New Zealand Theatre + Broadway News

MID-WINTER READINGS Showcase New Zealand Writers

(5/9/2013) - Come in from the cold, enjoy a mulled wine and take part in The Court Theatre's annual series of new theatrical works. Over three consecutive Sunday afternoons, plays will be presented as 'works-in-progress'. Following each performance, audiences will be invited to provide feedback and engage in discussion about the work.

The Court Theatre is Thrilled to Present AMADEUS, May 18-June 15

(5/8/2013) - Never underestimate the power of music - or jealousy. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is the greatest musical genius the world has ever known - God's instrument on earth. To Antonio Salieri, he is also a vulgar buffoon, a rival and an enemy to be destroyed.

Circa Theatre Presents NZSL Interpreted Performance of TRIBES Tonight

(5/3/2013) - Circa Theatre will offer a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreted performance of the current Circa One play, Tribes, for Deaf audience members. This will be the first time that Circa will present a performance of this type.

Voting Opens for the 2013 BroadwayWorld Awards! Vote Now for the Best of the 2012-13 Theatre Season...

(5/2/2013) - The Tony Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 11th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

Antoinette Halloran Returns to New Zealand Opera in MADAME BUTTERFLY, Now thru May 14

(4/28/2013) - Australian soprano Antoinette Halloran won the praise of critics and audiences in 2008 when she performed the role of Mimi in New Zealand Opera's production of La boheme. Next month she's back on New Zealand stages to sing what she describes as 'the most demanding yet most beautiful soprano role ever created,' the role of Cio-Cio San (Butterfly) in NZ Opera's new production of Madame Butterfly.

Circa Theatre to Present NZSL Interpreted Performance of TRIBES, May 3

(4/14/2013) - Circa Theatre will offer a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreted performance of the current Circa One play, Tribes, for Deaf audience members. This will be the first time that Circa will present a performance of this type.

Jay Laga'aia to Join WICKED as 'The Wizard' for Auckland Season, September 2013

(4/6/2013) - New Zealand-born star of stage, television and screen, JAY LAGA'AIA, is today confirmed to play The Wizard of Oz in the Auckland season of WICKED - the Broadway musical blockbuster coming to New Zealand in September.

KINGS OF THE GYM, SNAP!, END OF THE RAINBOW and More Set for Court Theatre's 2013-14 Season

(3/21/2013) - Chief Executive, Philip Aldridge, is singing the praises of The Court Theatre's upcoming season. 'It is an exciting mix of the new, the challenging, the classic and the outrageously funny and features a bright, wondrously witty interpretation of a much loved musical - The Mikado.' The 2013/2014 Vodafone Season, which includes new work from The Forge in addition to the full main-stage programme, is one of variety, dynamism and grandeur.

BWW Seeks Editors Internationally!

(3/19/2013) - BroadwayWorld.com is currently seeking talented theater enthusiasts to head up feature coverage in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, India, Israel, Luxembourg, Monoco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Quebec, Scotland, and Sweden.

Antoinette Halloran to Return to New Zealand Opera in MADAME BUTTERFLY, April 28-May 14

(3/17/2013) - Australian soprano Antoinette Halloran won the praise of critics and audiences in 2008 when she performed the role of Mimi in New Zealand Opera's production of La boheme. Next month she's back on New Zealand stages to sing what she describes as 'the most demanding yet most beautiful soprano role ever created,' the role of Cio-Cio San (Butterfly) in NZ Opera's new production of Madame Butterfly.

Palmerston North Boys High Presents WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, Now thru March 23

(3/14/2013) - The Australasian premiere of Whistle Down the Wind, with Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Jim Steinman, Book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber, will play PNBHS, tonight, March 14-23, 2013.

The Court Theatre Reopens Season with GROUNDSWELL: STORIES FROM THE QUAKE, Now thru March 23

(3/9/2013) - On 22 February 2011 The Court Theatre, like so many companies and organisations located in The Red Zone, saw its foundations crumble; literally and figuratively. Ten days later after the loss of The Court's historic theatre venue, brochures arrived for The Forge season that would never be.

The Court Theatre to Reopen Season with GROUNDSWELL: STORIES FROM THE QUAKE, March 9-23

(2/22/2013) - On 22 February 2011 The Court Theatre, like so many companies and organisations located in The Red Zone, saw its foundations crumble; literally and figuratively. Ten days later after the loss of The Court's historic theatre venue, brochures arrived for The Forge season that would never be.

New Zealand Opera Presents MADAME BUTTERFLY, Opening 18 April

(2/18/2013) - Aidan Lang, General Director of NZ Opera, has put the company's new production in the hands of award-winning Australians, director Kate Cherry and designer Christina Smith. "Kate's productions are always striking," Lang says, "and this one will be no exception. Kate hasn't been tempted to meddle with the essence of Madame Butterfly or stamp her mark on it by modernising it or changing the setting. So Puccini's classic will remain as the composer conceived it: a timeless tale of love and loss set in the Japanese city of Nagasaki around the turn of last century."

Palmerston North Boys High to Present WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, March 14-23

(2/8/2013) - The Australasian premiere of Whistle Down the Wind, with Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Jim Steinman, Book by Patricia Knop, Gale Edwards and Andrew Lloyd Webber and Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber, will play PNBHS, March 14-23, 2013.

Circa Announces New Addition to 2013 Line-Up

(2/7/2013) - As explained on page 10 of the 2013 brochure, for the first time ever Circa Theatre kept one spot free in the performance calendar, in order to ensure that we continue to capture only the best of New Zealand and International work in our programme. They have announced the addition of Mike and Virginia, directed by Kerryn Palmer, to our 2013 line-up!

TWELFTH NIGHT Begins at 2013 Open Air Shakespeare Festival Tonight

(2/7/2013) - The 2013 Open Air Summer Shakespeare Festival at Mona Vale opens tonight, February 7th, with Twelfth Night.

TWELFTH NIGHT to Open at 2013 Open Air Shakespeare Festival, Feb 7

(1/27/2013) - The 2013 Open Air Summer Shakespeare Festival at Mona Vale opens on Thursday, February 7th, with Twelfth Night.

Yanni Continues World Tour in Australia and New Zealand, Jan 2013

(1/12/2013) - Chugg Entertainment confirms that legendary composer and performer, Yanni, is set to continue his World Tour throughout into early 2013 with dates in Australia. The tour will begin in New Zealand tonight, 12th January at Vector Arena, before travelling to Australia to begin at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 15th January, Sydney Entertainment Centre on Thursday 17th January, Melbourne's Palais Theatre on Saturday 19th January, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 23rd January and finishing up at the Perth Arena on Sunday 27th January.

BWW's Top New Zealand Theatre Stories of 2012

(12/26/2012) - BroadwayWorld brings you the Best of New Zealand in the year 2012. Check out the Top Theatre Stories from each month during in the year 2012. We look forward to another exciting year of theatre in 2013!

STAGE TUBE: The Australian and New Zealand MARY POPPINS Casts Celebrate 800 Performances With 'Proud Mary'

(12/26/2012) - The New Zealand and Australian tours celebrated more than 800 combined performances with a video set to 'Proud Mary' - view it below!

The Court Theatre Extends GREASE Run by One Week; Will Now Close February 2

(12/11/2012) - Due to overwhelming public demand, The Press Summer Season of GREASE at The Court Theatre has been extended by one week. The popular musical will now close on Saturday 2 February. Two matinees have also been added, on 29 December and 5 January.

KINGS OF THE GYM, CINDERELLA, TRIBES and More Highlight Circa's 2013 Season

(12/3/2012) - Circa continues to lead New Zealand theatre in 2013 with a season of simply the best of New Zealand and International work.

The Court Jesters Celebrate 22 Years with SCARED SCRIPTLESS Guest Stars, Dec 2012

(11/30/2012) - The Court Jesters are celebrating 22 years of improvised comedy with a plethora of guest stars in SCARED SCRIPTLESS during the run-up to Christmas.

The Court Jesters Begin A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS: IN THE GROTTO Performances 12/6

(11/21/2012) - The Court Jesters are telling the untold tales of Santa's workshop in this year's instalment of their perennial Christmas favourite A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS: IN THE GROTTO.

Bruce Kimmel's OUTSIDE THE BOX Web TV Series to Air Exclusively on BroadwayWorld.com

(11/19/2012) - BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre web site on the net, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its line-up of exclusive, engaging, star-filled TV programs. To get fans caught up, and fired up for the new show, the entire first season's episodes begin airing now, with Season 2 slated to premier November 25, followed by it's regular presentation schedule of every other Sunday.

Voting Open for 2012 BWW Regional Awards - Vote Now!

(11/18/2012) - After a record number of nominations in 30 regions worldwide, and careful proofing by our local editors, we are VERY excited to announce that voting has begun for this year's BWW Regional Awards.

Michael Crawford's 'Oh Holy Night' Album Available for Pre-Order

(11/12/2012) - "Michael Crawford's Christmas - O Holy Night," a repacking of two previously released albums, is currently available for pre-order, and is set to be released on November 16. The album features 21 tracks of classic Christmas and Spiritual songs. The title track "O Holy Night" was produced by legendary music producer David Foster.

Wisdom Digital Media Announces Spin-Off from BroadwayWorld.com of New Web Sites Dedicated to Movies, TV, Fashion, Books, Music, Opera & More!

(11/8/2012) - 10 New Sites Launch Devoted to Arts, Culture, Fashion & Entertainment

WAR OF THE WORLDS Live Planetarium Experience Plays Stardome, Auckland, Beginning Nov 1

(11/1/2012) - THE WAR OF THE WORLDS is being transformed into a live multi-media stage show at Auckland's Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, opening today, 1 November 2012.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Plays at Q Theatre, Auckland, Now thru Dec 2

(11/1/2012) - From the creators of hit Broadway musicals BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE LITTLE MERMAID, comes LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, a mad cap, delightfully scary and quirky joy of a musical, that's a treat for the whole family.

BWW World Premiere EXCLUSIVE: Michael Crawford and Susan Boyle Duet on 'The Music of the Night'!

(10/31/2012) - A few weeks ago, we premiered Donny Osmond and Susan Boyle singing 'This is the Moment' and we're back to bring you another exclusive first listen to a second highly-anticipated duet from her upcoming album - 'The Music of the Night!' Featuring original Phantom star Michael Crawford himself alongside Boyle, it's a must-listen!

Red Leap Theatre's PAPER SKY Returns to Auckland Tonight, Oct 24

(10/24/2012) - A tale of light, love and courage, as two worlds join through the mind of one man. Henry is a writer and recluse. His heroine, Lumina, lives in a papery world. When Lumina takes refuge in Henry's room from a dark force threatening to destroy her, reality blurs with fiction and their lives are changed forever.

Court Theatre Presents PACIFIC POST World Premiere, Now thru Nov 10

(10/20/2012) - The Court Theatre brings a heart warming story of love against all odds to the stage in PACIFIC POST, a new play by Stephanie McKellar-Smith and Ross McKellar.

MARY POPPINS Flies to Auckland, October 19

(10/19/2012) - The world's most magical musical arrives at The Civic, Auckland this October. Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney film, the multi-award winning musical MARY POPPINS will play The Civic, Auckland for a strictly limited season.

Yanni Continues World Tour in Australia and New Zealand, Jan 2013

(10/13/2012) - Chugg Entertainment confirms that legendary composer and performer, Yanni, is set to continue his World Tour throughout into early 2013 with dates in Australia. The tour will begin in New Zealand on Saturday 12th January at Vector Arena, before travelling to Australia to begin at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Tuesday 15th January, Sydney Entertainment Centre on Thursday 17th January, Melbourne's Palais Theatre on Saturday 19th January, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Wednesday 23rd January and finishing up at the Perth Arena on Sunday 27th January.

NBR New Zealand Opera Re-Stages Daniel Slater's THE BARTERED BRIDE Tonight, Oct 13

(10/13/2012) - The NBR New Zealand Opera's restaging of Daniel Slater's ground-breaking Opera North production of Smetana's The Bartered Bride, opening in Wellington tonight, 13 October, dispenses with the folkloric cliches normally associated with this opera in favour of an updated setting in the Czechoslovakia of 1972, four years after the Prague Spring.

Court Theatre Presents PACIFIC POST World Premiere, Oct 20-Nov 10

(10/9/2012) - The Court Theatre brings a heart warming story of love against all odds to the stage in PACIFIC POST, a new play by Stephanie McKellar-Smith and Ross McKellar.

BroadwayWorld's Industry Leading App Just Updated for iPhone 5!

(10/5/2012) - Just a few weeks back, Apple released their iPhone 5, with a bigger and better than ever screen and now, BroadwayWorld.com's App has been optimized to take full advantage of it. The screen now fits more news, more posts -- and even more great Broadway (and beyond) content.

This Is Your Brain On Musical Theatre - 10 questions with (The First Lady of Musical Theatre!) Elaine Paige

(10/4/2012) - A genuine superstar of musical theatre, Elaine Paige is much loved on both sides of the Atlantic and here across the Pacific. As she prepares for a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand later this month, she took time out to share a little of her (legendary!) brain on musical theatre.