In August 2016, director Janice Honeyman, executive producer Bernard Jay and musical director Rowan Bakker embarked on a search for the two women who would be chosen to play the lead roles of Celie and Shug Avery in the Tony Award winning musical The Color Purple, to be staged for the first time in South Africa in 2018 and with an all-South African cast.

After gruelling auditions in Cape Town, Pretoria and Joburg of over 250 performers, the team finally found South Africa’s answers for the two currently most coveted female roles in musical theatre. Today, we are excited to reveal the two South African actresses who will be playing these roles in the first major international production of The Color Purple since the Broadway revival.

At a media junket, held at Joburg Theatre, it was revealed that Didintle Khunou will be playing the role of Celie – a caring and gentle girl whose resilience is truly miraculous and ultimately a tribute to humankind – and Molebatsi Lekgetha will be playing the role of Shug Avery – the archetypal blues woman, with her earthy wisdom and singer lifestyle.

Didintle Khunou, 25, is a Wits School of Arts graduate, having obtained a BA Honours Degree in Dramatic Arts. She has made many television appearances, the most recent being the second season of SABC2’s popular Sotho drama series Mamello, directed by SAFTA award-winning director Zuko Nodada.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Molebatsi Lekgetha, 33, began exploring her talent as a performer in primary school. Her love and passion for the arts directed her to study and complete a BA (Drama) Degree at the University of Pretoria. She immediately landed a lead role in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Market Theatre, for which she received a Naledi Award Nomination for Best Performance By A Newcomer. .

Didintle and Molebatsi join a talented all South African cast, which features Zane Gillion, Sebe Leotlela (as Nettie), Dolly Louw, Andile Magxaki, Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri (as Harpo), Venolia Manale, Namisa Mdlalose, Phumi Mncayi, Neo Motaung (as Sofia), Tshepo Ncokoane, Thokozani Nzima, Funeka Peppeta, Aubrey Poo (as Mister), Senzesihle Radebe, Lelo Ramasimong, Zolani Shangase, Ayanda Sibisi and Lebo Toko.

The director is Janice Honeyman, musical director Rowan Bakker, production designer Sarah Roberts, lighting designer Mannie Manim and The Color Purple is produced by Joburg Theatre and Bernard Jay in association with MNet and 702.

The Color Purple is based upon the 1982 novel written by Alice Walker and the 1985 Warner Bros/Amblin Entertainment Motion Picture, directed by Steven Spielberg. The musical’s book is by Marsha Norman and the music and lyrics are by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The musical The Color Purple was originally produced on Broadway in 2005 by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman and Quincy Jones, receiving eleven 2006 Tony Award nominations. The recent Broadway revival enjoyed tremendous success, boosted by its major Tony Award wins in 2016 and Grammy Award in 2017.

The musical will have preview performances in The Mandela at Joburg Theatre from January 31st 2018, with its official opening night on Sunday February 4th and running until Sunday March 4th 2018. Tickets from R240 are already on sale: telephone 0861 670 670, go online at www.joburgtheatre.com or book in person at the Joburg Theatre box office. Theatre patrons can also book online and pay at selected Pick N Pay stores.

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South African film ‘Inxeba’ (known internationally as ‘The Wound’) has won the Best Film Award in the International New Talent Competition, at the Taipei Film Festival, which runs from 29 June to 15 July. The festival screens 160 films from more than 40 countries to around 100 000 visitors each year and is recognised as the most influential showcase of international cinema in Taiwan.

This is a latest in a string of awards for the film, which explores tradition and masculinity, and the clash between age-old rituals and modernity. Described by Variety magazine as “a milestone in South African cinema”, the film stars musician and novelist Nakhane Touré as Xolani, a lonely factory worker who joins the men of his community in the mountains of the Eastern Cape to initiate a group of teenage boys into manhood. When Kwanda (Niza Jay Ncoyini), a defiant initiate from the city, discovers his mentor’s secret, Xolani’s entire existence begins to unravel.

At Cinema Jove, the Valencia International Film Festival, held in Spain from 23 June to 1 July, ‘Inxeba’ was awarded the Luna de Valencia for Best Feature Film, as well as the Best Actor Award for Nakhane Touré.

At one of the world’s longest-running film festivals, the Sydney Film Festival, held from 7 to 18 June, ‘Inxeba’ won the Audience Award for Best Feature, with ScreenDaily describing it as “a measured consideration of class, race, self-loathing and self-assertion”.

At the 41st Frameline, San Francisco’s international film festival, held from 15 to 25 June and where 147 films were screened, ‘Inxeba’ won the First Feature Award.

Shortly before that, it was awarded the prize for Best Feature Film at the 32nd Lovers Film Festival, an LGBTQI festival held in Turin, Italy from 15 to 20 June.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubSlj-G4P6I&t=3s

In April, the film received the Jury Prize for Best Narrative at the 19^th annual Sarasota Film Festival in Florida, in the US. The festival is known as a world-class platform for thought-provoking films from some of the best known and emerging independent filmmakers. At the MOOOV International Film held in March 2017, in Belgium, it garnered a Special Mention.

‘Inxeba’, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and later opened Berlinale Panorama, was a 2014 Durban FilmMart project. This initial pitch enabled the team behind it to obtain funding from a number of international financiers, resulting in a co-production between South Africa, France, Germany and The Netherlands.

According to a Sundance review, “John Trengove’s hard-edged but beautifully wrought study of clashing Xhosa models of masculinity will be an eye-opener to outsiders — and some South Africans too.”

‘Inxeba’ will have its African premiere in competition at the Durban International Film Festival (13 to 23 July), screening at The Playhouse on 14 July.

‘Inxeba’ is the first feature from writer-director John Trengove, and is co-written by Trengove, Thando Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu. The Xhosa initiation ritual which forms the landscape of the film is also the subject of ‘Inxeba’ co-writer Mgqolozana’s novel, ‘A Man Who Is Not a Man’.

‘Inxeba’ will continue to travel around the world, having been sold to 19 countries for theatrical release thus far, and will be distributed in South Africa by Indigenous Film Distribution.

“The release strategy for South Africa ensures that the film will qualify as a strong contender to represent the country in the Foreign Language Film nominations for the 2018 Oscars,” says Helen Kuun, MD of Indigenous Film Distribution. “We are excited about ‘Inxeba’ as it is an authentic South African story that has gained traction globally.”

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After record breaking runs in New York, London and Asia, The Illusionists direct from Broadway, will be in South Africa for the first time ever, opening at GrandWest on Wednesday, 07 February 2018 for a limited season ending on Sunday, 11 February 2018. The show then moves to Montecasino’s Teatro from Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, 14 February to Sunday, 11 March 2018.

“The Illusionists” has shattered box office records across the globe and continues to dazzle audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. The show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Witness stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation, mindreading, and disappearance in this mind-blowing spectacular that showcases the jaw dropping talents of eight of the most incredible Illusionists including award winning New York comedian, Harrison Greenbaum, The Trickster, who co-hosted and performed at the official Times Square New Year’s Eve World Wide Webcast in 2010 and 2011 live broadcast, to over 250 million viewers around the globe.

Infusing the old and new world of performance theatre in his magical illusion act, The Escapist, Krendl has performed over 1,200 shows in 12 years and was voted ‘best in show’ for the past 3 years at the international Magic Theatre. He has been featured on national television shows and performed on cruise ships and at resorts around the world.

Ben Blaque, The Weapon Master established himself as America’s foremost master of the crossbow after appearing 4 times on America’s Got Talent. His Danger Act made it to the quarterfinals and was then brought back by Howard Stern for the Wild Card Show. Ben performs incredibly dangerous acts using highly powerful crossbows to shoot various objects. His acts are as thrilling and action-packed as they are entertaining and are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Combining a truly entrancing, poetic approach to card trickery with brilliant dexterity, Korean-born Den Den, The Manipulator’s ‘now you see it, now you don’t’ trickery keeps audiences utterly engrossed, mixing visually beautiful performance with mind bending magic. This master of manipulation was named Magician of the Year in 2014 by the Academy of Magical Arts and he received the highest accolade from the Society of American Magicians. His award-winning act has marked him as one of the best in the world of manipulation!

Chris Cox is The Mentalist, a self-proclaimed “mind reader who can’t read minds”. He is making a big name for himself at home in the United Kingdom and soon in South Africa as a funny, confident and charismatic performer; full of energy, warmth and charm. Chris delivers incredible mind-reading stunts with a silly and mischievous sense of fun that leaves audiences astounded, amazed and thoroughly entertained.

Kalin & Jinger are no strangers to South Africa, having previously performed at Sun City. Mark Kalin, The Showman is one of the most influential magicians of the last decade, bringing his amazing illusions to the stage and on television shows as well as his own experimental theatre in Reno, Nevada. As a young man Mark’s specialty was sleight-of-hand magic, but he later expanded his act, with Jinger Leigh, The Conjuress to include tigers, panthers and sensational, split-second marvels. They even presented the largest stage illusion of all time, vanishing an American Airlines jumbo jet at the Reno Hilton.

Working together as Kalin & Jinger, the duo has developed a reputation for their mix of innovative illusions and their distinctive, modern style. They were awarded Magicians of the Year from The Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle), the highest honor in magic, recognizing their unique achievements and charismatic performances. A modern sorceress in a very ancient art, Jinger Leigh’s unique blend of elegance and theatricality has redefined the role of the magician.

As a performance artist and modern interpreter of the art of illusion, Darcy Oakes, The Grand Illusionist transports audiences with his charm, his sleight of hand and logic-defying illusions. He has taken the rich heritage of the magic culture and put a fresh, young and modern twist on the profession. In 2014 Darcy made an appearance before 200 million viewers on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. He impressed both the judges and the audience, catapulting this star much higher than even he had believed possible. In 2016, he made a guest appearance on America’s Got Talent proving once again that the impossible is possible.

Collectively these performers have been seen by millions of people around the world and this production showcases their incredible talents together on stage for the very first time. Audiences will witness stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation, mindreading, and disappearance…

CAPE TOWN SHOW INFORMATION

 DATES:

Wednesday, 07 February to Sunday, 11 February 2018

 VENUE:

GrandWest

SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 20h00

Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00

 PRICES:

R250, R300, R400, R500 VAT inclusive

J OHANNESBURG SHOW INFORMATION

 VENUE:

Teatro at Montecasino

 DATES:

Wednesday, 14 February to Sunday, 11 March 2018

 SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 20h00

Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00

 PRICES:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays 6pm:  R200, R300, R400 inclusive

Fridays and Saturdays (matinee and evening) and Sunday matinees: R300, R400, R500 inclusive

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Hierdie Desember kan Suid-Afrikaanse fliekgangers uitsien na die uitreiking van die splinternuwe rolprent “Susters.”

Die verhaal gaan oor drie aangenome susters wat van mekaar vervreemd geraak het en hoe hulle op ‘n ontdekkingsreis gaan met die afsterwe van hul moeder. Dis ‘n reis gevul met tere herinneringe, interessante karakters, ongelooflike mooi plekke en dit wat die skoner geslag baie goed mee is – hoe om sakke vol pret te hê.

Die rolverdeling sluit in Leah, die veelbekroonde sangeres met albumverkope wat goue status breik het en bekend is vir haar rolle in As Jy Sing en Sterlopers. Nog ‘n suster word gespeel deur Quanita Adams, self geen vreemdeling vir die kollig nie met heelwat televisie- en filmrolle agter haar naam. En die derde suster is niemand anders nie as Diaan Lawrenson, bekend vir haar rol as Paula in 7de Laan. En dis maar net die hoofrolle – kykers kan hulle gereed maak vir heelwat verrassings met bekendes wat kleiner rolle gaan vertolk.

In die regisseurstoel is Corné van Rooyen, bekend vir sy werk op Hollywood in my huis en Vaselinetjie.   Die draaiboek is geskryf deur Corine du Toit en Sandra Vaughn, wat saam ‘n magdom film- en TV-reeksdraaiboeke agter hul naam het, insluitend Semi-Soet. Dis ook nie aldag wat ‘n vrou in beheer is van kinematografie nie, maar Sunel Haasbroek verleen ‘n unieke vroulike uitkyk op hoe die susters die wêreld om hulle sien. Die vervaardigers van Susters is Jenny Griesel, bekend vir haar werk in die media, liefdadigheid en bemarking van die land se top glanspersone, saam met die bekroonde liedjieskrywer, Johan Vorster. En waar Johan is, is daar natuurlike ook goeie musiek, dus as musiekregisseur, kan almal ‘n klankbaan van hoë gehalte te wagte wees.

Susters word moontlik gemaak deur die trotse samewerking tussen Inhoud Huis Media en kykNET en word op die 1ste Desember landwyd vrygestel, net betyds vir daardie vakansiegevoel wat gesinne saambind.

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Teg Dainty in association with Showtime Management and Moonshadow Aus PTY, have announced that British singer-songwriting legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, will tour South Africa for the first time in November.  The Peace Train Tour commemorates the 50th Anniversary of his first major hit single and debut album, Matthew & Son, released in 1967.

The three-city 2017 concert tour commences in Johannesburg on the new date of Wednesday, 8 November 2017 at the TicketPro Dome, before moving to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town on Saturday, 11 November 2017.  The tour will finish on Wednesday 15 November 2017 at Durban’s ICC Arena.  

This 50^th Anniversary Tour offers local fans an unmissable concert in three major cities, where Yusuf / Cat Stevens will sing his hits Wild World, Moonshadow, Father and Son and Peace Train and the much-loved Morning Has Broken, as well as songs from his new album.

Throughout his five-decade career, Yusuf / Cat Stevens remains a popular artist amongst South Africans. His long-time association with this country began in the early ‘70’s. The global hit, Can’t Keep It In held the number one spot on the South African national hit parade for six weeks in 1972.  In 2001/2 Yusuf / Cat Stevens added African harmonies and traditional sounds to two of his major hits, Wild World and Peace Train which he recorded with a local choir, the Incwenga Voices.

He also performed Peace Train with this choir at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg as part of the broadcast via satellite to a Stop the War Coalition event in London that also featured Cold Play and Ronan Keating.  In November 2003, Yusuf / Cat Stevens returned to SA, again to perform Wild World but this time with his former session player, Peter Gabriel as part of the Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert line-up in Cape Town. Returning to South Africa in November this year, Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ Peace Train Tours brings the artist back to this country but for his first ever tour.

In 1975 Cat experienced another momentous and life-changing event after nearly drowning in the Pacific Ocean. Following this he dedicated himself to the Divine path, leaving music he concentrated on the education and humanitarian relief. The tragic events of 9/11 motivated Yusuf to, once again, take to the global stage. He spoke out in the media against the atrocities, against fanaticism and war, and called for peace and unity. In 2006 Yusuf returned to mainstream music with the album An Other Cup, which was followed in 2009 by Roadsinger.  2014 was another monumental year for Yusuf, as he released his fourteenth studio album Tell ‘Em I’m Gone and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is currently working on a children’s animation series and writing his autobiography, which is expected to surface next year.

Share an evening of timeless music in Cape Town, Johannesburg & Durban with Yusuf Cat Stevens, one of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time, in South Africa for the very first time. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this legend perform live.

Show tickets are only available at Computicket and Webtickets (Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden).  Tickets on sale this Monday August 7 at 9am.

SHOW INFORMATION

Johannesburg:

Wednesday, 8 November 2017, Ticketpro Dome, 8 Pm

Thursday, 9 November 2017, Ticketpro Dome, 8 Pm

Cape Town:

Saturday, 11 November, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, 7 Pm (Sold Out)

Sunday, 12 November 2017, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, 7 Pm

Durban: 

Wednesday, 15 November, Durban ICC Arena, 8 Pm

BOOKINGS

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket service centre.

TICKET PRICES:

Johannesburg: R1200, R1000 R850, R650, R450

Cape Town:  General Access only – R850

Durban: R1200, R850, R650, R550, R450

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Big Concerts confirmed that 10-time Grammy Award winner, multi platinum selling artist John Legend will be returning to South Africa with his highly anticipated Darkness and Light Global tour.  The tour will visit Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town in November 2017.

KFM 94.5, 947, East Coast Radio and Channel 24 partnered with Big Concerts, and once again Discovery Card holders will get an exclusive 48 hour pre-sale starting Wednesday 23^rd August at 9am.  Go to www.discovery.co.za for more information.  General tickets will be available from  Friday 25^th August at 9am from Big Concerts and Computicket.

John Legend’s latest album Darkness and Light has been a global smash hit with top 10 singles “Love Me Now” and “Penthouse Floor” featuring Chance the Rapper. The album debuted on the top 20 of the Billboard 200 and was streamed over 12 million times in the first week.

Fans can expect to hear John perform these new singles as well as his smash single “All of Me” from his critically acclaimed fourth studio album ‘LOVE IN THE FUTURE’ which claimed the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart, as well as #1 at four formats of radio: Urban AC, Top 40, Rhythm, & Adult Top 40. The single marks Legend’s highest selling and charting single of his career to date, with sales over 5.5 million worldwide.

Don’t miss the chance to see John Legend perform all your favourite hits live with a full band.

Tour Information:

Johannesburg

Saturday 4^th November 2017

Sunday 5 November 2017

Ticketpro Dome

Ticket Price: R515 – R1140

Tickets go on sale Friday 25^th August at 9am from www.bigconcerts.co.za

Durban

Tuesday 7^th November 2017

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Ticket Price:  R375 – R855

Tickets go on sale Friday 25^th August at 9am from www.bigconcerts.co.za

Cape Town

Thursday 9^th November 2017

Friday 10 November 2017

Grand West, Grand Arena

Ticket Price:  R515 – R1085

Tickets go on sale Friday 25^th August at 9am from www.bigconcerts.co.za

For Hospitality enquiries, please contact:

Johannesburg Blue Wing Hospitality Package includes:

Premium Suite Access Ticket to Concert – Block FB/FC (Main Arena)  Banquet menu Bar Facilities EXCLUSIVE PARKING RATIO 1:2

Tickets priced at R2995 per person. Book at Computicket from 25^th August.

Cape Town Hospitality includes:

Ticket to Concert – Block F  French champagne reception Fully staffed Luxury cocktail facility (adjacent to arena) Premium reserved seating Upscale pre-concert canapes Complimentary premium bar Parking ratio 1:2

Tickets priced at R2995 per person. Book at Computicket from 25^th August.

For private hospitality offerings please contact:

Johannesburg: Nishi Naicker from the Ticketpro Dome on 011 794 5800 or nishi@ticketprodome.co.zCape Town: Grant Wilson from Beluga Hospitality 082 466 4122 or grant@belugahospitality.co.za

The post John Legend: November 2017 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Pieter Toerien and David Ian present the original West End and Broadway production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Iconic Musical.  Evita will be staged at the Teatro at Montecasino and the Artscape Opera house, later this year.  This productions will be directed by legendary Broadway Director, Hal Prince.

EVITA will star South Africa’s own Jonathan Roxmouth (Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd) as Che and Emma Kingston (In the Heights, Les Misérables), who has been personally chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice and Hal Prince, to play Eva Perón.  South African talent, LJ Neilson, will be Miss Kingston’s understudy, performing the role of Eva Perón twice a week.

The rest of the cast, includes the crème de la crème of the South African Theatre industry.  They Are Anton Luitingh, Isabella Jane, Thabiso Maemene, Mark Richardson, Mike Huff, Adam Pelkowitz, Keaton Ditchfield, Earl Gregory, Carlo McFarlane, Danielle Bitton, Beverley Chiat, Cindy-Ann Abraham, Darren Greeff, Kent Jaycocke, Richard Gau, Hope Maimane, JD Engelbrecht, Evan van Soest, Robynne Versfeld, Kiruna-Lind Devar, Ambre Chanel Fulton, Stefania du Toit and Hayley Henry.

Robert Finlayson will make a welcome return to the stage as Peron. The show will be choreographed by the original West End and Broadway choreographer LARRY FULLER and be designed by original designer TIMOTHY O’BRIEN.

JOHANNESBURG

The Teatro, Montecasino

14 October – 26 November

Performances: Tue – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm, Sun @ 2pm & 5:30pm

Tickets: Wed – Sat & Sun matinee: R500, R400, R300 & R200

Tue & Sun eve: R450, R350, R250 & R150

CAPE TOWN

Artscape Opera

1 December 2017 – 7 January 2018

Performances: Tue – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm, Sun @ 2pm & 5:30pm

Tickets: Wed – Sat & Sun matinee: R485, R385, R285, R200 & R150

Tue & Sun eve: R430, R330, R230, R150 & R100

Bookings open on the 25th April 2017

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s seven-time Tony Award-winning musical Evita charts the rags-to-riches rise of the First Lady of Argentina, who won the love of her countrymen after marrying military leader-turned-president Juan Peron. Set in Buenos Aires between 1934-1952, the musical follows Eva Duarte Peron on her passionate and tragic journey from her humble beginnings as a fatherless child to ambitious actress to the most powerful woman in Latin America—and, eventually, to a saint-like figure after her death from cancer at age 33.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, and an Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita is iconic. Featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, Oh What a Circus, High Flying, Adored, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall together with “You Must Love Me,” the Oscar-winning hit from the film, Evita is a must-see!

Hal Prince has won 21 Tony awards, more than any person in history. As well as EVITA, his directorial and producing credits include Candide, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Show Boat, A Little Night Music, Follies, Cabaret and Fiddler on the Roof. Hal Prince said “I am absolutely thrilled to be directing this original production of EVITA. I believe that it is Andrew and Tim’s finest work and audiences in South Africa are truly in for a treat.”

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER is the recipient of 7 Tony awards, 7 Olivier awards, a Golden Globe and an Oscar. His musicals include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Tell Me on a Sunday, Song and Dance, Starlight Express, Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, The Woman in White, Love Never Dies and School of Rock.

TIM RICE is the recipient of 3 Tony awards, 3 Olivier awards, 3 Oscars and 12 Ivor Novello awards. His musicals include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Blondel, Chess, Beauty and the Beast, Aida and The Lion King.

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One of the world’s greatest music acts, +LIVE+ has announced they will play South Africa as part of their reunion tour in November 2017. Presented by AMP Events, the show promises to feature all the highlights from +LIVE+’s incredible 25-year repertoire.

+LIVE+ will be the first international musical act to grace the brand-new stage at the opening of Sun International’s Sun Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria.  They’ll perform there on 10^th November 2017 and in Cape Town’s Grand Arena at GrandWest on 7^th November 2017.

“Fans of +LIVE+ have always shown incredible support when this band tours SA” says AMP CEO Andy Mac “We saw all tickets sell-out in record time when their lead singer Ed Kowalczyk toured Joburg and Cape Town in 2015 for the Throwing Copper Anniversary Tour. We expect the same to happen for this reunion tour. Bands with a great legacy, such as +LIVE+, are the reason I started AMP Events and I can’t wait to see these guys rock out on stage”.

The original line-up of +LIVE+ are Ed Kowalczyk (vocals, guitar), Chad Taylor (guitar, backing vocals), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass) and Chad Gracey (drums, percussion) recently reunited for this worldwide tour.

2017 will mark the 25^th anniversary of their debut album Mental Jewelry (released December 31, 1991). The multi-platinum band from Pennsylvania have sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums (Throwing Copper, Secret Samadhi). Their catalog is filled with such gems as “Lightning Crashes,” “I Alone,” “All Over You,” and “Lakini’s Juice,” which live on today as classics at rock radio.

The original line-up of +LIVE+ performed their last show in July 2009 before going off in different directions. Rediscovering their friendship has healed old differences, setting the stage for the four members to come together to make music again.

Cape Town

Grand Arena – GrandWest

7 November 2017

 Pretoria

Sun Arena-Time Square, Menlyn Maine

10 November 2017 (SOLD OUT)

11 November 2017

R 495 – R 795 – www.computicket.com

VIP Meet & Greet packages available (Extremely Limited)

The post Live: November 2017 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Joburg Theatre and Bernard Jay are pleased to announce the full cast of Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio, the Pantomime Adventure.

Just to say the name Tobie Cronjé (Geppetto Spoletto) is almost enough to start people laughing. Probably South Africa’s best known comedy actor, he has for nearly five decades been entertaining audiences with his performances in theatre and operettas, film and television and even as a director of various dramas. But, more than anything, Tobie’s name has become almost synonymous with pantomime in South Africa, playing the lead in dozens of these festive season productions throughout much of his career. Tobie received great acclaim for originating the role of the woodcarver Geppetto in the premier production of Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio in 2009.

South African born André Schwartz (Il Fortunato, the Fox) is one of this country’s leading and best loved entertainers. A multi-faceted and talented performer who is equally at ease in front of a camera, in a recording studio or on stage, André has entertained South African audiences since the age of 14. André has released fifteen albums, many of which received gold status. His leading roles in musical theatre include Abanazar in Janice Honeyman’s pantomime Aladdin (2006), Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.

Making her Joburg Theatre pantomime debut is Chi Mhende (Pussy Galore, the Cat), an acclaimed performance and voice artist. Chi has worked extensively in the theatre, having performed in Shakespearean roles in Cape Town and in 2014 was awarded Best Actress at the Durban International Film Festival for her leading role in the feature film Love the One You Love. In July 2015, Chi accepted the role of Wandile Radebe on SABC’s Generations: The Legacy, a role that came with much controversy and chatter, questioning the producers’ casting of a female performer in a male role.

This year’s pantomime at Joburg Theatre sees a return to the age-old tradition of a female ‘principal boy’, when performer Kanyi Nokwe plays the role of Pinocchio. Kanyi is a member of the Nokwe family – now headed by her aunt Tu Nokwe – one of South Africa’s most famous musical families and sometimes called the Jacksons of Africa. Kanyi was born in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape, completed her Matric at the National School of The Arts, obtained a diploma in Worship Ministry from Rhema Training Centre in 2011 and portrayed the role of a young Dorothy Masuku in the Market Theatre’s production of Divas of Kofifi.

Ilse Klink (Bella Bouboulina, the Blue Fairy) is a South African actress and singer best known for her role as Vanessa Booysens on SABC3’s Isidingo from 1999 to 2007, for which she won an Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Soapie in 2000. She also starred as Fashion Week CEO Miranda Simons in the Mzansi Magic telenovela Inkaba, from 2012 to 2013. Born in Cape Town, Ilse’s many starring roles in musical theatre include Chicago, Rent, The Full Monty and Mamma Mia!

Garth Collins (Strombolio / The Ringmaster) is probably best known for his role as Granite on the hit television show MTN Gladiators (SABC3). He has been cast in international feature films such as Mercenary for Justice, Red Waters and Berserker – Hells Warrior. Garth also spent three years on the Afrikaans KykNet soapie Villa Rosa, where he played the endearing henchman Blommie. His two major theatre acting credits have been the world premiere of The Quiet Violence of Dreams and Kiss of the Spider Woman. One of Garth’s career highlights was competing in Season 5 of Strictly Come Dancing on SABC2 as one of the celebrity dance contestants. Surprising everyone, he managed to stay in all ten episodes – making it to the semi-final before being eliminated!

Also featured in the all South African cast are (in alphabetical order) Mauritz Badenhorst, Cameron Botha, Jay Hlatshwayo, Saxola Ketshengane, Ben Kgosimore, Sebe Leotlela, Dolly Louw, Andile Magxaki, Noni Mkhonto, Thami Njoko, Chloe Perling, J P Rossouw, Kaylan Sabbadin, Mark Tatham, Grant Towers and Sarah-Ann Van Der Merwe.

2017 celebrates Janice Honeyman’s thirtieth annual festive season pantomime. Pinocchio opens on The Mandela stage of Joburg Theatre on November 12th and runs until December 30th.

Pinocchio is written and directed by Janice Honeyman, with musical direction by Coenraad Rall and choreography by Nicol Sheraton. Timothy Le Roux is resident director and Dale Scheepers is band leader. The pantomime is produced by Joburg Theatre and Bernard Jay, in association with MNet, Jacaranda FM and Your Family Magazine.

With a record-breaking 22,000 seats already sold, tickets for Pinocchio from R185 are on sale: telephone 0861 670 670, go online at www.joburgtheatre.com, or book in person at the Joburg Theatre box office. Patrons can also book and pay via the Nedbank app or walk-in at selected Pick ‘n Pay stores (a full list is available at www.webtickets.co.za/pnpoutlets.aspx)– or book on-line and then pay at any Pick ‘n Pay store.

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Big Concerts confirmed today that Bryan Adams will be returning to South Africa performing in four cities as part of his Get Up World Tour. Don’t miss the chance to see Bryan Adams performing all his hits live starting in Johannesburg on 9th December at the Ticketpro Dome, 10th December at the Sun Arena, Time Square, Pretoria, 12th December at the Durban ICC and 14th December at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town. The tour is presented in partnership with South Africa’s leading entertainment provider DStv and media sponsors 947, KFM, CapeTalk, East Coast Radio and Channel 24.

“Our partnership with Big Concerts provides a fantastic opportunity for DStv to showcase the power of great entertainment by bringing to life our customers’ favourite music content in a multisensory experience.  We are also driven by our need to thank our customers for their loyal support through such events,” commented Nomsa Chabeli Mazibuko, Group Head of Marketing: MultiChoice.  

Bryan thirteenth studio album Get Up!. “We had a ball making this record,” Bryan Adams says of his latest record. Reunited with his original songwriting collaborator, Jim Vallance and newly connected to producer Jeff Lynne. Vallance was Bryan’s co-writer on some of the most important songs of his career: Cuts Like a Knife;” “Somebody”; “Summer of 69”; “Heaven” and “Run To You” among half hundred others.

Bryan Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold over 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. With hits like, “Cuts Like A Knife”, “Summer of ’69”, “Kids Wanna Rock”, “Can’t Stop This Thing We’ve Started”, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, “Open Road” and “Thought I’d Seen Everything”, Adams status as one of the great songwriter’s of our time has been solidified with a Grammy Award, 18 Juno Awards and an American Music Award. He has also been nominated for three Academy Awards and five Golden Globes.

Adams’ outstanding live concerts have established him as one of the world’s great rock singers, performing over 120 concerts a year. Commenting on his latest album Get Up  Adams replied”I wanted to always make records that are completely true to me”.
Don’t miss Bryan Adams for an evening of his best hits plus songs from his latest album Get Up!

Johannesburg
Saturday 9th December 2017
Ticketpro Dome
Tickets from R515 – R1080

Pretoria
Sunday 10 December 2017
Sun Arena, Time Square
Tickets from R515 – R1080

Durban
Tuesday 12 December 2017
Durban ICC
Tickets from R460 – R915

Cape Town
Thursday 14 December 2017
Grand Arena, GrandWest
Tickets from R575 – R1020

The post Bryan Adams: December 2017 appeared first on Stage and Screen.