What a journey it has been!
What began as an idea, to give young people on the Coromandel a chance to step into the spotlight, quickly grew into something far greater. From gathering a small party of creative ‘doers’ to staging one of the peninsula’s finest inaugural productions in years, Mercury Bay Performing Arts (MBPA) has already shown what passion, teamwork and belief can achieve.
The road wasn’t easy. There were hundreds of hours of phone calls, juggling logistics, last-minute fixes, pickups, drop-offs and headaches, along with eureka moments. But every ounce of effort was rewarded when audiences poured in, filling every seat for the debut production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. earlier this year.
(More than 1,000 audience members across eight sold-out performances!)
The show was nothing short of spectacular. Fifty-six young performers, all under the age of 18, lit up the stage with energy, colour, and music. For some, it was their first time under the lights; for others, it was the moment they discovered what will be a lifelong love of performance. Parents, grandparents and friends cheered until the rafters shook, and glowing reviews rolled in from every corner of the community.
Aladdin became a celebration of what’s possible when creativity meets opportunity. One parent summed it up beautifully: “She has struggled with confidence over the years and this really gave her a boost and helped her believe in herself. She gained so many skills from this experience and is very excited to audition for next year’s show.”
And this was the magic: what began as a stage production became a whānau. Children not only sang, danced and acted, but learned teamwork, resilience and leadership. Senior students mentored juniors, friendships blossomed, and every performer found their place in the shared story.
The support from the wider community was nothing short of overwhelming. Local businesses, schools and volunteers stepped up, ensuring that every costume was sewn, every prop was painted, and every child had their chance to shine. What unfolded wasn’t just a production – it was proof that Mercury Bay was ready, and hungry, for performing arts.
Now, the spotlight shifts to the next chapter: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Once again, Mercury Bay Performing Arts will bring together young talent from across the peninsula to create a magical production that promises to be bigger, brighter and even more breathtaking than the last. Auditions are just around the corner, and the excitement is already building.
We can’t wait to bring this magical show to life with our young performers – and we know the community will once again rally to cheer them on.
For more information about our auditions, please visit: www.mbpa.nz
If you or your business would like to become a sponsor, please contact us at: mercurybaypa@gmail.com
Audition & Rehearsal Dates
Auditions – Monkey House, Cogill St, Whitianga
- Thu & Fri (Nov 20 & 21) – 4 – 6:30pm
- Sun (Nov 23) – 12 – 4pm
Callbacks – Tue (Nov 25) – 4 – 6:30pm
Full Cast Read Through – Tue (Dec 9) (TBC)
Rehearsals Begin – Sun (Feb 15, 2026) | 10am – 5pm, Whitianga Community Services Centre
- Tue: Music – 4 – 6:30pm
- Thu: Acting / Staging / Choreography – 4 – 6:30pm
- Selected Sundays: Mar 1, 15, 29; Apr 19, 26
Show Week – Coro Club Main Hangar
Performances: May 7 – 9 & May 14 – 16 (with optional matinees)
Sponsors Night: Wed, May 6
Words by Fabian Roberts and the Mercury Bay Performing Arts Company
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