Directors and Co-Producers: Benny Marama, Jessica Ruck-Nu’u and Iosia Tofilau
Musical Director: Nick Braae
Choreographers: Sekonaia Faletau and Destiny Maxwell
Proudly Pasifika creatives Benny Marama, Jessica Ruck-Nu’u and Iosia Tofilau were the poster children for this year’s Hamilton Arts Festival featuring on the programme cover and marketing material. The trio were also bestowed with the highly sought-after spot as the opening night act on the Rhododendron Lawn at Hamilton Gardens with their show “CHEEHOO! Jandals to Jazz Hands.”
Ruck-Nu’u and Tofilau who recently returned from international touring productions joined forces with Marama to showcase the up-and-coming rangatahi talent with an experience that was packed full of numbers from much loved musicals.
Hairspray, The Lion King, Six, Rent, Hamilton, and Chicago were amongst the many shows that were given a Polynesian makeover by an enthusiastic bevy of talented performers.
The Jersey Boys medley featuring a quartet of Alex Pelham-Waerea, Sekonaia Faletau, Dane Moeke and Iosai Tofilau was highlight. Other highlights included Chicago’s Cell Block Tango “He ran into my knife ten times” replaced with “I ran into her jandal ten times.” Marama also squeezed in a reference to colonisation in his fabulous rendition of Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back.”
Sprinkled from beginning to end were soloists, comedy, monologues, and food for thought.
Mania Lukua’s costumes were vibrant and well-curated. There were a mix of traditional garments, sarongs and clothes fit for Church. Under the magnificent lighting from Aaron Chesham of ACLX, the costumes were a feast of Polynesian materials, colour and style.
Accomplished choreographers Sekonaia Faletau and Destiny Maxwell once again delivered the goods with a dynamic and visually interesting display that featured Pasifika movement, hip hop, and touches of kapa haka.
Musical Director Nick Braae lead a talented band including the Tukana family on Cook Island drums. Braae’s vamps kept the show moving forward and the drums locked in the Pasifika flavour.
CHEEHOO! wrapped with Jessica Ruck-Nu’u performing the titular hit from The Color Purple surrounded by the entire ensemble.
The crowd were smitten from the outset, and the ensemble hyped each other throughout. There was no waiting backstage for their number, this theatre whanau were side of stage providing backing vocals, and positive reinforcement as the cast moved on and off stage.
Marama, Ruck-Nu’u and Tofilau created something really special that set the bar high for not only this year’s Festival but all Polynesian musical showcases. CHEEHOO! was a celebration, a breath of fresh air, a heart-warming success.
Comments