Latest news with #SparkArena
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
OneRepublic Announce Eagerly Awaited Return To Australia And New Zealand For The Sweet Escape Tour 2026
Today GRAMMY® nominated US band OneRepublic, headed up by acclaimed singer/songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, announce their highly anticipated return to Australia and New Zealand for The Sweet Escape Tour in February 2026. Special guest is award-winning pop superstar Zara Larsson. OneRepublic played to full houses across Australia and New Zealand in 2023, the band warmly embraced by local audiences, whilst Zara Larsson makes her long-awaited debut in the market following a string of airplay and chart hits, ready to share her high energy live show with fans. The Sweet Escape Tour commences at Auckland's Spark Arena on February 4, followed by Qudos Bank Arena Sydney on February 6, HOTA Outdoors on Gold Coast on February 11, Brisbane's Riverstage on February 12, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne on February 15, before concluding in Perth at RAC Arena on February 18. Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Australia and New Zealand. Mastercard Presale commences on Wednesday, May 28 at 1pm, concluding on Friday, May 30 at 1pm. Plus, preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets is available from Friday May 30 at 2pm. Check out for details. One NZ customers can be among the first to secure tickets during a pre-sale starting Wednesday, May 28 at 1pm. Head to My Live Nation members can secure tickets during the exclusive pre-sale commencing Thursday, May 29 at 1pm, concluding on Friday, May 30 at 1pm. General public tickets on sale Friday, May 30 at 2pm. All times are local. Notes: Since the group's debut, OneRepublic has amassed over 5 billion streams on Spotify alone. The band released their debut album, Dreaming Out Loud, in 2007, including the 20 million selling hit single 'Apologize,' which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide and earned them a GRAMMY® nomination. The group's 2009 sophomore album, Waking Up, featured the smash singles 'All the Right Moves,' 'Secrets' and 'Good Life.' Shortly after in 2013, the band released their certified-platinum album, Native, which included the No. 1 hit and 41 million selling single 'Counting Stars.' OneRepublic released Oh My My, their fourth album in 2016 and their fifth album, Human, in 2021. In 2022, OneRepublic released their smash hit 'I Ain't Worried,' which was featured in the blockbuster hit, Top Gun: Maverick and boasts over 3 billion streams. In April of 2024, the group released their smash hit single with David Guetta, "I Don't Wanna Wait,' which has amassed over 130 million streams globally since its release. They also shared "Nobody (from Kaiju No.8),' which serves as the end credit song for the hugely successful manga-turned-Anime series Kaiju. No 8. Additionally, the group collaborated with Italian Electronic group Meduza and German artist Leony for the release of "Fire,' the official song for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. Following the release of these singles, OneRepublic debuted their sixth album, Artificial Paradise, in July, featuring hits like 'Hurt' and 'Sink or Swim.' In the fall they released the deluxe of the album, which included their collaboration with Jelly Roll and acoustic versions of their hit songs. Most recently, the group released their track, 'Chasing Paradise', with Kygo to rave reviews. OneRepublic is singer/songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, keys player Brian Willett, bassist and cellist Brent Kutzle, and drummer Eddie Fisher. Zara Larsson, "One of pop's biggest and outspoken young stars' (The Guardian), provokes and pushes pop culture forward, with enlightened and energised anthems that soar and seduce all at once. With every move, she continues to quietly make history and break records: her platinum-certified 2017 full-length, So Good, notably stands out as one of the most-streamed debuts on Spotify by a female artist ever. Zara's growing catalogue boasts one smash after another, from 'Never Forget You', 'Lush Life', and 'Ain't My Fault' to Clean Bandit collaboration 'Symphony'. Along the way, she has received awards and nominations ranging from the Swedish Grammys, BRITS and MTV EMAs to even gracing the stage of the Nobel Peace Prize. Larsson has entered a brazen new era with 'Pretty Ugly'. The electro-blasted single and its gloriously messy music video lean all the way into the idea that — as Zara sings — 'sometimes a girl don't wanna be well-behaved.' The new song arrives ahead of Zara's fourth international album — coming later this year.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Corteo By Cirque Du Soleil Announces More New Zealand Tour Dates Due To Exceptional Demand
AUCKLAND NZ, Wednesday 21 May, 2025 – The beloved Cirque du Soleil production Corteo has today announced additional shows for the New Zealand leg of its global tour this October. With tickets flying out the door, seven extra shows have been added to the Auckland season — giving Kiwis even more chances to experience the excitement, wonder, and magic of Corteo! Within New Zealand, Corteo is heading exclusively to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and is set to charm Aotearoa audiences for the very first time. This exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005 and features a double-sided stage where audiences face each other. Since its creation, Corteo has amazed over 12 million spectators, in 30 countries, on four continents. Corteo will be presented in Auckland for 13 shows at Spark Arena from October 30, 2025, with no further extension possible. Corteo, which means corteg e in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the artist, with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity, situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena dividing the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer's eye view of the audience. An atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows. TICKET INFORMATION Tickets for Corteo in Auckland are available online exclusively to Club Cirque members starting on Thursday 22 May, 9am. For free subscription, visit TEG Live, Spark Arena and Ticketmaster presales start Tuesday 27 May, 10am. General on-sale starts on Thursday 29th May at 10am at Fun Facts: The Team 120 members From 27 different countries 18 different languages spoken The Artists 53 artists on tour Seven artists from the original cast (since 2005) Eight musicians: Two singers + keyboards + guitar + bass / double bass + violin + accordion + saxophone + drums / percussions Six comedians The show 18th creation of Cirque du Soleil 19th years old World-premiere in Montreal April 21st, 2005 (Big Top 2005 to 2015 – arena since 2018) The first and only 2-sided stage production of Cirque du Soleil +4.700 performances / +1.000 arena's show – 10 million spectators charmed 150 different cities / 22 countries 16 acts in 2 parts (2 hours show – 20 minutes intermission) 31 original music & songs WARDROBE The show has over 175 different costumes. Many of the fabrics were dyed and airbrushed to give them a patina of age. There are approximately 2500 pcs of costume in the show. More than eight hours of ironing is needed to prepare the costumes every day. We do approximately 50 loads of laundry per week There are about 200 pairs of shoes which are painted and/or touched up regularly. There are 40 angels in Corteo The smallest shoe size in the show is a children's size three and the largest is an 18EEE About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on six continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. About TEG Live TEG Live is wholly owned by TEG, Asia Pacific's leading ticketing, live entertainment and data analytics company. TEG Live is a dynamic and diverse promoter of live content in music, sport, family entertainment, eSports and exhibitions. TEG Live connects millions of fans every year with unique live experiences and adds value to events with hospitality and sponsorship services.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Corteo By Cirque Du Soleil Announces More New Zealand Tour Dates Due To Exceptional Demand
AUCKLAND NZ, Wednesday 21 May, 2025 - The beloved Cirque du Soleil production Corteo has today announced additional shows for the New Zealand leg of its global tour this October. With tickets flying out the door, seven extra shows have been added to the Auckland season — giving Kiwis even more chances to experience the excitement, wonder, and magic of Corteo! Within New Zealand, Corteo is heading exclusively to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and is set to charm Aotearoa audiences for the very first time. This exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005 and features a double-sided stage where audiences face each other. Since its creation, Corteo has amazed over 12 million spectators, in 30 countries, on four continents. Corteo will be presented in Auckland for 13 shows at Spark Arena from October 30, 2025, with no further extension possible. Corteo, which means corteg e in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the artist, with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity, situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena dividing the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer's eye view of the audience. An atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows. TICKET INFORMATION Tickets for Corteo in Auckland are available online exclusively to Club Cirque members starting on Thursday 22 May, 9am. For free subscription, visit TEG Live, Spark Arena and Ticketmaster presales start Tuesday 27 May, 10am. General on-sale starts on Thursday 29th May at 10am at Fun Facts: The Team 120 members From 27 different countries 18 different languages spoken The Artists 53 artists on tour Seven artists from the original cast (since 2005) Eight musicians: Two singers + keyboards + guitar + bass / double bass + violin + accordion + saxophone + drums / percussions Six comedians The show 18th creation of Cirque du Soleil 19th years old World-premiere in Montreal April 21st, 2005 (Big Top 2005 to 2015 – arena since 2018) The first and only 2-sided stage production of Cirque du Soleil +4.700 performances / +1.000 arena's show – 10 million spectators charmed 150 different cities / 22 countries 16 acts in 2 parts (2 hours show – 20 minutes intermission) 31 original music & songs WARDROBE The show has over 175 different costumes. Many of the fabrics were dyed and airbrushed to give them a patina of age. There are approximately 2500 pcs of costume in the show. More than eight hours of ironing is needed to prepare the costumes every day. We do approximately 50 loads of laundry per week There are about 200 pairs of shoes which are painted and/or touched up regularly. There are 40 angels in Corteo The smallest shoe size in the show is a children's size three and the largest is an 18EEE About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on six continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. About TEG Live TEG Live is wholly owned by TEG, Asia Pacific's leading ticketing, live entertainment and data analytics company. TEG Live is a dynamic and diverse promoter of live content in music, sport, family entertainment, eSports and exhibitions. TEG Live connects millions of fans every year with unique live experiences and adds value to events with hospitality and sponsorship services.
NZ Herald
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Marlon Williams brings te reo album tour to Gisborne's War Memorial Theatre
Williams then began his own set also in darkness with his commanding lone voice setting the tone, soon accompanied by his skilled band The Yarra Benders, which includes multi-instrumentalist Dave Khan, Ben Woolley and Gus Agars. Williams explained that his album came out a month ago and there was also a premiere in Auckland for his documentary Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds (directed by Ursula Grace Williams), where many whānau from Gisborne went up for the premiere. A lot of the set was songs in te reo from the new album, but Williams also threw in favourites such as My Boy from the album of the same name and his own version of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, a hit for Roberta Flack in 1972. Williams also performed a song he said was written by the late songwriter, musician and academic Hirini Melbourne, that was also in te reo, as well as his own song Arahura, which he dedicated to those in the South Island. It was his third time at Gisborne's War Memorial Theatre. 'It's good to be back in whānau land.' KOMMI came back to the stage to sing several more songs with the band and Williams and the band closed out the set to a standing ovation. Williams' right-hand man, the talented Khan (who has played with the likes of Neil Finn, Sir Dave Dobbyn and Reb Fountain), proved himself able with the double-bass and guitar, and his strength as a musician was to the fore. The tour continues in Rotorua and Hamilton this week, before a stint in Australia, followed by gigs at Auckland's Spark Arena, Dunedin and Christchurch next month. Hopefully it won't be too before he heads back to Tairāwhiti to delight again.
The Spinoff
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Mana Moana was still moving, but this time it was missing a little magic
A stirring celebration of Pacific music, Mana Moana's second outing felt more polished but less alive – with lighting, staging and energy choices that dulled the audience spark. Liam Rātana: There's something about chasing the first high that inevitably lets you down. My partner and I went to the first Mana Moana back in 2023 and it was incredible. The buzz in the air, the dancing, the flags waving, the music and the singing – it all fed into creating an electric atmosphere. We could tell we were witnessing something special and it felt like a privilege to be a part of it. I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd that night. For weeks after, my father-in-law couldn't stop talking about how much he wished he had come. When tickets dropped for this year's return, we booked ours straight away and forced my in-laws to come along too. We were prepared this year, arriving early and nabbing a park right by Spark Arena. In 2023, the show sold out well in advance, so I was surprised to see that there were quite a few empty seats near the top of the stadium. To be fair, flights had been cancelled out of Wellington, which also impacted the orchestra, with a majority of the spots being filled in by members of the Auckland Philharmonia instead of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The show wasn't bad – the singing and music was still incredible, and I had admiration for the great amount of work that went into producing such a high quality performance. MC Tofiga Fepulea'i was as funny as ever, warming the crowd up enough to remind us this was not a run of the mill symphony performance. The opening overture – an ode to setting sail on a waka for a voyage around the Pacific – was a fun tune that set the mood for what was to follow. Despite this – and perhaps because I had already seen the first one – the rest of the show didn't really invoke the same emotion I had the first time around. The first section felt quite slow, with one crowd member commenting to me they hoped there would be more dancing soon. Even the people sitting behind us, who also attended the first show, were commenting on how it was different this time around. There wasn't as much dancing in the crowd or from the choir and the lights were focused on the stage, making it difficult to see audience members dancing. There were no proud flag bearers running crazily around the floor. The orchestra didn't seem to have the same sense of excitement at the novelty of the situation – with this crowd and performance being very different to that of their usual. Overall, the show felt more polished – which is fine, except it ended up feeling like an orchestra and choir performing Polynesian songs, rather than a Polynesian choir performing with an orchestra. There were a couple of new compositions, which were nice to listen to alongside the staples such as Nepituno, composed by Tongan Queen Salote, and the famous Fijian farewell tune Isa lei. Understandably, it was generally the more well known songs that drew cheers from the crowd or prompted them to hold their phone lights up and simultaneously sway from side-to-side. While Mana Moana was a nice, relatively inexpensive family outing, both my partner and I said we probably wouldn't pay to go to another one. If you haven't been before, I still recommend it – especially if you are a fan of the orchestra and/or choirs. The combination of a Polynesian choir alongside a full orchestra remains a novel joy. However, unlike a boil up, Mana Moana was not better the second time around for me. Madeleine Chapman: I was kicking myself for missing the first Mana Moana after seeing countless videos on Instagram from the show, so was ready and pumped this time around. As I should've expected, I bumped into about six cousins while looking for my seat. Beyond 'orchestra + Pacific choir' I had no idea what to expect but knew that such a combo was surely a recipe for success. And based on the numbers (not sold out but a near-full Spark Arena is nothing to sneeze at for a local choir and orchestra), it was clearly working for them. So I was disappointed to find myself wanting more. There were some fairly minor gripes: the mics on the choir felt too low and at times they were overpowered by the orchestra in front; Tofiga Fepulea'i is incredibly funny but was evidently unprepared, with one of few prepped gags being a tired fa'afafine joke I've heard a thousand times before; a lack of attention to detail on things like the choir's entrance and transitions. Despite those gripes, the show was beautiful and emotional, as expected. But that was largely thanks to the crowd being willing to do the heavy lifting on engagement. As the show built (credit to the directors for their set list), audience members became more and more enthusiastic and willing to dance. The aunties in the floor seats siva'd in the aisles and the uncles in the stands did the same. And yet it was this willingness from the crowd to lift the show that leads to my biggest disappointment. A show like this, where nearly 100% of the audience is Pacific, paying to hear the songs they've sung and danced to their whole lives, should be doing everything it can to facilitate that unique engagement. My favourite parts of the show, by far, were when audience members danced in the aisles or sang back to the orchestra. This happened in the first iteration too, so it's confusing that the set up for this year's show seemed to actively discourage such engagement. While Fepulea'i told people to dance if they wanted to, the lights remained completely off in the audience, meaning the older attendees would have to navigate in the dark and then dance in the shadows. I found myself straining to see the beautiful old ladies performing their siva in front of the stage because there wasn't a single light on them. Even the final numbers, like Tama A Samoa, specifically chosen to encourage people out of their seats, were performed with the audience in darkness. As thousands of people danced and sang and cheehoo'd (not dead yet), we all squinted around, barely able to see what everyone else was doing. Maybe it was a safety thing but, with a lack of movement on stage – I was surprised to learn it really was just a choir and an orchestra without choreography or dancers – surely a designated space on the floor and a bit of lighting that encourages the audience to dance together would elevate the night? Nevertheless, I knew a combo of orchestra and choir would be something I loved, and I did. I just wished I could see all the other beautiful performers on the night too.
