31 September 2003: Jennifer Ward-Lealand reprised her Marlene Dietrich persona in a cabaret show, Jennifer Ward-Lealand Sings Marlene, as part of the 2003 Auckland Festival. at the AK03 Heineken Festival Club on 22 & 23 September and 3, 4 & 5 October, 2003.

Jennifer Ward-Lealand appeared as Marlene Dietrich in Marlene, "a night of glamour, music and insight into one of the 20th Century's most adored female icons. Backstage in a Parisian theatre . . . as she reflects on her life, her lovers, her family and fears, the extraordinary woman behind the myth is revealed".

At the Baycourt Theatre (Tauranga) 8-10 April 2003 and at the Herald Theatre (Auckland) 12-19 April 2003.

13 April 2003: Marlene sold out, including an added 20 April performance.

January 2004: Jennifer Ward-Lealand was named runner-up for "Best Actress" by the New Zealand Listener for her performance "as the husky voiced statuesque Marlene Dietrich in Marlene".

The following is an excerpt from a review in the Sunday Star-Times (13 April 2003): "Everything rides on Jennifer-Ward Lealand's performance as Marlene. Without a sense of truth from her, the screen goddess would be no more than a piece of cabaret mimicry. Thankfully she creates a genuine glamourpuss. The audience warmed most to Marlene's performance of great tunes from Cole Porter to Samuel Lerner to Pete Seeger. Here Ward-Lealand dazzled, her seductive voice helped by pianist Grant Winterburn and bass player Aaron Codell".

For the New Zealand Herald review, click here.