Some of New Zealand's most talented people are behind the musical comedy that tells the colourful story of Tāmaki Makaurau, an original Māori name for New Zealand's biggest city and which translates to "City of 100 Lovers". The show will play six days a week at the 700-seat SKYCITY Theatre, plus matinees. It's an exciting addition to the city's vibrant nightlife for New Zealanders and visitors alike.
Former radio host and best-selling author Justin Brown wrote the original story concept of New Yorker Sally, a reluctant visitor to the shores of Aotearoa (played by Australian Rebecca Cullinan), and TJ (Aucklander Kieran Foster), the tour guide who wins her heart.
Through wit, Kiwi quirkiness – and advanced, state-of-the-art technology and glorious sets – scriptwriter and Tony nominee Peter Kellogg uses their journey to uncover the story of the people, the culture, the history of the narrow isthmus that has been home to humans for hundreds of years.
Through music and dance – choreographed by the legendary Taiaroa Royal – TJ introduces Sally to his Maori culture, to his whanau and marae. Sally's ex-husband Donald (Wesley Dowdell) arrives to complicate their burgeoning love story, wanting to develop the marae's beachfront into a hotel and shopping malls.
The 90-minute, no-intermission show also features 11 original songs written and composed by APRA award-winner Tom McLeod, supported with music recorded by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Film director and artist Vincent Ward (Vigil, What Dreams May Come, The Last Samurai) is artistic director of a global production team of international-standard talent. Ward told the Herald the production crew was a "real melting pot" – reflecting the city's rich diversity.
"There are a large number of incredibly talented New Zealanders but also a real melting pot of talented people from around the world and that represents who we are today as a people. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city and that's what's exciting about the new Auckland and the new New Zealand."
Stimac admits to being nervous and not knowing what to expect before coming Downunder.
"But the team is spectacular – they are extremely professional and pursue perfection with an absolute vengeance," Stimac says. "This production could not have happened without each individual and they have made my job easy and enjoyable."
And, of course, City of 100 Lovers weaves strong Māori themes through the narrative. Maori culture expert and adviser Paora Sharples deftly threads Māori customs through the production and helped the actors get the language just right.
The music, the dance, the script all aim to bring New Zealand's unique story to new and increasingly sophisticated audiences who have long been crying out for a richer and varied nightlife in our biggest city.
The result, says the Herald's review of the newly opened production, is a show that has "heart" and that pushes the boundaries of the typical tourism offerings: "The emphasis is on creating a showcase to introduce Auckland to the world — and the team do so with a splash. Multiple screens, stunning animated images of New Zealand's landscape (as well as the compulsory frolicking sheep) a good dose of self-deprecating humour — with a few gentle barbs at the Aussies — and the story and technology come together well."