24 seven
Cracking good time
The Imperial Russian Ballet Company ia returning to New Zealand after a sold-out 2015 season of Swan Lake, this time bringing The Nutcracker to our stages. Famous for its Tchaikovsky score, The Nutcracker is based on the 1816 book The Nutcracker and
the Mouse King, and has become one of the world’s most-loved ballets. The Russian Ballet’s interpretation of the story is set in an old German town at the beginning of the 20th century, when a mysterious toy-maker visits a family at Christmas bearing gifts. One little girl is particularly taken by one toy, the Nutcracker, which takes her on an adventure that blurs the lines between dream and reality. Joining the cast of professionals will be children from local ballet schools around New Zealand. The tour kicks off in Hamilton on November 8, before hitting 14 other centres, including Wellington’s St James Theatre on November 18 and 19, and Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal on November 26 and 27. Bookings at russianballet.com.au.
They will rock you
Audiences will be transformed back to the 80s with Queen – It’s a
Kinda Magic, a live performance recreating all the spectacle and grandeur of Queen’s 1986 World
Tour. The live show features Freddie Mercury impersonator Giles Taylor, who was trained by Mercury’s friend, personal assistant, and biographer Peter Freestone. Joined by his band, Taylor, sings more than 20 of Queen’s greatest hits, including We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions, Under Pressure, Another One Bites The Dust, Radio Gaga, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody to Love and FatBottomed Girls. With painstaking attention to everything from Mercury’s iconic voice, to costumes, guitar solos and the ground-breaking rock harmonies, the show is said to be one of the closest things to a real Queen concert. Queen – It’s a Kinda
Magic hits 12 centres, including Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena on June 1, Paraparaumu’s Southward Theatre on June 10 and Wellington’s Opera House on June 16. Book at Ticketek.co.nz.
Polish pianist
World-class Polish pianist Raphael Lustchevsky will perform at the recently restored Arts Centre Great Hall this evening. Making his international debut at just 16, Lustchevsky has spent the past two decades touring the world and developing a reputation as an expert interpreter of the works of Fredric Chopin. He will not only perform pieces by the 19th century composer, but also ones by Franz Schubert, Karol Szymanowski and Grazyna Bacewicz at the 7pm concert. Tickets from dashtickets.co.nz.
Rieu Waltzes In
The Dutch King of Waltz returns to Christchurch for the first time in five years this weekend. Acclaimed violinist Andre Rieu will be joined by his Johann Strauss Orchestra for a one-off concert at Horncastle Arena on Saturday from 8pm. Book at Ticketek.
Music that Pops
Under the leadership of new artistic director Ravil Atlas, the Christchurch Pops Choir will perform at St Margaret’s College’s Charles Luney Auditorium on Saturday night. Entitled Live Love Sing! the 7.30pm concert will feature songs by Bruno Mars, Pink, Shawn Menders, Simon & Garfunkel and Stephen Sondheim. Tickets available by phoning 963 0870, or at courttheatre.org.nz
Familial fundraiser
Christchurch’s Familial Trust will benefit from a fundraising concert at St Michael & All Angels Church on Saturday at 7pm. Featuring the Bright on Vibes gospel choir, Geraldine’s Shine Choir, awardwinning songwriter Lorina Harding, Christchurch’s Jazzamatazz Choir and pianists Beth Keoghan and Jonathan Petty. Book at eventbrite.co.nz.
Plants galore
The popular biennial Swannanoa Plant Sale will be held on Sunday at Swannanoa School on Tram Road. A wide variety of 15,000 plants will be available between 10am and 1pm, including trees, hedging, natives, perennials, herbs and vegetables. All money raised will go to the school.
Spooky sounds
The Garden City Orchestra will join forces with the Christchurch School of Music Intermediate Symphony Orchestra for a Halloween Concert at Avonhead School on Sunday afternoon. The programme will include The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Danse Macabre, the Pirates of the
Caribbean score and selections from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. Tickets for the 2pm concert will be available at the door ($10 adults/$5 concessions).
Shu’s Song
Imagination will be let out of the box in a new show for children which will be performed at the Isaac Theatre Royal on Monday and Tuesday. Wellington’s Capital E National Theatre’s Shu’s Song follows the journey of Shu - a character with a box for a head - as they learn to adapt to an unfamiliar world, gradually turning curiosity into confidence with each new encounter. A nonverbal, 45-minute show aimed at those two years and over, Shu’s imagination brings objects to life with the help of two puppeteers. For more information, see capitale.org.nz.
Halloween alternative
Kaiapoi’s Wylie Park will host a fun-filled alternative to Halloween activities on Monday night. Aimed at those under 14, the early evening event, which starts at 4.30pm, will feature bouncy castles, crazy bikes, pony rides, face painting and a petting zoo. Those who come dressed as something ‘‘funny, friendly or fantastic’’ will be able to enter the ‘‘non-scary Fancy Dress Competition’’. Entry is $2 per person.