Derek Metzger

Derek John Metzger is a New Zealand singer and actor best known for his performances in musical theatre in Australia.[1]

Metzger began his career in 1978, winning 'The Entertainers', a talent contest on New Zealand television. He represented New Zealand in two International competitions; The Asian Song Contest [Hong Kong] where he was placed 3rd. In 1980 he sang a duet [Once Again With You] with Tina Cross in the Pacific Song Contest [Canada], written by Carl Doy. The song was placed second and Derek and Tina won the 'Performance Award'. The same year he was voted Zealand's 'Rising Star'. He was a regular on NZ television through the 80s, including his own special "Derek and Friends". His 1982 single "Don't Say Goodbye" debuted at #35 on New Zealand's singles chart.[2]

In 1981, Metzger was cast in the lead role of Jonathan for the world première and cast album[3] of Eaton Magoon Jr and Sir Robert Helpmann's Hawaiian musical Aloha,[4][5][6] for Hamilton Operatic Society. In 1983 Derek revived the role in an American production of the show in Hawaii. It was followed in 1985 by a Michael Edgley revival production at His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland,[7][8] directed by Joe Layton, also starring Metzger in the same role.[9][10][11][12]

In 1986 Metzger moved to London where he joined the company of 42nd Street, at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He also appeared in a production of the Musical Matador, at the Donmar Warehouse and a Tribute to Noel Coward at the Piccadilly Theatre. One of the highlights of his three years in London was appearing in the Royal Variety Performance.

He returned to New Zealand to play Anatoly in the NZ tour of Chess and to record his debut solo Album; "Me and My Songs" produced by his friend Carl Doy

Metzger relocated to Australia in the early 90s, where he played leading roles in a succession of productions including Me and My Girl, Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, She Loves Me, Follies, Chess, The Wizard of Oz, Pippin, Titanic The Musical, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He received a Green Room Award for Male Actor in a Leading Role in music theatre for Me and My Girl. He received a Helpmann Award nomination for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his role of Patsy in the Australian production of Spamalot.


References
  1. "Derek Metzger". Radio New Zealand. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  2. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, 25 April 1982". The Official NZ Music Charts.
  3. ‘Aloha > New Zealand Cast’
  4. Aloha. Hamilton Heritage Collections.
  5. Cryer, Max. (25 October 1981). 'Hamilton produces ambitious musical' and 'Kitsch Aloha goes down a real treat'. Page 9. New Zealand Times
  6. (27 October 1981). 'Author full of praise' (Sir Robert Helpmann). Waikato Times, New Zealand
  7. His Majesty's Theatre
  8. 'The Arts'. (12 June 1985). 'Teacher Continues Aloha Association'. Page 24. The Daily Post (Rotorua, New Zealand)
  9. Kwok, E.D. (15 July 1985). 'NZ-US Talent Blends Well in Aloha.The New Zealand Herald
  10. Edwards, Louis. (30 May 1981). 'City link with musical'. Page 3. The Daily Post (Rotorua, New Zealand)
  11. (18 July 1981). 'Producing Aloha a world first'. The Daily Post (Rotorua, New Zealand)
  12. Day, Paul. (19 October 1981). 'Hamilton Says Aloha To Musical'. The New Zealand Herald
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