State of the Arts
Billy boys
The Auckland Theatre Company has announced the six boys who have been offered the roles of Billy Elliot and his best friend, Michael, in its upcoming production of Billy Elliot at the new ASB Waterfront Theatre, in October. The lead roles will be played interchangeably by three boys each, to give the performers some down time. The role of Billy Elliot has been offered to Jaxson Cook (11, Wellington), Harry Sills (10, Auckland) and Ben Shieff (13, Auckland). The role of Billy’s friend, Michael, has been offered to Daniel Bridgman (10, Christchurch), Stanley Reedy (14, Westport) and Christian Swan (14, Auckland). ‘‘We were astounded by the talent we saw during the audition process,’’ says ATC artistic director Colin McColl. ‘‘It was a big task . . . however we are delighted to have found six young men with such strong foundations in all the necessary areas – ballet, tap, acting, singing and an ability to master the Geordie accent.’’
Full circle
Invercargillborn Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Helen Henderson has finally released her debut album London – 35 years after it was recorded. Arriving in London as a young woman with just £50, Henderson was introduced to Nigel Grainge who signed her to Ensign Records – home to The Boomtown Rats and Sinead O’Connor. With the help of some of London’s top session musicians, Henderson recorded a selection of tracks which caught the attention of Geffen Records in Los Angeles. The only artist signed to David Geffen’s new label at that time was John Lennon. Henderson flew to LA in November 1980 to meet with Geffen, only to be stalled and shocked by the death of Lennon on December 8. ‘‘Rock’n’roll suffered a huge blow,’’ Henderson says. ‘‘My world turned upside down. As the dust settled I put down roots in LA.’’
Marley tribute
New Zealand’s finest artists will come together to celebrate the legend Bob Marley in two concerts this summer. Marley – New Zealand All-Stars Celebrate The Legend will be staged at Wharepai Domain in Tauranga, on December 9, and Black Barn Vineyard, Havelock North, on December 10. Concert promoter Jackie Sanders says the New Zealand All-Stars project brings together some fine New Zealand artists including Tiki Taane (Tauranga only), Boh Runga, Logan Bell (Katchafire), Ria Hall, Laughton Kora, Jason Kerrison, Anna Coddington, Fran Kora and P Digsss, to celebrate Bob Marley’s legacy. ‘‘It is an honour to be able to celebrate this legend,’’ Sanders says. ‘‘His music continues to influence and have an impact on our lives.’’
Church service
The 2016 Church Tour presents four legendary New Zealand songwriters, recording artists, and performers together on stage in a unique concert collaboration: Sharon O’Neill, Shona Laing, Debbie Harwood and Hammond Gamble. While all four artists have worked with each other previously in various capacities, the Church Tour will be the first time they have shared the stage together. Promoters Brent Eccles and Campbell Smith are delighted with the lineup for the tour. ‘‘The Church tour has a tradition of bringing out spine tingling collaborative and individual performances and I can already feel that this year is going to be exceptional in that way,’’ Eccles says. The nine-date tour kicks off at St Johns in Napier on September 20.