A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including Leopard, Canvas, and The Long Weekend.

See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory.

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A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including Leopard, Canvas, and The Long Weekend.

See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory.

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Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - LEOPARD: Immensely credible

- reviewed by Aidan-B. Howard

The vast majority of Leopard is a simple hoot: very funny, pacey and well acted. The final ten minutes are more sedate; more philosophical.

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Circa Two, Wellington - ESENCIA DEL FLAMENCO: The dance of music and the music of dance

- reviewed by Lyne Pringle

A highlight of the performance is the duet between Jill Tanner-Lloyd and Cristina Lopez Gomez both moving beautifully in the space as the voice compels the dancer towards a delicious exploration of the form with beautiful backbends, forceful footwork and delicate arm gestures. There is also stillness and an infectious sensual joy.

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TAPAC - The Auckland Performing Arts Centre, Auckland - CANVAS: Entertaining, enjoyable and uplifting

- reviewed by Julia Barry

Of particular note in this production is the live accompaniment provided for certain pieces by the very talented young guitarist, vocalist and composer, Brayden Jeffrey. Jeffrey’s emotionally sincere and moving interpretations are highlights of the performance, especially his own composition of Lost and Found for the Quartz Grey solo in the second half, which is performed with expressive authenticity, strong elevation and dynamic intensity by Hawke Vermeulen.

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BATS, Wellington - THE LONG WEEKEND: Questions of trust

- reviewed by John Smythe

I leave this show a bit confused because I thought it was an improv show but the audience is not invited to pitch offers, there is no explanation of the premise or rules, there is no programme to enlighten us and it all plays out like an under-rehearsed semi-scripted play.

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Civic Theatre, Auckland - BATHING WITH ELEPHANTS AND OTHER EXOTIC REVERIES: A mysterious and exotic ensemble of works

- reviewed by Alexa Wilson

The smaller, hidden rooms of The Civic Theatre become home to a cocktail of ideas around far away places, self consciously exotic or otherwise, including new technologies which involve triggers, masks and weirdness, and playful improvisation.

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Circa One (return season), Wellington - THE MOTOR CAMP: Quirky comedy neatly resolved

- reviewed by Helen Sims

Forced by proximity to interact, tensions between the families soon arise. Against an idyllic beachside backdrop, the space between the caravans becomes the ground for fiery exchanges between families, couples, adults and children.

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BATS, Wellington - MUNTED: A time for reflection

- reviewed by Laurie Atkinson

The image used to promote Munted, a new piece of documentary theatre about the Christchurch earthquakes, is a cracked cup and saucer. On it is a picture of the Cathedral and the Chalice.

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BATS, Wellington - LONELY HEART - THE MUSICAL: Shapeless

- reviewed by Craig Beardsworth

In the 1940’s America was gripped by the trial of ‘The Lonely Hearts Killers’. Raymond Fernandez scanned the personal lonely hearts column looking for rich spinsters wanting companionship. He wooed then married them and Martha Beck posing as his sister helped him knock them off. This gruesome story has provided rich pickings for Michael Williams to generate a musical.

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See more recent reviews at theatreview.org.nz, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory

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