Beautiful women posing with a beautiful car provides a preview of the fabulous Tarnished Frocks and Divas. They will be back in full costume soon for the seventh biennial production which opens August 30.
Caryn Rawlinson, Heather Coyne, Katherine Madill and Lynda Lipinski are all models in this show, described as theatre of the catwalk. The six model segments are integral to the show, enhance and illustrate the storyline and showcase the design skills involved in reworking second-hand and vintage clothing into stunning outfits.
The theme of the production, called Zoetica, is a secret until opening night. Despite the show season looming, her role of bringing together 180 cast and crew, trusting that some 300 garments will be complete and participating in a punishing schedule of rehearsals, producer Denny Spee is remarkably sanguine.
"I am part of a fantastic team. We are all really excited and happy at where we are sitting as we move closer to opening night. Right from the development early last year for this 2017 show we all wanted to raise the bar and give audiences extra gems. We think we have achieved this. The storyline and how we have gone about telling it is very cool."
The models photographed here agree they are in a state of high excitement and nervous apprehension. Lynda Lipinski says, "I know it will be scary going out on the first night, but the audience won't see that!"
Lynda is the Tauranga manager of student services for the University of Waikato. This is her first show as a performer.
"I had attended four shows and had a friend in the last one. I was so proud of her. She loved the experience so much she encouraged me to give it a go. I was nervous about auditioning but realised that many of the others were feeling the same. I've definitely grown more confident through strutting my stuff during rehearsals."
Caryn, an operations manager, and Katherine, who is a travel specialist at Travelcom, have similar feelings. They are also first-timers.
Katherine went to support a work colleague in the show and was "blown away" by it.
"So, a couple of us thought we'd break out of our comfort zones and give it a go."
Caryn was lured in by veteran performer Porina McLeod, who has a singing role in the show.
The car the divas are posed with, in the local Coombes Johnston BMW showroom, is an M2 Coupe. The 2017 model of this two-door sports coupe in a very alluring shade called Long Beach Blue. This is the first year BMW has sponsored Tarnished Frocks and Divas and they are enjoying the synergy.
Marketing manager Karen McNally says she had been keen to partner with the show for several years.
"I've long admired this event which champions women," she says. When Dave Briscoe became manager of Coombes Johnston BMW she got an instantly positive response. "Dave knew all about it as his wife Jill Briscoe of Black Champagne salon and beauty spa has been a sponsor for several years."
This year Jill is responsible for making up Jackie Clarke, the singers, actors and musicians.
The Zoetica branded vehicle is a compact white BMW X1 SUV. "It's a perfect mobile billboard," says Karen. "This has been a positive partnership showing our support in a subtle way and celebrating the sort of women who drive our cars!"
There's nothing subtle about the Divas once they are made up, hair done and wearing the astounding costumes created by the show's team of designers.
"Trying on your costume with your makeup and hair or hair piece is a wow moment," says Lynda. "You feel transformed to fully embody the character."
For Katherine, "That gorgeous hat by Monika Neuhauser, how could one not be transformed" and the "regal and absolutely stunning" costume she wears in another scene. Lynda has been impressed by the dedication of the production team.
"The vision and energy of the women who work tirelessly to create the story and put everything together is inspirational. I had no comprehension of the amount of work that went into the show and the huge number of people who work behind the scenes to make it happen."
Those months of hard work are coming to fruition. The technical people do the pack in on the Friday and Saturday before the show. The full cast will rehearse on Sunday, do another complete run through on Monday, dress rehearsal Tuesday, then Wednesday it is all on for opening night.
Come show time it will be very obvious that every performer and every back-stage person has given every bit of their 100 per cent. You can almost hear the sigh of relief.
*Zoetica, ASB Arena, August 30 to September 2. There are still seats available on opening night, so to be among the first to see Zoetica, book at eventfinda.