REVIEW: That Bloody Woman at Tauranga Musical Theater

REVIEW

This bloody woman
Tauranga Musical Theater, 17th Avenue
April 22-May 7
Written by Luke Di Somma and Gregory Cooper
Director: Darrel Nitschke
Musical and band direction: Ashleen Fahy
Choreographer: Laura Mansell
Production Manager: Mark Fowler

In 1893 Kate Sheppard won the women
the right to vote.

In 2022, his story comes to life on the 17th Ave stage of the Tauranga Musical Theatre.

That Bloody Woman is a 2015 punk-rock musical written by Luke Di Somma and Gregory Cooper. It is based on the life of Sheppard and traces the struggle for suffragism in New Zealand and its opposition by Richard Seddon.

Tauranga’s Zoe Cruze plays a brilliantly wicked modern-day Kate.

A self-proclaimed feminist and advocate for women’s rights even before she had ovaries, Cruze was the perfect woman to play New Zealand’s most famous suffragette.

Cruze first eyed the role, as did the woman we see on the front of the $10 bill—her long blonde dreadlocks and sparkly belt giving her that modern-day punk rock vibe.

The way she interacts with the audience is so simple, fun and smart.

A warning to men with tickets: Expect an exclusive experience. Cruze isn’t holding back.

She also took her role seriously. In preparation for her role, Cruze visited Sheppard House in Christchurch, the Women’s Exhibition in Wellington, saw the latest 270m long petition, and read many books to help bring Sheppard to life.

Cruze definitely delivered the power, grace, and beauty the role deserves.

Other personalities that stood out for me were Fraser Graham as Richard ‘King Dick’ Seddon and Laura Boucher as The Vicar.

Laura Mansell’s choreography is also on display again, bringing energy and a lot of nerve.

Although it’s peppered with comedy and clever lyrics, the musical has serious notes.

Songs like Quarter Acre Dream and Last Drinks refer to domestic violence. Kudos to director Darrel Nitschke for the way she brings such an important message to light on stage. One that I’m sure resonates with many women today.

It is a deep and dark subject that should not be overlooked.

I love theater for how it can tell such powerful stories.

And in this show, rather than telling their story to a silent, observant audience, the actors and actresses on stage inspire you to respond.

Tauranga Musical Theater has done it again. This bloody woman was so good.