STAR: Bronwyn Turei, from TV's Go Girls, will star in the Blue Baths Comedy Cabaret this summer. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
STAR: Bronwyn Turei, from TV's Go Girls, will star in the Blue Baths Comedy Cabaret this summer. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
A new "flamboyantly fantastical" show is set to begin its summer season in Rotorua.
Directed by Ian Harman, artistic director of the Boom Boom Room, and with musical direction by Darlene Mohekey, creative director of Emerge Entertainment, the Blue Baths Comedy Cabaret is a show that spans the decades, offeringclever and entertaining comic routines, illusions and brilliant trickery, mixed with jazz standards, classic show tunes and pop and disco hits.
Mr Harman and Ms Mohekey said the larger-than-life characters and sensational costumes reflected the spirit of the "art-deco decadence and risque history" of the Blue Baths, which was the first bath house in the country to allow men and women to bathe together. The venue is celebrating its 80th birthday this month.
"The show embodies the spirit of the building itself and everyone has stepped outside of their comfort zones in order to bring this huge, conceptual idea to life. It couldn't just be a show with singing and dancing, we wanted to make people go 'wow'," Mr Harman said.
"It's much more than a traditional cabaret - it's a party, a story, a journey and a burlesque show, and the audience will build a real connection to the characters. It's very funny, but people will also feel compassion and sorrow - you can't have comedy without tragedy."
The experienced performers come from a range of musical and theatrical backgrounds, and include well-known actor Bronwyn Turei, from the hit TV show Go Girls.
The Comedy Cabaret opens at the Blue Baths on January 4 and runs until February 15. Doors and bar open at 7pm, with the show beginning at 8pm. Drinks and platters will be available throughout the evening. General admission from $45 per person, with discounted admission available for under-25s and over-65s. Book at www.bluebaths.co.nz or (07) 350 2119.
