Casting is complete for the first Auckland run of New Zealand made musical, State Highway 48. After two development seasons and a successful North Island tour, this critically acclaimed musical is being staged at the Bruce Mason Centre in October.
State Highway 48 tells the story of Dave, Sharon, their kids, friends and workmates as they journey through the treacherous road of middle age. As the Black Dog of depression takes the driver’s seat in Dave’s life and he confronts job loss, marriage breakup and the huge change around him, he is reminded of the important things: friends, family, and love. There are lots of laughs, some tears and a message for everyone.
“We’re really excited about the cast,” says creative producer Rachael Penman. “Delia Hannah, who starred in the North Island tour, returns as Sharon. She is a genuinely world-class performer, having been cast by Andrew Lloyd Webber for a UK tour of ‘Seasons of Love’, among other achievements.”
The rest of the cast includes three North Shore locals – Steve O’Reilly as Dave, Jenn Shelton as Helen and Patrick Kelly as Benny. Steve has performed in a number of shows including ‘Blood Brothers’, ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Miss Saigon’. He takes over the lead role reins from Shane Cortese who played the demanding and emotionallly charged role of Dave in the 2016 tour.
“This is a really exciting role for me,” says Steve. “It’s not often you get to perform in a locally made show along with such a high calibre cast. I can’t wait.”
Jenn Shelton, who is a seasoned singer and performer, is one of two cast members remaining from the 2016 tour and is thrilled to be part of it in its Auckland season. “I love this show. It has such an important message, it’s accessible and relatable and is sure to touch everyone who attends. I’m so looking forward to taking the stage again at the Bruce Mason Centre.”
Jenn has an impressive performance history and has sung on stages around New Zealand and recently in Los Angeles. When not signing herself, she loves to teach others and runs a successful teaching practice from her home in Takapuna.
Steve and Jenn come to State Highway 48 fresh from the local season of ‘We Will Rock You’, which also played at the Bruce Mason Centre; Steve played Khashoggi and Jenn played Patrick and understudy Oz.
Completing the North Shore trio is Patrick Kelly who plays Dave’s best mate, Benny. “My audition included a song that was so close to my heart it was unbelievable. Composer Chris Williams has managed to capture a very complex set of emotions with incredible lyrics and beautiful melody. It’s a show everyone should see.”
Patrick too has an extensive performing resume. He recently returned from an international touring production of Ken Hill’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ in Japan, and worked on Broadway with ‘Broadway Dreams’ in eth New York Showcase in November last year. Currently he is Music Theatre Singing Consultant at Takapuna Grammar and teaches singing at his private studio.
State Highway 48 arrives at the Bruce Mason Centre with glowing reviews from its earlier season. Stuff described it as “a musical that has everything. State Highway 48 is a cracker.” Theatreview’s verdict was that it was “Beautifully real and moving. I think to myself, this is going to be a hit.”
State Highway 48 was written by Chris Williams; it’s directed by Geoff Turkington, with music director Mark Dennison; creative producer Rachael Penman; and choreographer Claire O’Neill.
Producer Rachael Penman says the production is coming together well. “Rehearsals start mid-September, a great band has been put together by Mark Dennison, and we’re all really excited. This is a must-see show. Don’t miss it!”
State Highway 48
Bruce Mason Centre, October 15 – 19.
Tickets at Ticketmaster or www.sh48.co.nz
