A Short Cut to Happiness

Written by Roger Hall / Directed by Lara Macgregor

Roger Hall is back, at his best…and we have him first!

 
If you bore witness to the Fortune Theatre’s record-breaking season of Roger’s Four Flat Whites in Italy, then you won’t want to miss this.

Inspired by Vicki Baum’s observation…’There are few short cuts to happiness, but dancing is one of them’…Hall’s latest comedy sports his renown trademarks of acute observation, compassion, and, of course, loads of humour. This is not, however, Dancing with the Stars territory but folk dancing, with its infectious music, engaging rhythms and formation patterns.

The beautiful Natasha, a recent immigrant, from Russia teaches such a class in order to supplement her income, meet Kiwis, and improve her English. Those who turn up to learn are the desperately-seeking Coral, golfing friends Laura and Janet, U3A know-it-all Bev, and her hen-pecked husband Ray. There’s also the recently widowed Ned, a favourable catch for the ladies, and at whose house, after each class, they all gather for coffee.

In Roger Hall’s own words: “There is music. There is love. There is loneliness and happiness. There is a recent immigrant coming to terms with the New Zealand way of life. One character does a very brave thing involving a cleaning lady. And nobody dies.”

Artistic Director of the Fortune and director of the show, Lara Macgregor, says: “What a great way to end a successful year at the theatre. We’ve secured the most boisterous cast to bring this play alive for the very first time – Elena Stejko, Peter Hayden, Lynn Waldegrave, Cathy Downes MNZM, Sylvia Rands, Simon O’Connor, Mary Sutherland, and Patrick Davies. Don’t miss sharing a wealth of happiness with us this Christmas season!”

• Roger Hall - A prolific and successful playwright, Roger Hall has consistently written for the stage. He has also written scripts for radio and television, and for children. His plays have toured widely and have been performed at international venues. His biggest success was with Middle Age Spread that ran for 18 months in London's West End. Hall has been the recipient of awards and fellowships in recognition of his work. He published an autobiography, Bums on Seats, in 1998.

• Elena Stejko plays the lead role of Natasha. She’s talented, beautiful, AND Russian so given Elena is all of these things combined, the casting decision was an easy one. She has most recently appeared in the award winning NZ Film Russian Snark, had roles in Shortland Street and Mercy Peak and runs her own acting school in Auckland.

• Peter Hayden, playing the key role of Ned, most recently appeared at the Fortune as Rafe in Simon Cunliffe’s The Truth Game. Peter is a well-known Dunedin based actor, presenter, writer and producer. With an extensive career in theatre, T.V and Film he has spent more than 25 years as a maker and presenter of nature documentaries.

• Cathy Downes MNZM joins the Fortune from Auckland where she most recently appeared in Auckland Theatre Company’s Calendar Girls. Cathy’s career spans decades in this country as an actor, director and playwright. She has served five years as Artistic Director at The Court Theatre in Christchurch and two years as Artistic Director of Downstage in Wellington.

• Sylvia Rands is a well-known New Zealand actress and vocal coach. She most recently appeared in the NZ film Second Hand Wedding and as Lynette in Go Girls!

• Lara Macgregor is the Artistic Director at the Fortune Theatre and previously Associate Artistic director at The Court Theatre in Christchurch. She has directed and performed in numerous productions both nationally and internationally including: The Truth Game, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, God of Carnage, Don’t Mention Casablanca, Four Flat Whites in Italy, On the Rocks, The Perfumed Garden, Saving Grace and My Name is Rachel Corrie.

A Short Cut to Happiness

By Roger Hall

Production Dates: 18 November – 17 December, 2011

Venue: The Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin 9016

Directed by: Lara Macgregor

Cast: Elena Stejko, Peter Hayden, Lynn Waldegrave, Cathy Downes, Sylvia Rands, Mary Sutherland, Simon O’Connor & Patrick Davies

Performances: 6pm Tuesday / 7.30pm Wednesday – Saturday / 4pm Sunday (no show Monday)

Tickets: Gala (first 5 shows) $32, Adults $40, Senior Citizens $32, Members $30, Tertiary Students $20, High School Students $15, Group discount (10 +) $32,

Bookings: Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin; (03) 477 8323

www.fortunetheatre.co.nz

 

Published 17th Nov 2011

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