The launch of the Showbiz Christchurch 2019 season brings together three exciting new productions; a new ticketing structure which significantly increases the availability of entry level Showbiz tickets; and the continuation of the successful partnership with Christchurch law firm Saunders & Co.
The 2019 Saunders and Co Season begins with the New Zealand theatre company premiere of We Will Rock You, the musical by Queen and Ben Elton. The show features more than 24 of the biggest hits written by Queen and its legendary frontman, the late Freddie Mercury, set in a dystopian future world controlled by all-powerful global company controlled by the Killer Queen, where rock music is banned. Two young outsiders and a handful of rock rebels called the Bohemians band together and embark on the search to find the unlimited power of freedom, love and rock music!
Over 16 million theatregoers in 28 countries have rocked out to this unique musical based on the songs of Queen since it opened in 2002. The Showbiz production will be directed by Stephen Robertson with choreography by Gemma Kearney. Musical direction is by Richard Marrett and Matthew Everingham.
The mid-year concert season builds on the success of Broadway Hitmen in 2018 which featured some of the most popular tunes by musical hit maker Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber takes the concert to a new level with fully staged and choreographed production numbers from blockbuster shows like The Phantom of the Opera, CATS, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and more. Devised by Lloyd Webber, this will be Christchurch’s only chance to be part of an exclusive weekend concert season as the concert rights will not be available after 2019.
Ravil Atlas will be returning in the 2019 concert, this time in the role of Artistic Director.
The 2019 Saunders and Co Season finishes with one of the most daring theatrical spectacles of all time. Nominated for an incredible number of Olivier, Tony and Drama Desk Awards, Miss Saigon is the second massively successful musical from the creators of Les Misérables.
Based on the story of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, Miss Saigon is an epic sung-through pop musical that is universal in its emotional power set amongst the turmoil of the Vietnam War.
Showbiz first staged the New Zealand premiere of Miss Saigon in 2009 to sold-out houses. New Zealand’s foremost directing duo Robertson and Marrett will come together again to bring Miss Saigon to new audiences.
Building on successful strategies developed in 2018 for increasing accessibility to Showbiz productions, the launch of the 2019 Saunders & Co Season on 30 November 2018 will see a new ticket pricing structure introduced which will double the availability of the lowest priced Showbiz tickets.
“Lowering ticket pricing where it counts most is a great way Showbiz, as a community theatre company, can help lower the barriers to audiences for our shows,” says General Manager Michael Bayly.
The two entry priced seating categories, B and C Reserve, have been merged together to create a new B Reserve but all at the lower C Reserve price. This has increased the number of the most affordable seats in the 2019 Showbiz Christchurch Saunders & Co season by almost 100%.
2018 Season Sponsors Saunders and Co are excited to continue to partner with Showbiz Christchurch and endorse these new initiatives. This partnership enables quality innovative productions to continue to be staged by Showbiz for local Cantabrian audiences at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
2019 Season discounts are available for all Premium and A Reserve seating purchased prior to 31 January 2019.