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BE LIKE BILLY?

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CONTACT: kiaora@metromaori.co.nz

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Maori Theatre, Cabaret.

Aotearoa's newest Māori cabaret is hui-hopping to a town near you! 

Join the award-winning entertainer, Rutene Spooner as he celebrates the show-band legacy, idolises the greatest Māori showman, and tussles with the future of Māori in entertainment. 

Featuring the flashest southern showband -The Tekīra Mutton Birds, Be Like Billy? strums up all new and original waiata, garage party classics and old-school hits from the likes of Uncle Howie, The Prince of Jandels and Te legend, Te master, Te chuckling funny-fala. 

Be Like Billy? is everything but an impersonation show. Can you Be like Billy without being the butt of the joke?

Aotearoa's newest Māori cabaret is hui-hopping to a top-town near you!

Join the award winning entertainer, Rutene Spooner as he celebrates the showband legacy, idolises the greatest Māori showman, and tussles with the future of Māori in entertainment.

Featuring the flashest southern showband -The Tekīra Mutton Birds, Be Like Billy? is everything but an impersonation show. Can you Be like Billy without being the butt of the joke?

A question mark (?) must always be used in the tittle of the show i.e BE LIKE BILLY?

Originally commissioned by The Court Theatre and produced by Metro Māori Productions Ltd.
*This acknowledgement must be included in, but not limited to, season brochure, flyers, web pages and programmes.

Upon the day/eve or performance, the Artist/Company will provide a Pull-Up Banner with a QR code for the audience to access the programme online.

This should be displayed in the foyer before and after the performance.

Should presenters wish to produce their own printed programs the producer will supply copy as needed and final proofs will need sign off from the Artist.

75 mins (no interval). There will be no lockout - latecomers can enter only during songs or moments of amplified music.

Recommended for ages 15+.

  • Māori & Tangata Tiriti.

  • Age 15+. 

  • All genders. 

  • Lovers of music and cabaret. 

  • Lovers of Show-bands

  • Those interested in / impacted by the effects of colonisation, race relations, power, tourism Māori culture, family and love. 

  • Those interested in social justice and artistic expression of this.

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

2023 | The Court Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand

2024 | Aronui Arts Festival, Maoriland Hub, Koanga Festival, Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival, Nelson Arts Festival

Directors Programme Notes

*DRAFT:Welcome to Be Like Billy? It is an absolute privilege to be Rutene’s collaborator and director on this work. Anyone who has seen Rutene perform will know that he is one of the most talented performers you will ever see. What the audiences don’t see is the time, care, love and absolute dedication he has to his craft. Be Like Billy? has been years in the making. We have been talking and dreaming about what this show could be, how to honour Rutene’s heroes and also acknowledge the complex feelings that come along with heroes of the past. We have been dreaming about bringing it to the audiences of Ōtautahi for a long time, and we are so excited to be with you tonight.

We have an incredible team working on this show - each and every person has given their all to bring this work to life. From the details on the lapels of Rutene’s suits, to the music charts lovingly created, the whole team has built this show. We are also lucky to have our wonderful families, who keep the home fires burning. What you are seeing tonight is a love letter to Rutene’s heroes and a provocation to his audiences. How can we all work harder, be better, care more?

Creators Programme Notes

*DRAFT:Taku pōhiri e rere atu rā ki te hiku o te ika, te puku o te whenua, te pane o te motu ki te whakawhititanga ki Raukawa, ki te Waipounamu! Auē Haere mai ki taku hui! Tangiha rā ngā tini mate o te wā, rātou ki a rātou, Tātou ki a tātou, koutou kua rauika mai i runga i te kaupapa o te rā, karapinepine mai e hika e! Mātua rā , he tohu aroha tēnei whakaari ki ngā pēne ngahau Māori o nehe. Ahaokoa kua tohungia tēnei whakaari ki a Billy, arā noa atu te hunga whakangahau, kaiwaiata kāore i kaha kitea, kāore i kaha rangona anō hoki. Te kounga hoki o aua pēnē toko whā, toko whitu, toko i te ora - kei whai mai he hunga pēna I a rātou ! Ko ngā waiata, ngā tōpito kōrero whakakata kua horapa whānuitia ki te motu, kua titia tonutia ki te ngākau, ā , kua whakairihia ki ngā pātu o te hēti, o te kāuta anō hoki. Ko te wā ki ngā Māori show bands tēna! Nā rātou anō i para i te huarahi hei takahanga mā mātau, mā tēnei te haututū e hautū ake nei. Nō reira e tino mihi ana. Ka huri ngā mihi ki te whānau o Billy, ki tana iwi anō hoki, ā , ka mutu ki tana kōtiro a Ruby. Nāna au I whanakamana whakarewahia I tēnei o ngā whare kōrero. Me kī pēnei - he maha ngā take i ahu mai i te ohorere o tā Billy rirohanga ki tua o te ārai . Arā noa ngā momo tūahuatanga i tū mai te puehu, i te nawe, te pukuriri, te mamae anō hoki. E kore e tāea e au te whakakōrero i aua take. Ka woaiho mārika ēna ki tōna ake whānau, hapū , iwi. Ko tāku noa, e whai I te ara hou mā mātou te ope ngahau o nāianei . Mā te aha ka mōhio he aha ki tua? Ka tika a muri, ka tika a mua. Ko te tūmanako ia ka tino rongo tonu i te mauri, i te koa o ngā mahi a Billy. He tino taonga te mahara - me puritia kā tika. Ko taku toa taki tini tendi e haute ake nei. ka mihi ki a Two Productions, Vanessa Gray, Roana Dizle, Dan Pengelly, Ross Gumbley, Gregg Cooper, Alex Whiltshire, Playmarket NZ me ngā Rangatira, ngā kaimahi o te Court Theatre. Me mihi hoki ki a PANNZ. Ā , Ko ngā mihi maioha ka mutu ki taku tuarā , ko tāringi a Kate rāua ko taku pēpē a Hinemāia. He paku wero hei whakatepe. Ngāi Māori mā , kia kaha rā ! Ahakoa ngā pēhitanga o te wā, Tū māia , Tū pakari mai! Ki a koutou a ngāi pākeha. Kāti te noho ngū, kāti te noho ngoikore. Kia kaha tātou te hāpai i te tirohanga Māori me te manaorite! Kia tū tapatahi tātou , kia kotahi rā , Tātou , tātou e!

BIOGRAPHY

  • Ko Hikurangi maunga

    Ko Waiapu te awa

    Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi

    Ko Horouta te waka

    Ko Te Whānau-a-Iritekura te hapū.

    Ko Iritekura te marae.

    Rutene, proudly connected to Ngāti Porou, Ngāruahine, and Ngāti Kahungunu heritage, set sail on his performing arts voyage post-graduation with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre in 2009. Since then, he's been jet-setting across continents, serenading audiences with his dynamic performances as a singer, actor, and all-around entertainer.

    Among his notable performances are memorable roles in acclaimed productions such as the New Zealand premiere of "Billy Elliot," the Australian Tour of "Jersey Boys," and captivating portrayals in "Chicago," "Little Shop of Horrors" (The Court Theatre), and the Australasian premiere of "Jekyll & Hyde."

    Rutene's recent ventures include lending his voice to characters in Disney films like "Frozen - Reo Māori" as The Duke of Wesleton and "Coco Reo Māori" as Papa Julio. His dedication to his craft was further recognized with The Grant Tilly Actor of The Year award at the esteemed 2023 Wellington Theatre Awards.

    The New Zealand Herald dubbed him "a mainstay of the Auckland cabaret scene," but Rutene's charm extends far beyond the city limits. His acclaimed productions, like "Super Hugh-Man" and "Thoroughly Modern Māui," have left audiences cheering both at home and abroad.

    Outside of his performance schedule, Rutene Rutene moonlights as a creative producer, documentary director, and vocal and performance coach, enriching the arts community with his wisdom and guidance.

    An esteemed kaihaka of Te Kapa Haka of Whāngara-Mai-Tawhiti, a cherished member of the Modern Māori Quartet, and a dedicated union member of the New Zealand Actors Equity, Rutene stands as a humble yet influential figure, enriching both the stage and the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.

Creator / Performer

  • Ko Aoraki te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

    Ko Waimakariri te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara

    Nō Ōtautahi ahau

    E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Waitaha e noho nei au.

    Rosie is a Theatre Designer with a Bachelor of Design: Stage and Screen degree from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School . Notable credits include The Court Theatre production of Appleton Ladies Potato Race (Set Designer), O Le To a (Costume Designer), Katzenmusik (Set/Properties and AV Designer), Whā (Set and Costume Designer), and The Unauthorised Biography of… (Set and Costume Designer). Showbiz production of That Bloody Women (Set Designer), Cubbin Theatre Companies production of Sportsball (Designer), Red Scare production of Homemade Takeaways (Set Designer), Toi Whakaari’s production of Women Beware Women (Set Designer), National Theatre/New Zealand Festival’s production of The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phill (Assistant Designer) and various productions with Two Productions as a Designer.

Designer

  • Ko Te Rea Kura te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

    Ko Matuku Takotako te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara

    Nō Ōtautahi ahau

    E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Waitaha e noho nei au.

    Holly has a Master of Theatre Arts in Directing from Victoria University and Te Kura Toi Whakaari O Aotearoa: NZ Drama School. She is the co-artistic director and producer of Two Productions which has produced the devised works Moemoea at Te Papa Marae, If You Only See One Show in your Life, The Disaster Brothers, the immersive theatre show, The Powerful Event, on a vacant space in Christchurch, The Wild Hunt for The Body Festival 2014, Open for Business in St. Kevins Arcade, Auckland and The Little Prince for the 2018 Anthony Harper Summer Theatre.

    She has directed for The Court Theatre, Auckland Theatre Company, Red Leap Theatre and The Fortune Theatre. She is the Artistic Director of Little Andromeda, having programmed their 2019, 2020 and current seasons. She is head of acting at NASDA: The National Academy of singing and dramatic arts, has taught acting at Original Scripts Theatre School for ten years, had a successful high school teaching career and worked as a director and tutor for Toi Whakaari and Whitireia Polytechnic.

Director

  • Ko Tararua te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

    Ko Manawatu te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara

    Nō Te Papaioea ahau

    E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Tāmaki Makaurau e noho nei au.

    Molloy is a well regarded technician, known for professionalism, drive and dedication to the art of live performance. has a solid grounding in all aspects of technical production, with an extensive complement of production credit mentions across a variety of key production roles.  

    Molloy is a graduate of the Unitec Bachelor of Performance and Screen Arts, with dual majors in Lighting Design and Stage & Technical Management. Molloy enjoys challenging traditional lighting design concepts, as well as creatively integrating technology into performances to engage audiences in the emotional development of the works. Some of their notable design achievements include Hungover: A New Musical, Close City, Tassel Me This, and Footnote Dance Company’s Transfer tour.

Lighting & Technical

  • Ko Hikurangi tōku maunga

    Ko Waiapu tōku awa

    Ko Ngāti Porou tōku iwi

    Ko Horouta tōku waka

    No Ōtautahi ahau

    Henare ‘H’ Kaa has been in the music game for almost 10 years, touring nationally with his band Dillastrate and past band Ahoribuzz. H has toured internationally with Ben Waters and members of The Rolling Stones, and played with, recorded with, supported, and featured nationally with acts such as Katchafire, Shapeshifter, L.A.B., Sons of Zion, Tiki Taane, Anika Moa, Salmonella Dub, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and Fat Freddy’s Drop.

    H has performed at festivals, including Electric Avenue, Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams, Christmas in the Park, Sparks, Northern Bass, Go Live, and Super Rugby half-time shows.

    Henare is an endorser of being a Māori musician with ADHD, and has delivered keynotes and talks around Aotearoa, spreading a positive outlook regarding his experience of what ADHD can do in the growth of people’s future and passions.

    He was Head of Commercial Music at Rangi Ruru Girls School and had included his students in musical mahi that received nationwide recognition, including performances and interviews on TVNZ Breakfast, Radio New Zealand, the opening show of Te Pae in Ōtautahi, and recorded works featuring in two charts of the New Zealand Official Music Charts Top 10.

    Henare’s band Dillastrate is currently recording a new album featuring some of NZ’s favourites including Tiki Taane and features as part of the Waiata Anthems.

    Henare is also a key consultant and facilitator with the music label FiveAM (Auckland), which works with some of the biggest producers and artists to come out of Aotearoa, as well as internationally.

    Apart from contracting to the Ministry of Education as a subject expert in the change of NCEA Music, Henare is a drummer, singer, producer, musical director, teacher, and band manager, but most of all he is a passionate hype man who spreads kōrero and mātauranga about resiliency, facing fears, dealing with a mental illness, and putting whānau and aroha first.

    Henare 'H' Kaa is a multi-talented musician, celebrated for his exceptional vocal and drumming abilities. Collaborating with esteemed artists and gracing major festivals, he's made his mark on thrilling national and international tours. As a key member of bands Dillastrate and Ahoribuzz, he skillfully navigates between the microphone and drum kit, sharing the stage with icons like The Rolling Stones' members. His contributions to chart-topping works and advocacy for Māori musicians and ADHD spread positivity and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Musical Director & Drums

  • Ko Kapiti te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

    Ko Waikanae te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara

    Nō Kapiti ahau

    E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Tāmaki e noho nei au.

    Matt is a graduate of the Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School (Diploma in Entertainment Technology)

    Matt was involved in the premier season of Be Like Billy? at The Court Theatre has had the pleasure of working with Rutene as his Audio Engineer/Operator on a number of occasions including Super Hugh-Man, Thoroughly Modern Māui and with the Modern Māori Quartet.

    Matt has been fortunate enough to work with a variety of New Zealand theatre companies and musicians that has seen him tour throughout Aotearoa and around the world.

    Matt is one of the co-founders of Evoke Audio, an Audio Post-production Studio in Auckland.

Audio & Tour Management

  • Ko Aoraki te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

    Ko Waimakariri te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara

    Nō Ōtautahi ahau

    E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Waitaha e noho nei au.

    Heather is a musician and composer with extensive experience as a recording artist, film composer, band leader, sideman, theatre and experimental musician, and session gun. She performs extensively with a variety of groups and artists, including the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Ka Noho Ka Mate, Delaney Davidson, Merk, Mousey, Rutene Spooner, Terrible Sons, Ben Woods, Darren Pickering Small Worlds, Julia Deans, Motte, and at various Jazz and Arts festivals. Heather leads her own astrophysics-inspired modern jazz group, ‘Resolve,’ which has received high-acclaim, including a review from Graham Reid, “Webb’s evocatively atmospheric [composition]... glides between her and keyboards with a leisurely confidence which is both gentle but often on the precipice of unresolved tension. It’s a standout.”
    Heather tutors guitar at the University of Canterbury, and is currently undertaking her Masters in Creative Practice.

Guitar

  • Ko Ngā Toki Matawhaorua te waka

    Ko Whakatere te maunga

    Ko Waima te awa Ko Tuhirangi te marae

    Ko Mahurehure te hapū

    Ko Ngā Puhi te iwi

    Ko Clayton Hiku tōku ingoa

    Clayton Hiku is of Ngāpuhi descent. Since graduating with a Bachelors of Music through Ara (formerly CPIT) and the University of Canterbury, Clayton Hiku has become one of the foremost bass players, performers and educators in Christchurch.  A regular in the local band scene, Clayton has performed at many New Zealand jazz and contemporary festivals.  As a member of the band Soulsystem, Clayton has toured New Zealand in support of acts such as The Black Seeds, Salmonella Dub, Katchafire, and many more.  Clayton currently works as the Assistant Head of Music at Cashmere High running the Jazz and Contemporary music programmes there.  Clayton has a passion for raising Māori achievement through the inclusive use of te reo Māori and Pūoro Māori in education.  

Base Guitar

  • Ko Aoraki te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau

    Ko Ōtākaro te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara

    Nō Ōtautahi ahau

    E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Waitaha e noho nei au.

    Jack Bubb is a singer, keyboard player and guitarist based out of Christchurch. Since graduating from Ara music arts in 2022 he has been involved in the Christchurch music scene. Jack now runs the party band Diamond Blue. He is also a player for hire for any other bands/ projects such as stage shows, festivals and sessions.

Keyboard