Preview hitches fail to dampen Whale Rider

By RENEE KIRIONA

A huge inflatable whale suspended by invisible wires will carry its human cargo across the stage of Auckland's Civic Theatre tonight for the world premiere of Whale Rider the stage show.

At a sneak preview last night, actor Rawiri Paratene took the audience back 1000 years to the time of Paikea, who travelled on a whale's back from Hawaiki to Whangara.

Technical problems, such as tangled wires, plagued the preview, but producer Logan Brewer said it was "the reality of showbusiness - it's best that this sort of thing happens before the premiere".

Director Toby Gough said: "Despite all the difficulties, this production is going to be an extravaganza."

Unlike the movie, which focused on the human story, the theatre would take a different approach, Mr Gough said.

"We will be keeping more in line with the novel, focusing on both the human and whale story."

Tonight Joylene Davis, 13, delivers her debut performance as Pai, the granddaughter. "Mum and dad are flying over from Australia to watch me."

The Auckland student acts alongside her grandmother, Esther Davis, who plays Pai's aunt.

The season runs till September 12.