An unmissable theatrical event

”An unmissable theatrical event Sydney Morning Herald

Ellie Smith has played many of the greatest leading ladies music theatre has to offer. Now, she turns her hand to Judy Garland in Auckland Theatre Company's sensational tribute to one of the world's greatest entertainers in End of the Rainbow, onstage at SKYCITY Theatre from November 8.

”Ellie has irresistible magnetism ¦she is a star of magnitude and glitterâ" Evening Post

Auckland born actress, Ellie Smith started her illustrious career on the West End playing Janet in the original Rocky Horror Show at the Kings Theatre. She went on to join the original West End cast of Chicago which established her as one of New Zealand's most sort after musical theatre entertainers internationally. She received great popular and critical acclaim for her portrayals Edith Piaf, Shirley Valentine, Roxie Hart, Maria Callas and Mary Pickford. Her powerful and deeply moving interpretation of Garland captivated audiences in the sellout show Judy at Downstage.

"Ellie Smith is the nearest we have to big, big musical star" Dominion Post

Set in 1968 in London's Ritz Hotel, Peter Quilter's play End of the Rainbow charts the final months of Garland's tumultuous life, brilliantly weaving the humour and heart-breaking emotion of Garland's last days with a selection of her most memorable songs, including C'mon Get Happy, You Made Me Love You, and, of course, Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

"You know you've seen something special when, as the audience gets to its feet for the ovation, the only other sound is sobbing...This is a fantastically entertaining two hours" The Scotsman

Since its 2005 premiere, End of the Rainbow has become a major international entertainment phenomenon, rekindling memories of the Garland fever that swept the world in the 1940s and 50s. Selling out its premiere season in a small Sydney theatre the show returned for a two month run at the Sydney Opera House which sold out 13 weeks before it opened. An invitation to the prestigious Edinburgh Festival quickly followed. Hailed by the critics this high profile festival season had West End theatres begging for the right to present its London premiere season in September this year.

Enthralled by an early performance Auckland Theatre Company's artistic director Colin McColl immediately set out to secure the New Zealand rights. Auckland Theatre Company is now the only other company in the world given permission to mount a production of End of the Rainbow. At this early stage McColl was confident that the musical talent, acting prowess and irresistible magnetism of Ellie Smith would be the perfect choice for the leading role of Judy Garland. Ellie Smith is joined on stage by Paul Barrett and Edwin Wright.

Playwright Peter Quilter is currently enjoying success on two continents. In addition to End of the Rainbow, his latest play Glorious is currently delighting audiences in London, starring the legendary British actress, Maureen Lipman.

End of the Rainbow plays 8 November “ 8 December at SKYCITY Theatre
Previews from Nov 8, 2007
Opens Sat Nov 10, 2007
Performances times:
Tuesday - Wednesday 6.30pm, Thursday - Saturday 8.00pm
Matinee, Sat Nov 24 and Sat Dec 1 at 2.00pm, Sundays 4.00pm
Tickets: $30 - $54 (booking fees apply)
Book through Ticketek 09 307 5000 or www.ticketek.co.nz

ENDS

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