Maui — a triumph for the college

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 47, 14 May 1985, Page 16

Maui — a triumph for the college

The three night run of Maui, a multi cultural musical, ended on Thursday with a full house at the Ruapehu College Hall.

The show was the first production by Ruapehu College for twenty years and was a daring choice for such an inexperienced cast. Maui depicts a Maori legend, although its music includes a sea shanty and rock 'n roll. The music — and costume of some of the chorus line — often seemed to bear little relevance to the storyline, but that is more a criticism of Derrick Bailey and Guy Phillips, than the college cast. Choosing a production to match the available talent is half the secret of a successful show, and a musical of this type may have been a bit too adventurous with the singing talent which was available. On the other hand, the excellent dancers — espec-

ially Raylene Sue — did not have enough time to display their obvious ability. It is also questionable as to whether a microphone was necessary in such a small hall, as several members of the cast appeared to be more concerned as to who had the microphone and who should get it next, rather than concentrating on their acting. Principal Mike Warbrick could be clearly heard at the back of the hall when he spoke to the audience, which proved that the microphone — and the associated problems — were unnecessary. But apart from these minor criticisms. Maui was lively and full of action — Melanie Gilmour as Maui's mother and Arthur Reihana as Maui, gave good perfor-

mances, as did Rex Morgan, Darren, McDowell, Kerri Wilson and Maurice Warbrick as Maui's brothers. Maui depicts the legend in six episodes; Maui's childhood; Maui and the Sun God; Maui and the Fire Goddess; Maui goes fishing; Maui and the stars and Maui and the Goddess of Death. The cast's costumes were excellent, as was the lighting, two items which were the responsibility of members of the community who gave up their time to help the college staff with the production. Maui was well rehearsed and was fun for both the cast and audience. Let's hope it is less than twenty years before the college produces its next show!

Across 1. You wrap up a 4. An is wise and has big eyes. 5. If you've got a cold, your nose might be 7. If the cupboard is empty, there 's there. 8. After performing you take a 10. The opposite of up is

Down 1. If youVe got two, youVe got a 2. After rain, there might be a 3. The opposite of high is ' 6. If it's started it's 7. A is as good as a wink to a blind horse. 9. I didn't want you to find it, so I it.

Answers next week.