MUSICAL: Downtown! The Mod Musical main characters on stage with Miss Yellow, Nora Va'a (left), Miss Red, Kate Mallinson, Miss Blue, Ali Morgan and Miss Orange, Erinne Thompson. Not pictured is Miss Green, Rebecca Freeman. PHOTO/WILLI WERNER 261113DOWNTOWN2
MUSICAL: Downtown! The Mod Musical main characters on stage with Miss Yellow, Nora Va'a (left), Miss Red, Kate Mallinson, Miss Blue, Ali Morgan and Miss Orange, Erinne Thompson. Not pictured is Miss Green, Rebecca Freeman. PHOTO/WILLI WERNER 261113DOWNTOWN2
The swinging 60s are back with the Rotorua Musical Theatre production, Downtown! The Mod Musical.
The compilation show centred on five young women needing advice in the 1960s, just when freedom, women's liberation and radical political change were beginning to take place.
Director Shona Patrick said the musical was acelebration of the iconic decade.
"It's a bright, bubbly show with songs that people will know. It's very cheery and funny," Miss Patrick said.
"Each woman is introduced at the start of the show and is known as a colour, they each have their own quirk. They write in to the advice columnist who gives advice still very much stuck in the 1950s."
Miss Patrick said the crew and cast were experienced and the live band led by musical director Richard Anaru was a bonus for the audience. Popular hits featured in the show include To Sir With Love, Son of a Preacher Man, Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself and These Boots are Made for Walking.
"We have a very, very talented cast. The women have been able to work well together, figure each other's strength and help each other out," she said.
The show will open for the public on Sunday at Casa Blanca Theatre on Riri St. Performances will be every night except Monday and Tuesday until December 14.
