Our Phantom's red roses made it all over the world, from local cafes to Her Majesty's Theatre London (the original home to Phantom) and in the cockpit of a new 787-9 Dreamliner, then back to home our Phantom and Christine in time for opening night.,
"I was lucky enough to come to see this magnificent show last night, and it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, absolutely amazing"- Michelle Walker
"Saw the show tonight...A-MAZING!!!! 💖 They've seriously out done themselves!"-Megan Chamberlain
"Congratulations to Waipawa Musical & Dramatic Club for a wonderful opening night for Phantom of the Opera. This was a fantastic production from top to toe. John Harding’s set was just outstanding. This was a fresh Phantom with a gothic, black and silver feel. The young, talented leads - Sam Draper, Elijah Graham and Cindy O’Sullivan really nailed it. Director Lisa-Jane Easter presented a fresh take on Phantom and I loved it."- Musical Theatre New Zealand
"We were at that performance which overwhelmed my wife at times. It was as good as any professional production we have attended." Ian Cook
"What an incredible production. I was totally blown away and so impressed with every element of the show. Well done to every single on of you and so proud of Lisa-Jane Easter. What an accomplishment. Go Waipawa M & D!"- Megan Peacock Coyle
Director- Lisa-jane Easter (hay)
Lisa-Jane Hay trained as an actor in NZ, before venturing overseas further her studies in vocal technique (pertaining mostly to the spoken word) with Actors.
She was Director of Performing Arts Drama Diploma at the EIT in Hawkes Bay from 1998-2001. She has also been tutoring Voice at the National Youth Drama School for over fourteen years.
She tutors nationwide, runs many workshops for youth around New Zealand and has over 34 directorial productions to her name, including the New Zealand premier of Next To Normal, which she directed for Waipawa M&D in 2014.
Lisa-Jane lives in Patangata in CHB with her husband Jonathan and son Sohl.
Lisa-Jane owns her own Performance Coaching company- One Voice Consulting Limited and she is also Director of Performing Arts at Iona College.
Musical director- helen walker qsm
A few words from Helen;
“It’s difficult to remember “not” being involved with Waipawa M&D. Returning to Musically Direct Cabaret in 1993 after a break started a roll. Averaging two shows a year since then has meant a very theatrical life for me and my musical family. Being musical director for shows like Chess, Les Misérables, The Who’s Tommy, Jekyll and Hyde, Whistle Down the Wind, to name a few, have been a privilege and so much fun. The people you meet and the extra skills you acquire are amazing.
I would encourage anyone at any age to get involved in theatre, you will never regret it”.
Helen is pictured here, being presented with her MTNZ Merit Award last year, at a 1980’s themed party.