NZ premiere of funny musical
Upper Hutt Musical Theatre has managed something quite unusual for a Hutt-based theatre group – It has secured the rights to perform the New Zealand premiere of I Love You Because.
Director Andrew Watson spotted the play and liked the sound of the songs, whose lyrics were written by Ryan Cunningham and set to music by Joshua Salzman, and script.
‘‘It’s very funny and I love comedy,’’ he said.
This is the ninth play he has directed but his first musical.
It will be a play of firsts for many. Dean Baker will come out from behind the curtain, after being involved backstage for Oliver!, and play a supporting role.
‘‘He is a good find because he is so enthusiastic,’’ Watson said.
It will also be Emma Burns’ first time acting with the group, as she had been involved in a group in Wainuiomata.
The Hutt group of actors for this show, which included Watson’s wife Jacqui, Nick Achilles, Chris Cox, Aislinn Sederel, Murray Kinzett and Nycki Proctor, had gelled during the rehearsals and through social dinners, which he thought was important.
‘‘The audience knows whether you are enjoying it.’’
The cast, who were auditioned in June after 12 months of research on the play by Watson, had had a lot of laughs during rehearsals.
The romantic comedy is set in modern day New York and about rebounding with Mr Wrong.
Tickets to the show at the UpStage Theatre, on 26A Moonshine Road, are on sale at Expressions Whirinkai Arts And Entertainment Centre, ring 04 527 2168 or online at ticketdirect.co.nz.
The show runs from October 5-October 15, but with no show on the 10th, at 8pm and the October 9 show is a matinee at 3pm.