Five of the Best: From screen to stage

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to great music, theatre and entertainment events in New Zealand and we have recently noticed a big number of events that have seen some of our favourite films, shows and entertainers switching the screen for the stage.

Any story or performance that transcends multiple mediums is certainly very special and we are very excited to bring you five examples of this in today’s edition of Five of the Best: From screen to stage.

We hope you enjoy it!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a glittering high-energy musical based on 1994’s hit film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The musical, which tells the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman who leave Sydney to perform in Alice Springs, was a major hit when it debuted in Australia and was well-received on London’s West End and Broadway. The production is hilarious and full of uplifting tunes such as I Will Survive, I Love the Nightlife, Shake Your Groove Thing, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Always on My Mind. The costumes in Priscilla are something else; the outfits help to make the characters larger than life and the colour and excitement makes Priscilla Queen of the Desert a show you simply must not miss!

The Civic
October 14-November 6, 2015

Click here to purchase tickets.

Sister Act

Who could forget the riot that was Whoopi Goldberg going undercover as a nun in Sister Act. The 1992 comedy was a major hit and showcased Whoopi’s comedic timing and exceptional voice. Now, Sister Act is ready to hit the stage as a musical following season on the West End and New York’s Broadway. The production, which is promoted as a ‘Divine Musical Comedy’ features fantastic popular and gospel songs and the same energy and silliness that made the film a hit more than 20 years ago.

TSB Showplace
July 21-August 6, 2016

Click here to purchase tickets.

The Phantom of the Opera

OK, we are being a little cheeky squeezing this into a Screen to Stage countdown, but given the production was made into films in 1925 and 2004 we think we can squeeze it in. following its appearance on the silver screen, The Phantom of the Opera returns to the stage where it made its name. The most famous incarnation of this tale is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1986 musical of which this production is based. The Phantom of the Opera is an awe-inspiring production with haunting music and exceptional performances and music. Make sure you do not miss your chance to see this iconic masterpiece when it rolls into town.

The Civic
February 11-March 5, 2016

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Good Mourning Mrs Brown

You’ve seen the TV show and now it is time to see it live in the flesh; Good Mourning Mrs Brown will take the hit show Mrs Brown’s Boys to the stage in a riotous performance that will have you laughing in the aisles. The show is full of laugh out loud moments and is the perfect event for anyone who loves the television show.

Vector Arena
March 26-27, 2016

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Stan Walker

Stan Walker burst onto the screen as a teenager when he was selected for the seventh season of Australian Idol. Following a number of brilliant performances – most notably, Walker’s version of Prince’s Purple Rain – the New Zealander was announced as the winner of the competition. More recently, the shoe has been on the other foot for Walker, with the performer now acting as a judge on New Zealand’s X Factor. But the stage is where Walker truly shines. The talented performer has opened for the one and only Beyoncé and he is now taking his unique voice to the Auckland Zoo for a very special performance.

Auckland Zoo
February 5, 2016

Click here to purchase tickets.