US directors bring a touch of Broadway to NASDA's latest show 

_{Fosse veteran Diane Laurenson fine tunes a dance sequence while Bob Richard looks on}

When Kiss Me, Kate! hits the stage at Papa Hou Theatre in the heart of Christchurch next week, audiences will experience a show polished by an internationally acclaimed director-choreographer duo. 

Ara Institute of Canterbury’s National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA) has brought in US-based stage superstars Diane Laurenson and Bob Richard to work with ākonga (students) for the much-loved musical production. 

The pair’s combined careers span Broadway, the West End and beyond with international tours, television and film credits to their names.  While they bring a wealth of expertise to NASDA, they’re also in their element as devoted educators.

_{The directors say they've enjoyed working with NASDA emerging artists} 

“We’ve worked with professionals for almost 40 years but it’s a dream to be among new talent who are growing as actors and to help build a foundation for the world they’re going into,” Laurenson said. 

“It’s kind of like being a rock in the stream,” Richard added. “As professional directors we can help them steer a course and identify what they want to focus on as emerging artists.” 

Laurenson is a celebrated Fosse veteran, working directly with Broadway legends Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon on five international productions of Dancin’, and performing in standout productions of Sweet Charity, Big Deal, Gypsy, and Les Misérables. Dancers in bowler hats, with crisp jazz hands and sultry struts, are signature Fosse. Laurenson learned his iconic style first hand.  She’s gone on to choreograph award-winning productions across the US, co-direct musical works in Shanghai and Tokyo and shared her artistry through master classes around the world. 

Richard has choreographed the Broadway and touring productions of Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for nearly two decades. His directing and choreography credits include acclaimed productions at leading US theatres and stages across Asia. His film and television credits span LazyTown, The Tonight Show, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to name a few. 

Spending a few weeks in Christchurch, the international theatre heavyweights are full of praise for the quality of the certificate and degree programmes they're experiencing at NASDA. 

"I’m jealous!” Laurenson said. “I wish could take part in all these classes with all these incredible teachers. To see what they’re immersed in makes me want to be 20 again!”  

Richard said the sessions had been full of special moments. “I love working with students and seeing the light in their eyes when they find a new approach to their character or a learn a new technique. Seeing those lightbulb moments is such a joy.” 

_{A watchful eye on every detail adds polish to Kiss Me, Kate}

Laurenson said the 44-strong cast had worked extremely hard and soaked up every opportunity to learn and improve. 

“Kiss Me, Kate! is a play within a play, so the students are doing double duty and there is a lot to work with, with a lot of variety and tapestry in each character.”  

The pair said they were driven to share insights from the renowned directors, choreographers, writers, dancers, arrangers, musical directors and composers they’d been fortunate to experience first hand. 

“Art has to be shared and handed down and if we don’t, then the depth of work of the masters disappears,” Richard said. "Diane worked with Mr Fosse and learned the reason and purpose for his steps. You can’t get that from a video or TikTok.” 

NASDA Head of Programme Simon Goudie said the Ara Foundation and the local theatre community had to be thanked for helping bring the US tutors to Ōtautahi.  

“It's been great to have our programme so roundly affirmed by them but at the same time exciting to see them extending our students and pushing their learning in new directions. Their guidance and generosity will make this season something very special indeed.” 

While the energy in the room as they rehearsed Too Darn Hot (which opens the show's second act) was undeniable, both Laurenson and Richard played down their role in it. 

“We’re here to open a door and let them step through it. It’s all we can do and as actors they have to walk through that door and share their heart, passion and soul,” Laurenson said. 

“Their teachers here at NASDA are opening that door for them too.  We’re just another wrench in the toolbox,” Richard added. 

With Broadway in their corner, the cast of the legendary Cole Porter musical comedy is set to dazzle audiences with eight shows from June 20. 

Tickets are available at here: NASDA presents KISS ME, KATE!