King Kong

The Fugard Theatre brings acclaimed production of iconic musical KING KONG ‘home’ to Joburg

Over half a century since the world premiere of the original production of King Kong – The Musical, Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre bring this legendary and iconic musical ‘home’ to Johannesburg. The run comes hot off the Cape Town season, which is currently playing to five star reviews, rapturous responses and sold-out houses at the Fugard Theatre until 2 September.

Eric Abraham produces and presents this Fugard Theatre production, which runs from 12 September to 8 October 2017 at the Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg.

The Fugard Theatre’s KING KONG is directed by Jonathan Munby who directed the Fugard Theatre’s production of A Human Being died that Night. Following King Kong, Munby directs Sir Ian McKellen in Shakespeare’s King Lear for the Chichester Festival in the UK.

The Fugard Theatre’s production sees Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (West Side Story, Funny Girl, Cabaret) and Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba with additional music and arrangements by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

Cast in the title roles of King Kong South African, are actor, singer and dancer Andile Gumbi and multiple award-winning actress and singer-songwriter Nondumiso Tembewill. The Fugard Theatre’s KING KONG cast includes Sanda Shanduas Lucky, Tshamano Sebeas Jack, Ntambo Rapatla, Sne Dladlaas Pop, Lerato Mvelase and Sabelo Radebe.

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma, Ben Kgosimore, Athenkozi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Sibusiso Mxosana, Aphiwe Menziwa, Namisa Mdlalose, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Dolly Louw, Barileng Malebye, Edith Plaatjies, Rushney Ferguson and Given Mkhize.

A live 9-piece band, under the direction of Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba, will accompany the action at every performance.

The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom. Songs such as Back of the Moon, King Kong and Sad Times, Bad Times, have become popular South African favourites and are firmly entrenched in this country’s musical history. Sales of the original recording achieved unprecedented numbers, with reviews such as “This for my money is the record of the year” (Rand Daily Mail) and ‘Five stars!” (Drum). The cast recording was the first release of an all-black production in South Africa and unusual in that the libretti was included with the LP, which normally only happens with opera recordings. Arthur Goldreich designed the sets for the original production with original musical direction by Stanley Glasser.

KING KONG will run at the the Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Johannesburg from 12 September until 8 October 2017, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a 3pm matinee performance on Saturdays and 2pm matinee on Sundays. The Mandela Theatre is situated at 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein. Tickets range from R150 to R350.

Bookings for the Johannesburg season can be made at Webtickets www.webtickets.co.za or through the Joburg Theatre Box Office on 0861670670 or 011 877 6855.

For further information visithttp://www.kingkongstagemusical.com