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It is our great pleasure to welcome you to RENT! Those of you who are familiar with our programming will know that RENT has been a long time in getting to the stage. The culprit, of course, was the disruption of the pandemic. So, for our team, RENT signifies our world normalising and leaning into the ongoing creation of amazing story telling and Theatre for Aotearoa, for all of us.
Our Artistic Director, Dr Alison Walls, has described this seminal musical, to add to the depth of all of our understanding — you can enjoy her writing when you turn the page. But, just before you do, we want to continue to share the journey of our new home in the city and let you know that the builders have been appointed — Hawkins will build the new Court Theatre. We expect to open in November 2024! A huge thank you to The Court’s project team and Trust Board, to all of our donors, grant makers and sponsors, and to our partners in this venture — Christchurch City Council.
We particularly thank David Sidaway and the team at Golden Healthcare Group for their continued support over so many years. This is their last year sponsoring the summer musical and this partnership has helped to bring some truly wonderful shows to Christchurch. We are very grateful for their commitment to The Court and what it has enabled us to create.
Thank you to our exceptional Court team, the amazing cast and crew, and all of you who are here enjoying the very best of musical theatre in Aotearoa.
If you are reading this pre-31 December, then we wish you a happy and safe festive season and, if we are now in the new year, please come visit us often. Let’s make 2023 a new start for an exciting and fulfilling year!
Ka kite anō
Experiencing RENT in 2022 adds layers of meaning to an already meaningful show.
Entering into Jonathan Larson’s bohemian 1990s Lower East Side of New York, we are able to take stock of all that has and hasn’t changed in our recent past. Gentrification has transformed the once gritty, sometimes dangerous, always alternative Lower East Side, but the HIV / AIDS crisis is also radically different. How beautiful and poignant is the toast “To people living with, living with, living with... not dying from disease!” when HIV / AIDS truly is no longer a death sentence? And how important are works such as RENT in changing and humanising that narrative?
Larson’s characters are thrillingly, profoundly human — flawed, sure — but wonderfully alive.
2022 also gives us the perspective to recognise the artistic importance of this musical. Larson died the day of the first off-Broadway preview perfromance of RENT, and so never saw the enduring impact of his work. Yet even those musical theatre fans not among the adoring “ RENT -heads” cannot deny that RENT changed the musical theatre landscape.
Honoured with multiple posthumous awards (including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama), RENT ran on Broadway for over a decade and changed the lives of the original cast. While closely following — more closely than many realise — Puccini’s 1896 opera La Bohème (the idea of the adaptation was playwright Billy Aronson’s), RENT is unapologetically of its moment. Its contemporaneity is there in the setting and the musically and lyrically complex rock numbers, but the characters are also drawn directly from Larson’s friends. RENT is underpinned by this intimate and immediate reality.
RENT is a riotous ensemble musical. Director Lara Macgregor and Musical Director Richard Marrett have assembled an incredible cast who bring their whole selves to their performance. RENT demands the intelligence, artistic sensibility and sheer skill that Lara and Richard, with Movement Director, Shane Anthony, have brought to their work. With them, the remarkable design team have created an immersive world, capturing not just time and place, but the character and energy, of La Vie Bohème!
Ngā mihi nui
Dr Alison Walls Artistic Director / Pou Kaitohu ToiAt Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. A life where you can appreciate the little things.
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Jonathan Larson received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for RENT. He also won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 1994 Richard Rodgers Award for RENT and twice received The Gilman & Gonzales-Falla Theatre Foundation’s Commendation Award.
In 1989 he was granted the Stephen Sondheim Award from American Music Theatre Festival, where he contributed to the musical Sitting on the Edge of the Future. In 1988 he won the Richard Rodgers Development Grant for his rock musical Superbia, which was staged at Playwrights Horizon. He composed the score for the musical J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, which was presented by En Garde Arts in 1995. Mr. Larson performed his rock monologue Tick, Tick... BOOM! at Second Stage Theatre, The Village Gate and New York Theatre Workshop.
In addition to scoring and song writing for Sesame Street, he created music for a number of children’s book-cassettes, including Steven Spielberg’s An American Tail and Land Before Time. Other film scores include work for Rolling Stone’s magazine publisher, Jann Wenner. He conceived, directed and wrote four original songs for Away We Go, a musical video for children.
RENT, his rock opera based on La Bohème, had its world premiere on February 13, 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop. Mr Larson died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm on January 25, 1996, ten days before his 36th birthday. His music (including songs cut from his shows) is archived in the Library of Congress.
In 1994, nearly eight years after writing, composing and peddling RENT around New York City looking for a producer, Jonathan Larson found his group of collaborators.
Creatives from the New York Theatre Workshop believed emphatically enough in his work to bring RENT to fruition on stage. After many months of development, tragedy struck the eve of opening night when Jonathan Larson died suddenly of an aortic dissection. Who could have predicted RENT would become one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, a multiple award-winner, a movie adaptation and grace thousands of stages throughout the world?
Who could have predicted, while pursuing my dream to be an actress in New York City in 1996, sitting in the Nederlander Theatre watching RENT burst before me with unbridled energy, that I’d be directing it at The Court Theatre in 2022? Who could have imagined, nearly 30 years on, I too would be surrounded by collaborators with such talent, dogged work ethic and passion, all striving to honour Jonathan Larson’s legacy?
For the key creatives on this project — Timmy, Richard, Mark, Shane, Tina, Daniella, Grant, Julian, Matt, Glenn, Andrew, Giles, Julie and Scott — there’s no better bunch of bohemians I’d rather work with. You’re phenomenal.
Cast — you are nothing short of incredible. I have utter respect for your talent and you’re all disgustingly beautiful humans too.
I feel incredibly grateful. Certainly, for the opportunity to direct RENT but, mostly, for my artistic life. Thirty years of collaborating and creation. That’s 30 years Jonathan didn’t get.
I hope we’ve done him proud and made the precious years he did get to pursue his passion worth it.
Lara Macgregor Director“Art is about love – the love you never got as a child – the love you can’t give as an adult – the love you can only give your work” – Jonathan Larson
“Tune Up #1” – Mark, Roger
“Voice Mail #1 ” – Mark’s Mother
“Tune Up #2” – Mark, Roger, Collins, Benny
“Rent” – Mark, Roger, Collins, Benny, Joanne and Company
“You Okay Honey?” – Christmas Caroler, Angel, Collins
“Tune Up #3” – Mark, Roger
“One Song Glory” – Roger
“Light My Candle” – Mimi, Roger
“Voice Mail #2” – Joanne’s parents
“Today 4 U” – Collins, Roger, Mark, Angel
“You’ll See” – Benny, Mark, Roger, Collins, Angel
“Tango: Maureen” – Joanne, Mark
“Life Support” – Paul, Gordon, Steve, Ali, Pam, Sue, Angel, Collins, Mark
“Out Tonight” – Mimi
“Another Day” – Mimi, Roger, Company
“Will I?” – Steve and Company
“On the Street” – Company
“Santa Fe” – Collins, Angel, Mark, Company
“I’ll Cover You” – Angel, Collins
“We’re Okay” – Joanne
“Christmas Bells” – Company
“Over the Moon” – Maureen
“La Vie Bohème A” – Company
“I Should tell You” – Mimi, Roger
“La Vie Bohème B” – Joanne, Maureen, Mark, Angel, Collins and Company
“Seasons of Love A” – Company
“Happy New Year A” – Mimi, Roger, Mark, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, Angel
“Voice Mail #3” – Mark’s Mother, Alexi Darling
“Happy New Year B” – Maureen, Mark, Joanne, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Angel, Benny, The Man
“Take Me or Leave Me” – Maureen, Joanne
“Seasons of Love B” – Company
“Without You” – Roger, Mimi
“Voice Mail #4” – Alexi Darling
“Contact” – Company
“I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” – Collins and Company
“Halloween” – Mark
“Goodbye Love” – Mimi, Roger, Benny, Maureen, Joanne, Mark, Collins
“What You Own” – Mark, Roger
“Voice Mail #5” – Roger’s Mother, Mimi’s Mother, Mr. Jefferson, Mark’s Mother
“Finale A” – Company
“Your Eyes” – Roger
“Finale B” – Company
Lara works primarily as an actor, director, dramaturg and performance coach in New Zealand.
She studied acting in New York City with Uta Hagen, Anthony Abeson and Tony Greco and subsequently worked for ten years as an actor in the U.S.
She holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Directing from The National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney and has directed over 40 productions in the last decade.
In 2009, Lara was appointed Associate Artistic Director at The Court Theatre in Christchurch and, in 2010, went on to become Artistic Director at the Fortune Theatre in Dunedin. Directing highlights include Red; In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play); Tribes; Souvenir; The Caretaker; Punk Rock and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Since 2015 she has been freelancing with multiple companies including Auckland Theatre Company, Circa Theatre, Centrepoint Theatre, The Actors’ Program, National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) and the University of Otago Theatre Studies.
Recent acting credits include Annie Wilkes in Misery (The Court Theatre); Sgt Gillian Carmichael in Clickbait (Netflix); Fran in Things I Know to Be True (The Court / Circa Theatre); Mrs Roidern in One of Us Is Lying (Netflix) and Deborah in the soon-to-bereleased feature film Bad Behaviour, directed by Alice Englert.
When she has time outside the theatre and film world, Lara is an avid photographer. She enjoys taking actors’ headshots, can often be found on set as a stills photographer, and is currently working on a solo photography project - Six Degrees of Inspiration: NZ’s Unsung Heroes.
Lara is represented by the wonderful team at Gail Cowan Management.
Richard is well-known for his work throughout the country as a musical director, vocal coach, pianist, arranger and conductor. Previously, he worked as manager of the degree programmes offered by the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) and Ara Music Arts.
His musical direction credits for The Court Theatre include My Fair Lady; South Pacific; The Rocky Horror Show; The Sound of Music; Jerry’s Girls; Oliver!; Guys and Dolls; The Producers; La Cage Aux Folles; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Anything Goes; Cabaret; Side By Side By Sondheim; Grease; End of the Rainbow; Blood Brothers; Mary Poppins; Legally Blonde the Musical; Songs For Nobodies; Chicago; Jesus Christ Superstar; Jersey Boys and Little Shop of Horrors.
His other musical direction credits include Mame; The King and I; Sweet Charity; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; West End to Broadway I, II and III; Les Misérables; 42nd Street; Fiddler on the Roof; Annie; Into The Woods; Jesus Christ Superstar; Urinetown; Beauty and the Beast; The Witches of Eastwick; Cats; Curtains; Buddy; Avenue Q; Hair; Spring Awakening; The Phantom of the Opera; Miss Saigon; Mamma Mia!; Hairspray; Ragtime; Evita; Wicked; We Will Rock You; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Matilda.
He has conducted and arranged for Showbiz Christchurch, Wellington Musical Theatre, ARTCO, Dunedin Operatic, Invercargill Musical Theatre, Ashburton Variety Theatre, Wellington Vector Orchestra and the Choral Federation and arranged for the Christchurch City and Orpheus choirs.
Several of his orchestrations have been recorded with the NZSO and he is often found working as producer and arranger on a number of recording projects. Richard’s work with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra has included seasons of Starry Nights and Classical Sparks in Hagley Park and the popular concert productions Oh, Danny Boy; Broadway Broads; Rodgers and Hammerstein; Bernstein and Sondheim; The Magical Music of Disney and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. He was also responsible for the musical supervision, programming, tracks and arrangements for several New Zealand consortium touring productions.
In 2019, Richard was appointed as Artistic Director of the popular choir, The Vocal Collective.
Ben has immersed himself in theatre since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts.
His previous Court Theatre credits as an actor include Romeo and Juliet; Mary Poppins; Cops and Robbers; Legally Blonde the Musical; The Ugly Duckling; Chicago; Titus Andronicus; Jesus Christ Superstar; Les Liaisons Dangereuses; The Wind in the Willows; Jersey Boys; Little Shop of Horrors and Flagons and Foxtrots.
His other theatre credits include Once on Chunuk Bair (Imagine Charitable Trust); RAP-unzel and Botfarm 2014 (New Zealand Playhouse); Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables (Showbiz Christchurch) and Madagascar The Musical (GMG Productions).
Ben and a number of his talented colleagues founded the Ōtautahibased theatre company, Blackboard Theatre Collective. He is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.
James Bell is a graduate of the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts - WAAPA (Musical Theatre). RENT is his Court Theatre debut.
He has performed in dozens of mainstage productions in Australia since his mainstage debut as the lead in The Joy of Text for Melbourne Theatre Company in 2011. Other credits include War Horse (Global Creatures); Next to Normal (Black Swan Theatre); Children of the Sun and Black is the New White (Sydney Theatre Company); The Aliens (Old Fitz); John (Outhouse Theatre / Seymour Centre) and Fame the Musical (Crown).
James’ feature film credits include Acute Misfortune. James won a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor in The Aliens and is an accomplished singersongwriter and musician with his band, Gaspar Sanz.
Monique graduated from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in 2016 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. She is currently an afternoon kids’ show host on TVNZ’s THE FEED
Her performance credits at The Court Theatre include Legally Blonde the Musical; Jesus Christ Superstar; Little Shop of Horrors; The Wind in the Willows; Time Machine; Cinderella in Space; Puff the Magic Dragon; A Paintbox of Clowns and Crash Bash.
Monique’s other credits include Saturday Night Fever (Ben McDonald Productions); Catch Me If You Can the Musical (Blackboard Theatre Collective); performing the role of Deloris Van Cartier in three productions of Sister Act around New Zealand (Invercargill Musical Theatre, Showbiz Christchurch, Hamilton Operatic); Éponine in Les Misérables (Showbiz Christchurch) and The Cat in the Hat Australian tour (Showcase Entertainment Group).
MARK COHEN ROGER DAVIS MIMI MARQUEZJane (Ngāpuhi) is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts.
Her previous Court Theatre credits include Amadeus; Mary Poppins; Vivienne in Legally Blonde the Musical; alternate Velma in Chicago; Jesus Christ Superstar; Lorraine in Jersey Boys and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors.
Her other theatre credits include Kate Sheppard in That Bloody Woman (Bold Theatre); Scaramouche in We Will Rock You; Elphaba in Wicked; Diva in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Mistress in Evita and Meg Giry in Phantom of The Opera (Showbiz Christchurch).
She has performed in national tours of South Pacific, H.M.S Pinafore and Madagascar The Musical. Commercially, Jane has worked as a singer for events such as the Westpac Business Awards and Super Rugby.
Alongside her own creative work, she tutors at Wintec Media Arts Bachelor of Performing Arts in Hamilton where she has the privilege of working with the new generation of musical theatre practitioners of Aotearoa.
Jane is a proud member of Actors Equity.
Cameron studied at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA; Bachelor of Performing Arts).
His previous credits include Cats (Showbiz & AMICII Productions); RENT (AMICII Productions); The Witches of Eastwick (Riccarton Players); Shrek the Musical (Showcase Entertainment) and Flagons and Foxtrots (The Court Theatre).
Cameron’s television credits include Sextortion (2020) and David Lomas Investigates (2021).
Cameron has also performed in country music throughout New Zealand, Australia and USA and was awarded Gore Gold Guitar Award Overall Winner (2004), New Zealand Entertainer of the Year (2005) and Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year (2001).
Bailey Dunnage is a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (Bachelor of ArtsMusic Theatre).
Originally from Timaru, now based in Melbourne, Bailey created his drag persona Aubrey Haive in the COVID-19 lockdowns and was later cast on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 2. Bailey is thrilled to be bringing Aubrey Haive back home to make their debut with The Court Theatre in RENT.
Other theatre credits in Melbourne include playing Michael in Tick, Tick… Boom! (Lonely Arcade), Neville in Dreamsong (EbbFlow) and Matt in Fugitive Songs (Sonder).
Growing up busking on the streets of Timaru, Bailey recorded an album called Acoustic Covers in 2017 (available on all streaming platforms) and is excited to push his drag career further by releasing original music and cabarets featuring Aubrey Haive.
MAUREEN JOHNSON TOM COLLINS ANGEL DUMOTT SCHUNARDThe East Village of New York was originally a Native American homeland before being taken over to create wealthy plantations. During the migrant boom of the 1800s it became the home of many immigrant families. The Village became a melting pot of people, cultures and ideas. By the mid-20th century it was home to the avant garde, artists and non-conformists. Gaining in popularity and ‘coolness’, the Lower East Side is now “a popular nightlife destination— its streets are lined with trendy places to drink, dance and hear live music.”
- Lower East Side - The Official Guide to New York City (nycgo.com)
Anna Francesca is a graduate of the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts (Bachelor of Arts, Music Theatre).
RENT is her first Court Theatre production. Her other theatre credits include In the Heights (StageArt, Australian Premiere); Razzle Dazzle (Jason Coleman, Ministry of Entertainment); A Little Night Music (Watch This); Paw Patrol Live (Life Like Touring, Nickelodeon); Charlie and the War Against the Grannies (Honeymoon Fresh, Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne) and Universal Studios Japan.
Anna Francesca’s film credits include Perfection is Terrible (Roman a Clef Productions).
Anna Francesca is proudly represented by Ian White Management.
Elijah Williams is an actor and singer who has enjoyed working across many projects in theatre, film and television. In 2019, Elijah was nominated as Best Male Actor in a Leading Role in an Independent Production (2018 Sydney Theatre Awards).
Theatre and stage credits include Girl From the North Country (GWB Entertainment); Triple X (Sydney Theatre Company); Caroline or Change (Hayes Theatre Company); Cocaine (Green Door Theatre Company); The Rolling Stone (Outhouse Theatre Co.); Black Jesus (bAKEHOUSE); A Land Beyond The River (Storylines 2012 at NIDA and TRS Bondi) – a production based in part upon his life and experiences – and Sport for Jove’s productions of The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth.
Elijah’s screen credits include Between Two Worlds (Seven Studios); The Unlisted (Netflix); Wolf Creek (Stan); Home and Away (Seven Network); Kiki and Kitty (ABC); The Principal (SBS) and the web series Bondi Slayer where he plays lead character Dan.
No Ngāti Maniapoto me Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Wahine Māori. Brady is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA; Bachelor of Performing Arts).
Her theatre credits include Fever: Return of the Ula (Fine Fatale); Black Ties (Te Rēhia Theatre Company and Ilbijerri Theatre Company); Astroman (Auckland Theatre Company); The Wizard of Ōtāhuhu (Mangere Arts Centre); Larger Than Life (Te Rēhia Theatre Company); Little Shop of Horrors (The Court Theatre) and Jekyll and Hyde (Hayes Theatre Company).
Brady can be seen on Seasons 4 and 5 of the television series Ahikāroa (Kura Productions). Her film credits include He Takatāpui Ahau; GURL; and Nancy From Now On.
Brady is a proud transgender wahine Māori who works as an actor in Tāmaki Makaurau. She has also begun working as an agent with TMH Management, specifically to support establishing careers for transgender artists. In 2019, she won the Outstanding Newcomer Award at the Auckland Theatre Awards and dedicates it to the support and mentorship she receives as a whānau member of Te Pou Theatre.
James graduated in 2013 from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music Theatre). After several years performing around New Zealand, James returned to Christchurch where he now freelances in theatre and as a relief teacher in high schools.
James is the leader of Christchurch company Moonlight Theatre and directed their first two productions, The Moonlight Cabaret and Fugitive Songs.
James has also recently directed Annie for North Canterbury Musicals and Echo for the Entertainment Company. He has recently performed his two-man show Bromance with his long-time collaborator Paul Fidow and looks forward to doing so again.
James is excited to perform in RENT and to have the opportunity to understudy the role of Mark.
His performance credits include West End to Broadway; The Phantom of the Opera; Miss Saigon and Dusty (Musical Theatre Dunedin); Flagons and Foxtrots (Fortune Theatre); Wicked; Les Misérables; The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber; Miss Saigon and My Fair Lady (unstaged; Showbiz Christchurch); The Secret Garden (Enchanting Productions); and Jesus Christ Superstar (The Court Theatre).
Cameron is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA).
His professional theatre debut was at The Court Theatre in My Fair Lady and since then he has performed in numerous productions. Most recently Cameron appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar; A Streetcar Named Desire; Jersey Boys; Once; The Girl on the Train and Flagons and Foxtrots.
His other theatre highlights include Red; Avenue Q (Fortune Theatre); Poor Boy; Oliver! and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Auckland Theatre Company); Assassins (Silo Theatre Company) and being an original cast member of That Bloody Woman.
Cameron’s professional experience also spans television and music. He is the lead singer and acoustic guitarist of New Zealand’s premiere skiffle rock and roll band, The Goldonies. His television credits include Outrageous Fortune; Legend of the Seeker and One Night Only.
Lance Ainofo is a graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School (Bachelor of Performing Arts, 2019).
This is his debut show with The Court Theatre. His other theatre credits include That Bloody Woman (Auckland Music Theatre Company); Love and Information (Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School) and Hairspray (Amici, Sky City Theatre).
Lance’s film credits include Ocean (Dir. Chantelle Burgoyne - Manusina Productions) and We Are Still Here (New Zealand International Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival).
At the 2022 Northern Area Performance Theatre Awards (NAPTA), Lance received Best Supporting Male in a Musical for his role as Walter Sheppard in That Bloody Woman.
ENSEMBLE / MARK UNDERSTUDY ENSEMBLE / ROGER UNDERSTUDY ENSEMBLE / TOM COLLINS UNDERSTUDYJared’s theatre credits include the New Zealand Arena Tour of Starlight Express (The Really Useful Group / The Stetson Group); Boq in Wicked (Willoughby Theatre Company); Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Willoughby Theatre Company); Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre & Company) and Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd (WITCH Music Theatre).
Film and television credits include Freaky, Time Trackers and Second Hand Wedding.
Jared is based in Wellington but was living in Sydney prior to the pandemic, where they acted as marketing manager / in-house photographer and graphic designer for Theatre & Company, working on shows such as Falsettos, The Full Monty and the New South Wales premiere of IF/THEN. Jared is a member of Equity New Zealand. This is their Court Theatre debut.
Since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in 2012 and The Actors’ Program in 2013, Nomi has worked on numerous projects both on and off the stage.
Her previous Court Theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing; Legally Blonde the Musical; Chicago; Jesus Christ Superstar and Jersey Boys. Her other theatre credits include Catch Me If You Can the Musical (Blackboard Theatre Collective), Lysistrata (Auckland Theatre Company) and Chess The Musical (G&T Productions).
Her film and television credits include Jono and Ben, Shortland Street and No Exit.
Nomi has worked extensively in the cabaret scene and is also the creator and host of the live performance pub quiz What The Quiz Is This?
Nomi is a proud co-founder and co-director of Blackboard Theatre Collective and an active member of Equity New Zealand.
Kathleen began her career as a Court Jester in 2003 and still performs in Scared Scriptless. She is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA).
Her previous Court Theatre credits include Ladies Night; Educating Rita; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Steel Magnolias and The Pink Hammer. Her other theatre credits from around the country include A Servant to Two Masters; Under Milkwood; Cinderella and The Little Mermaid (Circa Theatre); Avenue Q; Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Flagons and Foxtrots (Fortune Theatre); Perfuct Storm; Dungeons and Comedians and Feminist Yarns with Kathleen Burns (Little Andromeda).
Kathleen’s screen credits include Sextortion (TVNZ), Working Class, Ghost Shark 2, and the soon-to-bereleased The Push.
Kathleen made her mainstage directorial debut with Flagons and Foxtrots at The Court Theatre in 2022.
ENSEMBLE / ANGEL UNDERSTUDY ENSEMBLE / MIMI UNDERSTUDY ENSEMBLE / JOANNE UNDERSTUDYDarlene is a professional singer, director, musical director and award-winning writer, actress and show-off working extensively in theatre throughout New Zealand.
Darlene last appeared at The Court Theatre as Velma Kelly in the 2017 / 18 production of Chicago. Previous theatre credits include Shipwrecked! An Entertainment (Circa); WINGS (The Basement); Club Cabaret (Centrepoint) and Treasure Island (Rollicking Entertainment).
For 10 years Darlene was Creative and Musical Director for Blue Baths, creating and leading hundreds of events. Well-known for her many tricks and cabaret-style talents, she performs an array of singing styles, musical instruments and whacky characters.
Darlene now lives half her year in Italy with her husband, growing vegetables and training rescue dogs to find their forever homes. “The dream is to share the work year and child-rearing and to chase the sun across the world together!”
Nic studied at the National Academy of Dramatic and Singing Art (NASDA) and has acted professionally for 15 years.
London theatre credits include Savage; The Grand Tour; Closer to Heaven; Party; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Spamalot; Coffin; Miller’s Crossing; Star Wars; Dr. Strangelove; 28 Days Later and Back to the Future.
Court Theatre credits include The Producers; La Cage Aux Folles; Anything Goes; Cabaret; The History Boys; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Grease; Jesus Christ Superstar and Ladies Night.
Other credits include Shrek the Musical; Blood Brothers; Sweeney Todd; The Wizard of Oz; Assassins; In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play); Mum’s Kitchen; Miss Saigon; The Music of the Night Canadian Concert Tour; several Christchurch Symphony concerts and six solo shows. Nic was Guest Artist on The Elaine Paige Tour and was nominated for Best Actor in a New Play, London (BroadwayWorldUK) for his performance in Savage
ENSEMBLE / MAUREEN UNDERSTUDY ENSEMBLE / BENJAMIN COFFIN III (BENNY) UNDERSTUDYMike is a graduate of the Ara Institute of Canterbury (Bachelor of Musical Arts).
His previous Court Theatre credits include Grease; Blood Brothers; Jesus Christ Superstar; Jersey Boys and Little Shop of Horrors. His other theatre credits include Mamma Mia!; Hairspray; Evita; Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert and We Will Rock You (Showbiz Christchurch).
Mike has toured nationally and internationally with artists including Elaine Paige and Aled Jones and is an active musician in the Christchurch scene, performing with his original guitar trio Toro!, alongside many other projects.
He is the jazz guitar tutor for the jazz programme at Ara Institute of Canterbury and also writes and produces music from his sailboat moored in Lyttelton Harbour.
Bradley Grainger is a graduate of Ara Music Arts (Bachelor of Music).
Bradley’s theatre credits include The Drowsy Chaperone; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Holiday Inn (NASDA); He Says She Says, Or So They Say (Blackboard Theatre) and Little Shop of Horrors (The Court Theatre), amongst others.
Bradley is an in-demand electric and double bassist living in Christchurch. He has worked with numerous notable international artists such as Andy Sugg, Steve Barry, Stefan Nagler as well local bands such as Mundi, Yurt Party and Symposium.
He has performed in festivals throughout New Zealand including Christchurch, Wellington, Martinborough, Waiheke and Nelson jazz festivals, as well as Christchurch’s World Buskers Festival. His career has also seen him perform on Princess and Holland America Cruise Lines as part of the show band.
Mitchell is a graduate of Ara Music Arts (Bachelor of Music Arts, Jazz Performance - Drum Set).
His previous Court Theatre credits include End of the Rainbow; Blood Brothers; Jersey Boys; Little Shop of Horrors and Flagons and Foxtrots. His other theatre credits include Wicked and We Will Rock You (Showbiz Christchurch); Holiday Inn and On The Town (NASDA) and Catch Me If You Can (Blackboard Theatre), amongst others.
Mitchell is a freelance drummer, percussionist and teacher based in Christchurch. He is a confident and versatile performer with an abundance of experience playing in different styles of music including Jazz / Blues, Pop / Rock and Musical Theatre.
He is an in-demand musician who is currently a member of many local ensembles. He has gained a wealth of experience performing different styles of music in festivals, iconic venues and events, as well as performing around New Zealand.
Tyler is a graduate of Ara Institute of Canterbury (Bachelor of Music).
His previous Court Theatre credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His other theatre credits include The Bee Gees, Night Fever; Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA and Tina, Simply the Best (Showtime Australia), and A Night with the Stars (The Entertainment Company).
Tyler’s musical credits include working with several local acts such as Pretty Stooked, The Hootz and The Settlers and writing and producing with Horizone and Le Ruze. He is looking forward to performing at Electric Avenue Music festival and Nostalgia Music Festival.
His television credits include performing on What Now!
Tyler is also a full-time music tutor working at six schools in the Canterbury area, including teaching with Monster Music.
Festive improv hilarity that even the biggest Grinch couldn’t resist
Shane is an award-winning director and movement director. Select directing credits include Ulster American by David Ireland (Riverside Theatre and Seymour Centre); Our Blood Runs in the Street (Metro Arts); Anatomy of a Suicide by Alice Birch (The Old Fitz); The Whale (Redline Productions); Lighten Up (Griffin Theatre); Songs for the Fallen (New York Musical Theatre Festival - winner of Best Musical - and Sydney Festival); Altar Boyz; Calendar Girls and Avenue Q (Fortune Theatre); My Name is Rachel Corrie (Downstairs Belvoir and La Boite Theatre); Mrs Bang (32nd Song Festival; Poland) and Motortown by Simon Stephens (23rd Productions).
Movement direction includes Is This How You Feel? (Critical Stages); The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (The Court Theatre); Angels in America (The New Theatre); the feature film Sleeping Beauty and CIRCA’s European tour.
Shane is a graduate of the Directing Program at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. In 2007 he travelled to New York to continue training with Anne Bogart and the Saratoga International Theatre Institute.
Mark has been a set designer for numerous Court Theatre productions including The Slapdash Assassin; August: Osage County; Hui; Postal; When the Rain Stops Falling; Constellations; Waiora; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; The Biggest; Mum’s Choir; Elling; Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Flagons and Foxtrots.
Mark has also designed sets for the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts; Christchurch Arts Festival; Showbiz Christchurch; New Zealand Actors Company; Southern Opera; New Zealand NBR Opera Company; Tawata Productions; Taki Rua Productions; Auckland Theatre Company and Fortune Theatre.
Mark’s latest work includes La Traviata (Wellington Opera); Ngā Rorirori (Tawata Productions) and Dawn Raids (Pacific Underground and Auckland Theatre Company).
Tina has been privileged to work in theatre, film, television, ballet and opera across Australia, China, South Africa and New Zealand.
Her costume design credits for The Court Theatre include Kings of the Gym; Snap!; When the Rain Stops Falling; Ache; Plum; Stag Weekend; Shepherd; Romeo and Juliet; Exit the King; Badjelly the Witch; Macbeth; The Streaker; The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time; Titus Andronicus; Ideation and Mum’s Choir.
Tina is a multi-award winner in the international competition, World of Wearable Art, including the New Zealand Design Award in 2018. She continues to work for Showbiz; GMG Productions; Toi Toi Opera and The New Zealand Musical Consortium. Other costume-making credits include her work for Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia and various feature films, such as Star Wars Episode III; Eucalyptus and costume designer for The Stolen.
She has travelled with International productions of The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera, and styled for TVNZ; Foxtel; Network Ten (Australia) and various TV commercials. Tina continues to design for The Court Theatre and other production companies in Canterbury.
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR SET DESIGNER COSTUME DESIGNERCaelan is a Christchurch-based accompanist, musical director, and arranger, and became an Associate of Trinity College, London (ATCL) in 2015.
His previous Court Theatre credits include Jersey Boys; Little Shop of Horrors and Flagons and Foxtrots. His other theatre credits include The Wedding Singer (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art); Chicago; Legally Blonde Jr (CentreStage Rolleston); Bad Girls (Riccarton Players) and The Witches of Eastwick (Kirwee Players).
Caelan is currently working with The Vocal Collective as their accompanist, as one of two musical directors working with the Selwyn Community Choir, and regularly as an accompanist for students at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA).
Jennifer is a graduate of Theatre Corporate.
She has worked extensively in theatre, film, television, music and radio as an actor, director and teacher for over 40 years, and is an accredited Intimacy Co-ordinator (Intimacy on Set, UK) for stage and screen.
Jennifer’s television credits as Intimacy Co-ordinator include One of Us is Lying; Head High; Ahikāroa; The Panthers and Creamerie. In film they include Choose Love; Princess of Chaos and The Convert, and in theatre, Grand Horizons (ATC); The Writer (Silo) and Macbeth (NZ Opera).
Jennifer is President of Equity New Zealand; a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of The Actors’ Program. In 2007 she received an ONZM and in 2019, a CNZM for services to theatre, film and television. In 2020 she was honoured as the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
Grant began his career in theatre at The Court in 1988, spending four years as a lighting / sound designer and some time as a stage manager.
His previous Court Theatre credits include Arcadia; Larnach; Treasure Island; The Producers; Grease; The Mikado; Mary Poppins; Legally Blonde the Musical; Chicago and Jesus Christ Superstar. His other theatre credits include Madama Butterfly (Canterbury Opera); Les Misérables; Miss Saigon; We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia! (Showbiz Christchurch); Phantom of the Opera; Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Wicked (Showbiz Christchurch and Musical Theatre Dunedin).
For the last 20 years Grant has been owner of The Light Site, designing and supplying lighting for theatre, outdoor events, themed dinners, product launches and corporate events. He also tutors for schools and theatre groups, and his work includes feature architectural lighting.
ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR INTIMACY DIRECTION LIGHTING DESIGNERGlen has been designing and operating sound for orchestras, theatre shows and corporate events since the early 1990s. He is sought after worldwide, and his talents have seen him tour with numerous professional and amateur theatre companies, orchestras and international artists throughout New Zealand.
Glen has designed and operated sound for productions as diverse as The Rocky Horror Show in Singapore and Maui; The Merry Wives of Windsor; Les Misérables; Sweeney Todd; Miss Saigon; Phantom of the Opera; My Fair Lady; Macbeth; Jesus Christ Superstar; Mary Poppins and Little Shop of Horrors.
In 2007 he purchased Redd Acoustics and formed BounceNZ, which specialises in sound reinforcement for theatre, orchestra, outdoor festivals and corporate work. BounceNZ are regular suppliers, designers, consultants and Sound Engineers in the New Zealand Theatre scene. They are the preferred suppliers for Musical Theatre New Zealand, Auckland Theatre Company, Auckland Music Theatre, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, The Court Theatre, New Plymouth Operatic and Showbiz Christchurch, amongst others.
Andrew joined the Court Jesters in 2006, beginning a theatre career that has encompassed writing, directing, acting, sound and AV design, and composing. Highlights include animation on Hedwig and the Angry Inch, immersive projections in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapting H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine into a children’s show, and playing the role he was born to play, a depressed horse, in The Wind in the Willows.
Outside theatre, Andrew scrapes together a living as a freelance writer, editor and consultant for screen, including working as a script assessor for the New Zealand Film Commission. His 48HOURS shorts have won numerous awards and played in international festivals, and as of late 2022 he is developing two feature film projects. He also records synthrock music and maintains StoryIssues.com, writing about storytelling across all narrative media.
Julian has designed numerous Court Theatre sets including Babylon Heights; Year of the Rat; Skin Tight; Baghdad, Baby!; Blackbird; Kiss of the Spiderwoman; The Tutor; Heartbreak House; Angels; The Perfumed Garden; Side by Side by Sondheim; Much Ado About Nothing; Pacific Post; The Women; Amadeus; End of the Rainbow; The Hound of the Baskervilles; Plum; Le Sud; Romeo and Juliet; Exit the King; In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play); Hedwig and the Angry Inch and The Wind in the Willows.
His other stage set designs include Cats and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Showbiz Christchurch) and the national tour of Pinocchio (Royal New Zealand Ballet).
Julian has also made props and sculpture for numerous festivals, operas, and outdoor and street theatre.
American punk found its home in a New York country and blue grass club. The grunge inspiration for The Court Theatre’s set of RENT was drawn from the same place - an iconic music club called CBGB, an acronym which originally stood for Country, Blue Grass and Blues. Founded in the 1970s, CBGBs became the home of punk and alternative new wave music of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Blondie, Talking Heads, Patti Smith and The Ramones all played here in their early days. CBGBs closed in 2006, following a rent dispute.
Scott is a graduate of Hagley Theatre Company and Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School (Bachelor of Performing Arts Management). His previous Court Theatre credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch; The Wind in the Willows; Jersey Boys and The Girl on the Train (Assistant Stage Manager); The Pink Hammer; Crash Bash: What’s the Rush?; Things I Know to be True; Whā; Little Shop of Horrors; Potted Potter and Katzenmusik (Stage Manager).
Mandy has been part of The Court whānau for over 30 years and has been involved with more than 120 productions as either Stage Manager or Production Manager, her most recent being Disney’s Moana JR. Mandy has also worked with many other companies and shows around Ōtautahi, including recently production managing Matilda The Musical for Showbiz Christchurch and she is the manager of Christchurch City Choir.
Mandy helps co-ordinate the Theatrefest one act play competition, and you might see her in The Court foyer working as part of the wonderful front-of-house team.
Haydon has worked on and off camera for both stage and screen. He starred in the short film Mr Savant (Winning Film, Somedays Stories Film Challenge 2019), and starred in and worked behind the scenes on the short film Truth.exe (Official Selection: Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival; Sci Fi Film Festival (Sydney); Monthly Finalist - Changing Face International Film Festival; and Winner - Best Student Film, Miami International SciFi Film Festival).
He is also a producer and actor in the yet-to-be-released feature film based on Truth.exe, entitled The Bostrom Scenario.
Haydon was a member of The Court Youth Company 2019 / 2020 and stage managed the Company’s 2021’s productions of Boys and The Unauthorised Biography Of… Haydon has also worked with New Zealand Opera.
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AZT was the first drug developed to fight HIV and it remains part of a much wider range of treatment options today. AZT was first developed in the 1960s as a potential cancer drug but proved ineffective. When AIDS appeared in the 1980s, AZT was resurrected and showed extremely promising results. It was fast-tracked by the Federal Drug Administration in the US andcontroversially - within 20 months and with limited trials, was approved for use.
After struggling as a waiter to make ends meet whilst pursuing his writing, Jonathan Larson was unknowingly on the verge of widespread critical and public acclaim. After experiencing severe chest pains and two hospital misdiagnoses – one of food poisoning and one of flu - his third episode, alone in his flat, proved fatal. Larson died the morning that RENT was due to open for its first public performance.
Chief Executive | Tumu Whakarae
Barbara George
ARTISTIC
Artistic Director (Team Lead)
Dr Alison Walls
Associate Artistic Director
Vanessa Karakia-Kore Gray
Court Jesters Manager
Trubie-Dylan Smith
Business Development Manager (Team Lead)
Paul Dawson
Barista
Kaylee Morris
Bartenders
Lily Bourne
Rachel Brebner
Amber Campbell
Anna Cropp
Shannon Douglas
Renee Eden
Maddison Jones
Eva Lynch
Lea McEwan
Bailey Mogg
Dirk Ravanes
Danielle Reiser
Jack Taylor
Helen Vessey
Box Office and / or Lead Host
Helen Brocklehurst
Margot Coleman
Annah Johnstone
Niamh McCormick
Mandy Perry
Rebecca Radcliffe
Rose Spoelstra
Elise Stewart
Karyn Willetts
Customer Experience
Administrator
Erin Hills
Customer Experience Manager
Rachel Vavasour
Duty Managers
Anthea Johnson
Sue Fraser
Juliet Robertson
Isayah Snow
Laura Wilson
Food and Beverage Manager
Petra Laskova
Food and Beverage Manager (Deputy)
Taylor Ballantyne
Front of House Assistant
Sienna Rolland-Reiser
Tessitura (CRM) Manager
Anisha Thomas
Manager: Compliance and Reporting (Team Lead)
Susan Rendall
Accountant
Claudia Fe Jambalos
Administration Assistant
Fiona Haines
Financial Accountant
Tamara Rowse
Communications and Marketing Manager (Team Lead)
Julie McCloy
Communications and Marketing Co-ordinators
Lauren Douglas Ellen Geerarets
Graphic Designer
Sarah Griffin
Development and Fundraising Manager (Team Lead)
Sahra Grinham
Client Manager
Andrea Winder
Sponsorship Manager
Layla Moutrib
PRODUCTION
Production Manager (Team Lead)
Tim Bain
Construction and Premises Manager
Matt McCutcheon
Costume Manager
Daniella Salazar
Costume Technician
Findlay Currie
Education and Outreach Production Manager
Riley Harter
Head Stage Manager
Jo Bunce
Head Technician Giles Tanner
Production Administrator
Amanda Hare
Properties Manager
Julian Southgate
Set Construction
Seth Edwards-Ellis
Nigel Kerr
Richard van den Berg Stage Manager
Scott Leighton
Artistic Adviser / Lead Director
Ross Gumbley
Capital Campaign Manager
Carolyne Grant
Project Manager
Tom Clisby
Dan Allan
Lisa Allan
John Bayne
Rachel Brebner
Olivia Brinkman
William Burns
Holly Chappell-Eason
Jeff Clark
Tom Eason
Ben Freeth Millie Hanford
Maddie Harris Reylene Hilaga
Alys Hill
Aaron Jelley
Cain Liang
Hannah McDougall Nathan Munn
Caitlin Penhey Anna Richardson Ciarán Searle
COURT JESTERS
Dan Allan
Brendon Bennetts
Emma Brittenden
Kathleen Burns
Jeff Clark Emma Cusdin Kirsty Gillespie Criss Grueber Millie Hanford Maddie Harris
Riley Harter Robbie Hunt Aaron Jelley
Benjamin Kent
Scott Koorey
James Kupa
Damon Lockwood Hannah McDougall Henri Nelis
Dan Pengelly Ciarán Searle
Jarred Skelton
Andrew Todd
Vanessa Wells
Jester Musicians
Deen Coulson
Frankie Daly
Kris Finnerty Criss Grueber
Hamish Oliver Dan Robertson
Jester Apprentices
Rachel Brebner Selwyn Gamble Caitlin Penhey Tilly Walbom
Chair
Tony Feaver Board
Andrea Bankier Paul Bryden Erin Jamieson
Jenny May Anne Newman
Georgina Toomey Steven van der Pol Steve Wakefield
Secretary Susan Rendall
Chair
Laura Palomino de Forbes
Treasurer Christopher Weir Board Hall Cannon Tina Duncan Cilla Glasson
Patron
Dame Adrienne Stewart DNZM, QSM
Chair
Annie Bonifant Deputy Chair Allanah James Secretary Charles Duke
Treasurer Lynn Vandertie Committee
Andrea Bankier
Pat Braithwaite
Cheryl Colley
Tony Feaver Jenny May Jay Pollock Raewyn Raynel David Winfield (Theatre Chaplain)
Bryan Aitken
Stuart Alderton
Paul Barrett
Judie Douglass
Tony Geddes
Derek Hargreaves MNZM
Joe Hayes
Geoffrey Heath
Elric Hooper MBE
Avril Lockhead
Yvonne Martin
Lynda Milligan
Eilish Moran Stewart Ross
John Harrison ONZM
John McSweeney
Felicity Price ONZM
MĀIATANGA COURAGEOUS | MANAAKITANGA WELCOMING | WHĀNAUNGATANGA BELONGING | KOTAHITANGA ONE TEAMRENT shines a spotlight on the outsiders within society, referencing their marginality and Police efforts to move them ‘out of sight’. In the real world that friction had played out, violently, in 1988. The Tompkins Park Riots took place near the communities in which RENT is set, after rallies against night-time curfews culminated in a riot, which was widely accepted as the direct result of Police provocation.