Ex-Broadway director Charlie is forced by circumstances to return to his home town of Tauranga, New Zealand where his mum makes him join her amateur theatre society.Ex-Broadway director Charlie is forced by circumstances to return to his home town of Tauranga, New Zealand where his mum makes him join her amateur theatre society.Ex-Broadway director Charlie is forced by circumstances to return to his home town of Tauranga, New Zealand where his mum makes him join her amateur theatre society.
Featured reviews
Come to laugh at small town New Zealand, stay for the wholesome good times, laughs a minute and stars in the making.
Honestly this show really warmed my cold dead heart. I cannot wait to see more and am VERY eagerly awaiting the cast album because the music (as you'd hope in a show about a musical) is terrific!
Obviously you can't make a show about theatre without a.. well theatre! And the Dolphin makes a beautiful Pizazz theatre, even if it is a little far from Tauranga!
The actors are delightful, but a true standout is Melody Lui-Webster as "Mia" Her performance across the first two episodes alone leaves no doubt she is destined to become a star!
Watch Happiness NOW.
Honestly this show really warmed my cold dead heart. I cannot wait to see more and am VERY eagerly awaiting the cast album because the music (as you'd hope in a show about a musical) is terrific!
Obviously you can't make a show about theatre without a.. well theatre! And the Dolphin makes a beautiful Pizazz theatre, even if it is a little far from Tauranga!
The actors are delightful, but a true standout is Melody Lui-Webster as "Mia" Her performance across the first two episodes alone leaves no doubt she is destined to become a star!
Watch Happiness NOW.
Happiness is hilarious from the first minute. It takes a niche dive into the amateur theatre scene in New Zealand, portraying a host of eccentric characters who will be very familiar to anyone who has tread the amateur boards. It is campy and self aware, exaggerated in all the right places and with a good through-line of heart.
The cast are excellent, the jokes are well written and original and the choreography blends seamlessly into the storyline. It is an accurate reflection of Kiwi culture, taken from a fresh perspective.
Full of hilarious theatre Easter eggs, Happiness has real personality. Well worth a watch!
The cast are excellent, the jokes are well written and original and the choreography blends seamlessly into the storyline. It is an accurate reflection of Kiwi culture, taken from a fresh perspective.
Full of hilarious theatre Easter eggs, Happiness has real personality. Well worth a watch!
Did not know this show was coming out and thought i would just watch a few minutes. I was hooked from the opening scene. This show was so good. It was highly entertaining and uplifting. I really loved it. Is the music going to be on Spotify? Would love to see a 2nd or 3rd or even 4th season!. Would be great to see the actual musical Troy being toured around NZ. The music was catchy. Really great singing and dancing. It left me wanting more. I will need to re-watch. Great cast and finally a really good kiwi show. We need more of this! It's a shame it was only 6 episodes. Seemed over too quickly.
Kiwi comedy at its finest, with fab performances from a solid cast! A fun story of regional community theatre tied in with a laugh-a-minute series of jokes, Easter eggs, and heartwarming characters quickly bring you into the heart of it all. A seriously talented cast brings a tongue in cheek (mostly!) parody that showcases a couple of our gorgeous local theatres, this is for everyone!
Part of what makes this so special is the incredible original music that doesn't try to shoehorn its way into the show, but naturally flows in with the story. Warning: this show might be a gateway into community theatre...
Part of what makes this so special is the incredible original music that doesn't try to shoehorn its way into the show, but naturally flows in with the story. Warning: this show might be a gateway into community theatre...
Happiness is the kind of show you didn't know you needed until you press play-and then you can't stop watching. This NZ-made musical comedy is an absolute triumph, blending sharp humor, fantastic original music, and a cast so talented they make every scene sparkle. From the very first number, I was hooked-the songs are insanely catchy (seriously, when's the soundtrack dropping on Spotify?), the jokes land perfectly, and the whole thing radiates so much charm you can't help but smile. What makes Happiness special is how it nails the balance between satire and sincerity. It pokes fun at amateur theater with razor-sharp wit, yet you can tell it's made with real love for the world it's mocking. The musical numbers are the real standout, though-cleverly written, brilliantly performed, and staged with just the right mix of polish and playful chaos.
My only complaint? Six episodes is not enough. I need at least three more seasons. Happiness proves that NZ comedy and musical theater can be world-class-it's fresh, funny, and full of heart. More like this, please!
My only complaint? Six episodes is not enough. I need at least three more seasons. Happiness proves that NZ comedy and musical theater can be world-class-it's fresh, funny, and full of heart. More like this, please!
Did you know
- TriviaFilmed in two of the longest operating theatres in Auckland - Dolphin Theatre and Playhouse Theatre
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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- 2:1
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