Who knew Shane Cortese could sing?

This is perhaps the most unexpected revelation from last Friday's performance of State Highway 48, 'a musical based on the journey of middle age”.

Shane, perhaps best known for playing middle-aged good guy Mac on TV's Nothing Trivial, embodies a similar role in this homemade Kiwi musical.

His star power in this town was evident when he appeared on stage, eliciting cheers and applause.

The same welcome was given to his co-star Delia Hannah, an acclaimed musical theatre performer with several international credits.

Both of them had stunning voices, and handled all their songs with skilful ease. The show is about them, and they are easily the standouts.

The pair play married couple Dave and Sharon, who live a classic Kiwi middle-class life, replete with kids, morning routines and – in Dave's case – an unfulfilling job.

All the usual tropes are here, but this time they are communicated through song, such as the title piece, ‘State Highway 48' – sung at the pub, and sounding not unlike a typical pub song.

The musical's point of difference is the inclusion of character called ‘The Black Dog', who is the embodiment of Dave's depression.

He shows up often, mostly lurking in the background, although he does have a bit of a duet with Dave at one point.

The character is played ably by James Foster, who has an excellent voice, but there were moments when he seemed too chummy.

He should have worn his dog mask all the time on stage – it would have made for a more sinister performance (although perhaps not conducive to singing).

Dave's depression, coupled with the loss of his job, sees him split from his wife for a bit, which leads to second half in which both he and Sharon try to enjoy their new independence (Sharon even gets to sing about Tinder and the possibility of becoming a cougar).

In the end, however, Dave begins to resist The Black Dog, and the musical ends with a hint at reconciliation between himself and Sharon.

State Highway 48 is by no means flawless. There is perhaps too much singing, and not enough dialogue to ‘bridge' the songs. Some of the songs are also unintentionally funny, such as when the kids sing, 'Who's going to make my lunch?” in response to their parents' separation. Such lamentations are not at all poignant.

However, director Nick Wilkinson has drilled all these actors well, and his staging is effective in its minimalism. The supporting actors do a great deal, providing back-up vocals as well as changing sets.

As a young, unmarried man with no known children, this reviewer might not be the musical's target audience. But for people of a certain vintage, there will be a few knowing nods, and a few laughs, as they spend an evening on State Highway 48.