spotlight

Hi Everyone – hope you are all surviving the winter. This is a very brief Spotlight as this month we have the Executive meeting, I am doing a recci with Ross and sorting out Nelson conference and also attending the Association of Community Theatre conference in Sydney.

I have also spent a good number of hours this last week finalizing our application to Creative NZ for a Directors’ School to be held Labour Weekend in Christchurch at the Showbiz Christchurch rooms. Many thanks to Blenheim, Morrinsville, South Otago, Musikmakers, Abbey Musical Theatre, Waimate societies for taking the time to write letters of support for our application. We hope to hear if we have been successful with our application end of July/early August, so let’s hope for some good news. The need for directors and some training for those people in societies who want to direct, but just need to be given the right tools, was identified predominantly by our South Island societies the combined South Island meeting in Ashburton last year and a number of North Island societies have identified the need as well since then. The main aim is to train potential directors to a level where they can produce quality productions working with all members of a particular society – ie stage manager, lighting designer etc.; thus encapsulating all in the local community. Although it will be based in Christchurch, it is open to all MTNZ societies – so it’s a national school, as opposed to just the South Island.

We will be sending out a bumper issue of Spotlight in August – it will be posted out as well, so just a few notices and reminders for July. Also if anyone has any info they would like in the “bumper” August issue, then please start sending it through.

Conference 2011 - 18 - 20 March – Nelson - hosted by Nelson Musical Theatre

Friday Night: A “Medieval English Village” Theme
Saturday Night: Dinner at the WOW Museum amongst the classic cars and Wearable Art Winners Theme – Wearable Art – so anything goes

Conference Packs will be available late October -
numbers are limited at these venues so you will need to register early to avoid missing out as this year we won’t be able to squeeze people in at the last minute .

Capital Assistance Fund – please don’t forget to make your society contribution. We often get asked about the Fund, and why societies should belong etc. The presentation on the MTNZ website from Conference 2006 in Invercargill explains it all, or talk to your Zone Rep. http://www.musical.org.nz/about_mtf.htm and go to Capital Assistance Fund header.

Subs – almost there, just a few stragglers – thank you to all those societies and corporate/education/associate members that have paid

Fiordland Players are having their 50th Jubilee reunion on Sept 5th 2010 following the last night of their 2010 production. Contact for the reunion can be via our email address fiordlandplayers@gmail.com or by writing to Reunion, P O Box 201, Te Anau 9640.

Showbiz Christchurch has a 20ft manual revolve they are wanting to sell, this would suit smaller venues. Contact the office 03 377 7954 or admin@showbiz.org.nz

Corporate members The Light Site, Christchurch are on the move. From 12 July their contact information is as follows:
Physical address: 18 Brisbane Street, Christchurch 8023
Mail address: P O Box 7143, Christchurch 8240
Phone numbers are all unchanged.

Congratulations to Diane Brodie of Showbiz Christchurch on her QSM:
A passion for theatre and a "can't beat 'em, join em" attitude led to Diane joining Showbiz Christchurch over 30 years ago. Her particular areas of expertise are costuming and administration, having been Wardrobe Manager, Administrator and Board member. Currently, Diane is President of Showbiz Christchurch, (for the sixth time!) . Professionally, Diane is the Touring Wardrobe Manager for CATS and Miss Saigon for the New Zealand Musical Theatre Consortium. Without people like Di volunteering their time and expertise both nationally and locally, organisations like musical theatre societies, which play such an important part in our communities, would not exist. Di assisted with the MTNZ 50^th Anniversary conference this year as a forum panel member – contributing more volunteer time to the national musical theatre community of which she is such a huge and influential part of. In recognition of her contribution to the New Zealand musical theatre community, Di was awarded our highest honour at the MTNZ annual conference in Timaru in 2008 – a Musical Theatre New Zealand Merit Award – for outstanding contribution to musical theatre, which really says it all. Congratulations from us all Di J

Zone Meetings
Zone Three Meeting – 24 July in Palmerston North at Abbey Musical Theatre – click on http://www.musical.org.nz/zone%203.htm for further information and an agenda

The South Island Meeting is to be held in Oamaru on 18^th Sept . It Oamaru Operatic’s last night of ‘Les Mis’ staring Tim Beveridge as Val Jean. If you want to go to the show after the meeting you can book through Ticket Direct. Advisable to book early so that you don’t miss out. If you plan on making a weekend of it, Dunedin Operatic has their opening night of ‘Miss Saigon’ on the Friday night. For preferential ticket prices, contact Marie Maker for vouchers mariemaker@gmail.com If you need any more information please get in touch with Helen horsnells@xtra.co.nz

Silo Theatre presents Assassins Friday 23 July - Saturday 14 August Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall
All you have to do is pull a trigger and you can change the world. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. But some sing a different kind of national anthem. This chorus line is populated by that not-so-exclusive club of men and women who have tried, with and without success, to kill the President of the United States. They want to grab headlines, get the girl, or see their name in lights. They want a clear shot at the big time. One man’s American dream can become a nation’s nightmare. Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as the world’s most significant living musical theatre composer and lyricist. In this glitteringly subversive musical he pushes the boundaries of the art form, creating an utterly idiosyncratic entertainment compounded equally of insight, gallows humour and provocation. Nothing quite prepares you for the gobsmacking brilliance of Assassins From the writer of Sweeney Todd and Into The Woods.
Direction Oliver Driver; Score by Stephen Sondheim Book by John Weidman
Musical direction Grant Winterburn Design John Verryt, Elizabeth Whiting, Jeremy Fern

Ticket information
Concession (Senior Citizen 65+, Beneficiary, NZ Writers Guild, Actors Equity)
Student (up to Tertiary level with valid ID) Generation Y (aged 30 years or younger)
Discounted ticket holders must be prepared to show valid ID at the door.

Theatrical Economy tickets at every performance At every performance there are 20 seats available for $25.00* – these are allocated in specific seats in the auditorium and these are priced to allow access to the performance at an affordable price. Anybody can purchase them. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. *Booking fees apply.

The World of Rodgers & Hammerstein Sponsored by Sunday Star Times in association with Phonak NZ Limited
Special offer to MTNZ Members
Admit it. You love the romantic big themes of classic American stage musicals like Oklahoma! The King & I and South Pacific. And who hasn’t done a twirl in the privacy of their living room to Julie Andrews singing The Hills are Alive?

Next month the NZSO and West End International sprinkle some of the stardust from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s best-loved classic songs, with The World of Rodgers & Hammerstein concert spectacular.

Featuring West End soloists Jacqui Scott and Andrew Halliday, accompanied by the NZSO and conductor Martin Yates, the sparkling programme features more than 20 favourite songs. We're also encouraging concert-goers to dress up as your favourite Rodgers & Hammerstein musical character on the night (Captain von Trapp, anyone?).

Wellington Michael Fowler Centre Fri 6 August / 8pm Book at Ticketek 0800 842 538

Auckland Aotea Centre - Sat 7 August / 8pm & Sun 8 August 2.30pm Book at The Edge 0800 289842

We are delighted to offer members of Musical Theatre New Zealand a 15% discount off single ticket prices for this fabulous concert. Tickets from only $24.50 (service fees apply) and ask for the Symphony15 offer (phone and counter bookings only).

LIBERACE, LIVE FROM HEAVEN THE LEE LIBERACE STORY HIS MUSIC, HIS COSTUMES - HIS LIFE!

Direct from London's highly successful and critically acclaimed 2009 season LIBERACE, LIVE FROM HEAVEN starring the popular West End star BOBBY CRUSH is to be presented from Kerikeri to Invercargill throughout July and August 2010. Written especially for Bobby by respected British Playwright Julian Woolford, this hilarious one man - one piano show is an imagining of Liberace's impact on Heaven following his untimely demise on February 4 1987. 'Mr Showmanship' arrived at the gates of Heaven and GOD tells him that he needs to play a little Gershwin before the angels decide if he enters or not. Don't miss the inclusion of hilarious voice-overs of God and St. Peter by special surprise guests! This is the synopsis of Julian Woolford's latest comedy musical which offers the award winning UK PIANO ENTERTAINER AND ACTOR BOBBY CRUSH the unique chance to bring back on stage the legendary LIBERACE.

For well over thirty years, Lee Liberace was the worlds highest paid entertainer providing performances that were as spectacular as they were gaudy. A flamboyant personality supported by a strong musical technique, Liberace appealed to audiences all around the world.

'If ever there was a performer destined to play Liberace, then Bobby Crush is that man. Blessed with his own strong keyboard technique, Crush, in a selection of diamante-encrusted outfits, evidently relishes the insane 'gorgeousness' the epitomised a Liberace concert. Old classical music favourites with the 'boring bits cut out' are merged with popular tunes, offering more than a hint of what a great entertainer Liberace was'

'Bobby enthralled us with his amazing renditions of music by Mozart, Gershin and even Michael Jackson' J.M. - Encore London

The Association of Community Theatre is pleased to announce details of the Seventh Conference of Community Theatre to be held in Sydney on the 24^th and 25th of July 2010. This exciting program is for Performers, Directors, Producers and Back Stage workers. The venue is Australia’s premier theatre school... the National Institute of Dramatic Art, NIDA, 215 Anzac Parade Kensington. Guest speakers during the weekend will be a combination of NIDA staff, theatre professionals and community theatre leaders. The keynote speaker is distinguished actor and producer Simon Gallagher. Other highlights include the chance for Dance Tuition from Nancye Hayes, and seminars on Auditioning for A Musical. Directing a Musical, Accents, Lighting Design, Stage Combat, Production Management, Public Relations. Theatre Safety and learn how to make props out of every day items. The conference fee includes two lunches, two morning teas, an afternoon tea and one dinner. The dinner on Saturday night will be a 2 course buffet dinner. During dinner there will be entertainment and the presentation of the Community Theatre ‘Hall of Fame’ awards. Cost for Musical Theatre New Zealand Members is just $120 Australian.

Email Kate kate@musical.org.nz for a Brochure and Registration Form or download the forms from the MTNZ website.

A number of MTNZ people, especially those in Zone Three would remember Audrey Osborne – our love and condolences to the Osborne family. Audrey received a MTNZ Merit Award in 1998 and was a life long and dedicated member of Palmerston North Operatic now Abbey Musical Theatre.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for study in 2011 at TOI WHAKAARI: NZ DRAMA SCHOOL
You can train to be: Designer for Stage and Screen, Backstage Technician, Stage Manager, Event Manager Sound or Lighting Technician, Actor for Stage and Screen, Costumier, Director
The deadlines are: Acting Monday 16 August 2010 All other courses Friday 24 September 2010.
For application forms and further info about Courses & Qualifications visit www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz

The New Zealand Singing School Trust has refurbished its website and enrolments are now available on line for the 25^th School which will be held from 5 to 15 January in Hawke’s Bay. The School will provide tuition for students to improve performance ability in opera, oratorio, lieder, musical theatre, popular, jazz, contemporary song and stage craft. Tutors in the Musical Theatre classes will include Richard Marrett (Christchurch) and Irene Bartlett( Australia) See www.singingschool.org.nz

Working at Heights Training Course - Auckland
Demand for the course has been high so a second course has been added.
Course 1 - Civic Theatre, Auckland
Mon 5th July 8.00am - 5.00pm / Tue 6th July 8.00am - 12.00pm
Course 2 - Civic Theatre, Auckland
Tue 6th July 1.00pm - 5.00pm / Wed 7th July 8.00am - 5.00pm
Cost is $175.00 +GST for ETNZ members. To apply contact the administrator etnz.admin@gmail.com

GREGREETINGS TO ALL SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND Miss Saigon is being staged by HAMILTON MUSICAL THEATRE in the FOUNDERS THEATRE Hamilton from 3rd to 17th July 2010

Hamilton Musical Theatre would like to offer you the following:

Block Bookings We can offer some comp tickets (number of comps dependant on the size of the booking). Societies who belong to the Consortium (special deal available) contact Ngaire with numbers, dates and preferred seating – preferably by email. For actual ticket prices please check out www.ticketek.co.nz

Accommodation The ANGLESEA MOTELS are the preferred provider and are only 100m from Founders Theatre – excellent clean, comfortable accommodation They have 6 x Flats that can sleep up to 6 people as well as smaller units. Phone : 07 834 0010

Food Right next door to the Motels is the brand new “ Speights Ale House” on the next page is a special offer in the form of a Miss Saigon Menu – this is for Thursday, Friday, Saturday Nights only –book directly with the Speights Ale House - note you have to be seated by 5.30pm. Breakfast available on Saturdays from 9am

Ngaire Holmes Production Manager (Miss Saigon) Email ; admin@sandh.co.nz
Phone – 07 846 4693 (evenings) Cell – 021 455 574

Speight's Ale House 30 Liverpool Street, P.O Box 887, Hamilton. Phone (07) 834 3442
Set Menu- $38.00 per Head

Ale House Loaves to Share - Freshly baked Speight’s bread. Hot and delicious – garlic or plain.

M a i n s - A choice of one of the following:
“The Plains” Pasta of the Day - Chef’s pasta selection of the day, served with garden salad.

Blue ’n’ Gold - Great Southern Blue Cod, lightly golden fried in Speight’s beer batter, served with fresh garden salad and fries.

Drunken Steak - 300g of prime sirloin, marinated in Speight’s Old Dark and cooked your way. Topped with either creamy mushroom sauce, roasted garlic gravy or green peppercorn sauce. Served with golden fries and fresh salad.

Roasted Vegetable Salad Honey roasted vegetables with dukkah spices, salad greens, tomato, cucumber and red onions. Served with a toasted garlic pita with spinach and feta dip.

Chocolate Mud Cake - Rich, moist chocolate cake served hot with a decadent chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream and cream
Nan’s Golden Pudding - Steamed golden syrup pudding with runny cream, ice cream and a gingered apple compote.