Regent Theatre
Dunedin
Wednesday, October 14
REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH BOUMAN
The Highlights celebrates a decade of local musical theatre with a company of more than 160, including 50 talented children, and many principals returning to repeat their standout moments.
Favourites from recent blockbuster musicals rolled out in a brilliant two-hour spectacular cavalcade of local talent, produced by DKCM, Musical Theatre Dunedin and Taieri Musical, in lieu of 2020’s Covid cancelled events.
Ever-changing lighting with projected imagery of “patterns and pictures” to match the songs and shows was a feature, such as when rows of candelabras backed the music and action for Phantom of the Opera and popular songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat took place in front of a sandy desert landscape with a crescent moon and starlit skies.
White silhouettes of London landmarks created atmosphere for Mary Poppins songs, and black and red lighting and costuming complemented a dramatic emotional selection from Les Miserables.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert gave great opportunities to visually impress. I loved the guys’ white with gold suits (no shirts) and their slick choreography in It’s Raining Men.
Choreography was fast and varied and wardrobe decisions for each cameo showed much care and thought. Gingham aprons for the children in ‘‘Food’’ from Oliver were simple yet so effective, and the chorus in Jersey Boys wore brilliantly reflective tinsel dresses.
Eighteen musicals were featured, all colourful, pulsating and emotional, delivered with professional local singers and meticulous innovative choreography.
This is a fabulous celebration, a real treat.
