1

April/May 2019

Thinking of all our New Zealand communities this month and in Australia, of which our community theatres both here and across the Tasman, are such a

huge part of, as we remember our ANZACS who served in World War One and those who have served in further conflicts since the “great war”

– we will remember them.

2

President’s Opening Address – 59h National Volunteer Training/Conference – 2019 Ladies and Gentlemen, Thespians and Committee members, Crew and Musicians, Life Members, and Sponsors - welcome to the 59th Annual General Meeting and Training Weekend here in the Big Smoke of Auckland, hosted by the wonderful team from Auckland Music Theatre. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Daniel Pepperell and I am the President of Musical Theatre NZ, a Steamers (and Chiefs) fan, and I hail from the mighty city of Tauranga. As I reflect over my first year as President, I can tell you it was incredibly busy, and absolutely rewarding. MTNZ have made great inroads with Creative NZ, already gaining funding for a plan around financial sustainability, and also received funding from them for the ever-expanding Next Gen Boot Camp. Kate and I also represented Musical Theatre in NZ at the Beehive for the opening of NZ Theatre Month. And even still with these extra engagements and an extra board member, our lovely Past President Lesley, we were able to keep Executive costs to the same level as previous years, congratulations must go to our forever fiscally minded General Manager, Kate. This year also feels like a changing of the guard for our organisation. We have some people who have dedicated large parts of their lives to MTNZ, stepping aside and allowing a new generation to emerge. Markham Lee, our Honorary Solicitor and Life Member, whose work over the past 10 years has probably touched each and every society across the country. Many of you might not know that a lot of correspondence you receive from us will flow past Markham’s desk. I want to thank him for his many years of service. And our Board Members, Ross Benbow, who for 19 years has served our Zone 4 Region, Lesley Carthew, Zone 3 Rep, Vice President, President, (and my support person) totalling 10 years, and Kate Ghent, our General Manager for the past 19 years. I had always said I pity the president who is in control when Kate leaves, lucky me. However, I am still supported by my amazing Vice President, Past Presidents, Life Members and my Executive who together have amazing years of experience. These changes also allow a new generation of fresh faced and energetic people to serve this wonderful cause. I would like us all to raise a toast for those people who have selflessly served this organisation in the pursuit of promoting and making musical theatre in this country as popular as can be. So enjoy tonight and this weekend, learn as much as you can, meet and network with all the fellow lovers of Musical Theatre and have an absolutely amazing time.

3

4

5

59th AGM and Volunteer Training Weekend – Auckland - IT’S A WRAP Thank you to all those who attended or were part of the MTNZ Annual Conference in Auckland. What a fantastic weekend of fun, frivolity, networking, learning and of course, some serious moments. Congrats to all those societies who were successful in the competitions. Our congratulations to all the Patron’s, Community Tech and Merit Award Recipients this year. Special congratulations to our Lesley Carthew and Ross Benbow on their life memberships.

MTNZ sincerely congratulates Louise, Andrew and their wonderful team from Auckland on a great weekend and all the volunteer hours that go into these events, from pretty much a year out. HUGE hours

– so thank you all so much. Special thanks to the techie crew – David, Glen, Arran and Aaron 😊, Aiden,

Sam, Molloy who were fantastic wing possums – couldn’t do it without you so thank you all. And Daniel

Pierre Pengally – love your work 😊 Awesome MC.

We would also like to sincerely thank our corporate members who sponsored parts of conference – without them we could not keep the rego fee at the level it is and our wonderful seminar and forum panellists and presenters – thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge and craft with us. Please remember to support our corporate members when you are looking at sound, lighting, theatre design, ticketing etc. It was really good to see so many new faces at conference and great to see so many young people there as well. Our wonderful seminar speakers and forum panellists – AMAZING – thank you – and no one gets paid to do those either, so we are very lucky. Feedback is always very welcome and very important– whilst we have rules that require an AGM etc. the weekend is about the membership, so if you want to send some thoughts or ideas especially seminar and forum ones or perhaps you would like to present a seminar or be on a forum panel, just send office@mtnz.co.nz an email or email your zone rep. The Exec are meeting in June, where we they will discuss any feedback and the planning for Napier will be sorted. But we do hope to see many of you before then Start your fundraising now and it would be fantastic to see “EVERY SOCIETY IN THE MTNZ MEMBERSHIP” represented. Let that be the challenge ☺ Spread the word. Further down in Spotlight is our calendar – it would be great to see you along to zone meetings. As you can appreciate, it is so hard during AGM weekend for the Exec to talk to people etc. because we are all running about like mad things, meetings at zone levels are great because we have more time and are not in “organisation” mode and can catch up in a less formal environment which is what it is all about. Cheers everyone and see you next year in Napier if not before. Thanks for supporting MTNZ and coming to conference and make sure you bring a new person or two next year ☺ – Kate for the MTNZ Executive

Click here for the conference photo collection with huge thanks to Lyndon Katene from LK Creative 😊

6

A big thanks from MTNZ to the following individuals and companies, for their assistance with the planning for the 59th Musical Theatre NZ National Conference Diamond Partners and Major Sponsors of Musical Theatre New Zealand John Herber Limited & NZ Fire Shield Limited Major sponsors of MTNZ, sponsors of the the showbill competition; A Night at the Races gala dinner pens, pads and bags Platinum Partners of Musical Theatre New Zealand iTICKET – Friday night dinner and Saturday night “best dressed” awards, lanyards; programme award, seminar presenter Holly and showbill judges Origin Theatrical Sydney - poster competition, AGM morning tea and The Origin Theatrical Champagne and Canape Hour BOUNCE NZ - sound design and sponsored supply Amici Productions - Kerri Tilby Price seminar and forum; Sunday workshop presenters Gold Partners of Musical Theatre New Zealand Music Theatre International (Australasia) AGM lunch, Nola Speir NextGen Youth Encouragement Award Creative Ambiance Stage Technologies Ltd - lighting design and sponsored supply ACLX – AV design and sponsored supply Silver Partners of Musical Theatre New Zealand OneMusic – seminar presenter costs ETNZ (Entertainment Technology NZ) – Community Technical Awards Amici Trust ML Consultants 4th Wall Theatre Services – conference technical and stage management Bronze Partners of Musical Theatre New Zealand David Spicer Productions Kenderdine Electrical Andrew Malmo Ruske Performing Arts Theatre Company The Auckland Music Theatre Team Conference Coordinators Louise Monson and Andrew Potvin Team: Susan Patterson, Richard Neame, Melissa Carroll, Scott Thomas, Rowena Monson, Jim Monson, Nick Brown, Jono Sadler, Trish McLennan, Sherrin Scelly, Julie Tretchikoff, John Fausett, Louise Parker, Watchman Rivers, Lynette Leggett, Barb & Garry Hieatt, Grant Meese, Terry O’Connor with thanks to NZ Opera for the loan of their vans for airport transport

7

Awards for 2019 MTNZ Life Membership – Ross Benbow and Lesley Carthew Merit Awards - Lyndsay Browne, Ruth Cranwell, Dianne Favel, Richard Neame, Jenni Murphy-Scanlon, Marie von Keisenberg, Dan Blackmore, Neila Blackmore, Brian Brodie, Marjorie Bowdler, Gail Fox, Mark Howell, Avril Keep, Craig Maxwell, Robert Ormsby, Andrew Ritchie, Stephanie Wheeler, Ron Braithwaite, Judy Braithwaite MTI Australasia Nola Speir Patrons Youth Encouragement Award – Toni Garson - Musikmakers The ETNZ Community Theatre Technical Achievement Award 2019 - Brian Kenny - AMDRAM Whanganui The ETNZ Community Theatre Technical Achievement - Youth Award 2019 - Isaac Steel - Musical Theatre Oamaru The John Herber/NZ Fireshield Showbill Competition 2019 Third Variety Theatre Ashburton – Mamma Mia Second Rotorua Musical Theatre – Rock of Ages First Manukau Performing Arts – Be More Chill ACT Multi A Programme Award 2019 Third Blenheim Musical Theatre - Mary Poppins Second Showbiz Christchurch - Wicked First Hamilton Operatic Society - Sister Act New Plymouth Operatic Multi B Programme Award 2019 Third Napier Operatic Society - Beauty and the Beast Second South Canterbury Drama League - Beauty and the Beast First Tauranga Musical Theatre - Mary Poppins The iTICKET Multi C Programme Award 2019 Third Rotorua Musical Theatre - Rock of Ages Second Variety Theatre Ashburton – Mamma Mia! First Centrestage Rolleston – Joseph & the amazing …. The Origin Theatrical Multi D Programme 2019 Third South Canterbury Drama League - Seussical Kids and Hairspray Jr Second Musical Theatre Gisborne - Footrot Flats First North Shore Music Theatre - Heathers The BOUNCE NZ Multi E Programme 2019 Fourth Papakura Theatre Company - Big Fish Third Tauranga Musical Theatre - Heathers Second Upper Hutt Musical Theatre - Into the Woods First Abbey Musical Theatre - Little Shop of Horrors The Amici Productions Single Sheet Programme Award 2019 Third Wing It Productions – Nunsense Second Greymouth Operatic Society – Joyful and Triumphant First MATS Musicals Masterton - Just Us

8

Origin Theatrical Poster Competition 2019 Third Napier Operatic Society - Oliver! Second Musical Theatre Dunedin –

Priscilla - Queen of the Desert First Showbiz Christchurch – Wicked

MTNZ’s New Life Members – Ross Benbow and Lesley Carthew

Your MTNZ Executive for 2019 Patron: Mrs Donna Philpott, QSM Life Members: Mrs Donna Philpott QSM, Miss Sandra Sewell, Mr John MacGibbon,

Mr Kevin Murphy, Mr Markham Lee, Mr Graeme Philip, Mrs Diane Philip, Mr Ian Reid, Mrs Ngaire Holmes, Mrs Valda Peacock QSM,

Mrs Lesley Carthew; Mr Ross Benbow

President: Daniel Pepperell, Tauranga

Vice President: Helen Horsnell, Dunedin

Zone One Representative: Emma Bishop, Auckland

Zone Two Representative: Tracy Holmes, Hamilton

Zone Three Representative: Sharron Pardoe, Wellington

Zone Four Representative: Gavin Bailey, Christchurch

Zone Five Representative: Tania Graham, Dunedin

Nextgen Representative: Patrice Hammond, Ashburton

9

Business Advisor: Kevin Murphy, New Plymouth

Hon Auditor: Karreen Mathers, Napier

Finance Administrator: Lyndsay Browne, Napier

Hon Solicitor: Mr Jeremy Sparrow, Tauranga

General Manager: TBC

Health and Safety Advisor Steve Lloyd, New Plymouth

Capital Assistance Fund Daniel Pepperell, Helen Horsnell

Kevin Murphy and Zone Rep

CAF Administration Lyndsay Browne

Meet the New Executive Team Members for 2019 For profiles on all our Exec team go to http://www.mtnz.org.nz/executive Gavin Bailey - Zone Four Representative

Hi Everyone I would like to introduce myself. My name is Gavin Bailey and

I have recently been elected as the new Zone Four Representative for

Musical Theatre New Zealand.

I have had a long association with musical theatre over the years, starting

at high school in Timaru during the ‘90s and I have been doing it ever

since then. I’ve worked in a variety of roles in both in New Zealand and

overseas productions.

I am involved in a number of theatre groups in Canterbury and am

currently the Vice President of the North Canterbury Musical Society. I

have a completely different day job in that I work as a building specialist

with the Christchurch City Council.

If I’m not at work, or being involved in the theatre, I love to get out and see different shows in the

community around the country. I also love walking and getting out and seeing the beauty of New Zealand.

I also help out with a local civil defence rescue team when needed.

I primarily work in stage management but will help wherever I am needed. I have a strong focus with

health and safety, including looking after the wellbeing of everyone in a show. I also have a focus on

governance. I have had the privilege of travelling around the zone over the last couple of years meeting

new people and seeing some amazing show and I look forward to seeing many more over the next year. I

feel theatre plays such an important role in our society, being people together from various backgrounds

to achieve a common purpose and allow audiences to see

local/national talent and the see the results of all the time and

energy that many volunteers have given to their production. I

look forward to working with you all and seeing theatre grow in

New Zealand.

Patrice Hammond – NextGen Representative Patrice had her first taste of theatre in 2009 with South Otago Theatrical Society in Dad’s Army. Fast forward five years and she was cast as a backing vocalist for Chicago (Variety Theatre Ashburton) which has led to her love of all thing’s musical theatre today! Since then, Patrice has been involved in 15 productions – with a wide range of involvement including; backing vocalist, ensemble member, head of department for makeup/hair and health and safety, production manager, dressing, makeup/hair assistant and most recently her first lead role as Sister Mary Patrick for Variety Theatre Ashburton’s 2019 show Sister Act.

10

Patrice has been a committee member of Variety Theatre Ashburton since 2014 and recently resigned from her position as chairperson for the Methven Theatre Company after 2 years on the committee and 2 years as chair. She also has involvements with Showbiz Christchurch and Centrestage Rolleston. Her first experience with MTNZ was at the national conference in Christchurch, 2015, and since then she has loved attending conference, zone meetings, combined meetings and the fantastic NextGen boot camp. Outside of the theatre Patrice has a full-time job and outside of that also works as a qualified freelance makeup artist, with makeup being one of her passions. Patrice’s dream is to one day have a career working backstage in musical theatre. Patrice is excited to take on the role of NextGen representative. NextGen is all about encouragement, confidence building, support and learning and she has a main goal of engaging NextGenners in every aspect of musical theatre, to guarantee a sustainable future for musical theatre in New Zealand.

Jeremy Sparrow – Honorary Solicitor

I have been involved with Tauranga Musical Theatre since I was a child, being involved in many shows throughout the past 20 years. As I child I performed in shows such as Oliver, Showboat, Westside Story and Evita. As an adult, I have performed in numerous shows, the standouts for me being Grease, Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors and Jesus Christ Superstar. My favourite role was playing Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors in 2014. I am currently playing Georg in Spring Awakening and I am in the ensemble for Wicked which opens in September. I am now on the Committee of Tauranga Musical Theatre and I am in my second year in the role of Treasurer. I have been elected into this position as I am organised, I have the financial skills for the role, I have an excellent business sense, and I am very well respected within the Tauranga community. I began practicing law in 2012 at Holland Beckett in Tauranga. I worked in the litigation team for 4 years before moving to London to live for two years. In London, I worked as a litigator resolving commercial and tax disputes. The offices where I worked were in the heart of the West End, and I managed to see every musical at least once! I moved back to Tauranga in January 2018, and returned to Holland Beckett as a senior solicitor. I now specialise in employment (both contentious and non-contentious matters), health and safety, civil litigation, criminal and debt recovery. Last year I was promoted to the position of Associate in charge of a large team of lawyers. I am Holland Beckett’s youngest ever Associate. Holland Beckett have always supported my passion for musical theatre.

Get social with MTNZ …. Zone Two https://www.facebook.com/groups/1635330969870389/

Zone Five https://www.facebook.com/groups/122817841707880

Zone Three https://www.facebook.com/groups/496022667412554/

Zone Four https://www.facebook.com/groups/1811737122184633/

Zone One https://www.facebook.com/groups/119390715385605/

NextGen https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147356508627657/

MTNZ Community Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtnzcommunity/

MTNZ Public Page - https://www.facebook.com/MTNZI MTNZ Wardrobe, Props and Costume Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/837561869750881/ MTNZ Technicians Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/780860628775953/

11

MTNZ On Line Resources Log Books for techies - http://www.mtnz.org.nz/guides Technical ETNZ resources and info including the Guide to Safe Working Practices latest version https://www.etnz.org/resources/

A very busy year ahead for MTNZ, check out these events and put the dates in your diaries now…. – some zone meetings and the Combined South Island meeting date still TBC MTNZ Calendar 2019

Date Event

11 May Zone One meeting and NAPTA AGM

8 June Zone Five meeting – Clyde (hosted by Cromwell, Alexandra & Clyde)

25 – 26 June ETNZ Conference - Wellington

29 – 30 June Executive Meeting Tauranga

13 July Zone Two meeting - Morrinsville

2 – 4 August NextGen Boot Camp Four

23 – 25 August The Inaugural 30+ Boot Camp - Epworth Retreat, Cambridge

5 October Zony Awards – Tauranga

20 - 21 March 2020

The 60th MTNZ National Conference & Volunteer Training Weekend hosted by Napier Operatic – at the Napier Conference Centre

12

13

14

15

Zone One with Emma Bishop

16

17

18

Zone Two

This is what community theatre and the Merit Awards are all about –

received this email from Mark😊

Just to let you know that on Sunday at the Theatre Whakatane Inc AGM I was absolutely blown away and humbled to receive a mtnz Merit Award. This came to me as a complete surprise as I am uncertain of what I have done to deserve such an award and I know many people that are more deserving. To me the passion I have for Theatre has always been my escape from real life and I have received tremendous pleasure from it. I will admit I have had a long association with musical theatre in NZ. I was first involved with Gilbert and Sullivan productions while attending Heretaunga College in Upper Hutt in the early to mid 1960s then while at Massey University during the 1970s I was involved with the University Revues written by Tom Scott. I was also involved in a number of PN Operatic productions during this time. In the 1980s we were in Opotiki and I was more occupied with my profession and the raising of my 2 beautiful daughters. I did find time to play the part of Dog in a very successful production of Footrot Flats. It blended well with my profession as a veterinarian.

In 1993 I came to a Pre-audition night for a production of Evita with Whakatane Musical Theatre (now known as Theatre Whakatane) and have been involved with them ever since. As they say the rest is history. I really enjoy my association with this talented group of people and expect/hope to be associated with them for some time yet. I remain incredibly proud of the standard of productions we are involved with. It has been great to see the development of Gateway Theatre and to watch people develop their talents as they grow up in the Theatre family. The work that a small group of volunteers do is amazing.

So thank you for the award I remain blown away and humbled. Also thank you MTNZ for all your support and the work you do. Long may it continue. Wishing you all the best for the future and keep developing NZ talent. Theatre is important

Tauranga Musical Theatre is staging Spring Awakening at Westside Theatre this month, opening April 26. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening is a rock musical based on Frank Wedekind’s ground-breaking play of the same name. It’s 1891, and grown-ups hold all the cards. We follow a dozen young people making their way through the thrilling, complicated and mysterious time of sexual awakening.

An electric, vibrant celebration of youth and

rebellion, Spring Awakening fuses issues of

morality, sexuality, and rock and roll into a

story that packs a powerful emotional punch.

Season runs April 26 to May 11 at

Tauranga's Westside Theatre, 141 17th

Avenue. Tickets are available from

www.iTicket.co.nz

Please note: This show is recommended for audiences over 16 years old for its adult themes

19

Zone Three

Kauri Theatre Company presents ………

20

Theatre Hawkes Bay …..

With the combination of a fantastic director with a clear vision and a dream cast of only four, Theatre Hawkes Bays' production of "The 39 Steps" directed by Sandra Alsleben proved itself a winner with almost completely sold out houses every night. Even the couple of people who came to the show expecting a genuine Hitchcock thriller were pleasantly surprised by the chaotic comedy in front of them. A huge hit

21

Zone Four

Greymouth Operatic Society Inc Secures Australasian Premiere of Disney's Freaky Friday Greymouth Operatic Society Inc is preparing for its June season of Disney's Freaky Friday. Rehearsals with the full cast and twelve-piece orchestra are well underway, and it is sounding great! At the MTNZ conference, we learned about touch tours and other ways to make musicals more accessible to the visually impaired, and offering these services will also be a West Coast first. To celebrate this Australasian premiere, there will be a red carpet opening night on June 20. Tickets go on sale the week of April 14 at the Regent Theatre Greymouth. Come over to Greymouth, make it a holiday! Seven shows: June 20-23 and 25-27

The South Canterbury Drama League have recently selected our cast for Legally Blonde who start rehearsals shortly but the stars of the auditions were definitely the dogs who were a hit with the production team of Director Alice Sollis, Musical Director Ella Thomas and Choreographer Abi Austin. Our successful dog auditionees were Butters - Bruiser (pictured) and Axel Rose - Rufus. Photo credit: Mytchall Bransgrove/Stuff Abigail Austin checks out Butters, a Chihuahua mix, and Guinness the pug, while Alice Sollis and Ella Thomas look on at the dog auditions for Legally Blonde the Musical. Legally Blonde 4th-20th July. As busy as always at the Playhouse with Last Legs by Roger Hall and Directed by Alice Sollis which is in full rehearsals for our May production. Last Legs is on the stage on the 10th-17th May. Tickets on sale now at www.iticket.co.nz or outlets locally. The League will also be running a holiday programme over the July school holidays, the South Canterbury performing arts competition also in July and theatre fest in August outside of our normal productions.

Blenheim Musical Theatre held its AGM on Monday 25th March and two awards were presented. We were able to award the MTNZ Merit Award to Andrew Ritchie who has been a member for the past 24 years. Andrew was on the Blenheim Musical Theatre Executive as Vice President from 2004 to 2006, then President from 2007 to 2010. He returned to the Executive in 2017 again to complete another two year term. When Andrew hasn’t been involved on stage he has done various backstage tasks, including stage crew, sales and publicity and organising front of house for the theatre restaurants. Andrew was one of the main instigators of organising our Centennial Celebrations which took place last year – 2018. The second Award was given to Duncan Whiting for his 50 year involvement with Blenheim Musical Theatre, we have been very lucky to have Duncan directing and mentoring numerous shows for us over the years. The Associate Life Membership was presented to Duncan and afterwards he gave us all an entertaining speech about his life as a Director.

Duncan is presenting Directing our main 2019 show Phantom of the Opera which opens at the ASB Theatre, Blenheim on 8th May - running through until 18th May. Everyone is working so hard to make this an outstanding season for Blenheim theatre goers.

22

Zone Five

Clyde Theatre Group has just wrapped up their sold out season of April Phillips’ STiFF! Audiences thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the cast and crew had a lot of fun pulling the show together.

Invercargill Musical Theatre has started the year with another fabulous youth production, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This was a challenge for the wardrobe and set building teams as they had to start from scratch creating costumes, set, props etc. but what an amazing job they did. The cast of 59 children performed their socks off and had a wonderful time with lots of fun as well as lots of hard work. Everyone involved in this production enjoyed themselves immensely and we are already planning our next youth production.

As we started preparing for Wicked, our major show for 2019, it was very heartening to see so many young people auditioning who began performing in our previous youth productions and have grown into great performers, ready for the more grown-up shows. Youth productions are a wonderful way of finding new talent, giving them the full musical theatre experience and a passion for performing.

Wicked will be staged at the Civic Theatre, Invercargill in July and we are so excited to be underway with it now we have a full cast and rehearsals beginning in a few days.

23

24

25

ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL

origintheatrical.com.au _____________________________________________________________________

Dances include Burlesque, Tango, Cabaret, Boot Scooting and Fabulous Drag Shows.

Backing tracks available.

Video footage, music and script samples available at oztheatrical.com/milf

Apply for a licence and enquiries visit origintheatrical.com.au _______________________________________________________________________ origintheatrical.com.au | enquiries@originmusic.com.au | +61 2 8514 5201

MILF THE MUSICAL Written and created by Sally Knight

A hilarious story of the housewife and

mother, Kate, whose life is shatered by

revelations of her husband's alleged

infidelity by way of the social media website

'face page'.

"insightful, genuinely hilarious one-

liners" - Stage Whispers

CAST: 3M, 3F, ensemble of dancers

26

ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL

origintheatrical.com.au _____________________________________________________________________

ATOMIC THE MUSICAL

Cast: 5M, 2F + Ensemble

Band Parts: Piano, Keyboard, Guitars, Bass Guitar/Double Bass, Cello,

Drums, Violin.

"Blows the roof off the theater!" —TheaterMania

"A hot rock score that sizzles!" —Times Square Chronicles

"Atomic is da bomb!" —Stage Door (St. Louis)

"A blistering standing ovation" —CriticalBlast (St Louis)

oztheatrical.com/ATOMIC For videos, music, photos, reviews, a sample script,

more information and to apply for a licence.

_______________________________________________________________________ origintheatrical.com.au | enquiries@originmusic.com.au | +61 2 8514 5201

Book & Lyrics by Danny Ginges

Music & Lyrics by Philip Foxman

ATOMIC is the thrilling new Off-

Broadway musical that blasts open

the doors of The Manhattan

Project.

Leo Szilard is the mastermind

behind atomic power, but his

heart has reservations. Ethics,

scientific progress, and true

love are tested as Leo discovers

exactly what he’s capable of when

someone believes in him.

27

NEW RELEASES from

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALASIA

April 2019

Oliver! 2009 West End Version Is

Now Available for Licensing!

Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart's classic musical based on Charles Dickens'

novel, Oliver Twist. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to

win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical

masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.

The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a

workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to

London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by

the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft he did not commit, the benevolent

victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the

sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s

chances of discovering the true love of a family.

An award-winning version of Dickens’ novel, Oliver! is a musical theatre masterpiece,

perfectly showcasing the talents of a large ensemble cast as they bring these classic

characters and score to life. The updated 2009 West End Version is now available with

brand new orchestrations and state-of-the-art resources!!

For all enquiries or to submit an application simply head to the link below...

http://www.mtishows.com.au/oliver

28

New Release...Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed - The Rock

Experience Now Available for Licensing

A rock 'n roll parable with an awesome message for today's young audiences!

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience is a brand-new Theatre for Young Audiences

(TYA) show based on the hit children's book by Mo Willems. Wilbur the naked mole rat discovers a

love for clothing and style. When word of his new passion turns the Tunnel upside down, he

proves to everyone that there's no need to be just like everyone else.

For more information or to submit an application

simply head to the link below..

http://www.mtishows.com.au/naked-mole-rat-gets-dressed-the-rock-experience

29

ME’N’GUS

By Paul Andersen-Gardiner Music by Jo Doolan. Arranged by Helen Duff A new New Zealand musical, now available.

Mark and Gus return from the First World War to an uncertain future. Things start looking up when they each buy a farm on the slopes of Mount Egmont. Yep, this farming life is just the caper. The two girls down the road aren’t bad either. But things don’t always go as planned. Can Mark make a go of farming? Will the reluctant Violet fall for Gus’ charms? And how does shooting a milk stealing dog help ones love life anyway? Me’n’Gus is a musical comedy based on the 1920’s novel Gus Tomlins by Frank S. Anthony. Its world premiere in Opunake, Taranaki was followed by a sold out season. Me’n’Gus is a humorous look at a New Zealand way of life long since gone. The Saturday night dance, taking milk cans to the dairy factory, sale day when everyone dressed up and went to town, it’s sure to bring back memories for many and leave others wondering how we managed to live. There are two female and three male leads plus several smaller speaking roles for chorus. For a sneak preview, check out the following link. https://www.facebook.com/156925451031802/videos/1874121309312199/ More photos of the World Premier available on the “Me’nGus Rehearsal Group” page. Contact Paul Andersen-Gardiner, cpmproductionsnz@gmail.com or phone 028 404 5293

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40