artscalendar.co.nz newsletter - 27 June 2005

27 June 2005
artscalendar.co.nz newsletter

Boston Marriage, Downstage Theatre, Wellington
By David Mamet
Director Jude Gibson
3 - 23 July

It has been said that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but at the heart of David Mamet's play Boston Marriage lies the acquisition and ownership of a large and expensive emerald necklace. One of America's most revered and provocative dramatists, Mamet continues exploring new territory with this wickedly funny comedy of errors set in a Victorian drawing room. Better known for gangster films such as The Untouchables and The Spanish Prisoner, and stage plays Oleanna and Glengarry Glen Ross. Mamet first dabbled in this drawing room mode with the screenplay of Terrence Rattigan's play The Winslow Boy, which found much acclaim worldwide. This will certainly be one of the hot favourites at Downstage Theatre this year.

Anna and Claire are two bantering, scheming ladies of fashion who have long lived on the fringes of upper-class society. Anna has recently had the good fortune of becoming the mistress of a wealthy man. With him come an extraordinary emerald necklace and a generous allowance, guaranteeing her future comfort. Claire wishes to enlist Anna's help for an assignation with a new flame. However their plotting to arrange Claire's tryst embroils them neck deep in trouble when the young object of her affections sparks off a crisis of hilarious proportions.

Featuring Heather Bolton (from the film, Mr Wrong), Tandi Wright (TV Programmes, Shortland St., Willy Nilly & Street Legal) and Dena Kennedy (TV series, Insiders Guide to Happiness & Facelift), and designers Tolis Papazoglou (Maui), John Senczuk (Wednesday to Come) and Paul O'Brien (Romeo & Juliet), to evoke the style, elegance, glamour and intrigue inherent in this wickedly entertaining play.

Performing 3 - 23 July. Mon & Tue 6.30pm, Wed - Sat 8.00pm.
Matinee: Saturday 23 July 4.00pm, (No Show Tuesday 5 July)

Concert FM's mid-day show 'Upbeat' ventures out

With its continuing commitment to the New Zealand arts community, Concert FM's mid-day show 'Upbeat' has been chasing down and covering events all over the country. Recently Charlotte and the team were in Queenstown for the opening of the Michael Hill Violin Competition. On Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 July they will be in Christchurch for the opening of the 2005 Christchurch Festival.

All the guests will be interviewed on location in the Christchurch Town Hall foyer, including the festival director Guy Boyce, the NZSO's conductor James Judd, stars from the Canterbury Opera production of Tosca, Jose Carbo on performing Carmina Burana, jazz singer Naomi Ferguson and many more.

If you're in the area then head down and see it all happening Christchurch Town Hall foyer, 20 and 21 July, 12-2pm - otherwise tune in and hear what's on offer.

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." Lucille Ball

From the team at artscalendar.co.nz

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