A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including: A Christmas Carol,  Megachristmas, and 2012 Genee International Ballet Competition.

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

* * *

A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including: A Christmas Carol,  Megachristmas, and 2012 Genee International Ballet Competition.

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

* * *

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - MEGACHRISTMAS: The Dotcom Show
- reviewed by James Wenley

There is something very fitting about Kim Dotcom being embraced by the acting community. Dotcom, who has transformed from an ‘evil’ internet tycoon to a kiwi folk hero, has been the great story of political theatre that keeps on giving. With a flair for the dramatic himself, and a brilliant media strategy (come over and swim in my pool!), we have been transfixed by the man.

------------------------------------------------------------------

St James Theatre, Wellington - 2012 GENEE INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION: Ballet stars of tomorrow, dancing today in the Olympics of dance
- reviewed by Greer Robertson

Making their first entrance, the twelve finalists, chosen from 70 entrants, promenade waltz onto the stage in a united display of discipline, yet with a singular yearning to win.
The candidates then individually perform an intricately choreographed piece expressly commissioned from New Zealander Adrian Burnett. Fiona Tonkin Principal Coach and Ballet Mistress of The Australian Ballet also groomed the young fledglings with her knowledge and expertise.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Circa Two, Wellington - A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Delightful pre-Christmas fare
- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

It's a ritual – playing the 1977 TV version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring the late Michael Hordern and John Le Mesurier. It feels even older than that, very basic sfx for the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, but that’s a great part of its charm. Dickens doesn’t need Weta Digital to make his words and characters speak to us still.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - MEGACHRISTMAS: Dotcom thrills in stage debut
- reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton

News that Kim Dotcom had joined the Basement's end-of-year Christmas bash set off the kind of frenetic anticipation that has children refusing to go to sleep on Christmas Eve. And just as unwrapping the present seldom matches the wish list whispered into Santa's ear, there were some disappointments along with a few rushes of excitement.

------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Further information:

What began as a glorified blog by John Smythe has now become a major organ of communication, interaction and information that has created an online performing arts community by recording, critiquing, celebrating and debating NZ’s professional performing arts activity.

If you value Theatreview, and want to see it survive and grow to further serve the interests and needs of the performing arts community and their audiences, please join the Performing Arts Directory or offer a donation/koha.