on Kilmore Street, featuring a fabulous orchestra led by Richard Marret.  'Animal Farm' directed by Eilish Moran is on in our own new theatre on the CPIT campus from June 7-12 and there are a swag of NASDA graduates currently performing in the 'History Boys' at the Court Theatre at the moment.

Auckland Theatre Forum – This invitation is open to everyone in the Theatre Community and attendance is FREE.  If you love making theatre and want to improve the way in which we work, come along to this open forum on Auckland's theatre scene.  Its a time to meet each other; talk to each other and voice our concerns as a group.  WHERE - Auckland Town Hall  WHEN - Friday 13 June 10AM - 5PM  RSVP catherine@qtheatre.co.nz

Capital Assistance Fund – please don’t forget to make your society contribution.  We often get asked about the Fund, and why societies should belong etc.  The presentation on the MTNZ website from Conference 2006 in Invercargill explains it all, or talk to your Zone Rep..

Stage Whispers – go to http://www.musical.org.nz/stage_whispers_magazine.htm for information and to download a subscription form.  We have had about 15 subscriptions, be great to get more.  So please support it.  David and Neil would also like articles, photos etc. so the deadline is August 5 for the September / October issue.  Contact the Stage Whispers editor neil@stagewhispers.com.au

Charities Commission Registration – I had a rather alarming email from a society who thought they didn’t have to register – YOUR SOCIETY MUST REGISTER http://www.charities.govt.nz/ The tax laws change 1 July.  We have also had lots of enquiries about problems some of you are having with your constitutions.  Unfortunately none of us are lawyers, so it is strongly recommended that if you have any constitutional problems with the Charities Commission, you discuss it with your Hon Solicitor. 

Latest show releases

It is with great excitement that Hal Leonard Australia announces the release of non-professional performance rights in Australia  and New Zealand for Miss Saigon

Music By: Claude-Michel Schönberg Book and Lyrics by: Alain Boublil and Richard Maltby Jr

Miss Saigon is one of the most successful musicals in the world - seen by over 33 million people, in over 25 countries and played in 12 different languages.

Set in 1975 during the final days leading up to the American evacuation of Saigon, Miss Saigon is an epic love story about the relationship between an American GI and a young Vietnamese woman.  Interest in this phenomenal show will be enormous, and limited places will be available for 2009. Get your application in now for consideration for your next season!  Visit www.halleonard.com.au for application forms.

*************************************************************************************************

Blues Clues Live!  The Most Spectacular Place

 Created by Angela C. Santomero and Traci Paige Johnson
This full-scale musical introduces young audiences to the magical world of live theatre. It features all of the characters that kids know and love from the critically acclaimed Nickelodeon television series "Blue's Clues," including Blue, Steve, Mailbox, Mr Salt and Mrs Pepper, Paprika and Tickety to name a few.

BLUE'S CLUES LIVE! THE MOST SPECTACULAR PLACE begins when the curtain greets and welcomes the audience into the wonderful world of Theatre. On stage, Blue and Steve lead the audience on a clue-based journey, in search of the most spectacular place of all. This quest takes them through Storybook Forest, where Blue and Steve meet The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks, The Big Bad Wolf, and other characters from classic fairytales. Blue and Steve even travel to outer space in search of the most spectacular place, discovering planets and other celestial wonders along the way. When they discover the final clue, Blue and Steve learn that aside from the surprise-filled world of Theatre, home is the most spectacular place of all! Nickelodeon, in its 26th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 88 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than eight consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

CAST: 1 Man, 1 Woman, Chorus of 10+ (may be played by children or by adults for children) ORCH: Piano or Performance Tracks Audio CD accompaniment  PERUSAL MATERIAL NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO KEEP (NO NEED TO RETURN). Script and Score Sampler and CD Highlights for A$24.00 + gst.

 The Colour Purple

Based upon the novel written by Alice Walker And the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture  Book by Marsha Norman Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray THE COLOR PURPLE  is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who - through love - finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. THE COLOR PURPLE premiered at the Alliance Theatre Company in Atlanta, Georgia and opened on Broadway on November 1, 2005. It was nominated for eleven 2006 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score.

Kim Ransley  Managing Director
ORiGiN Theatrical Pty Ltd
PO Box Q1235, QVB Post Office, Sydney 1230
Level 1, 213 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000
PH: (+61 2) 8514 5204   F: (+61 2) 9518 4611
W:  www.origintheatrical.com.au  

*************************************************************************************************

 NEW AUSTRALIAN / NEW ZEALAND RELEASE….

 Nunsense - The Mega-Musical Version

“Nunsense: The Mega-Musical Version" is here! All the fun of the original "Nunsense" has been super-sized! If you're looking for a Large Cast Musical Comedy this award-winning show is the perfect choice.  "Mega-Nunsense" starring the original five nuns features five new (male and female) characters including the never- before-seen infamous convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God. In addition there is a large chorus of men, women and children.  A new song ("One Last Hope") and two expanded dance numbers have been added as well as an optional guest spot for a local celebrity. "Nunsense", the winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical was called "A hail of fun and frolic" by the New York Times. And now it's bigger and better than ever!  It would be a sin to pass up the opportunity to present it!

This title is available for amateur licensing on behalf of Samuel French Inc from Dominie Drama:  The home of “Grease”, “The Wiz”, “Nunsense”, “Clue” and many other great musicals! by phone: +61 2 9938 8600 by email: drama@dominie.com.au  by fax: +61 2 9938 8695 or via our website  www.dominie.com.au/drama 
Please contact us if you wish to peruse, purchase or license the title.

 *************************************************************************************************

Entertainment Technology News

NEW ETNZ Training Proposal !!! It is vitally important that we get input from all members of the entertainment community to make sure the training content and delivery is relevant to the needs of training participants and our industry in general.  Please make the time available to read this document and send your comments and constructive criticism to Rob Peters  Check it out at:

http://www.musical.org.nz/images/ETNZ%20Professional%20Development%20Training%20proposal.pdf

Working at Heights - ETNZ has been approached by a number of people in the greater Wellington area to provide another WaH course in Wellington. The course provider, NZ Height Solutions (Adventure Southland) has time available between 9-18 July 2008 to run this 2-day course. (not including the weekend) Click on the highlighted links for the course content and schedule. The course costs are $ 295.00 for NON ETNZ members and $ 195.00 for ETNZ individual, associate, student or educational members, costs inclusive of GST. Note that a company you work for who is at least an ETNZ company member allows you to join as an associate member, thus making this an inviting option for you and your employer. We need a minimum of 12 people (max 18) to make this economically viable and have expressions of interest from 6 people. I am still in the process of arranging a venue, will let you know. Please let me know ASAP who may be interested, how many and names if possible, reply to Rob Peters, rob@theatresystems.co.nz

Click here for the latest newsletter from ETNZ http://www.musical.org.nz/images/ETNZ%20May%2008%20news.pdf

GUIDE FOR SAFE WORKING PRACTICES V11 and it is worthwhile checking out the whole ETNZ website - is now available from the ETNZ website www.etnz.org   

ETNZ Membership You can also become an individual member, so check out their membership options.  MTNZ is a company member of ETNZ and through this the ETNZ Executive has agreed that all MTNZ member societies can become associate members at a rate of $ 75.00 per person.  Check out http://www.etnz.org/membership/ for membership options and benefits

News from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School
After Democracy
One Act Plays by Edward Bond, Harold Pinter and Caryl Churchill
Fri 20 - Wed 25 June
A series of modern punch packing one act plays by some of Britain’s most revered contemporary political playwrights: Edward Bond, Harold Pinter and Caryl Churchill. We explore a world that follows the demise of democracy. We are shown a place that might be, should be or could be. See 4 plays in 1 night…
Mountain Language by Harold Pinter, directed by David Nevell Head of Voice and Movement at California State University, Fullerton US.
Far Away by Caryl Churchill, directed by award winning Wellington director and Toi Whakaari graduate Rachel More.
Party Time by Harold Pinter, directed by Toi Whakaari Associate Director and Head of Entertainment Technology and Management - Bill Guest, his final show before leaving Toi Whakaari after 15 years.
Chair by Edward Bond directed Toi Whakaari Associate Director and Head of Directing Christian Penny. This rarely performed piece will be presented as a workshop performance prior to the other shows.

WHERE: Te Whaea Theatre, Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
WHEN: Fri 20 - Wed 25 June
TIMES: Mon - Sat 8pm (Chair 6pm), Sun 22 Jun 6pm (Chair 4pm)
TICKETS: $15/$10 (Chair $5)
BOOK: 04 381 9253 (automated line)
Click here for more info.

2009 Applications are Now Open
Our new prospectus and brochures are hot off the press and currently being delivered around the country. Toi Whakaari now offers the following courses:

Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) for film, TV and theatre actors
Bachelor of Design (Stage and Screen) for set, film, costume and events designers
Bachelor of Performing (Arts Management) for production managers, producers, sound and lighting designers
Diploma in Costume Construction for costumiers and film, theatre and allied industry costume makers
NZ and Advanced Diploma in Entertainment Technology for techies, operators, set builders and props makers
Master of Theatre Arts (Directing) for film, TV and theatre directors

If you would like more information on any of our courses or would like a copy of our new prospectus and brochures, please email Bette Cosgrove or go to www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz.

And congratulations to Jo Richardson, Marketing Manager from Toi Whakaari, who is leaving NZ to get married and go to the UK and Ceridwyn Roberts who was on parental leave, has decided not to return to Toi Whakaari and spend more time with her gorgeous son – so thank you both very much for working with MTNZ and helping out with tutors for conferences and we wish both Jo and Ceridwyn all the very best.  Bill Guest is also leaving after 15 years as Associate Director and Head of Entertainment Technology and Management.   We hope to continue our fab relationship with Toi Whakaari that we currently have.  Kaarin Macaulay is still HOD costumes, so we hope to entice Kaarin back again for Auckland conference as the feedback from her seminar was outstanding and you want her back!!!! 

Show News – What’s On – Members
For the MTNZ Show Calendar - http://www.musical.org.nz/show%20calander.htm

Entertainment News Shows - what’s on; training, vacancies

Check out the Apollo Theatre School holiday programme and diplomas http://www.musical.org.nz/apollotheatre.htm

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical  From 27 May for a limited season only….. Book by phone at (09) 357 3355 or 0800 BUY TICKETS (0800 289 842) Visit THE EDGE^® Box Office at The Civic, cnr Queen and Wellesley Streets  For Group Bookings (10+) phone (09) 357 3354 Visit the official Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical website.   

Phantom of the Opera….. Auckland only - opening 17 October at the Civic Theatre - book on line or at Ticketek

WICKED IS - opening in Melbourne's Regent Theatre in July. www.wickedthemusical.com.au  or book online at http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WICKED08

“RUSH!” STAGE MUSICAL HAILED BY WELSH AUDIENCES  May 1 2008: A Kiwi stage musical currently being performed in Wales, with outstanding success, is reinforcing the profile of homegrown music offshore during New Zealand Music month, which was launched today. Arrowtown musician Kevin Lynch and playwright David John’s acclaimed musical “Rush!”  has premiered in the Welsh town of Blackwood and is receiving outstanding reviews. “Rush!”  centres around immigrant miners working in the Central Otago goldfields in the 1860s. The underlying theme is of one of people chasing their dreams. According to one reviewer the stage musical is being performed by the Blackwood Amateur Operatic and Musical Society “with all the professionalism of a top West End show.” “The Society took an almost unknown musical by David John and Kevin Lynch and made it their own…it is filled with great musical numbers interconnected with a story of hardship, injustice and resilience.” Lynch and John are delighted with the response to their musical. “It is a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand music,” says Lynch. “Our U.K. agent is excited about the reception “Rush!”  has had in Wales and it is fantastic for us to see that this show is being picked up and performed outside New Zealand. Because it is a timeless story about people following their dreams it is appropriate for anywhere at any time.” “Rush!”  highlights the combined composing and writing talent of Lynch and John and since its debut in Dunedin in 1998 has been staged by a number of New Zealand operatic and musical groups. It has also been successfully performed by a musical group in the U.K.’s Lakes District. For further information:  Kevin Lynch 027 2277306

Congratulations to Wellington Musical Theatre and their production of CATS directed by well known Auckland based director Grant Meese and choreographed by Leigh Evans– extended by a week to 14^th June.  I haven’t seen the show but have heard good things about it, so check out www.catsnz.com  Booking contact: 0800 ticketek or www.premier.ticketek.co.nz

Ann from Otamatea Repertory in Northland has reported that rehearsals are well underway for their next production which is Into the Woods which is a very interesting tale of humour, greed and revenge that we all should relate to in these turbulent political and difficult times.  Opening night is Friday 25 July and it runs until 10 August.  Tickets can be booked through the theatre 09 431 8728

Orewa’s Centrestage Theatre – the NZ Premiere of Titanic, The Musical.  There are many wonderful musicals out there but none so massive and inspiring as Maury Yeston’s Titanic- The Musical. Winner of five Tony Awards in 1997 the musical is about one of the great maritime disasters of all time when a ship on her maiden voyage struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic resulting in the death of more than 1700 passengers and crew. Centrestage President Michael Sanders says “We are honoured to be the first Theatre in New Zealand to stage this musical. It is magnificent piece of theatre that features a cast of more than 40 singers who sing the majestic score. This is one of those rare musicals that achieve tragic dignity”. Titanic – The Musical bears little resemblance to the Oscar winning movie of the same time. This is not a love story but a retelling of a sombre yet joyful event that has fascinated people everywhere, ever since that tragic night.  Director Bruce Murray says “The show is typically of many modern musicals in that it is nearly all sung. This puts huge pressure on the shows cast and orchestra as they cope with the 13 performances.  Rehearsals began in early April for the July production that features a cast of over 40 singers who play many roles representing the 2000 passengers and crew who were on the fateful maiden voyage. “It is a wonderful musical” says Mr Murray who marvels at the ability of theatregoers to get caught up in an absorbing real-life story, even when the ending is so well known. Embarkation commences on July 5^th at Orewa’s Centrestage. The journey continues until July 19^th.  Titanic – The Musical, epic voyage, epic tragedy and epic theatre.  Contact centrestagetheatre@ihug.co.nz for futher information or call 09-426 7282

THE GRASS ROOTS TOUR 06 - 20 Jun 2008  Company: Black Grace
Venue: Blenheim, Christchurch, Waimate, Dunedin, Invercargill, Wanaka, Greymouth, Westport, Motueka, Nelson.A collection of dance pieces choreographed by Neil Ieremia on Black Grace over the last 10 years. The Company will perform complete works as well as excerpts from major full-length works including Surface (2003) and Amata (2007). The repertoire includes; Minoi, a signature work based on the fusion of Samoan and western contemporary dance styles, Method, which was originally commissioned by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 1999 and set to the music of J.S Bach and Human Language, a provocative work examining the physical language that exists between men and women.
Event info: www.blackgrace.co.nz/productions/

DANCE TEACHER TO WORK WITH CHILDREN
Company: Musical Stars (education members of MTNZ)
Venue: Mt Victoria, Wellington  Energetic Dance Teacher needed. Someone who likes working with children and will be keen on getting involved in a Musical Theatre group with children aged between 5 - 12 years old. The position requires choreographing and training children towards a production. The ideal person for the job will have a Jazz/ Musical Theatre background, be creative and fun. Classes are on Monday afternoons from 3.30pm - 5pm, during the school term. Event info: Talita Archibald (04) 972 3352 or talita@musicalstars.co.nz  www.musicalstars.co.nz

AERIAL DANCE CLASSES
Until 29 Nov 2008 Company: AeroTerra Aerial Dance Limited Venue: Te Whaea Studio 9, Wellington Aerial dance classes in Wellington. Come and experience the freedoms from gravity.
Mondays 6:00-7:30 Rope and Harness (Beginners and Intermediate)
Saturdays 10:00-11:30 Low Flying Trapeze (Beginners)
Saturdays 12:00-1:30 Low Flying Trapeze (Intermediate)
For a full list of classes offered through the Wellington Circus Trust and to register visit http://classes.org.nz/
Event info: Valerie Claymore, Director 021 748 249 or www.aeroterra.co.nz

Go to www.danz.org.nz for other dance information and opportunites or check out their calendar of events on our website http://www.musical.org.nz/danz.htm

Check out http://www.thebigidea.co.nz – The Big Idea – an online community of New Zealand’s creative and entertainment industries

MTNZ Show Calendar - What’s On in June/Early July:

Looking for something different to stage?  How about the Wedding Singer - the New Zealand premiere was staged by Palmerston North Boys High.  Chris Burton said “we had our most successful season ever with The Wedding Singer and  I can't recommend it highly enough. Anyone interested can see a large range of photos at  http://www.magnum-images.co.nz/events%20pg1.html “ Contact Chris if you want to have a chat about it burtonc@pnbhs.school.nz

Or how about,  from the innovative society in the Bay of Plenty - Theatre Whakatane, who “exposed” us all to STIFF, they have recently staged the NZ premiere of Eurobeat.  See the review below.  With the amount of flag waving, whistle blowing, clacker clakking and hooter hooting, you cannot but enjoy this fun show.  There has been nothing like it before.  If anyone wants to have a chat to Theatre Whakatane contact Gwenda rueggi-g@xtra.co.nz

“Euro row hits show- A Whakatane Theatre Company says “the show must go on” despite an international legal wrangle and accusations of vote fixing.  Allegations flew after the first Eurovision Song Contest to be held outside Europe was staged in Whakatane on Wednesday.  Using modern satellite technology, the annual musical production – hosted this year by Bosnia-Herzegovina – was out-sourced to Whakatane due to cheaper labour and a better time zone – a fact not revealed to the several hundred million TV viewers believed to have tuned in worldwide thinking they were seeing a show from Sarajevo.  Russian entry Ice Queen by the KG Boyz was named the song contest winner but yesterday Iceland accused Russian ex-president Vladimir Putin of making a secret deal with his Sarajevo counterparts in exchange for Russia’s win.  Iceland ambassador to New Zealand, Torkel Skalle, said his country’s entry Love Ballad Number 3 by Gert Grollmersdetter should have won and that Reykavik has protested “at the highest level”.  A Theatre Whakatane spokesman said he could not comment.  “We are artists, not politicians” he said.  The Eurobeat – Almost Eurovision contest runs at Whakatane’s Little Theatre until May 24^th.  For perusal material or information contact Hal Leonard Australia – Erin – ematheson@halleonard.com.au

THE SECRET ARMY – a short story about the unsung heroes of a production – the crew! Have you ever wondered where those attractive sets, teas and coffee, costumes and sets really come from?  How about getting that drink in the show or indeed after, how did the show actually get started, who does the organizing?  Now for many of you reading this you will already know the answer, but for those who don’t, Casablanca Theatre has an army, a secret army! They are covert, mission orientated, and able to do the impossible.    Now please don’t be too hard on yourself if you never really thought about it. This is part and parcel of putting on a stage show after all. Everything is there  as its supposed to be , sometimes instantly,  that someone, often invisible, just suddenly has these things ready and you really do no place too much thought into if you are watching the show or dare I say in the show ?

Now I am the first to admit that having tread the board 4 times now in different productions that I was always very grateful to the tea person pouring those yummy brews, or that my costume fitted albeit a tad too tight sometimes, (nothing to do with the costumes person of course just a good old Kiwi boy a tad to fond of late night BP pies after a rehearsal). But really how much thought do we give to the secret army, the ones behind the scenes that hold all the actors, musicians, and the show together without once stepping onto the stage and never taking a bow. I recently had the opportunity to be inducted in to this army, somewhat surprised they would have me, given I have flat feet and a wider girth that I would like, but happy to help anyway I could.  I reported for duty, bright eyed and bushy tailed for the Buddy Holly Story- I was advised I would be backstage, yes in the props section, part of the crew so to speak, and my first thoughts were, they have a crew? Really? Since when? Oh you mean the people I often have a laugh with in the dark before I go onto the stage, the fabulous sewing lady of whom I weep into the arms of saying my trousers split again, or the Stage manager who has me weeping on her shoulders “I can’t go on its too hard to sing this song” as if I was in Gone with the Wind or Chicago.

Yes those people-the crew. And the so my journey began folks! Teamwork in the dark, and along the way I learned a few things that I would like to share with you. During the show season backstage crew always wear black, which thou slimming, made me feel like and overweight Panda, but that did not matter because no one could see me anyway! Or so I thought.  Black attracts the heat, and as no one wants a