A world of talent on show 

_{Tech rehearsal underway for The World Goes 'Round ahead of this week's opening}

The National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts (NASDA)’s first hit out for 2026 has its cast of third-year Bachelor of Music Theatre ākonga (students) going through every skill in their set and every emotion on the planet.

Twenty-five talented performers are about to take the stage for The World Goes 'Round, a dazzling revue of the legendary Kander and Ebb songbook featuring beloved songs from Cabaret, Chicago and beyond.

From favourites "All That Jazz" to "Money," the show, at Ara Institute of Canterbury ‘s NASDA Theatre is a nonstop parade of musical theatre gems with a few surprises thrown in.

"There's everything from comedy to heartfelt moments and edge-of-your-seat drama," cast member Sophie McGhie said. “There are familiar tunes mixed with cool niche ones the audience might not know yet, but they'll leave the theatre loving them."

What makes this production special is who's behind it as much as who's performing in it. The third-year ākonga (students) have taken the lead on production, with support from NASDA kaimahi (staff), making this a true showcase of everything the class can do.

And they can do it all. The cast sings, dances, directs and choreographs and there's even an all-in roller-skate number closing out the first act.

For McGhie the show has pushed personal milestones.  “I’ve choreographed a lot, but creating pieces that also have to be sung has meant balancing the physicality of dance with the demands of live vocal performance. "You can't just go full out for the dancing. It's been a real confidence booster to know I can do this and teach others too," she said.

The production marks the class's first major project as third years and a chance to step up as leaders of the school.
Cast member and publicity designer Caleb Bell says unlike a traditional musical with only a few leads, this show gives audiences a chance to meet the whole class.

"Everyone gets their moment and a chance to show off their own personal brand - but we're also an over-the-top, passionate, hardworking team who push each other to be our best. No one gets left behind because we want to be great together."
He said it's also a window into the future of performing arts in Aotearoa and a chance for audiences to get in early.
"These are the big names of the future, the ones who'll be on the Court Theatre stage the Showbiz shows. Come see us at local theatre prices before we're famous."

Bell says the show full of humour, romance, drama, melody and melancholy has something for everyone.
“Everyone in the audience will find something that resonates. Good and bad happens to all of us and as the title suggests, the world goes round regardless.”

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australia), the short season runs from 23–26 April, with shows at 7pm and a Sunday matinee at 4pm in the NASDA Theatre on the Ara City campus.

Get tickets here: THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND

For updates on NASDA’s 2026 season including Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz, That Bloody Woman and Something Rotten follow NASDA on Instagram  and Facebook.