November 29, 2012

FUTURITY, AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY’S 2013 SEASON  

Auckland Theatre Company proudly presents its 2013 season, FUTURITY. 

“The plays that we’re offering in 2013 reflect all that is best about the theatrical experience: great stories and great characters brought vibrantly to life by New Zealand’s finest stage talent.” says Auckland Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Colin McColl.

Opening the 2013 season is Dave Armstrong’s latest work KINGS OF THE GYM, a big-hearted and wickedly funny comedy about that particular Auckland affliction, ‘Best School Syndrome.’ Armstrong who has penned LE SUD, THE TUTOR, and NIU SILA has emerged as one New Zealand’s most original and popular satirists.

The celebrated Robyn Malcolm and Michael Hurst star in MIDNIGHT IN MOSCOW, a stylish and captivating new play by award-winning Auckland playwright Dean Parker.

“Part spy thriller, part comedy of manners, part political debate, it’s a fascinating, cleverly-crafted, incisive and entertaining exploration of betrayal, set at a turning point in the history of the 20th century.” says McColl.

In May, American guest director, Jef Hall-Flavin, Artistic Director of the Tennessee Williams Theater Festival, directs THE GLASS MEGNAGERIE. Set in the 1930s, starring Elizabeth Hawthorne, this production will continue Auckland Theatre Company’s reputation for re-imaging the classics.

“I’m thrilled that this production combines the talents of the fabulous Elizabeth Hawthorne and American guest director, Jef Hall-Flavin to bring to life this hauntingly beautiful work.” says McColl.

Anna Julienne stars as Henry VIII ‘s notorious second wife alongside Simon Prast, George Henare, Raymond Hawthorne and Paul Minifie in the New Zealand premiere of ANNE BOLEYN, a teasingly intelligent and funny play by British playwright, Howard Brenton. 

Oliver Driver returns to Auckland Theatre Company to direct the magnificent Jennifer Ward-Lealand in the New Zealand premiere of the UK hit play THE HERETIC. From the writer of ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS; THE HERETIC is a bitingly funny, provocative drama about family, truth, and what can happen when you go against the grain of public thinking. 

After a group of schoolboys survive a massive plane crash, what starts as a classic desert island adventure quickly becomes a struggle for survival that sees them descend into tribalism and bloodthirsty barbarity in a nightmarish world. Adapted for the stage from Nobel Prize Winner William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, one of the most celebrated novels of modern times, LORD OF THE FLIES is a thrilling descent into horror. 

Shortland Street’s Amanda Billing makes her return to the stage in CHICAGO, one of the most famous musicals of all time. Directed by Michael Hurst, CHICAGO is a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery – all those things we hold near and dear to our heart. Auckland Theatre Company’s version of CHICAGO will transform the whole Q Theatre auditorium into the Cook County jailhouse.

As well as this theatrical feast the 2013 season includes two bonus shows. In July, Auckland Theatre Company presents Spike Milligan’s classic BADJELLY THE WITCH. This all-new production is a spectacle of songs, spells and wonders starring the award-winning Lisa Chappell. 

In October, Auckland Theatre Company heads Southside to the Mangere Arts Centre with NIU SILA by Dave Armstrong and Oscar Kightley. A must-see heartfelt experience, filled with laughter and compassion.

You can also enjoy neighbourhood theatre at its very best with Dominion Road Stories – Auckland Theatre Company’s Auckland Festival contribution – a wild and wonderful collection of performances that will take place on and around Dominion Road on March 16 and 17. 

In 2013, Auckland Theatre Company continues the add-on treats like THE NEXT STAGE festival of plays in development and our NEXT BIG THING season of work for young people, providing theatre lovers with a taste of what the future holds. 

“The theatre scene in Auckland has never been so lively; we are very proud to have been the city’s flagship professional theatre company for the last 21 years.” concludes Auckland Theatre Company’s Artistic director, McColl. 

The 2013 FUTURITY season brochure can be downloaded here.