Media release 12 June 2012
JERSEY BOYS success positions Auckland as destination

The success of JERSEY BOYS – The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons has signaled to international producers that Auckland is an attractive destination for large scale shows. The ten-week season, which comes to a close on Sunday 17 June, makes JERSEY BOYS the longest running international musical to visit Auckland in eight years.

"We are thrilled that the production has been so successful in Auckland and the record breaking results have exceeded our expectations. We have enjoyed every moment of being in New Zealand and working with the first class team at THE EDGE, but all good things must come to an end and we must now take the production to a new audience in Brisbane,” says producer Rodney Rigby.

It was announced on Sunday that Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s smash-hit musical MARY POPPINS will open for a season at The Civic, Auckland starting in October this year, following record breaking seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Performing arts centre THE EDGE, and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) were instrumental in securing the Auckland seasons of JERSEY BOYS and MARY POPPINS, as well as providing local knowledge to support the marketing of the shows and drive domestic visitation.

Robbie Macrae – Director, THE EDGE says attracting major international musicals to Auckland is a core strategy for the arts organization.

“The Civic is New Zealand’s home of musical theatre and being able to follow up the hit season of JERSEY BOYS with MARY POPPINS is great news for musical fans from around New Zealand,” Macrae said.

Jennah Wootten – Manager, Major Events at ATEED says that major events like JERSEY BOYS and MARY POPPINS play a key role in achieving long-term economic and social aspirations for Auckland and significantly increase domestic visitation.

“We know that 35% of tickets for the JERSEY BOYS season were sold to people from outside the Auckland region," Wootten said.

“These shows attract a wonderful cross section of young and old from around New Zealand and the city to enjoy a world class experience in Auckland.”

Tickets for MARY POPPINS go on sale on 21 June from wwwbuytickets.co.nz or 0800 BUY TICKETS.

ENDS

Notes:
THE EDGE is a business unit of Council Controlled Organization Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA).
ATEED was established by the Auckland Council in 2010 to improve New Zealand’s economic prosperity by helping lead the successful transformation of Auckland’s economy.
MAMMA MIA played at The Civic for 13 weeks in 2004.

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