13
TRUST WA I KATO
ANNUAL REPORT
2 0 1 4
For three weeks in May 2014, Waikato theatre-
goers were treated to a sumptuous performance
extravaganza, as the Hamilton Operatic Society
staged Andrew Lloyd Weber’s The Phantom of the
Opera at Founders Theatre in Hamilton.
More commonly associated with the world’s biggest
and best-known theatres, this is the first time the
musical has been staged in Hamilton. The Hamilton
Operatic Society was not phased, however, by the
scope of the production. Its board of management
chair Rachel Balme says, “When the opportunity arose
to stage the production over two years ago, we had to
grab it with both hands and make it happen.”
The Society’s approach has always been about
inclusiveness, and The Phantom of the Opera,
although world-class, was no exception.
Rachel Balme comments, “A large part of what we, as
a Society, are about, is to give those involved in the
performing arts in the Waikato an opportunity to be
involved in near-professional productions,
Hamilton Operatic Society
Showcasing Phantom of the Opera
14,500
AUDIENCE
$5,000
TRUST WAIKATO DONATION 2013
100th anniversary
OF FIRST RECORDED PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
thereby growing their skills and the overall skills
within musical theatre for the region.”
Particular effort was made to connect with people
and communities who would not normally attend
musical theatre, and tickets were priced to keep the
show affordable for everyone, including families.
Schools were actively approached and encouraged to
attend and the production had a schools performance
attended by students from Hamilton, Rotorua,
Tauranga, Tokoroa, Cambridge and Morrinsville.
The Society’s efforts were rewarded, with The
Phantom of the Opera drawing 14,500 attendees
over its three week season. This is the third largest
audience in the City’s history.
Hamilton Operatic Society is one of New Zealand’s
oldest musical theatre groups, celebrating the 100th
anniversary of its first recorded public performance
this year.
Phantom of the Opera - delighting Waikato audiences
