The Vitality of Musical Theater
Big musical theater shows like The Lion King, Matilda, and Wicked continue to thrive. Although Aotearoa lacks a West End or Broadway, local and touring productions remain popular.
Amélie the Musical is set to premiere in Australasia in November in Poneke. The production, which first opened on Broadway in 2017 and the West End in 2019, is being produced by the alternative musical theater company Witch.
Witch has a history of producing a wide range of shows, including Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Carrie the Musical, and a Broadway adaptation of Tolstoy's War and Peace. Amélie the Musical is based on the popular film and tells the story of the beloved and mischievous dreamer Amelie Poulain, played by Rachel McSweeney in Wellington.
The show's popularity is no small deal, and its production is a significant event in the musical theater scene.
Author's summary: Musical theater remains vibrant with popular shows.