On the road

Delia Hannah and Shane Cortese star in State Highway 48, which is a moving musical treat that has a realistic storyline the audience will relate to. Photo/supplied

Shane Cortese is performing the last show of State Highway 48 in the city this month, and he couldn't be happier to finish up "at home".

Cortese grew up in Tauranga, and has very fond memories of the city. Although he left Tauranga in his late teens, he still considers it home, keeping a close eye on things here, and especially his old school, Tauranga Boys' College.

Cortese is one of the country's most recognised and well-loved performers with roles for Shortland Street, Nothing Trivial, Outrageous Fortune and The Almighty Johnsons.

While most of us recognise him off our television screens, he has also starred in West End musicals including roles as Rocky and Frank'n'Furter in the New Rocky Horror Show, Pharaoh in Joseph and Elvis the Musical.

He says State Highway is different from many other musicals because it has a realistic story line which the audience will relate to. "There are no jazz hands. It's almost like watching a TV show through music."

State Highway 48 tracks the life and times of an everyday family as they navigate the treacherous road of middle age. Changes in the family, workplace, and friendship are set against the backdrop of the recession with the black dog of depression taking the driver's seat in Dave, the lead man's life. Cortese says the audience are able to 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 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.