2012: MUSIC, MAGIC AND MASTERPIECES

Well, it's that merry time of year again when we all look forward to some time off to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. But before we say goodbye to 2012, we thought we'd take a look back at the year of theatre at Circa.

And what a year it was!

We kicked things off last January with the post-Christmas return of the Roger Hall panto, Aladdin - he's right behind you!

The summer fun continued with another return season - 2011's smash hit The Motor Camp, the cracker Kiwi camping comedy!

Circa Two warmed up with the haunting and mesmeric Esencia del Flamenco by the Desde Sevilla Flamenco Dance Company, bringing the essence of flamenco to Circa's smaller theatre space.

The spirit of dance continued in Circa Two with Meeting Karpovsky, an award-winning production featuring Helen Moulder and Sir Jon Trimmer.

Peninsula, Circa's contribution to the New Zealand International Arts Festival, captivated audiences with its touching story, brilliant acting, superb direction and impressive staging. This Circa production was recently recognized with 2012 Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for New Zealand Play of the Year (playwright Gary Henderson) and Sound Designer of the Year (Chris Ward).

Up next in Circa Two was the new musical Floral Notes, in which theatre favourites Geraldine Brophy and Jane Keller delighted audiences with an evening of super songs and first-rate entertainment.

The Improvisors brought their on-the-spot antics to a number of shows for young and old alike throughout the year: Theatresports, History Never Repeats and Improv Cage Match had audiences shouting from their seats. The season of Improvisors Kids school holiday shows turned fairy tales on their heads: Ugly Stepsisters, The 3 Bears ... and Goldilocks and Fairy Godfather - interactive fun for younger audiences!

Music and dancing became the main theme in Circa One during Roger Hall's A Shortcut to Happiness, a fabulous new comedy and the lives, loves and misadventures of a folk-dancing class. Cast member Elena Stejko won the 2012 Chapman Tripp Award for Actress of the Year for her turn as Russian immigrant and dance teacher Natasha.

Circa Two journeyed 100 years in the past and back again in the bitterly comic new play Chekhov in Hell, to take a critical look at the 21st Century through the eyes of the great Russian playwright.

The Arthur Miller masterpiece All My Sons awed Circa One audiences with a powerful and profoundly moving story and riveting performances. Cast member Richard Dey was recognized for his work with a 2012 Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for an Outstanding Performance. Circa offered an audio described performance of All My Sons for blind and visually impaired audience members.

Tawata Productions brought another truly remarkable play to Circa Two with Sunset Road, a coming of age story set in 1975 Rotorua.

Audiences could barely keep themselves from dancing in the aisles when The BeatGirls took over Circa One with their hit show Spector. Sharing the life and times of Phil Spector as well his impressive array of hit songs, The BeatGrirls once again delighted with pure entertainment. With the addition of honourary 'BeatBoy' Jay Chasland, Spector was a mid-winter hit!

A late addition to the 2012 programme, Nuclear Family amazed audiences as performer Yael Gezentvey transformed between 12 multi-cultural characters in a tour-de-force performance of a riveting solo show.

August saw the World Premiere production of the first stage adaptation of the best-selling memoir, West End Girls - a true story of love, life, laughter and sex. Cast member Victoria Abbott won the 2012 Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Most Promising Female Newcomer of the Year for her work as lead character - and the memoir's author - Barbara Tate.

Another tour-de-force solo performance in Circa Two left audiences reeling from a truly emotional journey of love and loss: Catherine Downes starred in the dramatic adaptation of Joan Didion's best-selling memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking.

Circa One became one house in two different time periods for the multi award-winning Clybourne Park. Sharp, clever and wickedly funny, it probed the contemporary fault line between property and prejudice. Cast member Nacy Brunning was awarded the 2012 Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Supporting Actress of the Year for her work in the play.

Tikapa Productions presented Manawa in Circa Two, a shocking, challenging and very funny exploration of the New Zealand justice system.

The fast-moving contemporary drama The Truth Game transformed Circa One into a daily newspaper office and introduced Circa audiences to the very real battle between traditional media and the ever-changing digital media.

A story of love, loss and family, The Mourning After was another presentation by Circa partners Tawata Productions. Beautifully performed by playwright Ahi Karunaharan, Circa Two audiences were transported to a tsunami-ravaged seaside village in Sri Lanka.

In November, Circa celebrated its one millionth patron to its waterfront location with a big party and the launch of plans to improve on the building and facilities. First up will be to replace the seats in Circa One, and Circa is raising money for this endeavour by 'selling' the new seats - $1,000 will get you a signature  plaque on the back of one of the seats. For more info or to buy a seat, please contact Cara Hill, Marketing Manager, at marketing@circa.co.nz.

The World Premiere production of The Tigers of Wrath captivated Circa Two audiences with a brilliant script, stellar performances and a dynamic set.

We whirled you into the Christmas season with the return of the first Roger Hall pantomime, Cinderella. This show is currently captivating audiences of young and old alike, and will return in January to continue to enchant. Get your tickets by calling the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or go online at www.circa.co.nz.

Finally, Ray Henwood reminded us about the true meaning of Christmas with his solo presentation of A Christmas Carol. This show ends on 22 December and performances are filling up - get your tickets by calling the Circa Box Office at 801-7992 or going online at www.circa.co.nz.

We’d like to thank our patrons, sponsors and the Wellington theatre community for your support this year, and wish you all the best for 2013. Our last performance for the year is on 23 December, after which we will close until 2 January.

Happy Holidays from everyone at Circa Theatre!

THE UGLY SISTERS’ VERY EFFECTIVE GUIDE TO DATING ROYALTY

Hi, Grace here, also known as Princess Grace. Just kidding! I mean, I wish I was married to a prince. But so far, no luck.

The Ugly Stepsisters: Grace (left) and Bertha.

My sister, Bertha, and I live in Miramar, a suburb where there are hardly any princes. So instead we’ve been on the lookout for famous international movie stars who might be visiting to work on movies. Y’know, like Sir Ian McKellen, or Mark Hadlow. I particularly like Sir Ian, he’s soooo hot for an older man. And I hear from some of my friends in the theatre he’s very well-encumbered. With cash.

But we’ve hung out in all the cafes in Seatoun and no luck. Although, we met Andy Serkis once. He was very charming and sweet and is actually taller than Gollum in real life.

You’re probably wondering why my sister and I are in such a man drought. After all, we have a lot to offer – mainly, the ability to shop without taking toilet breaks, and to eat and drink anything we are offered no matter how disgusting. I’m beginning to think the nickname we gave ourselves – The Extremely Pretty And Feminine Sisters – isn’t helping. It intimidates men. And women. It’s difficult to meet lovely men when all the women around the place are jealous and saying nasty things about you. According to these envious persons, my sister and I are gross. They say we are rude and vulgar. To these epithets we can only respond: “Suck it, moles!!”

Um… yes, as I said, these persons say we’re mean, especially to our sister, Cinderella. (It’s pronounced “Cin – DUHHH – rella,” emphasis on the “duh.”) And anyway, she’s not even our real sister, just a half-sister. That’s because she’s so, ahem, under-developed (if you get my meaning) she only qualifies as half of a sister. Actually, she’s our step-sister. Which means, for those who don’t know their genealogical terms, we’re entitled to step on her whenever we want. Speaking of genealogical matters, I went to my genealogicist the other day (just a checkup) and everything’s fine!

Where were we… ah, yes… I’m all ready for a royal marriage, and so is Bertha, so let’s get back to the matter at hand, ensnaring handsome and powerful men.

Step One: Forget the losers. Don’t waste your time on the sort of man who has nothing to offer. No mimes. No shoe salesmen. No pensioners (unless they are Sir Ian.) No politicians. And definitely no musicians. (The only exceptions to the last rule are drummers, because they have good personalities.)

Step Two: Know your prey. Read about royal matters and protocol. I have found Peter Ackroyd’s two-volume ‘History Of The English Kings’ particularly useful. And also the Woman’s Weekly.

Step Three: Watch your diet. Try to combine food groups to achieve a balance. For instance, don’t eat an entire dinner of Cheezels. Instead, combine a portion of Cheezels with one portion each of Burger Rings and Rashuns.

Step Four: Attend to your ladygarden. Grooming is very important, ladies. Luckily, Bertha and I have Cinderella on call to trim our nethers. Important supplies to always have on hand: wax strips, tweezers, Nair, acetylene blow torch.

Step Five: Boost your confidence. This can be achieved in several ways. Self-talk is a good one. In any social situation, simply tell yourself you are superior to everyone else. Try NOT to say it out loud. You can also use approved and perfectly legal methods for improving self-confidence. These include spirits, wine, beer, RTDs, and fermented cabbage juice. (Important: avoid drinking fermented cabbage juice if intending to trim your ladygarden with a blow torch.) Lastly, adopt a nickname. We have chosen “The Extremely Pretty And Feminine Sisters” so you can’t have that one.

Photos by Stephen A'Court.

Good luck with your dating adventures! Message us here at Circa Theatre with your stories.

Lots of love from Grace and Bertha Hardup xox

Cinderella, the Pantomime runs in Circa until 23 December, and then comes back in the New Year for a short run from 2-12 January. Tickets are selling fast - an extra matinee perfomance has been added on 22 December due to popular demand! To book your tickets, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz. 

A Christmas Carol: A Retrospective of Ghosts

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is easily one of the most famous and oft-produced stories in existence, with new film, television and stage adaptations being released regularly. The themes, morals and characters have become a part of common knowledge and a favourite part of the Christmas tradition.

Ray Henwood's presentation of A Christmas Carol opened in Circa Two on the weekend, so we thought it would be fun for drama on the waterfront to take a look at some of the representations of Dickens' ghosts over the years and across the mediums and adaptations ...

Marley's Ghost
Jacob Marley was the business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge and died 7 years before the action of A Christmas Carol. He is the first spirit to visit Scrooge and announces the imminent arrival of the others.

      

Original illustration from the 1843 first edition of A Christmas Carol.

From the 1954 TV musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with Basil Rathbone as Marley's Ghost.

From the 1984 TV movie of A Christmas Carol, with Frank Finlay as Marley's Ghost.

A collectable figurine of Marley's Ghost.

An artist's interpretation of Marley's Ghost on deviantart (dreammiadream).

The Ghost of Christmas Past

This is the first of the three spectres that Marley predicted would visit Scrooge. It shows him scenes from his past that occurred on or around Christmas, in order to demonstrate to him the necessity of changing his ways, as well as to show how Scrooge came to be the person he was.

Original illustration from the 1843 first edition of A Christmas Carol.

Michael Dolan as the Ghost of Christmas Past in a 1951 film adaptation.

Bill Murray as Frank Cross and David Johansen as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the 1988 film Scrooged.

Joel Grey as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Patrick Stewart as Scrooge in the 1999 TV movie adaptation.

The Ghost of Christmas Past in the 2009 animated feature film, with Jim Carrey voicing the three Christmas ghosts and Ebenezer Scrooge.

The Ghost of Christmas Present

The second of the three Christmas ghosts to visit Scrooge. The spirit transports Scrooge around the city, showing him scenes of festivity and also deprivation that were happening as they watched, sprinkling a little warmth from his torch as he travels. 

Original illustration from the 1843 first edition of A Christmas Carol.

Edward Woodward, left, as the Ghost of Christmas Present and George C. Scott as Scrooge in the 1984 TV movie.

Carol Kane's Ghost of Christmas Present (with Bill Murray as Frank Cross) departed from the usual depiction in the 1988 film Scrooged.

Jim Carrey voiced both the Ghost of Christmas Present and Scrooge in the 2009 animated film.

A collectable figurine of the Ghost of Christmas Present.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

The last spirit to visit Scrooge and the most sinister. This ghost never speaks, and shows Scrooge a series of scenes that convince him to change.

Original illustration from the 1843 first edition of A Christmas Carol.

Mr. Magoo pleads with the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come in the 1962 animated TV movie Mr Magoo's Christmas Carol.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come in the 1983 animated film Mickey's Christmas Carol.

Michael Caine as Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come in the 1992 film The Muppet's Christmas Carol.

An artist's interpretation of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come on deviantart (BenjaminVaughan).

Ray Henwood's A Christmas Carol is on in Circa Two until 22 December. Tickets are available online at www.circa.co.nz or by calling the Circa Box Office at 801-7992.

Circa's 2013 Programme!

CIRCA THEATRE

2013 PROGRAMME

Roger Hall’s Cinderella, The Pantomime

Songs by Paul Jenden and Michael Nicholas Williams

Directed by Susan Wilson

1-12 January

Circa One

The perfect family treat!

A glittering, fairytale pantomime with dazzling costumes and lots of fun and laughter, Cinderella has it all.

Starring a fabulous Fairy Godmother, two hilarious dames – the sensational Ugly Sisters – a sweet Cinders, reluctant Prince Charming, a pumpkin coach and a happy-ever-after ending, Cinderella is great fun for everyone.

“Fresh … lively … topical … gorgeous music … bright costumes … a rattling good family show!” – Theatreview

“Fast-paced, lively and thoroughly enjoyable – quite the best small-scale panto seen in Wellington since the glory days” – The Dominion Post

“Pantos are about fun … full of magic and music … Go, laugh, spot the mice and sing the Pantomime Whirl – you know you want to!” – Capital Times

Kings of the Gym

A brand new comedy by Dave Armstrong

Directed by Danny Mulheron

19 January – 16 February

Circa One

World Premiere

PC vs. PE!

From the team who brought you the smash hit The Motor Camp, playwright Dave Armstrong and director Danny Mulheron again combine talents to present a delightfully romantic and wickedly entertaining comedy set in a school gym.

Politically correct principal Viv cleaver is transforming low-decile Hautapu High School. The only thorn in her side is the Phys-Ed department. Unfit Laurie Connor spends his days in the gym watching TV and gambling with his talented yet unambitious sidekick Pat Kennedy. But then student-teacher Annie Tupua arrives. Could this star netballer and born-again Christian prove to be the game-changer that Viv needs? As sparks fly and different players joust for position, the only winner on the day will be the audience.

Kings of the Gym stars the brilliant Ginette McDonald (Rage, My Brilliant Divorce), Richard Dey (All My Sons) and Achusla-Tara Sutton (The Truth Game).

A comedy in two halves, Kings of the Gym looks at the really important things in life: competition, compassion, Creation … and PE teaching.

You Can Always Hand Them Back

A play by Roger Hall

With music and lyrics by Peter Skellern

Directed by Jane Waddell

Starring George Henare and Lynda Milligan

23 February – 30 March

Circa One

No grandparent will want to miss it, and no would-be grandparent should.

New Zealand’s most successful and best-loved playwright collaborates for the first time with distinguished British musician and song-writer, Peter Skellern (“You’re a Lady”, “Love is the Sweetest Thing”).

Maurice and Cath’s kids have left home, the nest is empty, they’re enjoying retirement and being by themselves. However, grandchildren arrive, plunging Maurice and Cath into a new life that they find delightful, inspirational and exhausting.

As the saying goes: “ You love to see them come; and you love to see them go.”

This vintage Hall, with his usual gift of providing instantly recognizable situations with a lot of laughs and just a few tears. Skellern’s songs are witty, poignant and hilarious, concluding with an anthem that the audience will joyfully embrace.

“See it or miss something special” – Manawatu Standard

‘If I’d known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I’d have had them first” – Lois Wyse

Talking of Katherine Mansfield

Starring Catherine Downes

27 February – 16 March

Circa Two

Fascinating, compelling – an evening of pure delight.

Acclaimed actress Catherine Downes brings her latest work, Talking of Katherine Mansfield, to Circa for the opening season of her New Zealand tour.

Cathy performed this wonderful exploration of Mansfield’s writing about life, death and what we want in between, at the Ubud Writer’s Festival in Bali in October 2012. Earlier in the year the work enjoyed a sell-out show case season on Waiheke Island.

In Talking of Katherine Mansfield, she discusses and performs highlights of her internationally lauded play The Case of Katherine Mansfield and offers new insights to its themes, illuminated by a selection of Mansfield’s finest short stories, including the much-loved The Doll’s House.

A haunting, very beautiful original score was composed especially for this production by celebrated national treasure Michael Hosutoun.

“I would have been happy to stay on in the theatre and see it all over again” – Julianne Evans, The Gulf News

Tributes for The Case of Katherine Mansfield:

“A powerfully execute work of art” – The New Zealand Listener

“A treat not to be missed” – Time Out, London

Tribes

By Nina Raine

Directed by Ross Jolly

6 April – 4 May

Circa One

Proudly supported by Peter and Mary Biggs

WINNER New York Critics Circle Theatre Award 2012 for Best Play

WINNER Outstanding Play, Drama Desk Award NY

WINNER Alliance Award New York for Best Play

Nominated Best Play Laurence Olivier Awards London 2011

A smart, highly original and funny new play, Tribes has wowed critics and audiences alike, enjoying smash hit seasons in London and New York, and winning a swathe of awards.

Billy’s ferociously intelligent and proudly idiosyncratic family are their own tiny empire. Dinner conversation is a no-holds-barred mayhem, where opinions, jokes and insults fly. But Billy, who is deaf, is the only one who really listens. Meeting Sylvia transforms his life, and makes him finally want to be heard. But can he get a word in edgeways?

“The best-written, best-plotted, deepest, most daring – and funniest – new play in recent years” – The Wall Street Journal

“As good as theatre gets. Don’t miss it” – The Australian

“At once funny and piercingly painful – four stars” – Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph

The Improvisors

Circa Two

The great thing about shows from The Improvisors is that they are different every time. That’s why we’ve lasted for 23 years now. The show you see one night will be completely different from the show you see the next. So come often, bring the family and experience live theatre and live comedy in a way that is unique and special – you are in charge.

Whether you’re sitting in judgment on the teams in Theatresports, providing the super powers of your choice in Comic Heroes or making the suggestion that fuels a night’s worth of hilarity in Theatresports Freestyle – it’s your choices that make the show. This is theatre that talks back.

So come along in 2013 and come along often – let us take your suggestions and surprise and delight you with what we do with them!

Comic Heroes

20 April – 4 May

Part of NZ International Comedy Festival

The Improvisors present a brand new show especially for the 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival.

Inspired by comic books and your suggestions, our team of gallant super-Improvisors will create an entire superhero movie in the space of an hour.

You pick powers, you decide what threatens the world and we’ll bring it all together in a show that puts the punch back into punch line.

Theatresports

5 May – 7 July

Sundays

Part of the NZ International Comedy Festival

Take two teams of Improvisors, throw them at the mercy of the audience and see what magic unfolds!

The world-wide comedy sensation that is Theatresports has found a happy home at Circa Theatre and, like thousands of folk before, this is your chance to be part of the action.

Watch from the sidelines, make some suggestions, even find yourself onstage – the choice is yours. Whilst the whole night is unpredictable with the performers making it all up on the sport, the one thing you can be sure of is laughs – and lots of them.

Theatresports Freestyle

25 August – 13 October

Sundays

Theatresports Freestyle takes the best improvised comedians in Wellington and throws them into competition to see just who are the best on-the-spot performers.

No rules. No games that must be played. Only time is a limit.

You get to challenge the fastest wits in town to create the comedy that no other show lets them create.

It’s fast, it’s fresh and it’s fun …

… and anything could happen!

Improvisors Kids

Improvisors Kids have been creating improvised shows just for little people for 4 years now and 2013 sees a special season where the littlies get some of the same treats the adults get.

22 April – 4 May

For the first time 2013 sees a theatresports show especially for kids. Theatresports for Kids is a show for 8-12 year olds that brings all the theatresports games of our Sunday shows to the School Holidays.

15 – 27 July

Comic Heroes takes our NZ International Comedy Festival show and makes it a fun version for kids of all ages. Why should grown-ups get all the fun?!

30 September – 12 October

To round the year off we have a special early Halloween treat. Halloweenies presents the least scary cast of spooky misfits you are ever likely to see on stage. No screams here, just big laughs!

Midnight in Moscow

By Dean Parker

Directed by Susan Wilson

Starring Carmel McGlone

11 May – 8 June

Circa One

Proudly supported Shoreline Partners

Lunches, hunches, romance and the occasional whiff of home.

A provocative, funny and intriguing new play by renowned NZ playwright, Dean Parker.

“Love, spies and lies.” In the NZ Embassy in Moscow in 1947 the staff must question their loyalty to themselves, their friends, and their country, when suspicions arise that someone is leaking classified information. Woven with threads and snippets of real events and characters, and with an inspired portrait of Boris Pasternak, author of Doctor Zhivago, Midnight in Moscow is a thoroughly engaging and thought-provoking play.

“Espionage furnishes fun ingredients for drama … highly entertaining. It gives cause to ponder, as well as smile. Bravo!” – Theatreview

“Fascinating, entertaining, thought provoking” – The press

“A rich and satisfying work confirming Parker’s place in the ranks of NZ’s most sophisticated playwrights” – David O’Donnell, Australian Drama Studies

After Juliet

By Sharman MacDonald

Directed by Sarah Delahunty

Presented by 1^st Gear Productions

25 May – 8 June

Circa Two

The other side of the world’s most famous love story.

Romeo loved Rosaline.

Until he saw Juliet.

Now Romeo and Juliet are dead.

But Rosaline has to go on living …

“He was a Montague after all.

Never trust a Montague.

I sucked that in with mother’s milk.”

This could be Verona. Ot it could be Sydney, Dublin, Edinburgh, New York – or new Zealand … It could be 1500, 1700, 1900 – or 2013 …

Two deaths. A trial taking place to find those responsible. The aftermath of a volatile community divided.

“Do the dead live because an amnesty is called? And if they don’t live how can there be peace?”

Poetic, tense and surreal, After Juliet was inspired when actress Keira Knightley, then aged thirteen, saw Baz Luhrman’s 1996 movie version of Romeo and Juliet and asked her playwright mother, “So, what happened next?”

1^st Gear Productions specializes in working with young people to produce plays for all ages.

Tu

Written and directed by Hone Kouka

Inspired by Patricia Grace’s novel

Presented by Tawata Productions

15 – 29 June

Circa One

A majestic story of love, redemption, whanau and brotherhood.

Patricia Grace’s award-winning novel is the inspiration for this powerful return to the stage by celebrated playwright and director Hone Kouka.

Weaving together test and image, Tu is an epic tale set against 1940s Wellington, the battlefields of Monte Cassino and post-war Te Tairawhiti on the North Island’s East Coast. After years of self-imposed exile, old Tu is found and visited by his brother’s children. In search of answers, their presence triggers an unstoppable wave of memories that envelops Tu and forces him to confront and embrace the ghosts of his past.

Hone Kouka’s previous theatrical works include I, George Nepia, the internationally acclaimed Waiora and the 2004 New Zealand International Arts Festival premiere of The Prophet.

“… a profound experience that goes to the heart …” – Theatreview

“… a most engaging and dynamic piece of NZ theatre …” – The Dominion Post

“… this beautifully paced production is a standout …” – The Listener

“… my favourite, strongly performed and imaginatively staged …” – Sir Ian McKellen

C – A Musical

Book and lyrics by Paul Jenden

Music by Gareth Farr

Directed by Paul Jenden

Featuring Jackie Clarke

6 July – 3 August

Circa One

World Premiere

When there’s nothing left but the voice in your head …

Lead by the irrepressible Jackie Clarke, five incredible artists star in this brand new show by Wellington’s own Paul Jenden and Gareth Farr; a singer, a comedian, an actress, a dancer and a concert pianist.

C – A Musical is a constantly surprising experience: part musical, part poetry, part piano sonata, part caberet, part memoir, part fantasy, all combined in a funny, moving and irreverent evening, bubbling with good nature.

Jenden’s recent treatment for cancer becomes the stepping off point for a light-hearted journey through dark times, celebrating the human spirit and the triumph of laughter over fear.

C is for cheerful and for cheeky and content

C is for circus and the crowds that cram the tent

C is for craziness when we’re confined to a bed

C is the cabaret that cheers up A to Z

Red

By John Logan

Directed and designed by Andrew Foster

13 July – 10 August

Circa Two

Proudly supported by Peter and Mary Biggs

Passion. Rage. Blood. What do you see?

A moving and compelling account of one of the greatest artists of the 20^th Century and the most critically acclaimed play on Broadway in 2010.

It’s 1958. Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant and the threatening presence of a new generation of artists, Mark Rothko has just been offered the biggest commission in the history of modern art. But will his struggle to accept his growing riches and praise become his ultimate undoing?

John Bach reprises a watershed performance as Rothko, having received rave reviews at Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre: “Bach’s Rothko overwhelms us, much as Rothko wants his paintings to do.” – Otago Daily Times

“[John Bach’s] Rothko is egotistical, pompous and cruel, but believably brilliant. It is a well-researched and beautifully realized performance by an actor who, like Rothko, is master of his craft.” – Theatreview

“An electrifying new play” – Daily Mail

“A fresh, exciting portrait of a brilliant mind” – New York Times

Winner of six Tony Awards, Red is a sizzling 90-minute drama as powerful and visceral as Rothko’s passion for paint.

The Price

By Arthur Miller

Directed by Susan Wilson

Starring Ray Henwood

10 August – 7 September

Circa One

“Miller at his most intimate … movingly understated” – The Herald

The Price, one of master playwright Arthur Miller’s most successful plays, is a funny and deeply moving story of two brothers in conflict with their father.

In a room crowded with the furniture of their youth, the brothers meet again after sixteen years. Between them is an unlikely arbiter – a ninety-year-old Russian Jewish junk merchant, a surrogate father sitting in the paternal chair, commenting, sympathizing, reprimanding and advising, before counting out the money – the price paid for the decisions of a lifetime.

“Scintillating, powerful and moving *****” – Telegraph

“Resonates now more than ever” – The List

“Drama in a league of its own … lots of comedy” – The Guardian

The Dominion Post Season of

No Naughty Bits

By Steve Thompson

Directed by Ross Jolly

14 September – 12 October

Circa One

And now for something completely different …

A gloriously funny re-imagining of a real-life event, No Naughty Bits illuminates and celebrates the comic genius of Monty Python.

December 1975: Monty Python’s Flying Circus is an icon of British humour, love by millions. And now the show is set to air coast to coast on American TV networks … but someone has cut out all the naughty bits!

Outraged, Python’s Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin take a plane, take a lawyer and take on the networks in court – to try to keep the naughty bits in!

A snappy, highly entertaining comedy – with a sting in its tail.

“The combination of seriousness and silliness works tremendously well, and the show really lifts off” – Financial Times

“Comedy with sharp teeth disguised by a silly grin” – Wall Street Journal

Midsummer (a play with songs)

By David Greig and Gordon McIntyre

Directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford

Starring Byron Coll and Kate Prior

21 September – 19 October

Circa Two

New Zealand Premiere

“A warm-hearted, beautifully sculpted musical romantic comedy” – Scotsman

Edinburgh, Midsummer: wet, foggy and miserable. Bob, a failing car salesman and petty crim, meets Helena, a high powered divorce lawyer, in a classy wine bar. She’s totally out of his league; he’s not her type at all. They absolutely should not sleep together. Which is, of course, why they do.

Absorbing, lyrical and irresistibly funny, Midsummer is the story of a great lost weekend of car chases, wedding bust-ups and bondage … with songs.

A collaboration between one of Scotland’s leading playwrights, David Greig and top Edinburgh singer songwriter, Gordon McIntyre.

“Exhilarating … a romantic comedy that has a good head on its shoulders as well as a huge heart at its centre. *****” – The Guardian

“Sad, funny and instantly recognizable … irresistible and unmissable.” – Herald

“All the classy poise and exuberant bounce of a really good pop son … Midsummer is utter, joyful pleasure” – The List

The ImpoSTAR

Written by and starring Jason Chasland

Directed by Lyndee-Jane Rutherford

19 October – 9 November

Circa One

Who does he think he is?

Jason Chasland (Spector with the BeatGirls) is an impressionist, singer and entertainer with leather lungs! He stars in this fun and funny, one man tour de force created especially for Jason and his mind-blowing ability to do hilarious and accurate impressions.

Performing over thirty impressions of Broadway stars, contemporary icons and rock legends, Jason chops and changes so fast it’ll leave you gasping for air and squealing with delight as you recognize your favourite stars. From Barbara Streisand to Judy Garland, Aaron Neville to Chubby Checker and Julie Andrews to Britney Spears, there is something for everyone.

An endearing personal story of identity, Jason Chasland’s impressions are hilarious and jaw-droppingly incredible. This is laugh out loud, fun and thrilling entertainment at its best.

“Jason Chasland is SHOW STOPPING!” – The NZ Listener

“Show stopping, his energetic performance was riveting to watch, channeling distraught divas effortlessly.” – Capital Times

“Chasland is extremely impressive, he nails the characters superbly!” – Theatreview

“Brilliant with remarkable voice.” – The Lumiere Reader

Con

By Gavin McGibbon

Directed by Danny Mulheron

26 October – 23 November

Circa Two

World Premiere

Everything is for the taking.

This is it.

Stevie and Earle are about to pull off the most outrageous scam of their lives. The bait has been laid, the fish are biting, a jackpot awaits but what happens when true love walks in the door?

Is a conscience for a con artist their salvation? Their downfall? Or their greatest weapon?

In a world of emails promising you money, pyramid schemes, dodgy builders and politicians who only lie, the con artist is the fastest growing career path of the 21^st Century.

Watch the magic of the con on stage. Can you believe your eyes? Can you trust what you feel?

Gavin McGibbon, writer of hit shows Hamlet Dies at the End and Holding On, makes his Circa debut with his most accomplished and daring piece of work yet. With renowned and ingenious director Danny Mulheron at the helm, this is sure to be one of the most talked about shows of the year.

“[Gavin McGibbon] … could be our answer to Neil LaBute” – Theatreview

Mother Goose, the Pantomime

By Michele Amas

Songs by Paul Jenden and Michael Nicholas Williams

Directed by Susan Wilson

16 November – 22 December

Circa One

World Premiere

Festive fun for everyone!

There’s nothing paltry about Mother Goose’s chicken farm. Come and join Glenda our fabulous dame, Lucy Goose and a host of other characters as the Circa team bring you this much-loved classic tale in which Mother Goose discovers that real happiness doesn’t come from riches or beauty.

Mother Goose – an unmissable pantomime treat full of jokes, japes and “eggstraordinary” mayhem for all the family.

“Highly entertaining. Fun for all the family” – Ewen Coleman, The Dominion Post

“A rattling good family show” – Theatreview

To book tickets for a production at Circa Theatre, call the Circa Box Office on 801-7992 or visit www.circa.co.nz