Monthly Archives: March 2012

My entertainment picks: Ship Songs, Willy Moon and some bonus Elbow

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Something I’ve been to, something I’m looking forward to and something I’ve discovered plus some bonus Elbow.

Ship Songs

This is not a musical, nor is it precisely a one man play. Ship Songs is the story of how Ian Hughes’ parents met each other – it’s a true tall tale complete with adventure, romance and it’s a bit gory! Ian plays all the characters and he’s a brilliant storyteller and great with accents. The whole thing is helped along by projections and a very good three piece band, which happens to be lead by the show’s songwriter, one Don McGlashan. This is one of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time – not for those easily offended by strong language though. Ship Songs is on at Q Theatre until 7 April.  

Pick & Mix Squared

There’s a free series of music events starting in Aotea Square this Friday evening from 5-7pm. The concerts run for the next five weeks and feature all kinds of music from folk to hip hop and traditional Japanese drumming. This week’s gig features seven-piece Afro-Reggae group Zoh Zoh, supported by Soul Samba Circus. The straight after work timeframe makes it great for a post-work hang out with friends or for family picnics! Find out more and RSVP on Facebook.

Willy Moon

Let me tell you about a guy that is tipped to become a huge star on the international music scene at any moment. Willy Moon is based in London and has just signed with huge label Island Records. He looks like he’s straight out of the 1950s, and his music has a definite retro influence – I LOVE the sound and can’t wait to see this kid (he’s 22) take over the world. Oh, did I mention he’s from Wellington?

  

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Late addition:

I’m still feeling the absolute joy of seeing Elbow play at The Powerstation last night. This band has been together for 22 years and it shows. Guy Garvey has an exceptional voice and stage presence. I can’t see how this concert could be beaten as my gig of the year. Haven’t loved anything as much since The National. Here’s the song they ended on…

Three entertaining things: Art special!

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Art special! A few exhibitions on now (that I’ve visited):

 Degas to Dali

Auckland Art Gallery reopened last year and currently has an exhibition on loan from The National Galleries of Scotland – Degas to Dali. What I didn’t understand about the exhibition before I went is that it showcases the work of artists who were revolutionary in the way they created work – there are early works by the people who invented cubism, expressionism and pop art – not just Degas and Dali, but van Gogh, Monet, Warhol and Lichtenstein. I came across an artist I wasn’t aware of – John Duncan Ferguson – who has a couple of works that I loved.

This exhibition isn’t going anywhere else in the world – it has come from Scotland to Auckland and is going straight back after the exhibition closes on 10 June. Tickets are only $20, which is pretty amazing when you consider the incredible artworks on display.

Find out more at Auckland Art Gallery’s website – if you want to pre-book tickets to avoid queues, you can get them from www.buytickets.co.nz.   

 

Kermadec Exhibition

I visited the Kermadec Exhibition at Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum a couple of weeks ago. It was another exhibition that exceeded my expectations. I hadn’t realised that Aucklanders can visit the Maritime Museum for free (and $12 for visiting adults and $6 for children), or how much there was to it. There are a number of spaces chronicling the maritime history of the area, and as the cherry on top, this great exhibition that is on until early July. The exhibition showcases a collection of works by nine artists who visited the Kermadec region last year and the styles of work are really broad ranging. The group I went with really enjoyed it and I’d recommend a visit for anyone wanting to get out of the Auckland rain!

 

Force Things

A group exhibition at Gallery 3, Corner Mount and Symonds Street in Auckland until Saturday. I loved the bottles made into recycled speakers by Michael Grobelny (pictured) and the broom that changed colours by Eddie Clemens. You’ll have to go along and see – it’s on until Saturday. www.stpaulst.aut.ac.nz.

There are also heaps of small exhibitions on at the moment – probably all over the country. It’s worth having a Google to see what’s on in your area.

Three entertaining things: Shakespeare, The Lorax and Ryan Gosling fever

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The Maori Troilus and Cressida

The New Zealand Arts Festival has been on in Wellington over the last few weeks and wraps up this weekend. Brilliant programming saw concerts by Bon Iver and Death Cab for Cutie, as well as myriad dance, theatre and music shows plus a writers and readers festival. I haven’t been able to get down to Wellington for any of these performances, so  I’m delighted that The Maori Troilus and Cressida is coming to Aotea Square for three performances next week. These are the farewell performances before the company heads participate in The Globe to Globe Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

 

The cast features Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) leads an outstanding cast of eighteen Maori performers, including renowned actor, Waihoroi Shortland (Taika Waititi’s Boy) and Te Reo Professor, Scotty Morrison (Te Karere). Troilus and Cressida is directed by Rachel House. The play is just over two hours long and you can come down to Aotea Square with a picnic or blanket – and the only cost is a KOHA to support the company on their travels to London. RSVP on Facebook!

 

The Lorax

I went to a preview of the latest Dr Seuss film The Lorax on Sunday – a film that can only be described as an animated 3-D musical comedy with a message. For those not familiar with the book, the story revolves around a town called Thneed-Ville – a walled, artificial city. Young Ted, voiced by Zac Efron, has a huge crush on high school girl Audrey, played by Taylor Swift and aims to win her over by finding her the one thing she most wants – a real tree.

 

There is singing, dancing, greed, family dramas, animated animals and all kinds of things almost happen – but as it should be with children’s films, there is a happy ending. This movie definitely benefits from a stellar cast – Betty White, Danny De Vito and The Office’s Ed Helms are all great, as always. Not every review has been positive, and some called the environmental too preachy, but I enjoyed it and it’s made me think twice about the habit of purchasing bottled water. I thought the 3D was excellent too – and I’m not generally a fan. The Lorax opens in New Zealand on 29 March.

 

 

Ryan Gosling Mania

On Tuesday, Twitter went crazy with the rumour that Hollywood superstar Ryan Gosling was in Ponsonby. The story spread to news outlets quickly as the outrageous claims continued – although no photos surfaced. Some said that people had confused Formula One driver Nico Rosberg for Gosling, but I have studied the photos and don’t see that much of a similarity. If you don’t know who Ryan Gosling is and why he’s one of the biggest names in entertainment right now, here are a few things to help you understand:

·         He appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club for two years, and lived with Justin Timberlake’s family during filming

·         He lived in Auckland suburb Ponsonby while filming Young Hercules

·         His breakthrough role was in 2004 tearjerker The Notebook

·         Last year saw him in four films, including Drive and The Ides of March and he has four films coming out in 2012

·         He has a reputation for being a nice guy with pictures of him with puppies appearing often on the internet and footage emerged of him breaking up a fight last year, so he’s also pretty heroic. And handsome.

 

Here’s the Hey Girl, I love New Zealand blog. One of many. Many, many.

 

 

Three entertaining things: 8 March

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Junior Masterchef

One of the most delightful TV shows in existence is back on TV every Monday night – Junior Masterchef! This Australian show has children as young as eight whipping up dishes most of us have never heard of. There’s a charming enthusiasm that the cut-throat adult Masterchef doesn’t have, with the kids genuinely excited for their friends’ success and the judges also help the kids out if they look too close to a meltdown.

I do wonder how these kids will survive when they go flatting and can’t afford truffle oil… and I think the 8:30 timeslot excludes the target audience, which is a strange scheduling decision. Nonetheless, I recommend this show as one of the most enjoyable on the box. Junior Masterchef Australia, Prime, Mondays at 8:30pm.

Musical Goss

I’m an unashamed fan of all things musical theatre, and hugely excited about the upcoming season of Jersey Boys. I thought I’d mention a few other shows that have crossed my radar… I was excited to see that Legally Blonde The Musical is opening in Sydney in October! The other big musical being talked about across the ditch is the WORLD PREMIERE of An Officer and a Gentleman in Sydney in May. The stars were in Auckland on a promo trip this week. There’s also a very small musical on at the Herald Theatre at the moment – The Last Five Years is a two person show about the life or a relationship and has been getting very good reviews.

Pasifika Festival

The annual Pasifika Festival is on at Western Springs this Saturday. Auckland is the Pacific capital of the world and there’ll be ten island nations represented with food, stalls and entertainment. Performances range from cultural groups to gospel to hip hop. Head to http://www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika to download the programme and map.

So. Much. Awesomeness.

PS. I finally get to see Ryan Adams tonight. He’s just one of the greatest songwriters around… cannot wait!