As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to dissipate, the first major international musical is coming to Auckland's Civic Theatre for the first time in nearly two years.
Girl From the North Country, which features music by Bob Dylan, will open in the City of Sails on June 30 at the Civic Theatre before moving to Wellington for a run at the Opera House from July 21.
A massive modern hit at Broadway and the West End, the show has received a rave reception since its premiere at The Old Vic in London in 2017.
As well as glowing reviews from the likes of The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times, The Observer, The Independent and The Evening Standard, it also won praise from Dylan himself.
Although 19 of his songs are performed by the cast during Girl From the North Country, Dylan wasn't involved with the production, calling himself an "anonymous spectator" who was deeply affected by it.
"The play had me crying at the end. I can't even say why. When the curtain came down, I was stunned. I really was. Too bad Broadway shut down because I wanted to see it again," he told the New York Times.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is welcoming the return of major international musicals to the City of Sails.
"This internationally acclaimed production will draw visitors to our city centre, providing a boost to hospitality businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic and lockdowns," Goff said in a statement.
"Hosting an international production of this calibre is an encouraging sign of Auckland's recovery and we look forward to welcoming more such events to Auckland as we continue to reopen to the world."
Wellington Mayor Andy Foster added: "I'm really looking forward to seeing, as I'm sure thousands of others will be too. It is also more great news for the hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors impacted by the pandemic."
Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 5 and can only officially be purchased via Ticketmaster. Customers should be wary of buying from any unofficial resale websites such as Viagogo, as those tickets may not guarantee entry.
