Colourful Soul: A truly spectacular show

Colourful Soul is the exciting, spectacular musical theatre show that "weaves together" music, dance, drama, projected images and light. But this weaving together does not happen on its own. It needs a powerful force behind it. The people involved in Colourful Soul are an eclectic and creative mix of extraordinary talent, some local, some national, some even international, but all with a wealth of experience in in their own right.

On a musical note, the collaboration by composer Mal Brady and writer Duane Lebo brings an elevated level of expertise to the show to give it real punch. Mal has conducted and written music for the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra as well as performing with many jazz bands throughout the country while Duane, also a clever jazz musician, has a strong background in musical education. The music for the show itself is easy listening, catchy and enjoyable. It's the sort of music you can expect to hear on the radio and just may over coming months.

Director John Murray and associate director Vanessa Byrnes each bring an extreme amount of experience to their roles in Colourful Soul. John has been involved with shows worldwide and has a passionate vision, energy and conviction in the theatre. Vanessa, known locally as director of Tarnished Frocks and Divas and who is currently studying a PhD in directing, is a strong advocate for inspiring within creative arts.

Add to this the technically savvy Drew Mollison, who has had more then 25 years' experience in professional audio and was responsible for sound in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Really Useful Group throughout Europe. This fabulous sound will be teamed with clever filming, which has taken place over previous months and helps tell the story of Colourful Soul. These visuals have been painstakingly filmed and edited by Geoff Cox of HD Films, a whiz in major film production, and the pre-recorded imagery will accompany the live show.

Then, of course, there are the dancers. The physical and eye-catching element to any show. Choreographer Jasmine Sergeant, from The Dance House, is a passionate and talented dancer with her own successful dance school. Her remarkable gift to envisage a performance as an artistic whole, has given the movement element of Colourful Soul a real edge. Jasmine has hand picked the dance corps and, since then, long and strenuous rehearsals have been under way.

The musical talent that makes up the cast of this show is second to none. Lead actor Chris Melville has performed with the Grand Central Band for 10 years, singing his way through international jazz festivals from Hong Kong to Hawaii while leading lady, Alisa McGonagle has had over 25 years' experience in local theatre and is now the director and tutor for Liberty Dance Company.

They, along with Porina McLeod, Aaron Bloomfield and incredible backing talent, will pre-record music for the show, and also perform live to create an incredible performance, ensuring this cleverly written music is brought to life on the stage. And it doesn't stop there. The musical passion behind the show even flows back as far as production.

Producer Shane Southby, lead singer of Australian band Taramis has toured through out Australia and Europe and has produced for record labels in Australia. His input into many elements of the show has helped get it where it is today.

This incredible brew of talent is just the tip of the iceberg in what will be a truly spectacular show. The audience can expect something new, something innovative and something on a scale they've never seen before.

Wednesday, November 9-Saturday, November 12, at Mauao Performing Arts Centre, Totara St, Mount Maunganui.

Tickets are available now at www.colourfulsoul.co.nz.