THE SHOW

Bringing South Pacific swaggger to the golden age of crooning!

Swing and swoon with Rutene Spooner—‘The Māori Crooner’ and Shea Kokaua—‘The Kūki Keysman’ in Aotearoa’s newest Vegas-style jazz tribute!

Enjoy classics like  Fly Me to the Moon, Luck Be a Lady, and local favourites like  Poi E and Slice of Heaven. This cheeky duo channels the swing and swagger of the iconic RATPACK era, blending timeless jazz with the spirit of the South Pacific!

From the young to the young-at-heart, come for the music, stay for the laughs, and put on the ritz with The Velvet Rebels!

Created with support from Auckland Live

Created with support from Auckland Live

MEET THE TEAM

  • Rutene Spooner

    PRODUCER / PERFORMER

  • Shea Kokaua

    MUSICAL DIRECTOR / PERFORMER

  • Holly Chappell-Eason

    COLLABORATOR / DIRECTOR

  • Spencer Earwaker

    TECHNICAL OPERATOR

  • Naomi Ferguson

    MUSICAL ADVISOR

  • Kira Josephson

    CHOREOGRAPHER

WRITER | Rutene Spooner
MUSIC | Various Artists
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER | Metro Māori Productions Ltd PRODUCTION ASSIST | Laura Kokaua HERO IMAGERY |  Sasha Stejko PRODUCTION IMAGES | Jinki Cambronero
TRAILER FOOTAGE | Benji Brookin ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE: Kaitiaki Rodger & Andrew Farrant

Developed in partnership with Auckland Live

PREVIOUS SEASONS

  • 2025 Premiere & Festival

    AUCKLAND | Auckland Live Cabaret Festival

    CHRISTCHURCH | The Piano

    HASTINGS | Hawke's Bay Arts Festival

    TAURANGA | Tauranga Arts Festival

    NELSON | Nelson Arts Festival