A talented east Auckland actor is among the cast performing what’s likely to be New Zealand’s biggest theatre production this year.
Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson, who lives in Pakuranga, is starring in Auckland Theatre Company’s production of the smash hit play North by Northwest.
It’s described as a bold reimagining of the beloved classic film of the same name directed by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock.
The story was created by Ernest Lehman and has been adapted by writer Carolyn Burns.
It has thrilled audiences around the world since its 2015 premiere season in Australia.
The all-Kiwi cast is directed by former Howick local and theatre veteran Simon Phillips.
He’s returned home to oversee the production at ASB Waterfront Theatre in Wynyard Quarter, downtown Auckland.
“Carolyn and I are so delighted to be bringing this production to our homeland,” Phillips says.
“And what a fantastic collection of New Zealand’s finest actors I have to play with.
“I can’t wait to start work with them, to bring Auckland all the thrills, spills, wit and wizz-bangery of our lively tribute to Hitchcock’s masterpiece.”
The production sees renowned Kiwi actor Antonia Prebble return to the stage for the first time in nine years.
She’s known for her TV work in the series Westside and Outrageous Fortune and the film Goodbye Pork Pie.
North by Northwest sees her take on the role of glamorous and quick-witted double agent Eve Kendall.
Award-winning actor Ryan O’Kane plays Roger Thornhill, a character played in the Hitchcock film by screen legend Cary Grant.
The story is set in the US and centres on a suave advertising executive whose life is flipped upside down by a case of mistaken identity.
Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson has held previous roles in the TV series Shortland Street and the New Zealand gangster film Savage.
Most of the cast’s members are playing multiple roles.
He’s no exception as he’s starring as the characters Bell Boy, Valet, Sgt Klinger, Agent Anderson, Pilot, and Sgt Flamm.
“Sgt Flamm is like this New York City cop who loves doughnuts and coffee and sits and takes orders,” Fa’avae-Jackson told the Times.
“This is my first time doing a New York play like this and in this style from a film into a theatre piece.
“It’s fun and it’s really full on.”
Fa’avae-Jackson says he loves to act and be on stage.
“I’ll take any opportunity I can to get some work, do what I love, and make use of the craft and skills I’ve been picking up over the years.”
Despite acting alongside major Kiwi stars he’s not feeling the pressure.
“I’m just there to have fun and play my role.
“This show’s been done so many times and it’s come to New Zealand now.
“There are a lot of [acting] heavy-hitters in this show and I feel like a student, like I’m back at school just surrounded by my tutors and learning as much as I can.”
Fa’avae-Jackson encourages people to get along and see what’s sure to be a unique stage experience.
“I’ve never been in a show like this before so I think it’ll be an awesome way to end their year and come back into the theatre space after all these years of Covid. It’s going to be a great night.”
North by Northwest is staged at the ASB Waterfront Theatre from October 25 to November 19.
