Starring Carolyn McLaughlin, Kali Kopae, Andrea Sanders, Jay Chasland.

14 July − 28 July

Tuesday and Wednesday 6.30pm

Thursday - Saturday 8pm

Sunday 2pm

$25 Specials: Friday, 13 July and Sunday 15 July

Swinging Sixties Saturday - Saturday 14 July - dress up in all things SIXTIES to celebrate the opening night of our musical tribute to Phil Spector!

Adults $46

Seniors (65+) /Students/Beneficiaries $38

Friends of Circa (whole season) $33

Groups 6+ $39

Groups 20+ $36

Under 25 $25

Icon's Engaging Trip through Great Musical Era

Reviewed by Ewen Coleman, The Dominion Post, 16 July 2012

As infamous as he was famous, Phil Spector has been one of the most influential people in the music industry post Rock and Roll. Developing the Spector ‘Wall of Sound' production technique out of the Brill Building studios in New York, and with the creation of his girl groups such as The Ronnettes and The Crystals, he produced over 25 top 40 hits between 1960 and 1965.

It is therefore fitting that Wellington's own girl-group, The Beatgirls, who specialise in ‘60's music, should bring together a show about the life and music of Phil Spector in Spector, currently playing at Circa Theatre.

On a black and white set imaginatively designed by Rose Kirkup and effectively lit by lighting designer Jennifer Lal, the current line up of the Beatgirls, Andrea Sanders, Caroline McLaughlin and Kali Kopae strut their stuff in black and white halter neck miniskirts, black knee length boots and large black bouffant hair dos.

Devised by lead singer Sanders with help from the cast and excellently choreographed by Sanders, the show follows a tried and true formula of songs interspersed with snippets about the rise and subsequent fall of Phil Spector.

But although it is a factual biography of his life in reasonably chronological order, the humorous and almost irreverent way it is told, with many delightfully animated gestures supplementing the dialogue, makes the telling of the Spector story engaging and very entertaining.

And the singing from all three, both as a group and as individuals, is superb and from the opening numbers of ‘Da Doo Ron Ron' and ‘He's A Rebel' it is obvious that these girls know their songs, know the style required and are very confident in their delivery of each song.

Part way through the first half they are then joined by Jason Chasland who very effectively adds a male dimension to the Spector story and songs. He blends in well with the Beatgirls and is able to match their saucy humour and not-so subtle innuendo.

The second half begins with a tribute to the Beatles and their collaboration with Spector not long before their break up with everyone on stage dressed in colourful psychedelic full flowing outfits.

While the songs were presented straight, the group rendition of John Lennon's ‘Imagine' particularly impressive, the linking patter became rather crass and silly. After a costume change, something that was needed in the first half, the show concludes with Spector's fall from grace ending up in prison, where he currently resides, for the second degree murder of waitress Lana Clarkson.

The finale – Tina Turners ‘River Deep, Mountain High' – was a great way to end this fascinating story of a remarkable man. If the music of the 60's was what you grew up with, then this show is a great nostalgic trip. For those who didn't, go and see it anyway and experience one of our greatest musical eras.

THE BEAT GIRLS

Reviewed by David Farrar, Kiwiblog, 17 July 2012

I saw the Beat Girls for the first time in 2010. They were great. So how do you beat the Beat Girls? Simple – you add in Jason (Jay) Chasland.

Chasland was a rock and roll star. At first glance you might think he is an unlikely star being not very tall and slightly chubby. But my God he was a great performer. He sang and crooned the songs marvelously, and had a real charisma and presence about him. His Ray Charles parody was side sidesplittingly funny. Chasland alone would be worth going to see.

The Beat Girls themselves (Andrea Sanders, Carolyn McLaughlin and Kali Kopae) performed just as well as last time. They have a great combination of singing ability, and facial expressions. You enjoy the music, and laugh out loud at their antics.

The performance is effectively a recital of the life of Phil Spector – from his early genius success through to his conviction for murder. In between numbers, they tell you about his various groups and songs. He may have been a demented misogynistic bastard, but he was a hell of a talented one.

The set was highly effective in its simplicity – dozens and dozens of white paper-lantern lampshades hanging from the ceiling, and three small circular stages they performed from. The costumes fitted the set well, and captured the 60s.

The audience participation in the show was high. Many were laughing every few seconds, and a lot of songs had the audience clapping along. Those seated on the front row were often targeted by the performers, with one woman being pulled onto stage and well let’s just say it was lots of fun.

They perform a total of 21 songs. There were a few hic-cups, as you often get on opening night, but they were skilled at recovering from them. Kali hit her teeth with the microphone at one stage, and managed to turn it into a gag.

It was a 90 minute performance with a short interval. We stayed around for an hour or so after the show, with the cast mingling with the audience. It was a great night’s entertainment and I just can’t imagine anyone not enjoying the performance, unless they have been genetically modified in some way.