Pacifica the Musical is the world’s first ever Pasifika musical to headline at the Civic Theatre in Auckland. A story told in contemporary Auckland, Pacifica is interwoven with the rich history of Pasifika culture and tradition and expressed through well-known classic NZ music, dance and home-grown talent.

Jerry-Moses Roebeck, hailing from Glen Eden Methodist church, was cast as the lead in the role of Tanga for this groundbreaking show. This opportunity presents a huge responsibility and privilege that Jerry credits to his family, faith and God-given talent.

The landing of this lead role is the biggest achievement of his career to date, with more opportunities likely to come Jerry’s way from here. I was fortunate to be able to sit down with Jerry and talk all things Pacifica, music career and what has contributed to his musical career so far.

The opportunity to be involved in Pacifica started when Jerry was invited to audition for a workshop that would eventually be the pitch to sponsors to fund the musical’s premiere season. Though performing on stage was not a new thing, theatre presented a new challenge. “I was just happy I got a part in theatre because I always wanted to try musical theatre growing up but I didn’t know what my role was going to be.”

Pacifica is a Pacific love story. Tanga goes on a journey of self-discovery that confronts his family’s past, which had affected generations. Alongside his own love story, struggles and urban life, Pasifika life and identity is celebrated through Tanga and his family’s story.

A star-studded cast and crew worked to showcase Pacifica to the world. From Nick Afoa, Stan Walker and Teeks, choreographer Hadleigh Pouesi and others, it has been a memorable experience for Jerry working alongside some of NZ’s most talented.

“The experience [working with the cast and crew] has been awesome. It only took one rehearsal before I felt like I had known them all my life.” This sense of community is clear on stage each night.

Pacifica takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions. As Jerry points out, all of these emotions are expertly complemented by the rich repertoire of NZ-Pasifika songs which most show-goers will know. Pacifica truly captures the heart of young Pacific people today, and opens them up to a new genre which doesn’t typically include Polynesian representation.

Jerry is quick to point out his family as his greatest influence. “My parents really introduced me to music and took me to piano lessons when I was six years old. Also, my nana taught me that if God has given me a gift, it would be greedy to keep it to myself.”

He also credits fellow Glen Eden Methodist parishioner and best friend Ivan Fuimaono as someone who has influenced his music journey, with the two being almost inseparable in faith, life and in music – performing together with some of NZ and the world’s top artists.

When it comes to faith and church, Jerry is grateful that these things have shaped his journey in the music world. From church choir, to the TYTANZ Worship team, faith has remained a constant to Jerry’s ongoing growth in an unforgiving industry. “Through prayer I’ve managed to keep myself sane and grounded in God to help me find peace in real times of struggle.”

Regarding Pacifica and the character of Tanga, Jerry was quick to identify similarities between himself and his fictional counterpart, but also the role God has played during tough times. “There’s a lot of scenes in the musical that I’ve experienced myself and knowing and remembering those experiences and how I overcame them was actually through God.” This realization is evident in Jerry’s natural connection to the character on stage in every scene and performance.

Talking about why people need to buy tickets to see the show, Jerry is clear in his thoughts. “We really are standing on the shoulders of giants. Bringing our ancestors into this. I hope that people get to come and see for themselves that this really is a world class musical.”

Though still young in his career, Jerry still has much wisdom to pass on to others aspiring to follow in his footsteps. “Put your whole heart into it. Give it 1000 percent. It takes hard work and dedication.” But above all, he emphasizes the need to “Pray, keep God by your side, be confident in yourself and everything will work out.”