Three Forty One Pre-Show DRAFT

Don’t miss Toitoi’s much anticipated new show about the pivotal global issue of our times. Book now for the March/April 2025 performances of ‘THREE FORTY ONE – The Climate Musical!’

Welcome to the resort! On an island like the islands of Tuvalu, a kiwi wedding party arrive for the time of their lives, unaware that life altering realities await them. With a compelling script, a standout cast and songs that range from hilarious to heart breaking, THREE FORTY ONE addresses the climate crisis, considering it through the eyes of those most affected. This show is dedicated to the people of the world’s many coastal regions being increasingly affected by extreme weather and sea level rise. Theirs is a story that needs hearing and responding to, before it’s too late.

A New Zealand original musical

Following the success of The Way of the Raukura, THREE FORTY ONE is another brand new stage musical by Auckland based show writer and former concert pianist, Steve Worsley. Steve’s passion is for stories we should know that connect with crucial topical issues of today. Steve writes, ‘Every day we are confronted with reports of changing weather and concerning future scenarios. What do we make of it all, and how do we respond to claims that poor countries are being disproportionately affected? These are such important questions. Much has been written, but we started to imagine what it would be like if we were to bring these questions to life through music and drama.’

Steve expresses his appreciation for the significant advice and insights from the Auckland and Warkworth Kiribati and Tuvalu communities, and for those who spent countless hours advising on the script, the characters, the songs, and the science. There are 21 songs, scored with guitars, ukeleles, wood percussion, keys, bass, drums and natural sounds.

A Dynamic Creative Team

With decades of experience in drama coaching Jo Rasmussen reprises her drama oversight role in the THREE FORTY ONE Creative Team. Jo has also played an invaluable part in developing this show, sharing regular detailed discussion over script and characters. We were thrilled to have dynamic choreographer Rereaute Tamanui also reprise her role from The Way of the Raukura, embracing the stylistic challenges of a show set in the present rather than the 1880’s! Renee Maurice happens to also be a show writer and a winner of the TV competition, ‘New Zealand’s Got Talent’. Having a vocal coach like Renee is allowing our cast to not only meet the vocal challenges of this show, but to excel. And for a show set in Tuvalu, finding Molia for this team has made a world of difference. Not only is she a Tuvaluan dance teacher, she is a gifted communicator and cultural adviser who shares our heart for Tuvaluan people and those similarly affected.

A Stunning Cast

As Toitoi Collective put out the casting call for this show we had no idea we would get a cast of this calibre. Three members of the cast can be found on IMDB. One was lead singer for a band that received global recognition in the ’90’s. One acted on TV’s Shortland Street. Others have won awards in musical theatre. And a number of these folk have music videos on YouTube. As the cast formed we began to realise what an extraordinary opportunity we have to create something special together with season one of this show.

As well as talented individuals we were also very interested in the chemistry between characters. Kassidy’s character (Leilani) and Jim’s character (Tani) are brother and sister, while Hāmiora’s character (Aaron) shares the romantic arc at the centre of the story with Leilani. Similarly, the story features a bridal party (see row two above) that have been friends for years. The best thing about this show’s casting is how quickly these actors formed friendships and became so convincing in the roles they play alongside each other.

Equally important to the above, we looked for people who cared about the story we are telling. A number of the cast are from Tuvalu and one is from the neighbouring country Kiribati. As these folk live with the reality that their ancestral homes are on borrowed time, the story has become more than theatre for us all. It feels so important for the world to hear their story. And to realise that – like it or not – it’s a story we’re all part of.

While Leilani is the character with the most lines and solo songs… is she the main character? Could it equally be Chloe, the bride? A wedding is happening in three days’ time after all! Or could it be Aaron the Aid Worker – if climate issues are in play, surely aid will be the big deal? Or is it Teiro who sings ‘Home’ – which some are saying is the song of the show? Or Nate, the anti-hero groomsman who gets on everyone’s nerves? Or maybe it’s the woman who wears the “3.41” tee shirt…