Kiwi Musical Comedy Review: Combining the Charm of Schitt’s Creek with the Musical Spirit of Glee

November 4, 2024

‘Happiness’ Review: New Zealand’s Musical Comedy Delivers Surprising Charm

A Quirky New Series Subverts Expectations with Original Music and Heartfelt Storytelling.

Auckland, New Zealand – The highly anticipated New Zealand television series, ‘Happiness,’ is making waves with its unconventional approach to the musical genre. Initially appearing as a typical,albeit dated,musical opener,the show quickly reveals itself to be a refreshingly original comedy,steering clear of reliance on established jukebox hits.

Beyond the Backstreet Boys: The Trojan Horse Takes center Stage

The series distinguishes itself through ‘The Trojan Horse,’ a delightfully offbeat musical-within-a-musical created by a local amateur theatre society known as Pizazz. Instead of familiar pop anthems, viewers are treated to newly composed songs, like a memorable number featuring a real estate agent portraying Helen of Troy, boldly proclaiming, “Won’t you be my Troy boy/not some typical toy boy.” This focus on original material sets ‘Happiness’ apart, offering a unique sonic landscape.

A scene from ‘The Trojan Horse,’ the musical-within-a-musical that drives the narrative of ‘Happiness.’

A Mother-son Dynamic at the Heart of the Story

The narrative of ‘Happiness’ centers on the complex relationship between Charlie, portrayed by Harry McNaughton, and his devoted mother, Gaye, played by Rebecca Gibney. Charlie’s return to his hometown of Tauranga, New Zealand, is fraught with tension, stemming from his ambition to establish himself as a Broadway director. The series explores weather, through the shared experience of mounting an amateur production, he can reconcile with his past, embrace the joys of small-town life, and rediscover genuine happiness.

Subverting Tropes and Finding Humor in the Earnest

The show acknowledges the inherent awkwardness of its opening scene, a flashmob set to the Backstreet Boys, with Charlie’s visible discomfort serving as a comedic device. This self-awareness allows the series to lean into its quirky charm. The show, in many ways, succeeds at recapturing the spirit of shows like ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and ‘Glee,’ but with a distinctly Kiwi sensibility.

Did You Know? New Zealand’s screen industry has experienced notable growth in recent years, with government funding attracting both local and international productions. According to the New Zealand Film commission, the sector contributed over NZD $3.3 billion to the economy in 2023.

Character dynamics and Relatable Struggles

McNaughton delivers a compelling performance as Charlie, a character struggling with pretension and a prickly exterior. His journey is supported by a cast of archetypal characters – the overbearing director, the delusional leading lady, and the hidden talents within the amateur theatre group. These familiar figures contribute to the show’s relatable appeal. The show also features nuanced portrayals of ambition, artistic expression, and the search for belonging.

Harry McNaughton as Charlie, navigating his return to New Zealand and his relationship with his mother.

The Power of Amateur Theatre and Second Chances

‘Happiness’ offers a fresh perspective on the world of amateur theatre, highlighting its power to transform lives and forge meaningful connections. The series skillfully balances humor with genuine emotional depth, exploring themes of family, community, and the pursuit of dreams. The show’s writers manage to condense a compelling narrative into six concise 20-minute episodes, maximizing impact and pacing.

Element	Description
Genre	Musical Comedy
Setting	Tauranga, New Zealand
Key Themes	Family, ambition, Artistic Expression, Community
Episode Length	approximately 20 minutes

The Enduring Appeal of Stories About Finding Your Place

The themes explored in ‘Happiness’ – navigating family relationships, reconciling with the past, and discovering purpose – are universally resonant.Stories focused on personal growth and community building consistently captivate audiences, as demonstrated by the enduring popularity of shows like ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘Ted Lasso.’ The show’s unique setting and musical elements add a fresh layer to this familiar narrative framework.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Happiness’

What is ‘Happiness’ about?

‘Happiness’ is a musical comedy series that follows Charlie, a Broadway-aspiring director, as he returns to his hometown and gets reluctantly involved in an amateur theatre production.

Is ‘Happiness’ a jukebox musical?

No, ‘Happiness’ features primarily original music created for the musical-within-a-musical, ‘The Trojan Horse.’

Where is ‘Happiness’ set?

The series is set in Tauranga, New Zealand, providing a unique cultural backdrop for the story.

What genre is ‘happiness’?

‘Happiness’ is best described as a musical comedy, blending humor with heartfelt moments and original songs.

Who are the main actors in ‘Happiness’?

The series stars Harry McNaughton as Charlie and Rebecca Gibney as Gaye, his mother.

Will you be tuning in to see if Charlie finds his ‘Happiness’? What makes a story truly resonate with you?

How does “Kiwi” differentiate itself from *Glee* and *schitt’s Creek* in terms of performance style and emotional depth?

The Unexpected Delight of “Kiwi”

“Kiwi,” the new musical comedy series streaming now, has quickly become a standout in the crowded television landscape. It’s a show that manages to feel both familiar and refreshingly original, drawing comparisons to the heartwarming ensemble dynamics of Schitt’s Creek and the high-energy musical numbers of Glee. But “Kiwi” isn’t simply a copycat; it carves its own niche with sharp writing, endearing characters, and a surprisingly poignant exploration of found family. This review dives deep into what makes “Kiwi” a must-watch for fans of musical comedy, streaming series, and character-driven storytelling.

A Plot That Strikes a Chord: Storyline & Themes

The series centers around a group of misfit musicians in a small New Zealand town, all vying for a spot in a national music competition. While the competition provides a central narrative thread, the real heart of “Kiwi” lies in the relationships between the characters.

* Found Family: Like Schitt’s Creek, “Kiwi” excels at portraying the bonds formed between peopel who choose each other. The characters, each with their own baggage and vulnerabilities, find solace and support in their shared passion for music.

* Small Town Dynamics: The setting of a close-knit new Zealand community adds a unique flavor. The show cleverly utilizes the quirks and eccentricities of small-town life for comedic effect.

* Pursuit of Dreams: The overarching theme of chasing your dreams, despite obstacles and setbacks, resonates deeply. It’s a global message delivered with authenticity and humor.

* Authenticity & Vulnerability: Unlike the sometimes overly-polished performances in Glee, “Kiwi” embraces imperfections.Characters are allowed to be messy, flawed, and genuinely vulnerable, making them incredibly relatable.

Musical Numbers: More Than Just Spectacle

The music in “Kiwi” isn’t just window dressing; it’s integral to the storytelling. The songs are original, catchy, and frequently enough used to reveal character emotions or advance the plot.

* Genre Blend: The soundtrack features a diverse range of musical styles, from pop and rock to folk and even a touch of traditional Māori music. This variety keeps things fresh and reflects the eclectic personalities of the characters.

* Emotional Resonance: the best musical numbers aren’t just about remarkable vocals or choreography; they’re about conveying genuine emotion. “Kiwi” consistently delivers on this front.

* Integration with Narrative: songs aren’t shoehorned into the story; they flow naturally from the characters’ experiences and motivations. This seamless integration is a key element of the show’s success.

* Performance Style: The performances feel raw and authentic, mirroring the characters’ personalities. It’s less about Broadway-level perfection and more about heartfelt expression.

Character Breakdown: Who Will You Root For?

“Kiwi” boasts a strong ensemble cast, each character bringing something unique to the table.

* Maya: The ambitious and talented lead vocalist, struggling with self-doubt.

* Ben: The quirky and lovable songwriter, hiding a secret heartbreak.

* Chloe: The pragmatic and grounded band manager, keeping everyone in line.

* Rangi: The wise and supportive elder, offering guidance and encouragement.

* Liam: The competitive rival, whose motivations are more complex than they appear.

These characters, and the actors portraying them, are the driving force behind the show’s emotional impact. The character growth is especially strong, allowing viewers to become deeply invested in their journeys.

Comparing “Kiwi” to Schitt’s Creek and Glee

While comparisons to Schitt’s Creek and Glee are certain, “Kiwi” distinguishes itself in several key ways.

Feature	schitt’s Creek	Glee	Kiwi