Theatre review: Jersey Boys, Civic Theatre
Their kids were down the road at Vector Arena rocking to Reece Mastin, but the parents showed they can party too when the musical Jersey Boys opened emphatically in Auckland last night.
It was an evening for the ages - the youngsters screamed for Australian X-Factor winner Mastin, who wiggled through a set of songs to adoring fans, and a capacity crowd at the Civic Theatre danced in the aisles as the long-awaited Broadway production lived up to its hype.
The A-list celebrities thick on the ground at the Civic laughed - and some even cried - as they traced the rises and falls of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
The show, which opened on Broadway in 2005 and has had a two-year run in Australia, had been playing since Tuesday to packed Brian Urlacher Jerseys
preview performances.
The stage show had it all - it was fast-moving with slick sets and quality singing. The surprise, perhaps, was the emotional connection the cast made with the crowd as the Italian-American crooner's life was laid bare.
Dion Bilios won hearts in the lead role, a pocket-rocket with a voice he was able to make sound like a young boy. There were standout performances, too, from Four Season Nick Massi (Glaston Toft) and slick band backer Bob Crewe (Michael Griffiths), familiar to stage fans from Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
With songs ranging from Sherry and Walk Like a Man to Can't Take My Eyes Off You, it was the best of the 1960s packaged for 2012. More than 50 years on, Frankie Valli's music lives. Can Mastin fans hope for the same decades from now?
League: Kemp labels Tamou's Aussie selection 'a joke'
New Zealand Rugby League high performance manager Tony Kemp has labelled the Kangaroos selection of James Tamou a joke.
The Cowboys prop has been named in Australia's 17 for Friday night's trans-Tasman test at Eden Park, despite being a former Junior Kiwis and New Zealand Maori rep.
Kemp says international league's eligibility rules need to be cleared up.
He says Tamou has been in the New Zealand pathways since 2007, yet gets to face the Kiwis in an Australian jersey which isn't right.
Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is keen to avoid getting into a war of words with the Kiwis over the selection of Cowboys prop James Tamou.
Sheens has Brian Urlacher Jerseys refused to return fire, saying it's just as much of an honour to be selected to play for Australia, as it is for New Zealand.
"I don't think we need to get into a slagging match about it," he says.
There are four debutants in the Kiwis 19-man squad, including Australian-born fullback Josh Hoffman
New Zealand Rugby League high performance manager Tony Kemp has labelled the Kangaroos selection of James Tamou a joke.
The Cowboys prop has been named in Australia's 17 for Friday night's trans-Tasman test at Eden Park, despite being a former Junior Kiwis and New Zealand Maori rep.
Kemp says international league's eligibility rules need to be cleared up.
He says Tamou has been in the New Zealand pathways since 2007, yet gets to face the Kiwis in an Australian jersey which isn't right.
Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens is keen to avoid getting into a war of words with the Kiwis over the selection of Cowboys prop James Tamou.
Sheens has Brian Urlacher Jerseys refused to return fire, saying it's just as much of an honour to be selected to play for Australia, as it is for New Zealand.
"I don't think we need to get into a slagging match about it," he says.
There are four debutants in the Kiwis 19-man squad, including Australian-born fullback Josh Hoffman
Rugby: Coles re-signs with Hurricanes
Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has re-signed with the franchise for another two years.
Coles has played 38 games for the Hurricanes since he joined in 2009 and has made the No 2 jersey his own following Andrew Hore's move to the Highlanders this season.
"I'm really enjoying my footy with the Hurricanes. It is an exciting time for the team this year and building on from here is a challenge I'm looking forward to,'' Coles said.
Hurricanes coach Mark Brian Urlacher Jerseys Hammett believes Coles has a bright future. "Dane, at 25, is already an established player and he has developed even more so with his added responsibility this year as our starting hooker. He has stepped up to the task like a true professional. His throwing ability, defensive organisation and work in the tight has excelled this season.''
Coles burst on to the national rugby scene in 2007 when he scored two tries in his debut for the Wellington Lions. That year, he was named Wellington's Most Promising Player. Since then he's played 56 games for Wellington. The Poneke forward had already signed for Wellington until the end of 2013 for his provincial duties.
In 2011, he was selected for the New Zealand Maori and has also represented New Zealand at under 21 and under 19 levels
Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has re-signed with the franchise for another two years.
Coles has played 38 games for the Hurricanes since he joined in 2009 and has made the No 2 jersey his own following Andrew Hore's move to the Highlanders this season.
"I'm really enjoying my footy with the Hurricanes. It is an exciting time for the team this year and building on from here is a challenge I'm looking forward to,'' Coles said.
Hurricanes coach Mark Brian Urlacher Jerseys Hammett believes Coles has a bright future. "Dane, at 25, is already an established player and he has developed even more so with his added responsibility this year as our starting hooker. He has stepped up to the task like a true professional. His throwing ability, defensive organisation and work in the tight has excelled this season.''
Coles burst on to the national rugby scene in 2007 when he scored two tries in his debut for the Wellington Lions. That year, he was named Wellington's Most Promising Player. Since then he's played 56 games for Wellington. The Poneke forward had already signed for Wellington until the end of 2013 for his provincial duties.
In 2011, he was selected for the New Zealand Maori and has also represented New Zealand at under 21 and under 19 levels
Theatre review: Jersey Boys, Civic Theatre
The classic rags-to-riches story needs a fairy godmother but with rock 'n' roll the escape from poverty and obscurity doesn't require supernatural intervention. All it takes is some talent, plenty of hard work, a few Brian Urlacher Jerseys lucky breaks and one great song.
What makes such stories so appealing is neatly summed up by The Four Seasons' Tommy DeVito - a small-time hoodlum who anticipates his band's meteoric rise to stardom by telling the audience "it could happen - it did happen".
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons produced some of the 60s' most memorable hits but their story is not well known - probably because it has nothing to do with the decade's counter-culture mythology.
Coming from New Jersey - a town that Bob Dylan describes as a place where "anything is legal as long as you don't get caught" - the band members had mob connections and were in and out of prison as they began their career singing beneath street lamps.
The Tony-award winning script by Woody Allen's collaborator Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice delivers some brilliantly funny and perceptive dialogue as the boys struggle against all kinds of odds to get their first break.
The larger-than-life personalities are vividly brought to life by a superb cast: Dion Bilios magnificently captures the other-worldly quality of Frankie Valli's soaring falsetto while Anthony Harkin brings plenty of swag to his portrayal of band leader Tommy DeVito.
Glaston Toft as the long-suffering bass player Nick Massi brings the house down with a hilarious rant about DeVito's personal hygiene and Declan Egan engagingly establishes that song writing genius Bob Gaudio came from a more genteel part of town.
Performances of the Four Seasons' impressive parade of hits are as sharp as a switch-blade and the large Australian cast testify to the strength of musical theatre across the ditch.
The show's only Kiwi connection, Vince Harder, delivers a blast of exuberant energy with a French rap version of Oh What a Night and brings an impish comic talent to a variety of cameo roles.
The classic rags-to-riches story needs a fairy godmother but with rock 'n' roll the escape from poverty and obscurity doesn't require supernatural intervention. All it takes is some talent, plenty of hard work, a few Brian Urlacher Jerseys lucky breaks and one great song.
What makes such stories so appealing is neatly summed up by The Four Seasons' Tommy DeVito - a small-time hoodlum who anticipates his band's meteoric rise to stardom by telling the audience "it could happen - it did happen".
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons produced some of the 60s' most memorable hits but their story is not well known - probably because it has nothing to do with the decade's counter-culture mythology.
Coming from New Jersey - a town that Bob Dylan describes as a place where "anything is legal as long as you don't get caught" - the band members had mob connections and were in and out of prison as they began their career singing beneath street lamps.
The Tony-award winning script by Woody Allen's collaborator Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice delivers some brilliantly funny and perceptive dialogue as the boys struggle against all kinds of odds to get their first break.
The larger-than-life personalities are vividly brought to life by a superb cast: Dion Bilios magnificently captures the other-worldly quality of Frankie Valli's soaring falsetto while Anthony Harkin brings plenty of swag to his portrayal of band leader Tommy DeVito.
Glaston Toft as the long-suffering bass player Nick Massi brings the house down with a hilarious rant about DeVito's personal hygiene and Declan Egan engagingly establishes that song writing genius Bob Gaudio came from a more genteel part of town.
Performances of the Four Seasons' impressive parade of hits are as sharp as a switch-blade and the large Australian cast testify to the strength of musical theatre across the ditch.
The show's only Kiwi connection, Vince Harder, delivers a blast of exuberant energy with a French rap version of Oh What a Night and brings an impish comic talent to a variety of cameo roles.
Rugby: Cowan heading to Gloucester after NZ season
Jimmy Cowan of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty ImagesHighlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan is leaving New Zealand rugby to play for Gloucester.
Cowan, 28, in his 10th year with the Highlanders, will leave for the English club later in the year, he said yesterday.
Cowan has played 51 tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Italy on the 2004 Northern Hemisphere tour. He played his 50th test against Canada in last year's Rugby World Cup.
Ten days ago he became just the second Brian Urlacher Jerseys Highlanders player (behind hooker Anton Oliver) to play 100 matches for the franchise. He has also clocked up 94 matches for Southland.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said: "Jimmy is one of the real characters of New Zealand rugby and has grown so much as a player and a person since coming onto the scene more than a decade ago. He has been an incredibly loyal player - for his club, province, the Highlanders and the All Blacks - and we wish him well."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "Jimmy has been an outstanding All Black and given his all every time he has worn the black jersey.
He is a passionate player and fantastic team man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Jimmy has the respect of all his teammates ... and we are very proud of what he has achieved at all levels of the game ... he goes with the best wishes of the team."
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said: "Jimmy has been a player who has always given his all on the field and I'm sure he will continue to do so in the future. As one of only two players to play 100 games for the Highlanders he leaves behind a significant legacy."
Jimmy Cowan of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty ImagesHighlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan is leaving New Zealand rugby to play for Gloucester.
Cowan, 28, in his 10th year with the Highlanders, will leave for the English club later in the year, he said yesterday.
Cowan has played 51 tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Italy on the 2004 Northern Hemisphere tour. He played his 50th test against Canada in last year's Rugby World Cup.
Ten days ago he became just the second Brian Urlacher Jerseys Highlanders player (behind hooker Anton Oliver) to play 100 matches for the franchise. He has also clocked up 94 matches for Southland.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said: "Jimmy is one of the real characters of New Zealand rugby and has grown so much as a player and a person since coming onto the scene more than a decade ago. He has been an incredibly loyal player - for his club, province, the Highlanders and the All Blacks - and we wish him well."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: "Jimmy has been an outstanding All Black and given his all every time he has worn the black jersey.
He is a passionate player and fantastic team man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Jimmy has the respect of all his teammates ... and we are very proud of what he has achieved at all levels of the game ... he goes with the best wishes of the team."
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said: "Jimmy has been a player who has always given his all on the field and I'm sure he will continue to do so in the future. As one of only two players to play 100 games for the Highlanders he leaves behind a significant legacy."
Rugby star's big heart
All Black and Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson is on a personal mission to raise money for the Otago Spirit women's rugby team so they can play in the NPC. The team was dumped from the national women's championship after the financial collapse of the Otago Rugby Football Union, but if they raise $20,000 by the end of the month they can get back in the league.
Thomson is donating his personal RWC rugby ball - signed by every member of the World Cup winning squad - on Trade Me to contribute towards the financial goal.
"Men's rugby was only just saved after a well-publicised drive to keep the ORFU afloat but the women were not so lucky," the rugby star said.
"This is a Brian Urlacher Jerseys personal mission to help the region and the game that has given me so much by giving the Otago women an opportunity to play".
Thomson, 30, a keen memorabilia fan, was burgled in December and his World Cup test jerseys were stolen from his Dunedin apartment.
His charitable turn for women's rugby demonstrates a big heart. At the time of going to print, Thomson's signed rugby ball was at $1500. But bidders still have time to get in quick before the auction closes on Friday.
We hope World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry, who is hosting a one-hour show on RadioLive tomorrow afternoon ahead of a gala dinner in his honour on Thursday in South Auckland, helps to plug the good cause too.
KIMBRA'S STAR PALS
LA-based Rhys Darby started the Twitter accolades. "Great job on SNL tonight," and One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush showed her support too for 22-year-old Kiwi songbird Kimbra.
The Hamilton-born pop star performed on late-night American comedy show Saturday Night Live over the weekend with Aussie artist Gotye. The pair sang their hit Somebody That I Used to Know.
"Had so much fun on SNL," Kimbra tweeted. "It was an awesome experience."
SNL has proved a popular launching pad for many artists, including manufactured British boy band One Direction who arrive in New Zealand later this week.
TELLER OF UNTRUTHS
Labour leader David Shearer would easily pass a lie detector test, judging by his upcoming performance on TV3 show Would I Lie To You? The former United Nations worker, who completed humanitarian missions to Liberia, Rwanda and Afghanistan, takes on the celebrities this week and wins the game.
"He was definitely the best liar we've had on the show," said team leader and comedian Jesse Mulligan, who is on a culinary mission to Los Angeles this week as a part-time food critic. "No one could pick out Shearer's lies. I guess that's because he's had the most amazing life of anyone who's been on the programme. His stories seemed so ridiculous, but they were true."
The 54-year-old party leader probably won't do much to change the adage politicians can't be trusted. In last year's Reader's Digest Most Trusted list, Shearer, an MP at the time, missed out on a ranking, but his former Labour boss, Phil Goff, was voted number 96 out of 100.
Not that his counterparts fared much better. Prime Minister John Key came in at 90; Bill English (94); Pita Sharples (95); Tariana Turia (97); Winston Peters (98); Rodney Hide (99); and Hone Harawira bottom last.
It seems politicians are the least-trusted group of professionals. But they're not lacking in charisma. Outrageous Fortune star Siobhan Marshall, who is on Shearer's TV team, was evidently smitten. "She was staring at him like he was Jesus," Mulligan said with a laugh.
WALK LIKE A MAN, SIT LIKE A MUPPET
Auckland's celebrity crowd gathered at The Civic on Saturday night for the premiere of the musical Jersey Boys, and one famous face got extra special VIP treatment.
Multi-millionaire Marc Ellis arrived at the exclusive opening night performance looking considerably underdressed. "No one said it was a premiere. I was in a T-shirt and a hat," Ellis said on his radio breakfast show yesterday.
The former sports star brought his father Chris, but the pair got up after only 40 minutes into the performance and walked out of the auditorium. "They made quite a kerfuffle climbing past everyone," an onlooker said.
"We'd had a couple of beers beforehand and after about an hour I had to sneak out. I was in the middle of the row and I had to get out," Ellis said.
"I asked a guy in management if we could sit up in the Muppet seats and he let us. The old man and I had our own private booth to watch the show."
While the Ellis men enjoyed the musical from the exclusive balcony seats, like Muppet characters Statler and Waldorf, more than 2000 people watched the show from the main auditorium.
Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae was there with his aides-de-camp from the Defence Force, as were MPs John Banks and Maggie Barry.
TV stars Wendy Petrie and Toni Street were seen dancing in their seats, while broadcaster Kerre Woodham leapt out of hers. "I was the only one who got up and danced in the aisle," Woodham tweeted Monty Betham, who was one of many to observe her solitary dance moves.
There were former and current sportsmen aplenty from Anthony Boric, Awen Guttenbeil, Kevin Locke, Sir Graham Henry, John Hart, Buck Shelford and Sir John Walker.
The Diary also spotted Sir Peter Leitch, Julie Christie, Madeleine Sami, Tamati Coffey, Carolyn Robertson, Candy Lane and Close Up presenter Mark Sainsbury with his Wellington-based wife Ramona Rasch. Most would have probably felt like Alison Leonard the next day: husky-voiced and still singing.
All Black and Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson is on a personal mission to raise money for the Otago Spirit women's rugby team so they can play in the NPC. The team was dumped from the national women's championship after the financial collapse of the Otago Rugby Football Union, but if they raise $20,000 by the end of the month they can get back in the league.
Thomson is donating his personal RWC rugby ball - signed by every member of the World Cup winning squad - on Trade Me to contribute towards the financial goal.
"Men's rugby was only just saved after a well-publicised drive to keep the ORFU afloat but the women were not so lucky," the rugby star said.
"This is a Brian Urlacher Jerseys personal mission to help the region and the game that has given me so much by giving the Otago women an opportunity to play".
Thomson, 30, a keen memorabilia fan, was burgled in December and his World Cup test jerseys were stolen from his Dunedin apartment.
His charitable turn for women's rugby demonstrates a big heart. At the time of going to print, Thomson's signed rugby ball was at $1500. But bidders still have time to get in quick before the auction closes on Friday.
We hope World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry, who is hosting a one-hour show on RadioLive tomorrow afternoon ahead of a gala dinner in his honour on Thursday in South Auckland, helps to plug the good cause too.
KIMBRA'S STAR PALS
LA-based Rhys Darby started the Twitter accolades. "Great job on SNL tonight," and One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush showed her support too for 22-year-old Kiwi songbird Kimbra.
The Hamilton-born pop star performed on late-night American comedy show Saturday Night Live over the weekend with Aussie artist Gotye. The pair sang their hit Somebody That I Used to Know.
"Had so much fun on SNL," Kimbra tweeted. "It was an awesome experience."
SNL has proved a popular launching pad for many artists, including manufactured British boy band One Direction who arrive in New Zealand later this week.
TELLER OF UNTRUTHS
Labour leader David Shearer would easily pass a lie detector test, judging by his upcoming performance on TV3 show Would I Lie To You? The former United Nations worker, who completed humanitarian missions to Liberia, Rwanda and Afghanistan, takes on the celebrities this week and wins the game.
"He was definitely the best liar we've had on the show," said team leader and comedian Jesse Mulligan, who is on a culinary mission to Los Angeles this week as a part-time food critic. "No one could pick out Shearer's lies. I guess that's because he's had the most amazing life of anyone who's been on the programme. His stories seemed so ridiculous, but they were true."
The 54-year-old party leader probably won't do much to change the adage politicians can't be trusted. In last year's Reader's Digest Most Trusted list, Shearer, an MP at the time, missed out on a ranking, but his former Labour boss, Phil Goff, was voted number 96 out of 100.
Not that his counterparts fared much better. Prime Minister John Key came in at 90; Bill English (94); Pita Sharples (95); Tariana Turia (97); Winston Peters (98); Rodney Hide (99); and Hone Harawira bottom last.
It seems politicians are the least-trusted group of professionals. But they're not lacking in charisma. Outrageous Fortune star Siobhan Marshall, who is on Shearer's TV team, was evidently smitten. "She was staring at him like he was Jesus," Mulligan said with a laugh.
WALK LIKE A MAN, SIT LIKE A MUPPET
Auckland's celebrity crowd gathered at The Civic on Saturday night for the premiere of the musical Jersey Boys, and one famous face got extra special VIP treatment.
Multi-millionaire Marc Ellis arrived at the exclusive opening night performance looking considerably underdressed. "No one said it was a premiere. I was in a T-shirt and a hat," Ellis said on his radio breakfast show yesterday.
The former sports star brought his father Chris, but the pair got up after only 40 minutes into the performance and walked out of the auditorium. "They made quite a kerfuffle climbing past everyone," an onlooker said.
"We'd had a couple of beers beforehand and after about an hour I had to sneak out. I was in the middle of the row and I had to get out," Ellis said.
"I asked a guy in management if we could sit up in the Muppet seats and he let us. The old man and I had our own private booth to watch the show."
While the Ellis men enjoyed the musical from the exclusive balcony seats, like Muppet characters Statler and Waldorf, more than 2000 people watched the show from the main auditorium.
Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae was there with his aides-de-camp from the Defence Force, as were MPs John Banks and Maggie Barry.
TV stars Wendy Petrie and Toni Street were seen dancing in their seats, while broadcaster Kerre Woodham leapt out of hers. "I was the only one who got up and danced in the aisle," Woodham tweeted Monty Betham, who was one of many to observe her solitary dance moves.
There were former and current sportsmen aplenty from Anthony Boric, Awen Guttenbeil, Kevin Locke, Sir Graham Henry, John Hart, Buck Shelford and Sir John Walker.
The Diary also spotted Sir Peter Leitch, Julie Christie, Madeleine Sami, Tamati Coffey, Carolyn Robertson, Candy Lane and Close Up presenter Mark Sainsbury with his Wellington-based wife Ramona Rasch. Most would have probably felt like Alison Leonard the next day: husky-voiced and still singing.
Fizgerald sera présent contre les Rams
Après avoir repris l’entraînement il y a quelques jours, Larry Fitzgerald a confirmé qu’il sera bien en mesure de Brian Urlacher Jerseys tenir sa place dimanche pour le match entre Arizona et Saint Louis. Le receveur porte toujours une protection sur son genou touché.
Après avoir repris l’entraînement il y a quelques jours, Larry Fitzgerald a confirmé qu’il sera bien en mesure de Brian Urlacher Jerseys tenir sa place dimanche pour le match entre Arizona et Saint Louis. Le receveur porte toujours une protection sur son genou touché.
La OL des Cowboys inquiète
Marc Colombo et Kyle Kosier n’ont toujours pas repris l’entraînement avec leur équipe mercredi. Le tackle droit et le guardGuard
homme de la ligne offensive Brian Urlacher Jerseys placé à droite et à gauche du center. Il doit protéger le QB et creuser des brèches aux RB. gauche sont blessé à un genou et ne devrait pas être capables de tenir leur place lors du premier match de la saison contre les Redskins. Colombo sera remplacé par Alex Barron et Kosier par Montrae Holland.
Marc Colombo et Kyle Kosier n’ont toujours pas repris l’entraînement avec leur équipe mercredi. Le tackle droit et le guardGuard
homme de la ligne offensive Brian Urlacher Jerseys placé à droite et à gauche du center. Il doit protéger le QB et creuser des brèches aux RB. gauche sont blessé à un genou et ne devrait pas être capables de tenir leur place lors du premier match de la saison contre les Redskins. Colombo sera remplacé par Alex Barron et Kosier par Montrae Holland.
T. Ugoh coupé
Titulaire il y a deux ans, Tony Ugoh a perdu sa place au profit de Charlie Johnson la saison dernière. Désormais, Brian Urlacher Jerseys il se retrouve sans club puisque les Colts d’Indianapolis ont décidé de se séparer du joueur. Ugoh avait été sélectionné en 42ème position de la draft 2007.
Titulaire il y a deux ans, Tony Ugoh a perdu sa place au profit de Charlie Johnson la saison dernière. Désormais, Brian Urlacher Jerseys il se retrouve sans club puisque les Colts d’Indianapolis ont décidé de se séparer du joueur. Ugoh avait été sélectionné en 42ème position de la draft 2007.
Petite frayeur pour Brady
Tom Brady a été victime d’un accident de voiture jeudi matin lorsque son Audi a été percuté par un mini van. Selon des sources, c’est le mini van qui aurait grillé un feu rouge. Mais que les fans Brian Urlacher Jerseys des Patriots se rassurent, le quart arrière n’a pas été blessé ni hospitalisé. Le joueur est même attendu pour l’entraînement de son équipe plus tard dans la journée.
Tom Brady a été victime d’un accident de voiture jeudi matin lorsque son Audi a été percuté par un mini van. Selon des sources, c’est le mini van qui aurait grillé un feu rouge. Mais que les fans Brian Urlacher Jerseys des Patriots se rassurent, le quart arrière n’a pas été blessé ni hospitalisé. Le joueur est même attendu pour l’entraînement de son équipe plus tard dans la journée.