In 1862 the Otago goldfields were a savage and unforgiving environment. Duncan and Sarah McKenzie arrive in the ‘new country’ when Jackie O’Fea brings news of the gold strikes. Leaving his family for the diggings with a promise to return, Duncan seizes his chance for freedom from the near-slavery of the 19th century working class life. He is joined by his friends Nathan and Millie Hall, who along with O’Fea and his nephews, the Lomax brothers, head off to seek their fortune. At the diggings, tragedy strikes. Nathan is drowned in a massive flood on the Arrow River leaving Millie a widow. She is cared for by the camp and particularly by Joe Lawson who cuts her wood for the coming winter. But Millie’s winter comes early when she is assaulted by O’Fea with only the Lomax brothers as witnesses.

Meanwhile Sarah thinks of what could have been. She reflects on her childhood as she struggles to support her children.When Duncan strikes gold, his euphoria is short lived as a young miner Dan Nolan is murdered by the Lomax brothers. Duncan is accused of the crime, and after an absurd trial, he is sentenced to hang. Sarah tries for an appeal but fails.

After Duncan’s death a bond develops between Millie and Sarah. She tells Sarah of her ordeal with O’Fea and the Lomaxes. As the Lomax brothers sleep a woman enters the cabin and shoots them both. O’Fea fights her and with some help from the ‘spirit of the times’ O’Fea meets his end. Love has blossomed between Millie and Lawson who decide to leave the goldfields together as Sarah considers her past and looks to the future.

The gold rush in New Zealand may not be quite as well known as the Californian gold rush but exactly the same dreams, desperation and desires happened there as in California.

David John’s true-to-life script and lyrics coupled with the rich and varied music of Kevin Lynch greatly inspired the previous casts with an enthusiasm which was seen and felt by the audience. The newspaper reviews and letters of praise stand testament to this impressive musical which is as loud, large and feverish as its name would suggest.

Larger amateur groups need not fear for their audience numbers – this has all the musical power and feel of ‘Oliver!’, ‘Paint Your Wagon, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘The Pirates Of Penzance’ all rolled into one. Gearge Balani, the Managing Director of New Zealand’s CHTV in 1999 said of Rush!, “.. .the only thing preventing it from being a similar worldwide hit to ‘Cats’ and ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ is that it wasn’t written by Andrew Lloyd-Webber …”.

Complete with all marketing and promotional artwork and images, as well as comprehensive staging details, ‘Rush!’ fizzes with energy, and has both a wonderful, warm richness which fills the soul, coupled with a rawness as cold and spectacular as hoar frost.