Well-known Kiwi actor Shane Cortese is performing in State Highway 48 at the Civic Theatre tomorrow night.
Cortese is one of the most recognised and well-loved performers in the country with roles in Shortland Street, Nothing Trivial, Outrageous Fortune and as Loki/Colin in The Almighty Johnsons.
While most of us recognise him from our television screens, in his earlier years performing he starred in many musicals on London's West End. Some of the roles included Rocky and Frank'n'Furter in the New Rocky Horror Show, Pharaoh in Joseph, and Elvis the Musical.
He said State Highway 48 was different from many other musicals because it had a realistic storyline that would appeal to many people, rather than just musical followers.
"There's no jazz hands, it is almost like watching a TV show through music," he said.
State Highway 48 tracks the life and times of an everyday family as they navigate changes in the family, workplace, and friendships. It's set against the backdrop of recession, with depression taking the driver's seat in the male lead's life.
Cortese said the realism of the story meant people can relate to the show - some emotionally "right from the word go".
"To see people visibly sobbing in the first half of the show, you know you have a story that connects with people. It is a lovely story and one of the things that excited me."
Initially, Cortese couldn't take the role due to other commitments. That was until he heard that one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's favourite performers, Delia Hannah, was lined up to perform opposite him.
"I used to follow her when I was young. She's a star in our field, and I said to my wife, this is going to be really good. So, we swapped things around so I could take the part."
Hannah is New Zealand's most highly acclaimed music theatre performer with a large list of international credits.
She was cast by Andrew Lloyd Webber to star in the UK tour of Aspects of Love and has also toured extensively through Australia and Asia, including China.
"The music is gold. It has been one of the most joyful projects. Vocally is it a very strong show," he said.
What: State Highway 48
Where: Rotorua Civic Theatre
When: Friday 14 October