A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including: It’ll End In Tears, A Heart's Path, Eigengrau, Ella, and The Keepers.
See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory.

* * *

A selection of reviews from Theatreview from the last week including: It’ll End In Tears, A Heart's Path, Eigengrau, Ella, and The Keepers.
See more recent reviews at theatreview.org, the NZ Performing Arts Review & Directory.

* * *

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland - SHORT+SWEET THEATRE, AUCKLAND 2011: 2012 Top 30 – Week 2 Sweet As
- reviewed by Sharu Delilkan

Varied, funny, clever, poignant and sweet in equal proportions the performers complemented each other creating a great mix of thought provoking dialogue.

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

Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland - A HEART'S PATH: Straight from the Heart
- reviewed by Sharu Delilkan

A Heart’s Path, written by Suli Moa, is the young playwright’s second Tongan play in less than two years.

I’m glad to see that talents like Moa are not a flash in the pan.

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

BATS, Wellington - EIGENGRAU: The paradox of light within darkness perfectly cast
- reviewed by John Smythe

There is a certain magic that arises from excellent actors filling an almost blank space with characters and interactions that truthfully draw us into lives, concerns and worlds we recognise as very real. Human behaviour is endlessly intriguing.

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

BATS, Wellington - EIGENGRAU: A mildly entertaining, often amusing play
- reviewed by Ewen Coleman

The perception that what we see is not always what we get, especially in relationships, appears to be at the heart of English playwright Penelope Skinner's Eigengrau. The title hints at this in an oblique way, being German for intrinsic grey, the colour seen in perfect darkness.

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

Meteor Theatre, Hamilton - ELLA: Cleverly crafted enchantment
- reviewed by Julianne Boyle

Living rough since the death of her father, Ella, played by Melinda Warner, has one consuming passion: she wants to be an actress. Naively optimistic and hungry for the adoration of the crowds, she’s confident that she has what it takes to succeed.

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

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland - SHORT+SWEET THEATRE, AUCKLAND 2012: 2012 Top 30 – Week 2
- reviewed by Raewyn Whyte

Nine extraordinarily diverse ten minute short works comprise Week 2’s quota of the Top 30 short works in this year’s Short + Sweet Festival. All are of a very high standard – scenarios nicely devised for audience engagement, scripts and sequences carefully polished, interactions meticulously rehearsed, dialogue delivered with conviction, scenographic objects chosen with care …

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

Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland - A HEART'S PATH: Unique perspective made familiar by innate humanity
- reviewed by Nik Smythe

This powerful second work from local breakthrough playwright Suli Moa is distinctively Tongan in tone and content, intensely human in essence. Just before it begins, the opening-matinee audience and cast are blessed by a visiting school-group’s beautifully intoned and harmonised impromptu hymn sung from their seats.

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

BATS, Wellington - THE KEEPERS: Hypnotic weave
- reviewed by Michael Wray

The Keepers is a devised work that weaves together elements of theatre, live music and dance or physical movement.

Lighthouse keeper Margaret (Veronica Brady) lives alone until rescuing the drowning Nina (Julia Croft).

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

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - SPEAKEASY: Lively, engaging and surprisingly cohesive
- reviewed by Poppy Haynes

An unlikely pair sinking highballs in a prohibition-era speakeasy; a Chinese prostitute; a Contiki tourist who finds his true place in a monastery; a lascivious sandwich-factory owner: these are a few of the characters whose confessions, confidences and compulsions we encounter in Speakeasy.

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

NASDA Theatre, E Block, CPIT, Christchurch - IT’LL END IN TEARS: Challenging and entertaining
- reviewed by Lindsay Clark

Mystery and magic are promised for this exploration of 'the common road we follow in being human'. There is little more specific to offer in terms of a narrative, only a sequence of indelible visual and aural impressions come to mind, loosely arranged around finding love and comfort in others, joy in birth and play before death brings inevitable grief. There are no words, but evocative sound, especially dark cello notes, scores the way.

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

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - MISS FLETCHER SINGS THE BLUES: Traditional issues feel fresh and novel
- reviewed by Aidan-B. Howard

The headline starts “Miss Fletcher… motivator, inspirer, teacher. She’s down, she cares and she is ready to tackle the issues…”. Well, that’s an immediate challenge. This will be either very deep and didactic or very comical. Actually, it is the latter!

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

ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland - THE BARTERED BRIDE: Bartered then betrothed
- reviewed by Sharu Delilkan

The word ‘opera’ conjures images of elitism and grandeur among people who don't frequent the art form. And if you identify with that majority, NBR NZ Opera's version of The Bartered Bride would be a great first opera to see.

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

BATS, Wellington - THE KEEPERS: Too many unanswered questions
- reviewed by Ewen Coleman

It is not very often that the styles of abstract and existentialist theatre are found in performance pieces that are essentially physical theatre with few words spoken.

But Thread Theatre Company’s show The Keepers is just that and intriguingly so.

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

Elmwood Theatre, 31 Aikmans Road, Merivale, Christchurch - Canterbury - DOUBLE BILL: Contrasting repertoires create an enjoyable evening
- reviewed by Kate Sullivan

'Leaving Home' was a powerful narrative of the journey Bolwell’s great, great, great grandmother took from Scotland to Australia, then on to New Zealand in 1843. The period costumes were crafted into the piece as a performance technology to enhance the telling of the story. The dancers removed layers at intervals until they were right down to their bloomers and camisoles as if they were disregarding the confinements of past lives. The expressive movements of the dancers helped communicate the harrowing experience Bolwell’s relative must have suffered on her journey to a new land.

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

Regent Theatre, Greymouth - THE CAVE ABOVE THE PA: TE ANA I RUNGA I TE PA: An indispensable and timely work
- reviewed by Greg O'Connell

Let’s be clear: The Cave above the Pa is a fictional story. And it is a relevant and constructive one.

Those familiar with Paul Maunder’s work will know that this is not a writer who shies away from an uncomfortable examination of issues. In this play, Kiwi Possum Productions brings the history of Greymouth leasehold land out under the stage lights.

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

Keirunga Homestead Theatre, Keirunga Gardens, Puflett Rd, Havelock North - HOLLOW CROSSING: A play of consequence
- reviewed by Terri Crawford & David Bishop

As regular theatre goers we enjoy many styles of live performance. Saturday 24th September was our first time exposure to the compact theatre at Keirunga Gardens and our second taste of ‘suspense’-driven cinematic theatre performance.

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

ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland - THE BARTERED BRIDE: Sweet music, grand arias delight
- reviewed by William Dart

There is much to admire in Daniel Slater's The Bartered Bride, updating Smetana's 19th-century peasant marriage market to edgier times, a century on during the Prague Spring.

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

Q Loft, 305 Queen St, Auckland - THE RED CHAIR: Musical theatre needs MC
- reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton

The inaugural production from Dionysos announces a serious commitment to musical theatre with a song cycle presented in an elegant cabaret set-up with the audience at tables.

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

Browsers Bookstore, Hamilton - SONGS WITH JOKES IN: Seemingly innocuous topics transformed in surprising ways
- reviewed by Julianne Boyle

It always bodes well when a performer can get a crowd laughing while delivering the standard message about cell phones and video recorders. Ross Macleod does just this, serenading his audience with a well-crafted little song outlining possible repercussions for non-compliance in this matter.

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

Ferrymead Friendly Societies Hall, Christchurch - Canterbury - WALK BY JOLT YOUTH: Delicate, beautiful and captivating
- reviewed by Elizabeth O’Connor

“Walk” becomes a metaphor for how humans get from one state of being to another. Cooperation and struggle vie for prime place – but in a dance company like Jolt, cooperation wins hands down. The graceful way dancers complemented each others’ movements was testament to the way they must have worked together in the creation of the piece. Even the more dynamic and fierce movement sequences felt as though they were the product of careful work.

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

Court Theatre, Bernard Street, Addington, Christchurch - MILLY WONKA AND THE BURLESQUE FACTORY: Fun, frivolity and boobs
- reviewed by Jennifer Smart

In the abstract, Ayla’s Angels promised an “eccentric, wonderful adventure into the surreal world of Couture Candylands”, with performances ostensibly attached to the narrative of everyone’s childhood favourite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Potentially a disturbing premise - the sexualisation of characters loved by children can be pretty uncomfortable - but the casually filthy repartee of the brilliant Milly Wonka as MC saved us all. She also kept the crowd in the loop regarding the narrative which at times veered into the obscure.

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

Meteor Theatre, Hamilton - BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE: When Harry meets Charlie
- reviewed by Julianne Boyle

From the wings, the distinctive sound of bagpipes.

Happily chatting about some Harry Potter movie, an excited group of children, together with Uncle Ian, walk across the traverse stage. He’s about to tell them a different story, one that, like Harry Potter, has connections with Glenfinnan.

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

ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland - THE BARTERED BRIDE: A great production with a stunning cast
- reviewed by Tarryne Webb

If you’re new to opera, Smetana’s The Bartered Bride is a great first timer’s show. A light comedy sung in English, the story contains all of the well established favourite operatic themes of hidden identities, forbidden love and a meddling bass.

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

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland - SHORT+SWEET THEATRE, AUCKLAND 2012: Wildcard Show 1
- reviewed by Raewyn Whyte

The eight short works which comprise the first group of Wildcards in this year’s Short + Sweet provide a charming array of theatrical experiences. Selected from the works remaining after the Top 30 had been creamed off, these eight are mostly well developed and compellingly presented, and several raise cheers from a highly engaged Saturday afternoon audience.

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

The Pumphouse, Takapuna - return season, Auckland - HAIRY MACLARY: Captivating and utterly delightful
- reviewed by Joanna Page

In through the door and off to our seats went me and my son to our first Tim Bray feat…

It was Elliot’s first theatre experience and I had concerns. After all he’s not yet two. Would he be engaged and quiet for the hour? Would he scream the place down? Would we have to abandon the performance? I had nothing to worry about; it wouldn’t have mattered if he was two or eighty-two.

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

Meteor Theatre, Hamilton - NAUGHTY BAD GIRLS: Universality of personal angst resonates
- reviewed by Brenda Rae Kidd

Three unimaginably cute 20’ish year-olds ruminate about the complexity of life for the modern day woman. Each delivers a monologue of their thoughts, wishes and hopes: so funny simply because they are true. Truth is funny.

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

Q Loft, 305 Queen St, Auckland - THE RED CHAIR: Cleverly hidden themes amid the fun
- reviewed by Adey Ramsel

The Red Chair, created and directed by Aaron Tindell, promises “a journey of music – like that of a cinematic montage”. It delivers just that, with a subtle, at times too subtle, theme of love and obsession running through it.

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

Meteor Theatre, Hamilton - BAXTER IN THE DARK, TE RONGO O TE WAIRUA: Eye-opening rawness in the dark
- reviewed by Liza Kire

Baxter in the Dark is not just a performance; it is an experience that is sure to satisfy every sense that you have. Just make sure you don’t eat the wasabi peas.

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

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - DAY AFTER NIGHT: Genuinely cheesy
- reviewed by Nik Smythe

Playwright and composer Benjamin Cleaver, with the manifest assistance of director James Wenley and musical director Paul Barrett, has produced an impressively ambitious two-act musical on a shoestring budget.

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

Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland - DAY AFTER NIGHT: Execution sadly lacking in bold venture
- reviewed by Paul Simei-Barton

It is difficult not to admire the bold ambition of a small independent company launching an original full-length musical with a live band – especially when the venture is largely dependent on crowd funding.

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

BATS, Wellington - MUSIC AND ME: Where most fear to tread
- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

“Living in this city is a curse”, this city being South Auckland in Victoria Schmidt’s play about four friends, all damaged and all trapped by poverty, illness and/or addictions.

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

Circa Two, Wellington - MANAWA: Perfect start for company
- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

Jamie McCaskill has achieved something remarkable in this play. Here two criminals who would be on the ‘most despised’ list of the nation in ‘real life’, become ‘real people’. We seldom look behind the image of criminals presented by the media. Doing so is one of the many challenges Manawa presents, and it makes us laugh and makes us think.

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

BATS, Wellington - WHITE CLOUD: SONGS & STORIES: Work in progress
- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

White Cloud is a collaboration between singer/songwriter Tim Finn and playwright Ken Duncum. Both are gifted wordsmiths and both have delved into their family histories and own memories of growing up around the same time in 1960s New Zealand to create this intriguing mix of spoken and sung words.

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

Downstage Theatre, Wellington - FLOWERS FROM MY MOTHER’S GARDEN: Trip down memory lane
- reviewed by Lynn Freeman

You leave this mother/daughter play wanting to, or wishing you could, sit down with your own mum for a cup of tea and a chat.

Dame Kate and Miranda Harcourt don’t sugar coat their relationship. You get a sense of honesty, on the whole, from this intimate and revealing two hander.

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

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.