Bronwyn Turei has gone from television star to Rotorua's Blue Baths stage. Photo/Suppled
Bronwyn Turei has gone from television star to Rotorua's Blue Baths stage. Photo/Suppled
From the drama of Go Girls to the flamboyant colour of Little Shop of Horrors, actress Bronwyn Turei has landed in Rotorua to play the role of Busty Bubbles in the Blue Baths' summer season of Comedy Cabaret.
"Busty is like Marilyn Monroe meets Courtney Love and she's fun, flirtyand naughty. Her purpose is to bring light, laughter and sex into the show - and she definitely has the lion's share of that!" Turei said.
The Blue Baths' Comedy Cabaret spans the decades, incorporating comic routines, illusions, jazz standards, burlesque, classic show tunes and pop and disco hits. The show is directed by Ian Harman, artistic director of the Boom Boom Room, with musical direction by Darlene Mohekey, creative director of Emerge Entertainment, the Blue Baths' performance group.
Turei said it made a nice change to play a lighter, sexy role rather than the "earthy, grounded" characters she normally brought to life.
"Busty is not overly emotionally dramatic, which is a bit of a relief - I'm often cast as a mother, tomboy or supporting cast member, so this is a lot of fun."
But she said the role hadn't been without its challenges.
"I've had very sore muscles from dancing in heels and swinging my hips. It's very physical work and it's also the least amount of clothing I've ever worn in a show.
Turei has relocated to Rotorua for the summer with her partner Kyle Chuen, who is also in the show. However, she and her character weren't originally part of the line-up.
"I had heard about the Blue Baths shows from friends who have done shows and corporate gigs there previously and absolutely raved about the experience, so I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring and audition."
Blue Baths managing director Jo Romanes said they jumped at the chance to have Turei on board, creating a role especially for her.
"We introduced a new character for her because she has so much to offer. Busty has been tailored especially for her and her specific talents - she is a gifted songwriter, singer, and is just a great person to have as part of the crew."
Turei said Mrs Romanes and the Emerge Entertainment team had created an amazing environment which fostered creativity.
"The personalities in the cast all mesh incredibly well together - everyone is on the same page, which is just magic. The show is so much fun, it's not really work at all."
The Comedy Cabaret is described as a larger-than-life show which embodies the spirit of the "art-deco decadence and risque history" of the Blue Baths (it was the first bath house in the country to allow men and women to bathe together) into the performance, characters and costumes.
The audience can expect the unexpected, as well as a little naughtiness, with lots of surprises strewn throughout some well-known song and dance numbers.
The Comedy Cabaret runs at the Blue Baths until February 15.
General admission is from $45 per person, with discounted admission available for under-25s and over-65s. Booking online at www.bluebaths.co.nz or for inquiries, phone (07) 350 2119.
