Over a dozen actors will descend on Q Theatre’s foyer to farewell their fellow actor Robbie Tripe on March 1.
The cabaret show Black Dog Relief– A Cabaret for Robbie Tripe brings emerging and established actor/singers together for a one night only performance, to honour a talented member of the performing fraternity who left us after losing the battle with the Black Dog.
Actor Tripe, 41, was known for his roles in top-rating soap Shortland Street, where he played opposite street stalwart Michael Galvin as defence lawyer Lawrence Cunningham in 2012, as well as in the hit American childrens' series Power Rangers. Tripe’s other TV and film credits include The Strip as well as The Truth about Demons and Radio Hauraki docu-drama The 3 Mile Limit. He acted extensively in theatre and was nominated for best supporting actor in the Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards for his role as Bernard in Death of a Salesman. He gained a second nomination portraying Trofimov in The Cherry Orchard.
Equity New Zealand president Jennifer Ward-Lealand says Tripe was a valued union member who gave much of his time and energy serving as vice president.
The stellar ensemble cast for Black Dog Relief comprises celebrated performers including Colleen Davis (Jesus Christ Superstar), Andrew Laing (Len Lye The Opera), Jennifer Ward-Lealand (Brel) and Rima Te Wiata (Little Shop of Horrors).
The song list for Black Dog Relief has Tripe’s personal touch – his legacy, which he intended to perform in collaboration with artistic director Ward-Lealand, musical director Paul Barrett and producer Sharu Delilkan over two years ago.
Tripe’s vision of the show was meant to include: “a masterful pianist with a quick wit and sharp tongue, backing him as the singer who gradually transforms before our eyes into an elegant sultry but disillusioned woman, resulting from mistreatment and disappointment at the hands of a string of lovers”. Hence his inclusion of songs by luminaries such as Fred Astaire, Cole Porter, Bobby Darin, Chet Baker, Dinah Washington, Marlene Dietrich, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.
Ward-Lealand says: “We wanted to present Robbie’s show, originally called Let’s Get Lost, with his chosen song list and using the same creative team. It is a great pity that he couldn’t be here to perform it himself.
“We hope that Black Dog Relief will not only be an unforgettable evening of music and song to give our dear friend a fitting send-off but also raise the awareness of depression, an issue which for too long has been swept under the carpet among the performing community.”
Sharu Loves Hats presents Black Dog Relief – A Cabaret for Robbie Tripe at Lounge, Q Theatre on Mar 1, 6:30 pm. To book: www.qtheatre.co.nz or 09 309 9771. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation. For details contact Sharu at sharu@sharu.co.nz.
