An insight into middle age

When actor Shane Cortese found out that Delia Hannah had signed up for the musical State Highway 48, he knew he had to be involved.

They both started their careers in Palmerston North and Cortese said Hannah has always been a ‘‘superstar in my world’’.

‘‘Working with her is blindingly fantastic and working on this new show has been the happiest time.’’

State Highway 48 is a modern day musical that tracks the life and times of an everyday family and their friends as they navigate the treacherous road of middle age. The black dog of depression moves into the leading man’s life (played by Cortese) and the audience also sees this affliction as a character.

Cortese, who has a long list of acting credits including Outrageous Fortune, Nothing Trivial and The Almighty Johnstons said he was enjoying the opportunity to build a part from scratch.

‘‘It’s not like playing one of the established characters such as Billy Flynn. This is a new show so I get to give my own take on Dave. He goes through what a lot of men go through at his age, much of which gets buried.’’

Cortese said he takes every chance he can to come back to Palmerston North.

‘‘I’m looking forward to coming back to where my career got going. I helped backstage at the Abbey Theatre on a show called The Pajama Club. I fell in love with the whole scene, auditioned for the next show and it went from there. My parents owned the Majestic Hotel so life was great on all fronts! I was lucky enough to perform at the Opera House before it was demolished and I always love performing at the Regent.’’

Hannah also has fond memories of Palmerston North, her part as Roxie in Chicago helped her land a professional role in the Australian production of Les Miserables.

State Highway 48 was written by Hamilton based Chris Williams, who lived in Palmerston North in the 80’s. It will be performed at Palmerston North’s Regent on Broadway for one show only on October 6.