Jonathan Roxmouth’s Musicals in Concert

For the Love of Musicals…

by David Simmons

Theatre lovers and those whose fondness for the arts continue to strengthen, will understand the common togetherness one feels when sitting in a packed theatre. This oneness in essence is something very uncommon in these unpredictable times we live in, however the safe, bright refuge that we call The Theatre, allows us to escape, to experience and most importantly regroup with the fulfilled energy of the arts. It’s common knowledge that when we join forces, come together and acknowledge in solidarity, the fact that we are experiencing something unique, the plights and stresses of the day, wither away and we instantly become part of something truly magical.

It’s seldom we get to experience the sheer joy of someone’s musical journey through song and performance and we as the audience, have become privy in supporting our local talent! From high school musicals to local and international stages, Jonathan Roxmouth is undeniably one of the most diverse talents you’ll get to experience on a South African stage. He needs no introduction to musical theatre, however those who are unfamiliar with his work will undoubtedly become fresh recruits after experiencing the diversity he communicates on stage. Roxmouth, at the impressionable age of 30, has firmly cemented himself as one of South Africa’s best loved and locally produced artists.

The Musicals in Concert have completed its very successful run of five sold out performances this last weekend. One can’t begin to applaud the many talents and charismatic charm we have come to love from this musical visionary. Roxmouth has managed yet again to win over audience members one song after the next, night after night – and this comes as no surprise. It was surely encouraging to witness one man filling a 1800 seat theatre and gain access to the hearts of its theatre goers with one large theatrical punch after the next. In 2015, Roxmouth gave us From The Footlights, his first tribute concert to Broadway musicals. Now with his second, he has once again initiated us into his world of musical prowess.

Although backed by a 45-piece orchestra under the glorious orchestrations and musical direction of Bryan Schimmel, it was interesting to see how Roxmouth endeared himself to his audience. It’s no easy feat to keep lively spectators fully committed for over two hours, but the enormity of his presence and the occasional tongue-in-cheek joke about politics, make him such a pleasing entertainer to watch.

The Teatro stage is no stranger as he has played homage to numerous roles embodying characters such as Danny Zuko in Grease to Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and not forgetting his acclaimed role as Phantom in Phantom Of The Opera, the role that catapulted his musical career to new heights. This cleverly thought out production is Roxmouth working the stage as his true and authentic self, with the usual offering of bells, whistles and the musical brilliance of Schimmel!

Schimmel’s arrangements of those all-time favourite musical classics, brought life, and a new dimension, accompanying Roxmouth. With an opening score befitting an overture of any Broadway show and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra in complete unison with Roxmouth’s vision, elvated this musical production one notch above outstanding. The staging, imbuing the feeling of an old 1940’s Jazz club mixed with truly riveting lighting displays in tune with the music, gave the audience an electric display of colour and showbiz magic.

Roxmouth, in true showmanship style, belted out musical magic, a treasure trove of songs from Broadway shows such as Les Miserables, Cats, The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Aladdin, Oklahoma, West Side story, Sunset Boulevard and playing homage to his most recent character, Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. A truly humbling addition to the night’s festivities was to see his support of future budding performers by inviting the students of Oakfield College to accompany him during certain songs.

Guest star Lynelle Kenned, who played Maria in Westside Story stood alongside her leading man and rendition the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, All I ask Of You. Thembeka Mnguni recently seen in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and one of the top 8 finalists of The Voice SA Season 1, gave one powerful solo rendition of Stephen Sondheims Somewhere from Westside Story with audience members applauding in lamentations after her final note. Adding to the humour, ventriloquist Isabella Jane, finalist of last year’s SA’s Got Talent, had Rosie with her, to attack the phenomenon of Musical Theatre, which was sharply defended by the host.

With standing ovations, it’s no surprise that Jonathan Roxmouth has once again endeared himself to his audience brining theatre goers together and establishing himself as a true showman in his craft.

In an interview a few years back Jonathan was asked ‘What’s the one thing you would like to achieve before you die? ‘I want to be the first South African Actor to give an acceptance speech at the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.’ A huge goal but something unquestionably attainable.

If you didn’t manage to see Jonathan in his Broadway concert, you can buy all his recorded albums, at http://jonathanroxmouth.com/shop/.

Next, Jonathan Roxmouth will be at the Pieter Toerien Main Theatre staring in The Mystery of Irma Vep from the 5^th to the 30^th of July.