Compilation show will celebrate musicals past

DUNEDIN’S craving for drama in the wake of the Covid19 lockdown will be satisfied in October, when musical theatre returns to the Regent Theatre.

Local producers Doug Kamo Creative Management (DKCM), Taieri Musical and Musical Theatre Dunedin will join forces to present The Highlights, a compilation show celebrating the musicals they have collectively staged over the past decade.

Producer Doug Kamo said The Highlights would showcase popular songs from 18 productions and the principal performers from the original Dunedin seasons would return to the stage to reprise their roles.

‘‘Covid19 devastated our 2020 seasons of Les Miserables and Mamma Mia!, so we felt we needed to do something to ensure our performers and patrons remained connected and entertained.’’

Collectively, DKCM, Taieri Musical and Musical Theatre Dunedin are responsible for the thriving Dunedin musical theatre scene, having produced The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Mary Poppins, Grease: The Arena Spectacular Live, The Sound of

Music, Les Miserables, Oliver, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Blood Brothers, among others.

Musical Theatre Dunedin president June Driver said traditionally, the three organisations worked independently of each other, and only volunteers, performers and crews floated between all three.

‘‘But in a year where we will record significant losses, we decided a combined approach was the best way forward, to ensure Dunedin enjoys a major musical in 2020.’’

Taieri Musical president Blair Hughson said there would be a ‘‘fully local’’ cast of 60 and a 15piece orchestra.

‘‘The Highlights will showcase the strength of our musical theatre community whilst utilising local businesses to provide production, marketing, advertising and event services.

‘‘We’ve made a commitment to remain local across all areas of the production, so by purchasing a ticket, you are supporting many local businesses along the way.’’

The Highlights season will begin on October 14, 2020 at the Regent Theatre, and preferential tickets will go on sale from 9am on Friday.

PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON Joining forces . . . Teaming up to stage The Highlights at the Regent Theatre in October are (from left) Taieri Musical president Blair Hughson, DKCM managing director Doug Kamo and Musical Theatre Dunedin vicepresident Dean Driver.