Red, White and Brass – ASB Waterfront Theatre, 20 June 2024: Review

Red, White and Brass is a success as a truly uplifting and heart warming feel-good story, with Tongan national pride front and centre.

The story is built around the Rugby World Cup 2011, and Tonga’s stunning takedown of France in the pool matches by 19 points to 14.

That did not stop France reaching the finals with the All Blacks. The second half of that match remains the most excruciating to watch in real time. One day I will replay it. The absolute joy and relief at the final whistle were indescribable.

That this production has managed to recreate the drama, history and humour of that time is a great achievement.

The original movie Red,White and Brass (2023) comes from a screenplay by Halaifonua Finau and Damon Fepulea’i (who also directed). Based around a true story and built through the Finau family and their church group.

The play was commissioned by Auckland Theatre Company and playwright Leki Jackson-Bourke has managed to capture the story with a generous amount of humour whilst encapsulating essential dynamics of family, church and the migrant’s story.

The play starts with seven men miming the rugby dance, including lineouts and scrums. Watching this, I don’t feel the need to defend the beauty of sport or its problematic social impact. Every time the All Blacks lose a test match, domestic violence spikes.

We meet Maka (John Paul Foliaki) who recreates the same character he played in the movie.

Maka’s father is Reverend Pita (Onetoto Ikavuka), and the family matriarch and wise pillar is Elisiva (Sesilia Pusiaki).

Maka is their eldest son. He is also the cause of some tension for the Reverend, as he tends to be a free spirit around the confines of the prodigal son role.

Maka is generally respectful of his parents and of their position as community elders. The Christian church is an integral part of Polynesian culture. This is intertwined with the fact that families are authoritarian with the patriarch sometimes being physically violent with his family.

This underlying tension is one of the great strengths of this musical theatre. It is skilfully written, and the direction from husband-and-wife team Anapela Polata’ivao and Vela Manusaute is a great triumph.

There is tradition and moral values. There is the freedom that those pillars allow, that impetuous youth want to take off with.

The dynamics between Mum and Dad and oldest son are the heart of the story. Mother finally says …There is a time to listen to the young.

Maka wants to see the Tonga Vs France game in Wellington. He senses the historic nature of it, and it inspires him.

Money is raised via the church to buy tickets. Unfortunately, he gets scammed, Viagogo style, by a local petty hoodlum Terrence (Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson).

How mother recovers this is comedy genius. A mixture of streets smarts and the wrath of a Tongan matriarch wielding a jandal. The money is increased.

Maka has a brother who idolises him, Laki (Rocky Manusuate), one who calls him out, Sefo (Kasi Valu), and a long-suffering cousin Veni (Saale Uluaa).

When have I ever let you down, Veni?  The reply…Ahh, always?

Tickets are sold out even though they recovered the money. A plan is hatched to have a Tongan group performing as a marching brass band as pre-game entertainment.

A wild idea as they have no experience, instruments or uniforms.

A classic dreamer makes good by talent and sheer willpower. We can all enjoy a guilty pleasure at a classic scenario.

The set design (Sean Coyle) is simple and effective. The central device is a bungalow frontage which is dropped down and raised.

Decorated with Straight Outta Tonga when first seen. A reference to the great and notorious Gangsta Rappers NWA. You are about to witness the strength of street knowledge.

Music is an invigorating mix of traditional Tongan, Rap and Hip-Hop, live acoustic guitar Pop, Seventies Soul and Funk. Scribe’s Not Many and Stevie Wonders Sir Duke feature.

Joanna Mika Toloa is the music director.

The dance routines are smooth considering they require stamina and fitness. Not all bodies look fit and buffed.

The finale features the large Maamaloa Brass Band from Auckland, the stunning icing on the cake.

The large Polynesian presence in the theatre ensure a vocal and ribald response to traditional music and the scripted comedy. A lot is in Tongan language, so some jokes are missed but the audience laugh immediately. Truthfully it does not detract from the show.

Kingdom of Tonga pride is to the fore in the production, of which this night is the world premiere.

Jonah Lomu was a global phenomenon who transcended sport. We have experienced the exuberance and sheer heart of the people when they attend big sporting events.

Red, White and Blue does capture that. Perhaps the best feel-good theatre this year.

Red, White and Brass is paying at the ASB Waterfront Theatre through 7 July. Tickets are available HERE

Rev. Orange Peel