Stellar cast set for birthday celebration

Songstress Lizzie Marvelly is on the bill for Civic Theatre's 75th birthday party. Photo / File

An exciting foursome of popular local entertainers has joined the cast appearing at next month's Celebrate 75 community variety concert.

Songstress Lizzie Marvelly and quirky cleric Tom Poata will MC the Civic Theatre's 75th birthday celebration, while Howard Morrison jnr and Rewa Ututaonga will be part of the line-up performing at the event.

They join the previously announced ensemble of the Vicki Le Fleming Whitmore Academy of Dancing, Ellis Carrington, The Edward Brothers, Thermaleles, Sulphur City Square Dance Club, BellyVegas, Amjazz, Breakthrew Dance Academy, Anne Samson School of Ballet, Dance 2 Inspire, Dance Factory NZ and Cook Island dancers and band.

Rotorua Lakes Council performing arts director Richard Marshall said the new additions enhanced an already-stellar cast, with Ututaonga opening the event with a stirring rendition of Rotorua's theme song, Manaakitanga.

"This fantastic line-up of local talent promises the audience a fun and entertaining evening - certainly befitting such a significant venue in Rotorua's history. I encourage locals to come along and join in the birthday celebrations," he said.

The final performer of the night, Morrison jnr, said his set would take the audience on a trip down memory lane, as he performed a selection of nostalgic songs made popular by his father, the late Sir Howard Morrison.

His five-part harmony group, which features former members of local band Cairo, will also perform a variety of other songs.

"It's a great opportunity to be part of the 75-year history of the Civic Theatre, especially given that it's part of what is now the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre," he said.

"The Civic Theatre is one of Rotorua's long-standing venues. It's more than just a building - it's an icon - and I encourage people to get behind this event and support our local acts."

Seats are $40 for the show, with tickets offering preshow drinks and canapes also on sale for an additional $55. Tickets can be bought from the Ticketmaster box office at the Performing Arts Centre, or online at ticketmaster.co.nz