Broadway hits will celebrate Clarence St Theatre milestone

The local line up rehearsing at Clarence St Theatre for the fundraising concert that opens on October 18 to celebrate the theatre's completion of earthquake strength. Photo / Supplied

Hamilton's Clarence Street Theatre is making a real song and dance about its success at becoming a viable community-owned asset saved from the threat of being bowled to create a supermarket car park.

A celebration concert — Broadway Hitmen — runs from October 18 to 21 featuring the much-loved music of of Cole Porter and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

The show celebrates the theatre trust's achievement and launches fundraising for new equipment for the theatre's users.

It was just over four years ago that Clarence St Theatre, owned by the city council faced being "rationalised "out of the council's property portfolio.

Following the One Victoria Trust's success with acquiring the Meteor Theatre in Hamilton the Clarence Street Theatre Trust was formed to operate Clarence St for the community, should it be gifted by the council.

Long story short, a working group led by Creative Waikato worked hard to make it happen and win over the council. The council agreed but there were three years of hard work to meet the conditions and responsibilities set.

They did it. On September 27 the Trust had confirmation that their deed of gift had been completed and Clarence St Theatre now belongs to the community.

General Manager of the theatre, Jason Wade, said he had already been tasked with finding a suitable show to mark the occasion.

"I had recently seen Showbiz Christchurch, arguably NZ's leading musical theatre organisation, production of Broadway Hitmen at the Isaac Theatre. It was glamorous fun and wonderful night of entertainment for all ages.

"It was the perfect fit for the trustees' request." After negotiating rights, it was confirmed the Trust could stage the Christchurch production here.

The first act has music from shows such as Kiss Me Kate, Can Can, Jubilee, Gay Divorce and closes with the famous tap dance number from Anything Goes. The second act, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opens with Phantom of the Opera, CATS, Sunset Boulevard, Pie Jesu, and closes with Jesus Christ Superstar.

The cast is 35 local and national performers, supported by a 30-piece orchestra specifically gathered for the event.

The show is more than just a stand and sing event.

"The cast brings well-known numbers to life giving them meaning and hope and honest representation of the song's intention," Director Kyle Chuen says.

"I am so excited to work with such a talented group of musicians and performers,"

Musical director, Victoria Trenwith says. "I'm getting tingles down my spine at rehearsals already."

"Broadway Hitmen will celebrate the success of Clarence Street Theatre Trust all those who have supported the theatre over the past three years. We have established a sustainable model, and the world is our oyster," says Paul Mitchell, Chairperson of the Clarence Street Theatre Trust.

Broadway Hitmen runs for two hours including interval. There is a range of times including evening and matinee, October 18-21. Tickets start at $31.40 for children. Bookings at Ticketek.