From Whitney Houston, Sci-Fi Epics, To Supernatural Cabaret: C. Penrose Returns Home To Bring Monster Songs To Toitoi
Auckland-based performer Caitlin Penrose is heading back to her Hawke's Bay roots this August, starring in the supernatural cabaret Monster Songs at Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre as part of the Laugh Your A** Off Festival.
Performing for one night only on Friday 15 August at 7.30pm, Monster Songs invites audiences into a dark and dazzling world of cabaret where Bowie meets Britney and Rocky Horror meets Moulin Rouge—a high-energy and hair-raising musical theatre spectacle, celebrating the misfits of music through explosive pop vocals and theatrical flair.
For Penrose, who grew up in Napier, bringing the production home is a full-circle moment. 'Coming back to Hawke's Bay with a show like this with its killer score of musical theatre hits is a dream come true.' says Penrose (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Rongomaiwahine). 'I performed at Toitoi as a teenager with my school choir, so it feels very special to be returning to the iconic venue with Monster Songs. We made this show as a love-letter to the theatre kids, misfits and of course, the pop iconic of individuality like Gaga and Bowie who lit the way. I can't wait for audiences to feel as exhilarated and joyful as we do on stage.'
Penrose has toured internationally with Showtime Australia singing Whitney Houtston, Lent voice work to the film Dune Part II, and she recently graduated from The Actors' Program. With a growing list of stage and screen credits, including an upcoming Netflix series, her return to Toitoi represents not just a homecoming, but a hometown star on the rise.
Glen Pickering, Presenter Services Manager at Toitoi, says audiences are in for something truly unique.
'Monster Songs is an incredible show and with its powerhouse vocals, big energy and a lot of heart is going to be epic in the Opera House.' he says. 'And having Caitlin return to her home region for this performance makes it even more special. We're thrilled to showcase a local talent making big waves across the globe.'
Monster Songs blends musical theatre with saucy cabaret, featuring everything from freakishly fun showtune bangers to gut-wrenching pop ballads. It's a genre-bending, high-octane show for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider—and everyone ready to howl along.
Tickets are $50 and available now at www.toitoivenues.co.nz
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