A New Musical Every Night
Musicals are exciting, full of energy, and deeply emotive. But what happens when there is no script, no score? Every
song is created in the moment, fuelled by emotion and driven forward by the power of the music.
In their new show, “Off Book: The Musical”, Impulse Theatre are taking the musical genre to a whole new level.
Following on from their hugely successful show “Strangers”, the cast of Impulse Theatre are teaming up with well-known
Christchurch musician and composer Michael Bell to create an hour long fully improvised musical that is sure to delight.
The show is called “Off Book: The Musical”. The show begins with the performers, with the help of the audience choosing
a random page from a book of careers. A short description of the career if read out, and forms the starting point for
the night’s completely unique and original musical.
The term “Off Book” is used in theatre jargon to refer to performers no longer needing their scripts, but in this case
there is no script, nor any musical score. As the show progresses, the characters may at any point break into song, with
the musician quickly joining in. The musician can also drive the scenes into song by choosing the right moment, and
pushing the music forward so that the performers have little choice but to sing.
The performers are remarkably talented, and the songs they create in the moment, will astound you. The songs can range
from deeply emotional and heartfelt, through to the sublimely silly. You’ll be laughing and crying, and sometimes unsure
which to do.
"Off Book: The Musical" was devised by veteran director, Jonathan Briden, in conjunction with the cast of Impulse
Theatre and the wonderfully talented Michael Bell.
Impulse Theatre shows are performed at Orange Studios in Ferrymead. Tickets are available via EventBrite and at the
door. Check EventBrite or the Impulse Theatre NZ website (impulsetheatre.co.nz) for show dates and details.
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