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AUDIENCE COMMENTS -
Up North
It's good, meaty drama, well-written and well performed.
-Lee Matthews for the Manawatu Standard
Four Flat Whites in Italy
In true Roger Hall style, Four Flat Whites in Italy manages to be both funny and poignant, and the acting cannot be faulted.
-Michelle Duff for the Manawatu Standard
The four leads pass the ball back and forth, creating laughter and frustration, but more importantly friendship. They remind the audience that travel is about absorbing everything another part of the world has to offer, and a chance to see not only the locals but relook at ourselves... It is a must see!
-Joan Ford for the Feilding Herald
Highlights
Georgia Woods' vibrant voice and dynamic presence sails with ease and versatility through a lively and entertaining parade of famous blondes. There is never a dull moment in 50 minutes of high octane singing and witty presentation - don't miss it.
-Max Cryer.
It's quickly apparent her voice is strong enough to heft a 747 around, but while she shows plenty of flair and personality during each number, at no time was anything over sung. Her vibrato was perfect and in the end it's impossible to doubt her versatility and skill when handling such a range of musical styles.
-David Collins for The Tribune
Wood is a superb hostess, and her show is wonderful fun that no one needs to be blonde to enjoy.
-Richard Mays for The Guardian
Highlights encourages the idea that songs are touchstones which recollect, sort and savour moments in history. The vivacious Wood has done nothing less than capture the sound and heart of a whole lifetime.
-Richard Mays for The Guardian
Ladies For Hire
I saw just today your Ladies for Hire. I really enjoyed it. Well done! I am sure that you have in your hands a big hit.
-Jussi
We really enjoyed Ladies for Hire on Saturday Night. Cute, and light-hearted for Christmas. In fact we've really enjoyed every show that we have seen this year (we love centrepoint!!!)
-Shelly
The Mystery of Irma Vep?
Absolutely fantastic - this is without a doubt the best show I have seen, nationally and internationally!!-Leith
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CENTREPOINT NEWS
Last updated 18 November 2009
2010 Season Passes are now on sale
Press Release:
Centrepoint Theatre's 2010 line-up has been released and it looks to be another exciting year!
After the huge success of the 2009 season Kate Louise Elliott, Artistic Director of Centrepoint has stuck to a winning formula. The plays will be all by NZ playwrights with a good mix of musicals, comedies and of course a couple of really good dramas.
The 2010 season will kick off with Blondes by Georgia Wood, a cabaret-style musical celebrating some of the iconic blonde vocalists of our era.
In April and May we bring you the latest Roger Hall production: Four Flat Whites in Italy. Four Flat Whites In Italy has already been staged by all the major theatres around the country and has proven to be even more popular than Roger Hall's recent hit Who Wants to be 100? which sold out at Centrepoint Theatre earlier this year. So you will want to start snapping up tickets for this one now!
The third show of the season Up North is a heartfelt drama set in 1950's New Zealand. A stellar cast deliver this world premier play - a story that will relate in some way or another to many families in New Zealand. Up North is written by 2009 Bruce Mason Playwright winner, Roger Hall's daughter, Pip Hall.
Winter, will see the return of cult musical Dead Tragic last performed here 20 years ago. The original cast return to perform more than 20 hits from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Sure to brighten up your winter, this is the funniest musical you will ever see about death!
The Cape, by Vivienne Plumb, will bring in some fresh young talent to the theatre. Directed by TV3's Jesse Peach, this story about four young men on a road trip to Cape Reinga will have you laughing, crying and hugging the person next to you.
2010 will finish off with a very fun, very entertaining and light-hearted comedy called Penalties, Pints and Pirouettes! with something for everyone (rugby, beer and ballet!), it's ideal for a great end of year get together.
Season Passes are now on sale so grab yours today (or buy one as a gift) so that you can see all six shows at a great price, enjoy a drink before the show and be guaranteed seats!
Centrepoint Theatre also have Gift Tickets available. These are valid for a year so the recipient will be able to choose from any of the above productions, making it a great gift for friends, family, staff and clients.
The theatre would like to thank the audience, their sponsors and the media for their outstanding support during 2009. People are coming to the theatre more often, and a lot of people new to the theatre have given it a go. Thanks to that dedication, audience numbers were up 30% from 2008. Next year we promise another exciting programme and ask you all to keep supporting and enjoying the theatre. If you are not going to come to all the shows we would definitely recommend seeing at least one drama and one comedy.
Prices:
$300 Double Season Pass (two people to all six shows), $162 Single Season Pass (one person to all six shows), $35 Adults, $30 Senior Citizens, $20 Community Service Card Holders, $20 Senior Gold Card Holders, $12 Students, $25 under 30's
Bookings:
Phone 06 354 5740, online at www.centrepoint.co.nz, email centrepoint@centrepoint.co.nz, visit 280 Church Street. Yes you can book for any of next years shows now.
Season Passes for 2009 Now Available!
The programme for 2009 has been set (click on 'What's On' to have a look) which means Season Passes for next year are now available. If you are a regular theatre-goer, or want to be a regular, a Season Pass is the best value for money, allowing you to book a year's worth of entertainment in one go! Just click on the SEASON PASS button on the left for more info.
Centrepoint Theatre Announces New Artistic Director
Centrepoint Theatre has announced that Kate-Louise Elliott has been appointed as its new Artistic Director.
Kate-Louise has an extensive history with Centrepoint Theatre, and is
well-known in the community, having appeared in numerous productions including Macbeth, Pack of Girls, The Newbury Hall Dances, Shop Til You Drop, and most recently, Weighing In. Since 2004 she has appeared in several productions for Auckland Theatre Company, including Alison Quigan’s much-loved musical, Mum’s Choir.
She also has several film and television credits to her name, including stints on Street Legal, Shortland Street and Outrageous Fortune.
Kate-Louise replaces Simon Ferry, whose 3 year stint as Artistic Director ended in mid-August.
“I’m really thrilled to be coming back to the Manawatu as Centrepoint’s Artistic Director, and am looking forward to being on board as the theatre heads into its 35th year!” Kate-Louise says.
Ms Elliott will begin her new position on Monday 1 September.
Saturday Matinee for Gods
Due to heavy bookings for the final week of The Gods Of Warm Beer, we have added an extra performance on Saturday 26 July at 2pm. Bookings are essential - call the box office on 354 5740.
Late changes to the 2008 Programme
Unfortunately, due to illness, performer Jane Keller has had to pull out of bringing Do I Have To Get Naked to Palmerston North.
So instead we bring you Helen Moulder’s one woman show, A Vote for Cynthia.
Described as a “blissfully dotty comedy”, A Vote For Cynthia features Helen Moulder (last seen here in Mum’s Choir) as delightfully deluded opera diva, Cynthia Fortitude. Though her plans to stage the world’s first rugby themed opera ( entitled “Balls!”) have been put on hold, the divine Miss Fortitude is not deterred. She has the solution: run for Parliament in the upcoming General Election, become Prime Minister, and the world, as they say, will be her oyster. Join Cynthia as she campaigns, complete with party song and visual aids, so we can all “face the future with Fortitude”.
A Vote For Cynthia will run on August 2 & 3; August 6 - 10; and August 14, 16 and 17. The usual show times apply: Wednesdays at 6:30pm; Thurs - Saturday at 8pm; and Sundays at 5pm.
The second change to the programme concerns our Christmas show. The advertised production, Glorious, is now unable to tour to Palmerston North so we are staging a production of acclaimed US-cult favourite. The Mystery of Irma Vep.
Reviewers of a recent production of the play in Auckland said:
“…[The Mystery of Irma Vep is] the perfect cure for end-of-year-itis. A dose of The Mystery of Irma Vep should have even the most stressed feeling lighthearted again.”
“The Mystery of Irma Vep is a seasonal treat. It's a funny, family-friendly little oddity that's as nutty as a fruitcake.”
Time Magazine and The New York Times both named The Mystery of Irma Vep one of the Best Plays of the year – you will too! There's drama, passion and plenty of costumed surprises in this hilarious spoof of B horror movies, melodrama and gothic romance. Wuthering Heights, The Mummy's Curse and Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca will never be the same. Complete with werewolves, vampires and damsels in distress, there are witty literary allusions, subversive political jabs and a 'penny dreadful tale' that will truly break your heart — there won't be a dry eye in our house. In this quick-change marathon, two actors play eight classic characters…with hilarious consequences!
Centrepoint Theatre Artistic Director Resigns
Simon Ferry has announced his resignation from the post of Artistic Director of Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North.
Ferry has been the Artistic Director since December 2004 and has been instrumental in taking the company forward, producing a programme that has challenged and excited audiences, and developing initiatives such as the darkroom and the Basement Company. Ferry says “I am proud of what the team has achieved in such a short time at Centrepoint . It continues to be one of the best theatres in the country, a theatre that reflects and is, part of its community.”
After nearly four years in the role Ferry is moving on to pursue other interests. While he is resigning as Artistic Director he intends to remain in the city and support the theatre wherever needed. “Centrepoint is a gem in this city. I saw my first professional production here, acted and directed for the first time professionally here and now I have had the privilege to be Artistic Director. It’s been a real thrill.”
Ferry owns a lifestyle block outside Palmerston North and intends to develop it into a self sustaining property. He will also have more time to pursue some long term theatre and film projects.
Unseasonable Fall Of Snow Rehearsals Underway
Rehearsals for Unseasonable Fall of Snow are well underway. The show will feature Phil Grieve (last seen at Centrepoint in The Underpants) and Brad McCormick, and is being directed by Murray Lynch. This season of Snow marks a return to Centrepoint for Murray Lynch after a long absence. Murray started at Centrepoint in its first year in 1974, and was Artistic Director of Centrepoint from 1979 - 1981. It is fantastic to have him back in the building and working on what promises to be an amazing production.
Design Intern
This year the Centrepoint team have welcomed Robyn Yee into the building as the inaugural resident Design Intern. Robyn, a recent graduate of the Performance Design course at Toi Whakaari, will be involved in various aspects of designing for Man of La Mancha, Unseasonable Fall of Snow and The Gods of Warm Beer.
The Centrepoint Ball
March saw the first ever Centrepoint Ball, held at the Novotel Hotel, go off without a hitch! The aim of the ball was to raise funds to help establish the Centrepoint Foundation Fund, a self-perpetuating fund that will help Centrepoint to continue to provide community initiatives such as the Basement Company and the Loft adult acting classes. A fantastic night was had by all who attended and our sincere thanks go out to our generous sponsors who made the night possible: Kealls Plumbing Plus, April Sun on Cuba, Mansfield Installations, Capture Signs, Stevenson's Structural Engineers, HangMe Framing Studio, ComputerCare, Novotel Palmerston North.