Local Director Tackles Andrew Lloyd Webber

​They say if you want something done you should ask a busy person, as busy people always manage to cope with ‘one more task’. Well, Blockhouse Bay local, Stephen Dallow, must be one of those busy people you can ask.

Stephen is well known in the Bay for running Kids 4 Drama from the Community Centre, however he is also on the board of the local primary school, is currently Board Chair of Marist College, works full time for Barfoot and Thompson as a trainer and recruiter, is a dad to two busy girls, and recently took on the challenge of directing “Jesus Christ Superstar” for St Peter’s College, opening 13 June at the Centennial Theatre.

Stephen’s first venture into directing was at the young age of 16, directing Peter Pan for Waitemata Theatre, and his passion and love for the theatre has continued to grow. Directing countless shows for Kids 4 Drama he says his latest venture is one of the biggest challenges yet.

Andrew Llyod Webber took many years to find a theatrical company to first produce this piece of work, with professional theatre companies turning it down as the score was too difficult. But once it was finally tackled it has become a piece of theatre history with well-known songs like “I don’t know how to love him” becoming international hits.

Stephen first saw the show as a teenager back in 1994 in the newly opened Aotea Centre and he was hooked. He loved the music, the intensity of characters and the rock feel. 

This challenging score is keeping Stephen and the team on their toes as they add a modern twist to the tale, setting it in today’s world. The all-boy St Peters cast are supported by girls from Marist, Baradene and St Mary’s colleges, creating a wonderful team effort across four schools.

Leading the orchestra is local BayLynn Youth Band leader, Miss Zyia Li Teh who has brought together a student band from the college, and West Auckland choreographer Daniel McLean is working extremely hard to teach these students all the dance moves in his nonstop musical.

When asked about the experience Stephen said “I was so delighted to be given this opportunity by St Peter’s and to work with such an awesome, talented, respectful and caring cast of students who are working so hard to create something very special for audiences to enjoy”.

The cast also raised nearly $13,000 for the Cancer Society by performing and walking in the Relay for Life in April this year.

The season runs from 13th to 22nd June, and tickets are on sale now at www.iticket.co.nz.