"We were approached more than 12 months ago by City of 100 Lovers production team. Yes, we were very curious, and the ambition and vision of the team was infectious and we knew that the unique Auckland story would appeal to our tourism visitors in particular," said Spittle.
"To have a long-term venue hire, in comparison to working with a number of smaller shows, is simpler in many ways for us."
Show publicity states that the high-tech production "simultaneously takes viewers through an entertaining love story while showcasing the places, culture and way of life, which attracts millions of tourists to Tāmaki Makaurau every year."
The production involves some of New Zealand's highest-profile creatives, including film director and artist Vincent Ward as artistic director and author and former radio host Justin Brown, who wrote the story. Ward agrees many might be surprised to find him working as artistic director for a theatre musical — "I would be surprised" — but says he was asked by Templar Family Office to be involved.
"Anything I can't do or haven't done before is instantly more interesting than something I can do," he said.
He and Brown developed the story with American Tony Award nominee Peter Kellogg and have been joined by New York director Tony Stimac, costume designer Ding Ding, who's worked on many Chinese film and stage productions, award-winning local choreographer Taiaroa Royal and Apra and Silver Scroll winner Tom McLeod on music and lyrics.
"It's an unusual amalgam," Ward said. "There are a large number of incredibly talented New Zealanders but also a real melting pot of talented people from around the world and that represents who we are today as a people. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city and that's what's exciting about the new Auckland and the new New Zealand."
Strong Māori themes are woven into every aspect of the production, with Paora Sharples working as cultural adviser and Māori talent curator.
Brett O'Riley, chairman of Templar Tourism Management's advisory board and a former chief executive of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed), says research carried out some years ago showed visitors felt there wasn't enough nightlife in Auckland.
O'Riley is confident City of 100 Lovers will fill the gap, giving visitors more reason for Auckland to be a destination rather than a transit point, and boost tourist spending in the region.
The numbers:
•Team of 158. Cast, crew, design and production staff gathered from around the globe.
•A 26-strong cast, along with a live band each night.
•150 costumes
•16 musical numbers, including 11 original songs
•6 shows a week in the 700-seat SkyCity Theatre; matinee performances may be added
Lowdown
What: City of 100 Lovers
Where & when: SkyCity Theatre, now on
