In my other life, I've been compiling statistics and thought I should give it a nudge for Write On for the Arts. Stats are generally boring so enter SR colour, glue-sticks, washi tape, photos, tickety wicketys, and stickers.
As I was considering colour, I looked up the colour of 2023. Well, you could've knocked me over with a feather when it said Magenta. First, I choose it as my logo colour in 2018, and secondly I dressed up in the role of Usherette (Trixie) who is a combined role with Magenta in the Rocky Horror Show for the Hamilton Operatic Society fundraiser in June. What were the odds?
Anyway, let's get into the stats for 2023:
25 productions
15 reviews written
87% opening night performances
84% in theatres
48% musicals
36% plays
16% concerts
16% non theatre venues (arenas, halls, chapels)
2 orchestras (TWSO and Hamilton City Pops)
1 international touring production (Hamilton)
1 national touring production (Kinky Boots)
7,816 words across 15 reviews
Those familiar with Hannah Mooney's Podcast That's The Ticket will have probably heard me bleat about Programmes. There is absolutely no excuse given the resources available these days (Canva + Warehouse Stationery printers if you can't print at work or school) to not have a printed programme available for the audience (and as a momento to the performers and crew). Programme stats:
8 x A4 or larger
9 x A5
2 x DLE (like a skinny envelope)
6 x No programme (grrr)
Thank you to the Producers, Directors, Marketing Managers, Theatres and Orchestras who invited me to review their productions and concerts. Special thanks to the one company who always goes above and beyond with a personalised envelope full of goodies! You know the way to a reviewer's heart (and you know who you are as I can't help but squeal everytime I get one).
Thank you also to the people I sat with in various venues, and their companionship, insights and commentary, some of which was incorporated with my own thoughts.
A highlight of 2023 was the opportunity to visit Te Awamutu, Morrinsville and Cambridge theatres to see what they had accomplished. It continues to blow my mind at the depth of talent in Kirikiriroa and across the mighty Waikato.
Most of all thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly, sometimes for years, to bring their productions and concerts to life in 2023. I acknowledge the hours of planning, rehearsals, discussions, creative differences, blood, sweat and tears that happens leading up to a season. Sure, we see the performers and musicians but behind them are the most incredible hardworking backstage and technical crews along with production teams who have left their real lives behind for months in order for a performance to occur.
There were two absolute theatrical stand out moments in 2023. The first was the entrance of Alexander Hamilton. The energy in Spark Arena was electric! The second was closer to home, a simple moment - one voice, one spotlight, one flawless performance.
I was emotionally challenged. I was technically challenged. I was entertained. My 2023 theatre eras tour has finished. Bring on 2024.
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