September 25, 2008
Apollo 13 set to launch with Mighty party
Jason Whyte plays Apollo 13 Flight Director Gene Kranz
*****
Apollo 13: Mission Control, the theatre show that will go where no show in New Zealand has gone before, is set to launch
in grand style, offering an exclusive chance for fans to grab new music arranged for Apollo 13 by one of New Zealand's
hottest musicians, Lawrence Arabia.
The launch party will be held at Wellington's The Mighty Mighty at 6pm, Wednesday October 1.
An essential part of the Apollo 13: Mission Control theatre production has been the development of a soundtrack by James
Milne, aka Lawrence Arabia, featuring the soon-to-be released radio single Hearts and Minds.
Fans of Lawrence Arabia's quirky retro-pop (his recent single The Beautiful Young Crew was a major hit on bNet and
alternative networks) will be offered the first chance to purchase this rare EP for Apollo 13: Mission Control which
will not be released in stores.
Performing at the launch party will be award-winning actor Richard Faulkner's sci-fi electronica outfit Kazaam Blam and
DJ Hollywood Alpha Male.
There will also be an occasion to bid to be the first 'guest astronaut' for Apollo 13: Mission Control's opening night,
October 18 at BATS Theatre. Each performance offers a unique opportunity for an audience member to join to ill-fated
crew of Apollo 13 in the space capsule
The season of the innovative theatre production begins at Wellington's BATS Theatre October 18 to November 1 as part of
STAB 2008, commissioned by BATS Theatre with funding from Creative New Zealand STAB Theatre season.
APOLLO 13: Mission Control is a live film on stage, placing the audience into the heart of the action as HASA's Mission
Control team.
BATS will become a replica Mission Control, complete with retro computers, giant video screens and the tiny tin
spaceship where three astronauts are fighting for their lives. Each audience member, seated behind their own console,
will be part of the action as they help make the crucial calls to bring the helpless astronauts home.
APOLLO 13: Mission Control launch party
6pm Wednesday October 1
The Mighty Mighty, Cuba Mall, Wellington
Entry $5 (or $10 with exclusive Lawrence Arabia CD)
ENDS