Remarkable Theatre Debuts Romantic Comedy in Arrowtown

Remarkable Theatre is set to launch its 2025 season with the premiere of Take a Chance On Me, a romantic comedy penned by renowned New Zealand playwright Roger Hall. The opening night is scheduled for next Thursday at Arrowtown’s Athenaeum Hall, and assistant director Melanie Grindell is confident that the production will resonate with audiences.

The play centers around a group of singles navigating the complexities of modern romance. Featured characters include Fleur, portrayed by Natalia Brown, a primary school teacher; Lorraine, played by Victoria Mills, a homemaker; lawyer Eleanor, depicted by Vanessa Williams; Tim, a pharmacist played by Lindsey Muir; Brian, a plumber performed by George Williams; and banker Dan, enacted by Peter Waaka, who has recently faced redundancy. Together, they embark on a journey of love, life, and the possibility of second chances.

Grindell noted that while Peter Waaka is familiar to many theatergoers, this production marks his debut with Remarkable Theatre. Additionally, George Williams is taking the stage with the group for the first time, having previously performed in the company’s show at Queenstown Gardens.

The characters are guided by “facilitators” Eric and Liz, played by Marty Newell and Janey Bytheway, respectively. Newell’s role is particularly dynamic, as he transitions between numerous characters throughout the performance. “Marty will go off stage as one person and then come on as a totally different character,” Grindell explained, highlighting the play’s fast-paced nature.

The production is directed by T.Ryan Brennan, an American with over a decade of experience in Hollywood as an assistant director for multi-camera sitcoms. Having made Queenstown his home for several years, Brennan has directed in Cromwell and starred in various local productions. Grindell describes him as a collaborative and enthusiastic director who brings a wealth of artistic ideas to the table.

Take a Chance On Me will run from next Thursday until September 20, 2025. For ticket information, interested attendees can visit Humanitix. As the opening night approaches, excitement builds for this fresh exploration of love and relationships, promising a delightful experience for theater enthusiasts.