A rock opera based on the journey of middle age starring Shane Cortese and Delia Hannah is coming to Rotorua.
State Highway 48 is a New Zealand made original work tracking the life and times of an everyday family and their friends as they navigate the treacherous road of middle age.
Changes in the family, workplace, and friendship are set against the backdrop of the recession and brought to life by 26 original songs.
The producers today announced that television personality Shane Cortese and one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's favourite performers, Delia Hannah, will play the lead roles in the critically acclaimed homegrown production.
It will open in three weeks at the Clarence St Theatre in Hamilton before heading to Napier, Wanganui, Rotorua, Taupo, Putaruru and Tauranga.
Cortese, known for his roles in Nothing Trivial, Outrageous Fortune, and The Almighty Johnsons plays Dave the dad a character who takes everyone on a journey through his good and bad days having been bitten by the black dog of depression.
Hannah will play Dave's wife Sharon -- a suburban housewife: fragile, lost, loving, disenfranchised, and beautiful.
"Delia is amazing," said producer and writer Chris Williams.
"She was cast by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the UK tour of Aspects of Love, and has toured Australia and Asia extensively, starring in all the big shows including Mamma Mia!, Cats, Chess, Blood Brothers and Disney's production of Mary Poppins."
"It's funny, dramatic, emotional and entertaining. A reminder about the important things in life; the dangers of not facing up to depression and a celebration of the everyday."
State Highway 48 will have nine performances from August 19 then in October will tour the central North Island.
"We want to start the tour in the provinces before taking on the big centres," said Mr Williams.
"In 2017 we will be in Auckland, Wellington and the South Island."
"It's funny, dramatic, emotional and entertaining. A reminder about the important things in life; the dangers of not facing up to depression and a celebration of the everyday. "
Season details:
Hamilton August 19-27 Clarence St Theatre Ticketek
Napier October 5 Municipal Theatre Ticketek
Wanganui October 8 Royal Opera House
Rotorua October 12 & 13 The Civic
Taupo October 14 Great Lake Centre
Putaruru October 21 & 22 The Plaza
Tauranga October 27 - 29 Baycourt Ticketek