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New Pop-Up theatre opens in Sandton
The famous Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton celebrates its 70th Birthday this year. It was the only hotel seventy years ago in Sandton and the original venue that hosted live entertainment fifty years ago has now created a Pop-Up Theatre called Live at the Balalaika.
This Pop-Up Theatre, has a prime location in the hub of the Sandton Precinct and is opposite the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Live at the Balalaika has been refurbished and has seating for 180 people. It is an ideal Pop-Up Theatre space as actors and musicians can perform in a non-intimidating space. Sound, lighting and a TV screen have been installed to enhance the experience that audiences will receive. The aim of this Pop-Up Theatre is to accommodate people in the myriads of hotels in the Sandton precinct who have nothing to do during the week and/or weekends.
There are numerous bars in the hotel and close to the Pop-Up Theatre is the famous Bull Run restaurant with some of the best steaks in Johannesburg. After the show patrons can have a night cap at the Dollar Bar.
Live at the Balalaika will open on 6 March and shows will be on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8pm and a Sunday matinee at 3pm.
Defending the Caveman – Tim Plewman (8 – 29 March)
Come and have a last laugh with Legendary actor Tim Plewman in his first farewell season.
The only original actor of Defending the Caveman is back from standing ovations in Perth and Las Vegas and is now at the Pop-Up The atre in The Balalaika Hotel.
Caveman still holds the record as the longest running non-musical comedy of all time on Broadway. What more can be said about this wonderful show that so humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all and has played to over a million people?
Considered one of South Africa’s best solo comedies, Defending the Caveman explores the complexities of romance and relationships with truthful hilarity. Through his Caveman, Plewman ensures his audiences spend the show in stitches but walk away with something to think about.
This new production has been updated to reflect today’s world of tweeting, selfies and Facebook but still consists of the core comedy about why men and women see the world so differently. The show is the longest running solo play in Broadway history and has been seen in over 40 countries.
Defending the Caveman opens on 8 – 29 March 2019 and has shows Friday, Saturday and a Sunday matinee throughout March excluding 31 March.
Viva Las Vegas – The Ultimate Tribute Show (6 -31 March)
Shaky Russell is one of today’s top Elvis Presley / fifties and sixties tribute performers with a style and energy that resonates that of the King himself. Viva Las Vegas starring Shaky Russell and a star studded cast, live at the Balalaika Hotel Sandton.
Viva Las Vegas is a show that will keep audience members on the edge of their seats with Shaky’s array of custom-made costumes and energetic performance. With his incredible vocal range and resemblance, Shaky Russell and a star studded cast will perform more than 20 of Elvis’ greatest hits. Experience the songs, the moves and the voice that created a worldwide phenomenon that had never been seen before.
The show captures the onstage excitement of Elvis’ greatest performances and also pays tribute to other legends including Buddy Holly, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, The Beatles & more.
An Elvis award-winning performer, he previously wowed audiences in Memphis USA (home of the real Elvis) making Shaky Russell one of today’s supreme Elvis Presley Performers. Shaky is accompanied on stage by an amazing group of professionals including a live rocking band and cast.
Live at the Balalaika!
Viva Las Vegas opens on 6 March and runs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8pm and Saturday 30 March at 8pm and a matinee on 31 March at 3pm.
Tickets:
Tickets can be bought through Computicket (011) 4840204 or from the reception at the Balalaika Protea Hotel and at the door. Call The Balalaika Protea Hotel on (011) 322 5000.
Tickets are priced at R195 for the month of March.
