Crafted by Dunedin-based playwright and performer Chelsea McRae, featuring music by Mario Sadra-de Jong, and first showcased at the 2024 Dunedin Fringe Festival, this acclaimed show explores themes of cults, comedy, and closure.
After successful tours to five cities, including winning a Fringe Touring Award, Therapy: A Musical Comedy is now set to enchant audiences in Auckland next month.
To make this journey a reality, the show’s team—comprising McRae, Sadra-de Jong, and Cody McRae—have been diligently seeking financial backing, reaching out to local businesses and organizations.
With government funding cuts impacting Creative New Zealand earlier this year, the competition for financial support in the arts community has intensified.
In response, the team has turned to Arts NZ’s creative platform Boosted to raise the necessary funds.
McRae emphasized the significance of the show, stating, “This production is not merely a passion project; it is integral to our professional pursuits.”
She drew inspiration from her personal experiences of navigating the aftermath of parental suicide and surviving sexual assault to craft the script.
McRae shared, “Audience members have sought therapy after experiencing our show. We have witnessed individuals feeling empowered by the candid discussions surrounding trauma that unfold on stage.”
“Art must not be overlooked—art has the power to transform lives,” she added.
The Boosted campaign will run until Friday, June 27, aiming to raise $2000 to support the show’s upcoming endeavors.
For further details or to contribute, visit https://www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/projects/therapy-a-musical-comedy — APL
