[musical lover]

Here is the link to the site for Wellington's production of Cats May 2008
http://www.catsnz.com/
I am interested to see they have not named a choreographer, although their new director may be a director/choreographer reading between the lines of his bio. I have not seen his work as he is new to Wellington; it should make for an interesting show.
I hope the photos on the site are an indication of costuming; the last amateur production of Cats I attended had costumes that bordered on the bizarre. I prefer this more traditional approach.

[musical lover]

That's interesting; they must be hiring Melbourne's costuming. That bodes well for a professional looking show.

I'm still baffled by the lack of named choreographer though. New Plymouth's production of Cats I attended this year had two choreographers for their show, both with strong dance credentials.

[musical lover]

All is revealed. Leigh Evans is the choreographer for Wellington's Cats, what an excellent choice.

[Moongewl]

It says she choreographed the Christ Church production--I remember someone talking about that here, but I can't remember if they said it was good or bad.

[musical lover]

Sorry, can't comment on the Christchurch production. Leigh has created some excellent choreography for Wellington events/shows though.
John

[enkeli-kitten]

The Christchurch choreography was good, though it seemed to lack emphasis in places, the music would have a dramatic change but the dance wouldn't reflect it. The costumes left a LOT to be desired - I'm glad Wellington is hiring Melbourne's, last I heard the Chch costumes were going all round the amateur NZ productions! *eep*

[musical lover]

I think you are correct about the touring costumes. I saw the New Plymouth Production which was an excellent show with superb choreography and singing.

There was brilliant characterisation from the Cast. Call me old-fashioned but I like to be able to recognise the various important personalities of the show, as sadly this is often lacking in amateur productions.

The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the costuming, which I am now thinking is the attire you are referring to from Christchurch.

[wicked_boy]

My cousons live in NZ and they say that most of the shows are pants. As in you get shows like "Stone Age New Zeland Tribal" stuff that they over - rate but never any big musicals.

They live litterally on the door step of where they filmed Lord of the Rings, is that Wellington?

[Flitterbug]

A lot of the set was assembled in Wellington, including the hobit house, the inside of the Prancing Pony, and a part of the black tower that I'm not sure was ever used. (I didn't see it in any of the films, so perhaps the scenes were cut.)

There was also some filming done there on small sound stages, but I dont remember which parts they were.

[enkeli-kitten]

[musical lover]

Yes, that's them.

[kiwitechgirl]

[musical lover]

Have read in a Wellington publication that the costumes are in fact from the 2006 Melbourne season which bodes well. Here is the website for the Wellington show, sadly no cast info. as yet.
http://www.catsnz.com/