Ali Harper: Legendary Divas at Circa

LEGENDARY DIVAS

Ali Harper sings her love for these inspirational, legendary Divas!

Glamorous and captivating, Legendary Divas is a feast for anyone who wants to reminisce and celebrate those extraordinary women whose songs will always remain in our hearts.

“I knew that re-igniting the powerful torch songs made famous by well-known legendary women would be wonderful, but I never imagined the response I would receive. It seems the songs I include in the show create strong nostalgic feelings in people, which is so uplifting,” says Ali Harper.

Legendary Divas stars award winning actress and singer Ali Harper and honours these legendary women that inspired us all with their music. Talented, hardworking, original and courageous women who gave so much of themselves, no matter the price…. Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Barbra Streisand and many more.

“What I adore about these women is their bravery to lay everything bare, to wear their heart on their sleeves. I remember spending hours hidden away in our family front living room when I was a teenager pouring through my father’s record collection absorbing the heart and soul of these women…. Barbra Streisand, Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland. I don’t think I would be doing what I do today if it weren’t for these women.”

Expect nostalgia, comedy, audience participation, a rip roaring 80s medley with a splash of Madonna as well as many stories enlightening the audience; French Chanteuse Edith Piaf’s connection with the Resistance, a Julie Andrew’s ‘My Fair Lady’ spoof to Dolly Parton’s love for the ‘nip and tuck’.

“Life for many of the celebrated singers I am honouring was often hugely challenging. I have created Legendary Divas to showcase their immense talent and tenacity through the songs that people know them so well for. Aside from the emotional connections this show has, it’s also really great fun to perform.”

Ali will be joined by Wellington’s much-loved Michael Nicholas Williams on piano for this spellbinding evening.

Legendary Divas

Starring Ali Harper with Michael Williams
Produced by Ali-Cat Productions

27 July – 20 August

Circa Two, Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington

Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 4.30pm, No show Mon

TICKETS: $25/ $38 / $46

$25 Preview - Friday 26 July

http://www.circa.co.nz/package/legendary-divas/

ALI HARPER BIOGRAPHY

A graduate of Toi Whakaari: The New Zealand Drama School, Ali wears many hats in the entertainment business; Actress, Singer, MC, Writer and Producer.

She has starred in numerous musicals and plays around New Zealand. Highlights include Blood Brothers (The Court Theatre), Mamma Mia (Dunedin & Hamilton), My Fair Lady (The Court Theatre), Mary Poppins (The Court Theatre), Sound of Music (The Court Theatre,) Guys and Dolls(The Court Theatre) and Tell Me On A Sunday (The Court Theatre & Circa Theatre). In 2014, Ali performed the one-woman play Bombshells at the United Solo Festival in New York where she was awarded ‘Best Actress’ as well as ‘Chapman Tripp Best Actress’ in 2008 in Wellington.

Ali has toured Bombshells to 38 venues around New Zealand. Other tours include Oklahoma, Pirates of Penzance, Evita and Chess. Performing at New York’s prestigious Metropolitan Room in 2013 and 2014 with her cabaret show Naughty and Nice: A Down Under Diva! Ali enjoys continued success with her shows Legendary Divas, Naughty and Nice, An Evening with Ali Harperand Ali Harper sings the Gershwin Songbook as well as Guest Entertainer on Cruise ships. Television credits include Hope and Wire, The Strip, Market Forces and resident singer for 4 years on TV One’s Dancing with the Stars. She was also a Radio Co-host on Wellington’s Classic Hits.

Last year Ali released her CD Legendary Divas, and has two other albums entitled Naughty and Nice and Something So Right. Ali’s musical play A Doris Day Special is being launched this year along with her 4th album.

Visit www.aliharper.com and Facebook: aliharpernz

REVIEW QUOTES

“Legendary Divas is a memorable night of great music and song from a New Zealand legend, Ali Harper… With an ability to capture but not parody Streisand’s slightly nasal, Julie Andrew’s immaculate diction, Merman’s hint of metal, and Janis Joplins or Carole King’s bluesy edge, virtually every song is a show stopper.”– Gail Pittaway, Theatreview Hamilton, 2015

“Loud applause for this generously gifted actress, with an all-enveloping voice that can take us with her no matter what she sings, is a further extension of the celebration of song that Ali offers.” – Lindsay Clark, Theatreview Christchurch, 2015

‘The promo line of “Quiet please there’s a lady on stage” is litotes in Ali Harper’s ‘Legendary Divas.’ She dominates this delicious evening out. She sings divinely. She shares snippets of women’s lives in between singing their songs and her rapport with the audience is infectious.’ – Ngaire Riley, Theatreview New Plymouth, 2015

“From her dramatic James Bond theme hits (‘Goldfinger’ and ‘Moonraker’) and a soaring Edith Piaf dedication to owning Carol King’s consummate (You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman, Ali Harper received a standing ovation and proved why she is so well respected and talented.” – Steve Scott, Hamilton News, 2015

“Ali Harper lights up every room she enters, owns every stage she steps upon, and steals every heart that hears her sing.”- Alex Rybeck, New York, 2013

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