Blame it on the boogie: APO Does Disco in June

Blame it on the boogie: APO Does Disco in June

Wednesday 2 May, 2018

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Gets Disco Fever in June

Beethoven takes a back seat to Boney M and the BeeGees on 14 June when KBB Music presents APO Does Disco at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre.

Celebrating the enduring classics of the era that made platform shoes and leisure suits a dance floor staple, the APO will be joined by singers Annie “More Than a Woman” Crummer, Laughton “Le Freak” Kora and Esther “Three Times a Lady” Stephens for this one-night-only disco inferno.

Conducted by David “Hot Stuff” Kay, APO Does Disco reimagines all the electrifying hits of the ‘70s with full orchestral arrangements, with songs including ‘Blame it on the Boogie’, ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘By the Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and ‘It’s Raining Men’.

Kay says, “There is no decade quite like the 70s in regards to the volume and longevity of its music. Disco still manages to get people of all ages off their seats and onto the dance floor. Even though the orchestra won’t be able to boogie, we’re looking forward to having some fun with this concert. Likewise the opportunity to work with Laughton, Esther and Annie for a superb night of hit music.”

Crummer says, “What many people might not recognise is that a lot of disco music had string, brass and other orchestral instruments. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the beat, because it’s infectious. I’m so pleased the APO are bringing these hits and arrangements back to life in this way.”

APO has sourced every mirror ball in town to transform the Aotea Centre’s ASB Theatre into a Boogie Wonderland, and concertgoers are invited to dust off their flares and join in the fun.

Annie Crummer MNZM is one of New Zealand’s most beloved and awarded singers, songwriters and musical theatre performers. She was a member of When the Cat’s Away, Herbs and Netherworld Dancing Toys and has collaborated with many musicians, in both New Zealand and overseas. Having grown up in a musical family, Crummer was raised on ‘70s music. Some of her all-time favourite songs were produced in 1978 and 1979.

There’s a reason APO has collaborated with Laughton Kora more than once in the last few years – because he’s brilliant. One of four brothers in the band Kora, Laughton delivered a show-stopping performance in APO’s concert ‘Bowie.Starman’ last year. He has also acted in Coverband, has collaborated with many musicians as a soloist, performed in numerous festivals and is regularly invited to star in musicals and concerts.

Esther Stephens is a multi-talented actor and singer who is perhaps best known for her role on Westside, and for playing Kate Sheppard in the award-winning That Bloody Woman. She also performs with her band The Means, as well as many other varied collaborations.

Annie Crummer replaces Aaradhna, who regrettably had to withdraw from the show due to scheduling conflicts.

Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3z880g8t8w7zl4o/AADoeqNleX0NRMpPQdXfWdMBa?dl=0

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