Performance Announcements

James’ Performances.

Weill Arrives At The Mac-Haydn

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James brings his highly successful Exiled: The Evolution of Kurt Weill to the stage of The Mac-Haydn Theatre with pianist Jillian Zack. The story of one of the most fascinating musical figures of the 20th century. Exiled from Germany in 1933 at the height of his popularity, Weill’s remarkable music was banned there for the … Read more

Wormwood In Matilda

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James takes on the hillarious Harry Wormwood Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, this Tony Award-winning musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring … Read more

James Plays Curly

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James takes on the iconic role of Curly in Oklahoma! James Benjamin Rodgers returns to the Mac-Haydn stage as Curly, following his performance last season as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Roles include the title roles in Candide, Young Frankenstein, and Jekyll and Hyde, Jean Valjean: Les Misérables, Anthony Hope: Sweeney Todd, Kudrjash: … Read more

Directing Camelot

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James returns to the Mac-Haydn Theatre to directs this Lerner and Loewe masterpiece This soaring work tells the tale of the legendary love triangle between King Arthur, Guenevere, and Sir Lancelot. The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance as a young idealistic Arthur, with his roundtable, tries to maintain honor and dignity. Classic … Read more

Puccini Project at MSM

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James returns to the Manhattan School oc Music to direct one of the funniest operas every composed and Act I of La Rondine, one of his favourite works. Some remarkable young singers and the musical leadership of Kenneth Merrill make for an exciting workshop production. More Info

Back in Blenheim

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James is so excited to join forces with High School classmate Dan Musgrove, best known to New Zealand audiences as Lefty Munro from Westside, and Marty Johnstone from Underbelly, for an evening fo songs, poetry and banter at the beautiful ASB Theatre Marlborough James and Dan grew up creating theatre together at Marlborough Boys College, … Read more

Dichterliebe in San Francisco

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James is thrilled and honored to return to the home of dear friend Peter Winkelstein with his wife, pianist Jillian Zack, for a recital that includes Robert Schumann’s masterful song cycle Dichterliebe. Other works include song cycles by American composer Tom Cipullo and New Zealand composer Douglas Lilburn. James hopes that you will join him … Read more