Introducing the members of Operatunity’s very own boy band, performing in our April-May tour Hits of the 60s and 70s!
Operatunity’s own Principal Resident Artist, the beloved Bonnie, leads the band of boys. Since completing his vocal training at the University of Auckland, Bonnie has had a diverse and exciting performance career throughout New Zealand and overseas. Bonnie was awarded the Iosefa Enari Scholarship Award for the support and development of Pacific Island Opera Singers in 2004 and was a finalist in the New Zealand Aria competition in 2007-08. He has performed principal roles with New Zealand Opera and Southern Opera and performed as a soloist with many choral groups around the country. Currently one of Operatunity’s ‘New Zealand Three Tenors’, he has toured with Operatunity in both the Class Act Opera in schools tours and the ever popular Daytime Concert Series for many years and also is a regular Tour Leader on Operatunity’s boutique group tours to destinations all over the world!
Most recently seen in last month’s From Phantom to Les Mis show, Tainui Kuru shows us why he’s fast becoming a favourite. A talented and crowd-pleasing performer, Tainui is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA). In his final year, he received the degree prize for outstanding achievement in his studies. Since graduating, Tainui has been in high demand working solidly in various entertainment roles. Musical theatre remains his main focus with shows such as Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast,Cats,The Mikado, The Music Man, Grease, Guys and Dolls and Saturday Night Fever. Tainui is proud to say he has worked for many of New Zealand’s major theatre companies including The Court Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company. As a soloist, Tainui has sung for DanceSport NZ National Ballroom Championships, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Operatunity audiences will soon have the chance to experience the world-class talent of a West End performer right on their doorstep! Russell Dixon is perhaps best known to New Zealand audiences for his time on television in shows such as Shortland Street and for his time as the TV3 weatherman. After 3 years on New Zealand television he decided to take a leap to fulfill his childhood dream of performing a lead role in a West End Musical, making the move to London. This culminated in his casting in the lead role of ‘Alberto Beddini’ in the West End production of Top Hat, a musical which would win three prestigious Olivier Awards including ‘Best New Musical.’ Having realized his West End dreams, we are extremely fortunate to have Russell back in New Zealand to share his momentous talent with local audiences
A fresh graduate from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in Christchurch, Isaac Pawson is an exciting new talent. Isaac has starred in several productions at the Court Theatre in Christchurch including Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Legally Blonde the Musical and recently starred as ‘Mitzi Mitosis’ in Priscilla Queen of the Desert with Showbiz Christchurch. A member of Midtown Boys he has also travelled around New Zealand and Australia performing Motown classics to great acclaim. A passionate youth arts advocate he has also worked as an acting tutor at The Court Theatre.
Don’t miss Operatunity’s Hits of the 60s and 70s concert touring 24 venues around NZ 11th April – 17th May.
Tickets at toll free 0508 266 237, or https://www.operatunity.co.nz/concert/60s-and-70s-2019/
