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

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ONE HUNDRED REASONS FOR WAR: Complex, engaging and clear
Whitireia Performance Centre, 25-27 Vivian Street, Wellington
By Tom Holloway 
Directed by Brett Adam 
Proudly presented by the Long Cloud Youth Theatre Company Ensemble
- reviewed by Patrick Davies

The script is part Oh, What A Lovely War, Hair (without the songs), La Ronde and Catch 22 with a dash of Ernst Toller. It matches the macro and micro, presenting personal conflict against the larger nationalist conflicts.

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Auckland Theatre Company's NEXT BIG THING 2016
BRAVADO!: Go Nuts
Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
By Frith Horan, Natasha Hoyland, Beanie Maryse-Ridler and Billie Staples 
Director: Naomi Cohen 
Creative Director: Benjamin Henson 
Live Band: Galaxy Bear
- reviewed by Matt Baker

With four writers (Frith Horan, Natasha Hoyland, Beanie-Maryse Ridler, and Billie Staples) it would be easy for Bravado! to devolve into an incoherent mess, but, while there are obvious shifts in the lyricism of this existential piece, dramaturg Phoebe Mason, creative director Ben Henson, and director Nomi Cohen create a cohesively chaotic world in which the show exists.

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Auckland Theatre Company's NEXT BIG THING 2016
ANGELS RE:BORN: Subvert
Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
By Tanya Muagututi'a and Joy Vaele 
Director: Lavinia Uhila
- reviewed by Matt Baker

Written by Tanya Muagututi’a and Joy Vaele, Angels (Re:Born) is the most scripted narrative of the evening. Think Josie and the Pussycatswith a Pasifika style and religious undertones and you’re halfway through experiencing the show.

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Auckland Theatre Company's NEXT BIG THING 2016
SHOULDA WOULDA COULDA: Start Strong
Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
Devised by the cast 
Director: Ahi Karunaharan
- reviewed by Matt Baker

Devised with the cast under the direction of Ahi Karunaharan,Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda is the most earnest and self-effacing theatrical portrayal I’ve seen about what it means to be young.

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THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME: Talented cast deliver humour and heartbreak
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens 
Directed by Sara Brodie
The Kensington Swan season 
Presented by Auckland Theatre Company
- reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton

The story's 15-year-old detective suffers from acute Asperger's syndrome and his weirdly distorted perspective on life proves to be deeply revealing. With a chronic inability to lie, he exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of everyday life ...

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THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME: Incredibly engaging
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens 
Directed by Sara Brodie
The Kensington Swan season 
Presented by Auckland Theatre Company
- reviewed by Dione Joseph

Nevertheless, Sara Brodie’s direction is swift and unrelenting, exposing us to a stream-of-consciousness that is beautifully cradled by both Christopher and his teacher Siobhan (Siobhan Marshall).

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GREASE: An incredible achievement
Edgar Centre, 116 Portsmouth Drive, Dunedin
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Directed by Douglas Kamo 
Choreographer: Emma Holloway 
Vocal Director: Michael Grant 
Music Direction: Oxo Cubans 
Costume Design: Jen Hughson 
Presented by Taieri Musical & DKCM LTD
By arrangement with Origin Theatrical
- reviewed by Brenda Harwood

With a few notable exceptions – big sporting fixtures, the Star Regent 24 Hour Book Sale, and Wiggles shows – it is pretty rare to see a block-long queue for entry to a Dunedin venue. 

But that was the sight that greeted about 3500 excited fans last night ...

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

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