Stars in Their Eyes coming soon

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

BY day he is a tutor at Matapuna Training Centre, but by night he is involved with several local productions, including Stars in Their Eyes.

Inspired to reprise the talent-showcase he staged 25 years ago, performer-producer James Packman’s 2017 show will act as a fundraiser for domestic violence prevention and community support services such as Women’s Refuge and for Tauawhi Men’s Centre.

“We have the White Ribbon campaign once a year but nothing seems to be ongoing. Our family violence rates are some of the highest in the country but services like Women’s Refuge and Tauawhi don’t get that much support.”

The work they do is generally not noticed, says Packman.

“People don’t really know about them until they need them.”

Collaborating with Packman on the show is Walter “Wiz” Walsh who will act as MC. Walsh gets to introduce each performer with the well-known words along the lines of “By day you are a hapless reporter but tonight . . . YOU ARE BARBARA STREISAND.”

“We thought of Stars in Your Eyes because people in abused situations are often put down and told they are rubbish, that they’ll never be anyone,” says Packman.

“In this show anyone can become who they want.”

Each of the 16 performers’ star-identities will be revealed on the night. Each star will sing two songs.

Walsh assures audiences he will not repeat his act from 25 years ago as Stevie Wonder and Packman will not resurrect Julian Clary or Boy George for the show.

“What we can tell you is we are getting together some great local talent who will become their favourite personalities.”

To help get into character, most performers have sorted out their own costumes and Unity Theatre’s costume hire department has got on board. The company has also provided its rooms for rehearsals for free.

With a few minor tweaks to the original format, the show will keep up a cracking pace, says Packman.

Walsh and Packman are working at a cracking pace themselves. By day they have their . . . day jobs. But by night they are both involved in rehearsals for the Packman-directed Kiwi comedy The Bach and in another fundraiser, Bravo Bravissimo.