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Kate-Louise Elliott
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“The most moving and happiest of evenings.” - The Dominion Post
Auckland Theatre Company is thrilled to present The Kensington Swan season of Mum’s Choir by Alison Quigan, on stage at
SKYCITY Theatre from June 1-24.
In an age where funerals have overtaken reunions as the best means to bring a family together, Mum’s Choir is a joyous
celebration of the often incongruous time families have when farewelling a fond old relative.
The O’Reilly family members have returned to Auckland to bury their Mum. The old home still resonates with memories of
growing up in the 60s and 70s - outrageous parties, fine kiwi cuisine (courtesy of the Edmond’s Cookbook), the odd game
of improvised cricket on the back lawn and of course, Mum’s famous raucous sing-alongs.
Mum had ambitious plans for her kids when they were young - and she has ambitious plans for them now – as her last dying
wish she’s requested the family master Faure’s technically treacherous Requiem for her funeral service! What with coping
with grief, visitors, Yorkshire Pudding catastrophes, funeral arrangements, sibling squabbles and clearing out the
liquor cabinet, Mum’s Choir have their work cut out to learn their parts in time. But they’re determined to give Mum the
send off she deserves.
Some of New Zealand theatre’s favourite comic personalities including Elizabeth McRae (Spreading Out), Cameron Rhodes
(Up For Grabs), Paul Barrett (The Bach) and Kate-Louise Elliott (Shortland Street), join Alison Quigan (Taking Off) to
tell the O’Reilly Family story.
Mum’s Choir is based on Quigan’s own experience of the family dynamics surrounding her mother’s death.
“When my Mother died in 2001 the experience my family and I had in dealing with the journey of death to burial was
intense - we laughed, cried and laughed again reliving our Mum's life. I truly believe there is more laughter at
funerals than at weddings!” Alison Quigan.
John Callen, director of 2005’s smash-hit comedy Taking Off by Roger Hall, agrees Mum’s Choir is a warm-hearted play
that all New Zealander’s will relate to.
“Mum’s Choir touches on something we all have to deal with sooner or later – the death of one’s parents. In that
intense, emotional and often absurd time between death and funeral, the O’Reilly family finds solace in song. They’re
frantically trying to learn the difficult requiem for their mum but keep getting distracted with more popular, easier
songs from their youth”, John Callen.
Book Now for Mother’s Day! Tickets to Auckland Theatre Company’s production of the Kensington Swan season of Mum’s Choir
by Alison Quigan are available through
Ticketek 09 307 5000, www.ticketek.co.nz or www.atc.co.nz
The Kensington Swan season of
Mum’s Choir by Alison Quigan
Starring: Paul Barrett, Heather Bolton, Jamie McCaskill,
Kate-Louise Elliott, Elizabeth McRae, Cameron Rhodes and Alison Quigan
Direction: John Callen
SKYCITY Theatre, June 1 - 24
Tuesday 6.30pm
Wednesday – Saturday 8.00pm
Matinee Saturday 17 June at 2.00pm
Sundays 4.00pm
Tickets: $20 - $49 (booking fees apply)
ENDS