Play pokes fun at talent shows

Nights of comedic entertainment and family fun will kick off tonight with the first performance of the Blue Baths' theatre show The Choice.

The Choice is an original show which looks to parody talent shows such as New Zealand's Got Talent and X-Factor, with actors portraying stereotypes viewers both love and love to hate.

The viewers will select a winner each night of the 28 shows, playing the role of a live TV studio audience.

The show stars a cast of Blue Baths favourites including Jason Chasland (Dexter's Deep Sea Discovery, The Imposter) Rutene Spooner (Whalerider) Bronwyn Turei (Go Girls) Aaron Ward (Nothing Trivial, Shortland Street) Tainui Kuru (Comedy Cabaret) and Blue Baths resident chameleon and musical director, Darlene Mohekey. It is directed by Jennifer Ward-Lealand, written by Blue Baths award-winning playwrights Ms Mohekey and Jess Sayer and choreographed by the Okareka Dance Company's Taiaroa Royal.

The Choice producer Jo Romanes said the show would appeal to a broad audience. It was family-friendly and people could bring children of all ages, she said.

"It is a very entertaining evening filled with music, dance, comedy and a few other surprises."

Those involved had been working on the show for about 12 months with local extras and scenes featured in a film element of the show, she said.

Rotorua Lakes High School student Liam Dixon, 15, also has a supporting role in the show, Mrs Romanes said.

The show starts at 8pm and ends at 10.15pm with a 15-minute interval. On Sundays the show starts at 6pm. The Blue Baths bar and kitchen will be open one hour before the show starts and people can dine before and during the show with daily specials, antipasto and dessert platters available and a cocktail menu. Tickets are selling fast, with some nights already almost full.

Details:
What: The Choice

Where: The Blue Baths

When: Tonight until February 26 at 8pm (Sundays at 6pm)

How much: Cabaret-style seating $45-$55, senior citizens $35, grandstands $25, cheap Tuesday, January 26 $25

Tickets: www.bluebaths.co.nz, or call (07) 350 2119