From the opening sequence, I was gently drawn in. The clever idea of searching for Tinker Bell while journeying through different Disney worlds created a wonderful sense of anticipation that built as the show progressed. Every time a story ended, we found ourselves guessing which characters would glide onto the ice next.

The performances are exceptional. The skaters and performers move with precision, and the aerial numbers had the audience holding its breath on more than one occasion. The lighting design deserves special mention too, particularly the glow-in-the-dark moments, which transformed the arena into a magical world.

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party This Holiday Season

The songs became some of our biggest highlights. When the Frozen segment began and “Let It Go” filled the arena, we sang our hearts out. Watching Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy share the ice with favourites from Moana, Coco, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and even Stitch made every scene feel like a celebration. Donald Duck was always my favourite growing up, so seeing him skate onto the ice made my heart do a little happy dance.

What stayed with me most was how beautifully the show rekindled that childlike sense of wonder. It is warm, uplifting and whimsical, reminding us why Disney’s stories continue to resonate generation after generation.

Be sure to leave time to browse the cool range of merchandise in the foyer before heading home.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is now showing at SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria until 5 July 2026, before moving to the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town from 10 July. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.co.za and Showtime.co.za.

The post Disney On Ice Is a Celebration of the Characters We Never Outgrow appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is brought to South Africa by leading local promoter, Showtime Management and proudly presented in association with FNB. The show opens in Pretoria on Saturday, 27 June 2026 at SunBet Arena, Time Square, and continues for a limited season ending on Sunday, 05 July 2026. Thereafter, Disney On Ice skates into GrandWest, Cape Town, on Friday, 10 July through Sunday, 19 July 2026, before moving to Durban’s International Convention Centre Arena from Friday, 24 July to Sunday, 26  July 2026.

“We’ve been looking forward to opening this show since we confirmed these runs last year, and we know fans can’t wait to join Mickey Mouse and his friends on their search for Tinker Bell,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “Partnering with FNB helps us bring all the magic and incredible special effects to the show – audiences will love it!”

FNB Events Marketing Lead, Nkosana Matyeshana, says the bank is proud to partner with Disney On Ice once again, to bring world-class family entertainment to South African audiences during the winter school holidays.

“At FNB, we understand that families are looking for meaningful moments of connection and shared experiences, especially in an environment where daily financial pressures continue to shape household decisions. Through partnerships like this, we want to help make memorable experiences more accessible for our customers and their loved ones. Disney On Ice offers a unique opportunity for families to come together and step into a world of imagination and wonder, and we’re delighted to play a role in helping create those lasting memories. As a brand that’s focused on delivering help that is relevant and meaningful, this partnership reflects our commitment to creating real value for our customers by enabling experiences that bring them and their loved ones closer together.” 

The technology involved in bringing Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party and its world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts to audiences is incredible. Fifteen fully packed trucks bring the production to each venue, and the ice-skating surface alone is 35 metres long and 18 metres wide. There are around 173 costumes used during the show, with costume changes of less than 30 seconds required in some instances! The largest prop weighs 450kg, and the set’s highest point towers 11m up in the air. The lighting design uses 221 fixtures, 185 of them moveable, and 12 powerful projectors create immersive, magical worlds. Sound-wise, 100 speaker groups deliver a massive 200,000 watts of power!

It’s time for magic at Disney On Ice, and tickets are selling fast! See Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and their friends from Moana, Coco, Frozen, Toy Story, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid.

Tickets are now on sale for South Africa’s favourite family winter school holiday outing. Don’t delay, book at Ticketmaster.co.za or Showtime.co.za. Patrons are asked to please note that, owing to safety regulations, each person, irrespective of age (including babes in arms and children under two years) must have a purchased ticket. Fans are encouraged to book only through Ticketmaster.co.za, the official authorised ticketing agent for Disney On Ice. Tickets from third parties will not be honoured.

To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to disneyonice.co.za or visit Disney On Ice on Facebook and YouTube.

The post Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party This Holiday Season appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Get ready to journey back to the swamp!

The cast begins the exciting journey today at rehearsals of bringing this much-loved musical to life.

Each cast member will bring their inimitable personalities to the production as they create magic before your very eyes on stage.

Peoples Theatre is excited to announce the cast of Shrek The Musical Jr:

MEET THE CAST

• Luciano Zuppa – Shrek
• Bethany-Joy Jiyane – Fiona
• Lesedi Rich – Donkey
• Raymond Skinner – Lord Farquaard
• Sade Sepeng – Dragon and various roles
• Lwazi Pinyana – Captain of the Guards and various roles

Back by popular demand for a limited engagement, this beloved production has been completely refreshed to give audiences a “big, bright, beautiful” theatrical experience like never before.

What’s New for this new run?

While the heart of the story remains the same, this production introduces exciting updates designed to dazzle returning fans and first-time guests alike.

• A fresh cast: a vibrant new ensemble of professional performers brings new energy and comedic timing to the iconic roles of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey.
• Re-imagined choreography: the musical numbers have been entirely reworked with high-energy and modern movement that will have the whole family dancing in their seats.
• Enhanced design elements: from stunning new costumes to imaginative set pieces and reworked lighting, the world of Far Far Away has never looked more magical.

Shrek the Musical JR is based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, masterfully adapted for the stage, while still ensuring that even the littlest theatre-goers stay captivated by the song, dance, and laughter.

Follow the journey of Shrek, the misunderstood ogre, as he and his wise-cracking sidekick, Donkey, set out to reclaim their swamp from the ambitious Lord Farquaad. Along the way, they encounter a feisty princess, a fire-breathing dragon, and a gang of fairy tale misfits who prove that true beauty is found within.

Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek the Musical JR is an irreverently fun show that proves being different is what makes you special. Don’t miss this dazzling adventure!

Shrek Jr’s Creative Team:

• Produced by Peoples Pre Productions
• Directed by Jill Girard
• Set Design by Grant Knottenbelt
• Costumes by Luciano Zuppa
• Choreography by Sandy Dyer Richardson
• Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall
• Publicity by Collett Dawson of The CoLab Network

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Luciano Zuppa – Shrek

Luciano started his professional career almost 42 years ago, performing in cabaret shows, plays and musical theatre. His career has taken him on tours all over South Africa and around the world. Shrek Jr. will be his nineteenth production at the Peoples Theatre. Luciano is ready to take on the role of the much-beloved green ogre!

Bethany-Joy Jiyane – Fiona

From a young age, Bethany harbored grand aspirations of becoming a performer. In 2013, she made the pivotal decision to leave her small hometown and embarked on a journey to realize her dreams by enrolling in the Musical Theatre program at the Tshwane University of Technology. Subsequently, she participated in numerous productions at both the National Children’s Theatre and the Peoples Theatre. In addition to her qualifications in Musical Theatre, she is a trained puppeteer, having received specialized training from Sesame Street, and currently serves as one of the lead puppeteers on the beloved children’s program, Takalani Sesame.

Lesedi Rich – Donkey

Having performed in multiple Joburg Musicals, Lesedi has featured in Seussical Jr. The Musical as The Cat in The Hat, Stories from the Old Calabash & The Little Mermaid Jr., to name a few, on the Peoples Theatre Stage. In recent years, he has been cast in various roles in Janice Honeyman’s Pantomimes appearing in Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast and his latest supporting role as Lampwick in Pinocchio.

Raymond Skinner – Lord Farquaard

Raymond is an actor and aspiring singer/songwriter who started his performance journey at the age of 16, with the show Beauty and the Beast Jr at the Peoples Theatre in 2018. He has since performed in multiple musical theatre productions at the Peoples Theatre and played the role of Jesus in Oakfields College’s production of Godspell (2024). He’s also received a Naledi award nomination for his performances as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr. (2023) and won the award for Best Actor in a Children’s Production for his portrayal of Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. (2024), both at the People’s Theatre.

Lwazi Pinyana – Captain of the Guards and various roles

Lwazi is a director and performer currently residing in the city of Johannesburg. He began his career as part of the YPP: Young Performers’ Project’s staging of Footloose, directed by Themi Venturas. He then continued to solidify his presence in theatre performance in Sarafina! The Musical (2019), How Long? The Musical and Sinbad: The Sailor, among many others. Lwazi is currently studying a Master’s degree at the University of Witwatersrand in Theatre and Performance. Lwazi most recently contributed his talents to productions such as The Rhythms and Rhymes of Mother Goose, The Mantis & the Moon, a special performance with the cast of Sarafina and in Madagascar Jr as Melman.

Sade Sepeng – Dragon and various roles

Sade’s artistic journey began in 2017 when she co-wrote and directed God’s Not Dead alongside Lesego Makgale. She received Gold merits for her monologues at the Potchefstroom Gimnasium Eisteddfod and later performed in Poetry in Motion (2020). She holds a BA in Theatre and Performance from the University of the Witwatersrand, majoring in Performance and Musical Theatre. Her credits include Ukusokwa Kwemicabango KaNosipho (2023), Chilahaebolae (2023), written by Kgafela Oa Magogodi and directed by Naledi Tsolo. She also performed in AGM (2023), Pitso Ya Kalaneng Festival, stage-managed ISO NGE SO (2023) and performed in Kama The Musical in 2025 at the Soweto Theatre.

Performances are from Tuesday, 10 March – Sunday, 19 April 2026
Show times for schools are Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 am and 11:00 am.
Show times for the public are 10h30 and 14h30 – Saturdays & Sundays and during school holidays.

Ticket Prices:

• R180 per person for members of the public
• R145 if you are a member of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club
• R155 for public accompanying members
• For School group rates, please contact the theatre directly

PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

Call 011 877 6841 or email info@peoplestheatre.co.za for bookings or enquiries.
You can also book online at www.joburgtheatre.com or at Webtickets: www.webtickets.co.za
The Kids’ Club

Children who join the Kids’ Club for just R155.00 a year receive discounted rates on tickets and also get to enjoy free entrance to the show that is allocated to their birthday month and falls closest to their birthday. Kids Club members receive fun newsletters and stand to win fabulous prizes in exciting competitions. So why not come and spend some quality time at the PEOPLES THEATRE, come as you are, come dressed up, but whatever you do, don’t miss Shrek the Musical JR!

For more details, follow the Peoples Theatre on social media via Facebook and Instagram.

The post Shrek Is Back — and This Time He’s Bigger, Brighter, and Bolder appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Written and performed by Alan Committie with Direction by  Christopher Weare, AVALAUGHTA will be on stage at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 20 March until 12 April 2026.

Does everything and everyone feel completely alien? 
How often in a day do we scream “stop the world, I wanna get off” 
or “Nothing on earth makes sense” 
or “ stop acting from Uranus”
Sit back, relax and AVA-LAUGH…ta!

Committie is back at Montecasino with some all-new routines and laughs to help us through this Easter period.

This all-new solo show features his usual witty wordplay, fast-paced japes and jibes, madcap physical hi-jinx and a comic look at events and madnesses from 2025. Nothing is sacred… Topics include: passport photo madness, the top and tail of weddings and funerals,  audiobooks gone wrong, musical theatre escapes, Italian bus journeys, password pressures and more.

PLUS, Committie recreates the 12 best minutes of the 1997 hit movie TITANIC to end the show! Of course, no matter how extraterrestrial it all feels, there is always room for a flipchart mindmap!

Committie is delighted to be returning to Joburg, his second home, to bring some much-needed relief to the stresses of life “Right now, we need to be gathering in groups of giggles, guffaws and belly laughs. It’s the perfect way to remind us of our humanity and connection.”

In space, nobody can hear you scream (with laughter), but at Montecasin,o you are welcome to laugh as loud as possible.

AV-A-LAUGH-TA will be on stage at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 20 March to 12 April.

Performances are on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 19h30, Saturdays at 16h00 & 19h30, and Sundays at 15h00 & 18h00.

Tickets are from R150 – R300, and bookings are through Webtickets, selected Pick ‘n Pay Outlets or by calling the theatre box office on 011 511 1988.

Discounts for Students and Senior Citizens apply.

Group Bookings and group discounts can be arranged with Geraldine by contacting her at geraldine@montetheatre.co.za or by calling 011 511 1988.

AV-A-LAUGH-TA is 90 minutes in duration with no interval.

The show carries a recommended Age Restriction of 12.

For more updates, behind-the-scenes content and upcoming performance announcements, follow Alan Committie on Instagram at instagram.com and visit his official website at alancommittie.co.za

The post Alan Committie Returns to Montecasino with AV-A-LAUGH-TA appeared first on Stage and Screen.

A Show That Lives Up to Its Name

Titled “88”—a nod to the 88 keys of the piano—the show is anything but ordinary. Even with two pianos on stage, the duo pushes the limits of what can be achieved in live performance. Joining them is South African guitar virtuoso Mauritz Lotz, adding another layer of brilliance to an already extraordinary musical experience.

A Journey Through Sound

The repertoire is a playful, unpredictable mix: from boeremusiek to Bach, blues to ballads. Longtime fans will hear old favourites reimagined, while new compositions and original word art make this performance completely fresh. Despite their different styles, Rocco and Coenie share one thing in common—a deep love for the piano—and that love resonates through every note.

And yes… It’s family-friendly

No need to worry about age restrictions—everyone is welcome. And don’t expect Coenie in shorts, he jokes—this is a show with flair, not casual attire.

Performance Details

• Dates: 4–15 March 2026
• Times: Wed–Fri @ 7:30pm | Sat @ 4pm & 7:30pm | Sun @ 3pm
• Venue: Pieter Toerien MonteCasino Theatre, Main Stage
• Tickets: Webtickets or Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1988

On Stage:

• Rocco de Villiers: Piano & Keyboards
• Coenie de Villiers: Piano & Keyboards
• Mauritz Lotz: All Guitars

The Creative Minds Behind “88”

Both text and music are crafted by Rocco and Coenie, who also direct the production. Presented by Rocco Rocco Music Pty Ltd/CDV Market Ideation (Pty) Ltd, this is a true celebration of South African talent, collaboration, and the joy of live music.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, “88” promises to be a show that delights, surprises, and reminds us why we fall in love with music in the first place. Can two pianos and one guitar really create magic? You’ll have to see—and hear—for yourself.

The post Rocco & Coenie de Villiers Bring Their Piano Magic to MonteCasino appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Back by popular demand for a limited 2026 season, this refreshed production promises a “big, bright, beautiful” theatrical experience for young audiences and families alike—reimagined, revitalised, and ready to delight both first-time visitors and returning fans.

A Refreshed Production for a New Season

While the heart of the story remains firmly intact, this new staging introduces several exciting updates designed to elevate the experience:

• A brand-new cast
  A vibrant ensemble of professional performers steps into the iconic roles of Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey, delivering renewed energy, sharp comedic timing, and fresh character interpretations.
• Re-imagined choreography
  Musical numbers have been completely reworked with high-energy, contemporary movement that keeps the momentum lively and audiences engaged from start to finish.
• Enhanced visual design
  From newly created costumes and imaginative set elements to reworked lighting, the world of Far Far Away has never looked more magical.

A Beloved Story, Perfectly Adapted for Young Audiences

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek the Musical JR is masterfully adapted for the stage, ensuring younger theatre-goers remain captivated by its humour, music, and spectacle.

The story follows Shrek, a misunderstood ogre, and his wise-cracking sidekick Donkey as they attempt to reclaim their swamp from the ambitious Lord Farquaad. Along the way, they encounter a feisty princess, a fire-breathing dragon, and a colourful collection of fairy tale misfits—each discovering that true beauty lies within.

Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek the Musical JR delivers a joyful, irreverent message about individuality, acceptance, and embracing what makes you different.

Creative Team

• Produced by: Peoples Pre Productions
• Director: Jill Girard
• Set Design: Grant Knottenbelt
• Costumes: Luciano Zuppa
• Choreography: Sandy Dyer Richardson
• Musical Direction: Coenraad Rall
• Publicity: Collett Dawson – The CoLab Network

*Cast list to be announced.

Performance Details

• Season: Tuesday, 10 March – Sunday, 19 April 2026
• School Performances:
  Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 and 11:00
• Public Performances:
  Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays at 10:30 and 14:30

Ticket Prices

• Public: R180 per person
• People’s Theatre Kids’ Club Members: R145
• Public accompanying members: R155
• School group rates: Available on request

Booking is essential.
To avoid disappointment, audiences are encouraged to book early.

• Bookings & Enquiries:
  Call 011 877 6841
  Email info@peoplestheatre.co.za
• Online bookings: www.joburgtheatre.com

The Kids’ Club

For just R155 per year, Kids’ Club members enjoy discounted ticket prices, free birthday-month show access (where applicable), exclusive newsletters, competitions, and exciting prizes—making every visit to Peoples Theatre even more rewarding.

Come as you are, come dressed up—but whatever you do, don’t miss Shrek the Musical JR.

The post SHREK THE MUSICAL JR: The Green Ogre Returns to Peoples Theatre for 2026 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Promoter Showtime Management is pleased to announce the dates for the 2026 Ndlovu Youth Choir SA Tour. The concerts kick off in Cape Town at Artscape on Thursday, 5 February at 7:30 pm, followed by a Friday performance also at 7:30 pm, and two performances on Saturday, 7 February at 3 pm and 7:30 pm, closing with two shows on Sunday, 8 February at 2 pm and 6 pm. Johannesburg concerts at Montecasino’s Teatro take place on Thursday, 30 July at 7:30 pm with one show on  Friday, 31 July at 7:30 pm, and two shows each on  Saturday, 1 August at 3 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, 2 August at 2 pm and 6 pm. Tickets are on sale at www.showtime.co.za or ticketmaster.co.za.

The Choir added the timeless Queen hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to their repertoire in 2024, showcasing a new arrangement that gave the song fresh – and even wider – appeal. Audiences loved it, but an unexpected bonus reaction was still to come. In September 2025, Queen’s drummer Roger Taylor, who had seen a music video of the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s performance of his band’s song, recorded a video that he posted on Instagram, saying how much he “enjoyed the wonderful video of your fantastic version of Bohemian Rhapsody.” What an honour and what encouragement for the Choir’s young singers!

For these 2026 shows, Ndlovu Youth Choir founder and conductor Ralf Schmitt promises a stronger South African flavour, emphasising the country’s diverse musical traditions and shared spirit. “Alongside classics such as ‘Mbube’ and ‘Homeless’, we have included Ghoema music, which celebrates the joy of Tweede Nuwejaar and Cape Town’s vibrant culture. The aim is to cover a wide range of South African genres, including gospel and an Amapiano medley, as well as hits from many of South Africa’s greatest singers and bands such as Mango Groove, Hugh Masekela, Johnny Clegg, and Miriam Makeba.”

Fans can look out for South African classics like ‘African Dream’ and ‘Pata Pata’; songs that celebrate Africa such as ‘Circle Of Life’, ‘Waka Waka’ and Toto’s anthem ‘Africa’; as well as hits by international artists that have been transformed and made popular with new audiences thanks to the Choir’s success here and abroad – think ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Higher Love’ and the sublime ‘Nessun Dorma’.

“Ndlovu Youth Choir tours are now entertainment fixtures for South African audiences,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “They bring music lovers from all of our country’s fascinating cultures together, and every concert has a wonderful, generous energy.”

The Ndlovu Youth Choir, based in the Moutse Valley in rural Limpopo, was founded in 2009 and has become one of South Africa’s most treasured choral groups, recognised globally (thanks in part to reaching the finals of America’s Got Talent Season 14) for their unique music locally and internationally, with tours across the USA and Europe.  The Choir has performed as the headline artist at the Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany, enjoyed a theatre residency at the prestigious AFAS Theatre in the Netherlands and performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York, among many other notable engagements, including performing for the likes of Trevor Noah, King Charles and Bill Gates.

Get your tickets now for the Choir’s 2026 dates. The 15 choristers and live three-piece band will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride, bringing passion, precision and heart to their South African shows – 12 concerts only! Seats are limited, so hurry,  book today at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za  #NdlovuLIVE 

2026 SHOW INFORMATION 

CAPE TOWN:  Artscape Theatre Centre

• Thursday, 05 February  at 7:30 pm; Friday, 06 February at 7:30 pm; Saturday, 07 February at 3 pm and 7:30 pm;
• Sunday, 08 February 2025 at 2 pm and 6 pm

JOHANNESBURG:  Montecasino’s Teatro.

• Thursday, 30 July at 7:30 pm; Friday, 31 July at 7:30 pm; Saturday, 01 August at 3 pm and 7:30 pm;
• Sunday 02 August at 2 pm and 6 pm

TICKET PRICES including VAT R200, R300, R400, R500

BOOKINGS: Showtime Management: www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za

GROUP BOOKINGS: 15% off on groups of 20+ tickets, top two ticket prices, valid only for Thursday and Friday, plus Sunday 6 pm performances. Contact sales@showtime.co.za T’s and C’s apply.

The post Ndlovu Youth Choir Announce 2026 SA Tour Dates appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Starring as Vivian Ward is the brilliant Leah Mari, who made her professional debut as the alternate ‘Maria’ in The Sound Of Music 2023/24 and won the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for “Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical” for playing Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady 2024/25. Most recently, Leah played the role of Kitty in CHICAGO The Musical. As the suave Edward Lewis, the versatile Christopher Jaftha, who recently starred as Potiphar, Jacob and Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. His other stage credits includeAfrican Footprint, Aladdin and West Side Storyand was recently nominated as NFTA Best Actor for his work in the film Khaki Fever.

Kit De Luca, Vivian’s best friend, will be played by Thuto Lesedi Gaasenwe (For Coloured Girls, The Jungle Book, A Place of Knowing), with Tiaan Rautenbach (We Will Rock You, MAMMA MIA!, The Addams Family: The Musical) starring as Happy Man, the hotel manager. Daniel Conradie (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, My Fair Lady, Hairspray) plays Edward’s lawyer Philip Stuckey.

The ensemble is packed with talent. Look out for Bo Molefe (Showtime Australia’s The Michael Jackson HIStory Show, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast); Bradley Smith (MAMMA MIA!, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat); Stuart Brown (We Will Rock You, MAMMA MIA!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and Bella Smith (Meatloaf: The Rebel Ride, Once Upon A Time); Sandi Dlangalala (Hlakanyana TheMusical, My Fair Lady, Peter Pan); Dylan Du Plessis (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Adventures in Pantoland, Beauty and the Beast), Liyabuya Gongo (Thirst, Workers Chant, Swan Lake); Michelle Juncker (Noises Off, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beyond); Virtuous Kandemiri (The Buddy Holly Story, 1999: The Ultimate Prince Experience, The Jungle Book); Yethu Kibi (Heathers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Pippin); James Mc Phail (A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the Roof, Love! Valour! Compassion!); Danny Meaker (Hamlet, Othello, Alice in Wonderland); Chichi Nwoha (Cinderella Jr, Sarafina!, Chicago The Musical); Jordan Rogers (Beauty and the Beast, Pinocchio); Lesego van Niekerk (African Footprint, West Side Story, CHICAGO the Musical); Gugu Dhlamini (Jack and The Beanstalk, Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s The Magic Box), Yahto Kraft (Meat Loaf: The Rebel Ride, The Addams Family: The Musical, Malo and The Moon Maiden); Jonathan Raath (West Side Story, Matilda The Musical, CHICAGO The Musical) and Ashley Scott (The Sound of Music, Disney’s The Magic Box, CHICAGO  The Musical).

The over 50 all-South African company includes the 24-member cast, 6-piece band, crew and creative team.  Pretty Woman: The Musical is produced by Showtime Management in association with Crossroads Live North America. The combined South African and international creative team includes Rusty Mowery (Associate Director and Associate Choreographer) and Will van Dyke (Musical Supervisor) from New York, working with South African’s Resident Director and Choreographer, Darren Greeff supported by Assistant Resident Director, Brett De Groot and Assistant Resident Choreographer, Alexandra Girard. Musical Director, Daniel Geddes will lead the band, assisted by Assistant Musical Director, Luigia Cassaleggio. Alistair Kilbee of GearhouseSplitbeam is Pretty Woman: The Musical’s Technical Director and Peter Taylor is the Company Manager.

Pretty Woman: The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2018 and has also enjoyed acclaimed runs in the West End and tours across North America and Europe. The show and its story of the unlikely romance of the rough-edged Vivian and refined businessman Edward is uplifting and fully of joy, combining love, laughter, nostalgia and chart-topping songs to make each performance an enjoyable trip down memory lane.

The show features a book by Garry Marshalland J. F. Lawton, the creators of the original Pretty Woman film; songs by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and direction and choreography by Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell.

“We’re so proud to be able to produce the debut South African run of this wonderful modern musical, and to do so with an all-South African cast, crew and band,” says Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management. “The story will take audiences back to the classic film, and they’ll also fall in love with the fantastic music and the incredible performances of our actors, singers and dancers.”

Owing to strong adult themes, this production has a PG rating of 12+. Parental guidance is advised. Terrific Tuesday discounts available. Ts and Cs apply. A 20% block booking discount is offered on groups of 20+ on selected shows for specific price categories. Contact sales@showtime.co.za.

To miss Pretty Woman: The Musical would be a mistake. Big. Huge. Mistake. Book today, www.ticketmaster.co.za

The post All-South African Cast to Bring Pretty Woman: The Musical to Life appeared first on Stage and Screen.

This international smash-hit musical is now on at Artscape in Cape Town and will head to Johannesburg’s Teatro at Montecasino early next year. The exceptional South African cast includes Cindy-Ann Abrahams as Grizabella, King B as Old Deuteronomy, Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rum Tum Tugger and Che-jean Jupp as Munkustrap.

The cast also features Stephan Van Der Walt as Admetus / Macavity, Sibusiso Mxosana as Alonzo, Sipesihle Ngamlana as Bill Bailey, Tatum Coleman as Bombalurina, Tshepo Ncokoane as Bustopher Jones / Gus, Michael Fullard as Carbuckety, Hannah Marshall as Cassandra, Darren Rockman as Coricopat, Brittane van Loggerenberg as Demeter, Morgan Marshall as Electra, Harry Smallman as George, Noa Duckitt as Jellylorum, Scarlett Pay as Jemima, Zoe Mclaughlin as Jennyanydots, Austin Tshikosi as Mungojerrie, Jordan Roelfze as Quaxo / Mr Mistoffelees, Tannah Levick as Rumpleteazer, Logan Timbre as Skimbleshanks, Tania Mteto as Tantomile and Cassiel Eatock-Winnik as Victoria, with Ryan Flynn, Jackie Lulu, Marco Titus and Phoebe Charles as swings.

Watch the introduction to the cast on YouTube Shorts.

Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS first premiered in London’s West End in 1981 and went on to play nearly 9,000 performances over 21 years, breaking records and redefining musical theatre. Since its debut, the show has been staged in over 54 countries, translated into 23 languages and seen by more than 77 million people around the world. Its enduring appeal lies in the magical fusion of music, poetry, dance and storytelling. At its core, CATS invites audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats, who gather for their annual Jellicle Ball to decide which one among them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.

This South African season aims to thrill a new generation of theatre lovers while reigniting the nostalgia of devoted fans. Pieter Toerien, whose past productions include My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera and the currently-running Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, says: “We are delighted to bring CATS back to South Africa. It remains one of the most exciting and emotionally rich musicals ever written — a timeless spectacle that continues to inspire audiences across generations.”

Bringing the production to life are Associate Director and Choreographer Chrissie Cartwright and Musical Supervisor Peter McCarthy, who have honoured the creative vision of the show’s original team — director Trevor Nunn, designer John Napier, and the late Gillian Lynne, whose iconic choreography continues to define its distinctive style. Their combined legacy aims to ensure that this production captures both the classic heart and visual spectacle that have made CATS a worldwide phenomenon.

CATS SA performance dates

• Cape Town – Artscape Opera House: 10 December – 11 January 2026
• Johannesburg – Teatro at Montecasino: 17 January – 22 February 2026
• To book for either the Cape Town or Johannesburg shows, go to:  webtickets.co.za
• For more information, go to: www.pietertoerien.co.za

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Cape Ballet Africa’s production of The Nutcracker, now on stage at the Teatro at Montecasino, is one of those rare festive rituals that still feels special. Presented with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and performed by a 50-strong company alongside international guest artists, this new version honours tradition while feeling intentionally considered and warmly inviting. With choreography by Maina Gielgud, artistic direction by Debbie Turner and sets by Michael Mitchell, the production opens the door to a dreamlike world of high society of years gone by, snowflakes, sweets and courage, setting the tone for a show that feels genuinely celebratory.

There is something about attending the ballet that feels like buying yourself flowers. It is a deliberate treat, a moment of personal indulgence that fills the soul rather than the schedule. Watching The Nutcracker unfold here carried that exact feeling. The music is a reminder of how timeless Tchaikovsky truly is and just how many of his melodies live in our collective memory, resurfacing with a rush of familiarity as the music swells.

The production itself is poised and polished, beautifully assembled without feeling stiff. The decision to retain the original Russian character through costumes, props and performers of different ages gives the ballet a grounded authenticity. Standout performances include Denys Cherevychko, visiting from Ukraine, who brings a distinctive presence to the stage, Marcel Meyer, whose artistry extends beyond performance into costume design and the children portraying the rats, whose innocence and charm were just delightful.

Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker is now on at the Teatro at Montecasino until 28 December 2025.

More info: montecasino.co.za | and To book: webticket.co.za

The post Review: Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker Dazzles at Montecasino appeared first on Stage and Screen.