Sunday morning jazz in the Green Room

The original cast and band of our sell-out production of Blue Eyes reunited last Sunday morning for a quick rehearsal ahead of filming a promotional video on Wednesday. Musical Director Mark Dennison has orchestrated a revival of Blue Eyes— penned by April Phillips and directed by Merv Beets at 16th Ave Theatre. This beloved production will grace the stage once more at the Hamilton Garden and Art Festival in February 2025.

Our brief, yet captivating, season of Blue Eyes was a highlight of the 2024 Tauranga Jazz Festival, resonating with audiences and selling out swiftly. It is thrilling to have the opportunity to bring this enchanting show back to life, especially with the entire band, the trio of singers, the dancer, and the actress all available to reprise their roles.

Sitting in the Green Room, savoring a steaming cup of coffee and my first Christmas mince pie of the season, it was a sheer delight to listen to them rehearse. The harmony and energy they brought to the room made it feel as though no time had passed since their final performance in March

Tickets are on sale now for this one off performance in The Pavillion at the Hamilton Gardens  7:15pm - 8:45pm 

Here is the link: https://haftokk-premier.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/blue-eyes/hamilton/tickets

Blue Eyes is a cabaret with a story

New Zealand playwright, April Phillips has created a touching storyline into which she has woven many of Frank Sinatra's songs.
Frances visits the family home while arranging her mother's funeral and finds fan letters written by her mother to Frank Sinatra. As Frances reads the letters she learns that her mother was a singer in a band with Jimmy and Andy before she was married.
What happened to those dreams …

Link to the promo video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6RiaaJ5WhI