The world of '64

Beatle Mania '64 actors (from left) James Stephenson, Sam Farr and Mitch Martin sing New Zealand...
Beatle Mania '64 actors (from left) James Stephenson, Sam Farr and Mitch Martin sing New Zealand favourite She's a Mod. Photo by James Beech.
The family from last year's Cribbies show twist and shout again in a new original play inspired by the Beatles' visit to Dunedin.

The Arrowtown Entertainers present the nostalgic musical Beatle Mania '64 in three fab shows on Sunday and Monday.

Written by veteran entertainer David Cantwell and directed by Kate Blackhurst, auditions were held in early February, then the cast and crew of 25 worked and rehearsed over the next two months.

Production manager Jill Grealish said on Wednesday night, during a dress rehearsal, Beatle Mania '64 was set four years after Cribbies.

"The kids have all gone to uni and making their way in the world. The Beatles are coming to Dunedin and there's a talent contest at the Royal Oak with two tickets to the concert as the prize."

Characters young and young-at-heart compete for the tickets by performing a medley of 1950s and 1960s standards, including favourites by John, Paul, George and Ringo, with period sets, costumes and audio-visual backdrops in the Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall.

Queenstown actor James Stephenson, who played the male lead in the 1950s-era musical All Shook Up last year, said Beatle Mania '64 was "an evening of hilarity and classic hits everyone can sing along to".

The musical will be performed first as a Sunday matinee at 4pm, then at 7.30pm, followed by the final show on Monday, also at 7.30pm. Tickets for adults are $20 and concessions $10 from the Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown Night 'n Day and at the door.

 

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