Centrepoint's artistic director Daniel Pengelly and Ms Rowe (front) with Mr Di Somma, Ms Chappell and the cast of That Bloody Woman behind.
Those with past and present connections to Massey University gathered at Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North last night to watch distinguished alumnus Luke Di Somma’s That Bloody Woman.
The rock musical, co-written by Christchurch-based composer and conductor Mr Di Somma, tells the story of New Zealand suffragette Kate Sheppard and her struggle to win the vote for women.
The University’s Alumni Relations Office hosted the performance and provided attendees with the opportunity to hear from Mr Di Somma after the show, along with members of the cast including lead actor Lisa Chappell.
Alumni relations manager Cassie Rowe said the performance was hugely popular with alumni, staff and students, with the cast dressed as punk rockers and the script and lyrics loaded with rebellious language, raunchy humour and pokes at politicians past and present.
For Mr Di Somma, a 2009 Bachelor of Music (Honours) graduate who won a Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Massey in 2012 for his contribution to music, the performance was an opportunity to see the musical in a revised format, including a larger ensemble and band.
The show’s season at Palmerston North’s Centrepoint Theatre runs until Sunday but is fully booked.