A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week.

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

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A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week.

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

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Hawthorn Lounge, 82 Tory St, Wellington - THE BIRD SONG: We know where this bird’s going

- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

Aroha White is a talented actress, she has a singing voice that’s easy on the ear, and she has devised a work for this space specifically.

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Hawthorn Lounge, 82 Tory St, Wellington - THE BIRD SONG: An excellent way to end the day or start you evening

- reviewed by John Smythe

The song that gives the show its name ... is a tragic little cautionary tale about trying to silence a bird who knows too much and sings about it too loudly. But having delivered it with a blend of innocence and savagery, Billie is perky and warm in her welcome

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Circa Two, Wellington - BOOMERS BEHAVING BADLY: Slightly self-mocking songs and stories

- reviewed by Michael Wray

As segues between songs, Keller amuses us with tales that take us from high school to present day. Whether the stories have been written to fit the song selection or the songs picked to fit the stories is up for debate, but it provides an opportunity for her to interact with the audience and set a light, slightly self-mocking tone.

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The Civic – THE EDGE®, Auckland - MISS SAIGON: Polished cast add sparkle to spectacle

- reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton

At a time when the supremacy of American culture appears unassailable, Miss Saigondelivers a timely reminder of the Vietnam experience with the haunting image of a helicopter evacuating the embassy in Saigon providing a sharp warning about the dangers of hubris.

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The Civic – THE EDGE®, Auckland - MISS SAIGON: Of loss and sacrifice

- reviewed by Karyn Cushen

There was a lot of hype surrounding the North Shore Music Theatre’s production of Miss Saigon and, of course, the successful contracting of Tina Cross as a female lead. Understandable to a certain extent, given that it’s the first time Auckland has played host to Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s epic musical...

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Circa One, Wellington - THE LEAD WAIT: Deeply satisfying

- reviewed by Craig Beardsworth

Be warned, if you want a rollicking, jolly night out at the theatre then this might not be for you. There is nudity, strong language and raw subject matter. But if you want a deeply satisfying theatrical experience then go see this play

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Downstage Theatre, Wellington - DEATH AND THE DREAMLIFE OF ELEPHANTS: Magical Dreamscape

- reviewed by Michael Wray

The cast has reduced by one and there are some clever theatrical elements introduced. Downstage’s larger stage suits the play. Director Leo Gene Peters has transitioned this enigmatic combination of film noir and magical realism into a bigger setting and the play has grown to meet the challenge.

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St James Theatre, Wellington - STRAVINSKY SELECTION - ROYAL NZ BALLET: Stravinsky commands the evening

- reviewed by Greer Robertson

Omnipresent Stravinsky ...master of the musical revolution forever lives on. Under the meticulous baton of conductor Marc Taddei, he and the Vector Wellington Orchestra command the evening, taking no prisoners.

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The Moorings, 31 Glenbervie Tce, Wellington - THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS: Powerful and poignant

- reviewed by Deirdre Tarrant

Powerful and poignant , even the walk up a broken dark path from the lights of Tinakori Rd plays a part in the inventiveness of this production. Go if you can, this is a rare and intimate experience - the memories will linger.

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Te Whaea, Wellington - SKETCH - NZSD CHOREOGRAPHIC SEASON 2011: Suitably equipped to foster their inspiration

- reviewed by Greer Robertson

Ten fresh new works from emerging choreographers

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