A full house gave a standing ovation and called for an encore at Arrowtown's Athenaeum Hall on Wednesday night to hail the opening performance of Rock and Roll Suicide.
The David Bowie-inspired musical is an explosion of theatrical splendour atop the gritty reality of chasing musical stardom.
The 90-minute performance, directed and co-produced by Margaret O'Hanlon, follows the peaks and pitfalls of Joe Rockstar, played by local musical talent Max Gunn (17).
It is set in London in 1969, where the young musician aspires to become everything a rock star can be, but soon discovers the dark seductions of rock and roll fame.
Dialogue for the musical relies entirely on Bowie lyrics and the seamless transition from one chapter to the next is clear testament to Bowie's mastery of lyricism and story telling.
Starting out as a penniless busker, Joe Rockstar aspires to live the life of his musical hero, Idol, played by Shaun Vining.
As the lights begin to shine for young Joe Rockstar, Idol falls into a spiral of twisted demise.
Vining's tense performance as Idol displays an empowering connection to the anxieties and contorted pressures with which a world-renowned musician is forced to live.
The accelerated demise of personality, control and emotion is made starkly authentic through Vining's devotion to the role.
As Idol is cast aside by adoring fans and two money-obsessed musical agents, young Joe Rockstar steps in to fill his shoes.
Gunn displays a grasp of theatrics far beyond his age.
His performance is complemented by Susie Diva, his rock and roll love flame played by Pearly McGrath.
McGrath's display of emotional range and vocal mastery is enchanting and intensely chilling.
Her solo performance of Bowie's Heroes marked a peak in audience engagement and theatrical dynamism.
O'Hanlon must be praised for putting together such a musical masterpiece in two months.
The final performance of Rock and Roll Suicide takes place tonight at Arrowtown's Athenaeum Hall.
Doors open at 7.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. Tickets are $35 and are available from the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown, and Post Office Cafe, in Queenstown.
