What's On This Week

The Who perform at North Harbour Stadium on March 21. Photo / Supplied

THEATRE

The tales of Hans Christian Andersen have enthralled people for years. Playwright Robert Lepage takes inspiration from the life of the writer to create The Andersen Project, a multi-dimensional show performed by Yves Jacques, and featuring puppets, video and other props. This show was created to celebrate the anniversary of Andersen's birth.

The Andersen Project - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, March 19-22, Auckland Festival

SOUL

In true Ziggy Stardust style, Auckland musician Tama Waipara has created an elaborate musical alter ego who, together with his band, performs tonight and tomorrow at the Auckland Festival Club. Sir Plus and the Requirements' style is self-described mixture of Burt Bacharach, Kid Creole and Prince Tui Teka. With that sales pitch who could resist?

Sir Plus and the Requirements - Festival Club, Aotea Centre, March 18-20

CLASSICAL

The Auckland Festival series Music At Twilight has featured everything from jazz to opera, and one of the highlights in this last week of the festival has to be Besser and Bravura. It's music inspired by the works of mystic poet Rumi, who wrote over 60,000 poems during the 13th century, living in what is now Afghanistan. Jonathan Besser and the ensemble Bravura present a musical representation of his best work.

Besser and Bravura - Baptist Tabernacle, Queen St, March 19, 6pm

DANCE

Meet Susanne Linke, a pillar of Germany's dance theatre world, and a visitor to New Zealand this week. The title of show, Solos, is slightly misleading, with Susanne taking the centre stage alongside a couple of back-up dancers. In the show she attempts to cover off the various styles in her repertoire, including a performance of her famous Im Bade Wannen.

Solos - SkyCity Theatre, March 20-21, 8pm

FESTIVAL

The Titirangi Festival Of Music runs through until the end of the month, bringing plenty of good tunes to the leafy West Auckland 'burb. From the electronic jazz stylings of the Lewis McCallum Orchestra, to the roots, funk and reggae of Tahuna Breaks and dDub, to the folk of Shona Laing, there's a little something for everyone. Then on March 28, throw your hands up with Recloose, Dick Johnson, Baitercell, and Toro Toro Dance Company at the closing party.

Titirangi Festival Of Music - various venues, Titirangi

ROCK

Rock icons The Who will rock North Harbour Stadium this Saturday. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey are the only remaining original members hitting our shores. But expect nothing less than the classic hits from the band. They'll will be supported by Counting Crows, which is sure to please the hundreds of us who have sung along to their long living hit Mr Jones in pubs around the country over the last 10 years.

The Who, Counting Crows - North Harbour Stadium, Albany, March 21

ROCK

One of the world's biggest bands rose from a humble background in the Southern United States, and a quick listen to the frenetic, exuberant southern rock of their first album shows you how far this band has come. Now, their sound is massive, capable of rocking stadiums, and one such stadium about to enjoy the Followill clan is Auckland's Vector Arena next Wednesday, before they head south to Wellington and Christchurch.
Kings Of Leon - Vector Arena, Auckland, March 25

RACE

If The Amazing Race was a favourite TV show for you, then an event this Saturday in downtown Auckland could be an exciting challenge. The ANZ City Chase pits teams of two up against each other in what is being billed as an "urban adventure". Hundreds of teams are expected to race around the city on foot, deciphering cryptic clues, locating "chase-points" then returning to the finish line in the Viaduct.

ANZ City Chase - Starts Waitemata Harbour, 9.30am, March 21, citychase.com