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.

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

The post CATS Bring the House Down Mid-Song appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The musical is produced by SA promoter, Showtime Management in conjunction with Selladoor Worldwide, Carlos Candal, Gavin Kalin Productions and Limelight Productions. Showtime Management previously staged We Will Rock You in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban in 2005 and 2006 to rave reviews and nightly standing ovations. Following sold out seasons in South Africa, the show then enjoyed a highly successful tour to New Zealand and Korea in 2007.

Telling the story of a group of bohemians in a dystopian future and featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits, We Will Rock You will be directed and choreographed by Olivier Award nominee Nick Winston. The production will feature set design by Tom Rogers, costume design by Hayley Grindle, lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Ben Harrison. We Will Rock You has a combined South African and international creative team. Full casting and further dates and venues to be announced in due course.

Galileo, Scaramoche and Killer Queen are a few of the leading characters who will take audiences on a journey into the future. South Africa, are you ready to rock in 2020? Book now for We Will Rock You by booking through Computicket.

We Will Rock You

Cape Town:  Artscape Theatre Centre

Saturday, 05 September 2020 to 04 October 2020.

Joburg:  Montecasino’s Teatro

Saturday, 10 October to Sunday, 22 November 2020

Show Times:

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 20h00

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

Ticket Prices:

Midweek (Wednesday, Thursdays and Sundays 18h00): R200, R250, R320, R400

Weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 14h00):  R250, R320, R420, R500

Group Bookings:

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more –Wednesdays, Thursday

and Sunday 6pm performances only valid for the top two prices.

Contact Jill Somers on 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

Special Discounts on Terrific Tuesdays

Only valid for Tuesday performances: R100, R150, R250, R350

Not valid with any other discount offer

Pensioner’s Discounts

Wednesdays & Sundays 18h00 @ R250.00 per ticket (subject to availability) on the top two ticket prices.

Tickets may only be purchased from a Computicket outlet or at the Box Office subject to presentation of a valid ID.

Only one ticket per valid ID.

The post We Will Rock You appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Cape Town City Ballet presents a sumptuous production of A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge that will be the perfect holiday entertainment for the whole family! The production will be presented at Artscape Theatre from 14 to 24 December.

This special Dickens treat for all ages, is a timeless classic story of the triumph of joy and the human spirit over greed.  An enchanting dance delight, A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge has been restaged by South African dance doyenne Veronica Paeper and features lighting design by Wilhem Disbergen. The production was created in 1982 and has not been seen for over 20 years.

On Christmas Eve, the elderly and unpleasant old man Ebenezer Scrooge, is paid a visit by the Ghost of his dead business partner Joseph Marley who tells him that three Spirits will call on Scrooge: The Spirit of Christmas Past, The Spirit of Christmas Present and the Spirit of Christmas Future. Marley tells Scrooge that unless he listens well and changes his miserly ways he will be forever condemned to be in chains of damnation. This is the story of that night.

The role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be played by highly regarded performer Marcel Meyer.  This is his first role in a professional ballet, since playing Doctor Coppelius in a student production of Coppélia at the Breytenbach Theatre in Pretoria. Meyer has played leading roles in several plays by Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams to acclaim on stages across South Africa, Europe and the USA.   Most recently seen in the much lauded production of The Glass Menagerie at the Artscape, his many accolades include amongst others, seven Fleur du Cap nominations for Best Costume design.

A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge is one of more than 40 ballets, among them 16 full-length works, that have been choreographed by Paeper, who began choreographing in 1972.

During her performing career, Paeper rose to become a principal dancer with three South African companies: Capab Ballet, Pact Ballet and Pacofs Ballet.

Please note that performances on 24 December, includes Fairy and Prince Fancy Dress Parades after each performance.

A Christmas Carol – The Story of Scrooge

 Artscape Theatre

14 to 24 December 2019

Tickets ranging between R150 and R295.

Bookings through Computicket or at any Shoprite, Checkers outlet.

The post Cape Town City Ballet’s A Christmas Carol appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With many thanks to Showtime Management here in South-Africa, we are giving away tickets to Stomp, to tour to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

From London and Paris to Las Vegas and New York, Stomp makes music with brooms, matchboxes, hands and feet, poles, chairs, sinks, basketballs, newspapers and more, climaxing with the exhilarating trademark bins routine, where metal trashcans become drums and dustbin lids become combat shields. The encore engages the audience in a call and response that proves rhythm is a universal language.

This wildly entertaining international show heads to South Africa next month, opening at Montecasino’s Teatro on Tuesday, 20 August  and running until Sunday, 08 September 2019. Stomp then moves to Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre from 10 to 15 September.   The show toured South Africa in 2010 to critical acclaim and sold out performances.

Win a set of double tickets to Stomp, worth R400.00 for Johannesburg or Cape Town.

• Johannesburg: Montecasino’s Teatro on Tuesday, 20 August at 8pm
• Cape Town: Artscape Theatre on 10 September 2019 at 8pm.

Stomp Competition is now closed:

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on 14 August 2019.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times.
3. Seat allocations are up to the discretion of the promoters.
4. Tickets may not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
5. The prize comprises of two tickets per prize winner.
6. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
7. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
8. Prizes does not include accommodation and / or travel to and from the event.
9. Winners will be notified by mail.
10. One Entry per Email Address will be entered into the draw.

The post Win Tickets to Stomp appeared first on Stage and Screen.

From London and Paris to Las Vegas and New York STOMP makes music with brooms, matchboxes, hands and feet, poles, chairs, sinks, basketballs, newspapers and more, climaxing with the exhilarating trademark bins routine, where metal trashcans become drums and dustbin lids become combat shields. The encore engages the audience in a call and response that proves rhythm is a universal language.  The show is brought to this country by leading local show promoter, Showtime Management in association with BBC First.

STOMP finds beauty and music in the mundane. It turns brooms into instruments and handclapping into a conversation; the junk and clutter of urban life becomes the source of infectious rhythm and wonder. The highly talented performers take the audience on a journey through sound, where rhythm is the only language.

Guaranteed to make your heart pound as the infectious rhythms of 8 brilliantly synchronised STOMP performers beat truck inner tubes, rubber hosing, Zippo lighters, plastic bags, metal dustbins, bin lids, tubs, water butts and, yes, even the kitchen sink!  And then there are the brooms that are turned into soft shoe partners.

STOMP is a unique combination of percussion, dance and physical comedy: Created in Brighton, UK, in the summer of 1991, STOMP was the result of a ten year collaboration between its creators, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. The popularity of STOMP continually grew from strength to strength resulting in the cast performing live at the 1996 Academy Awards, to an estimated audience of almost 1 billion worldwide. The largest assembly of STOMP performers ever (40 performers from 12 different countries) was brought together for a specially choreographed appearance at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP, the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm. The show toured South Africa in 2010 to critical acclaim and sold out performances.

STOMP

Johannesburg:

Montecasino’s Teatro

Tuesday, 20 August to Sunday, 08 September 2019

Cape Town:

Artscape Opera House

Wednesday, 11 September to Sunday, 22 September 2019

Show Times:

No Monday performances

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 20h00

Saturdays 15h00 & 20h00;

Sundays 14h00 & 18h00

Performance:  1 hour 40 minutes with no interval

Ticket Prices including VAT

Midweek (Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays 18h00): R150, R200, R300

Weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 13h30):  R200, R300, R400,

Bookings:

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or

visit your nearest Computicket outlet

Group Bookings:

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday

and Sunday 6pm performances only valid for the top two prices.

Contact Jill Somers on 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

Pensioner Special:

Tuesday at 8pm & Sunday at 6pm ONLY

R150 on the top two prices

Only available at Computicket Outlets upon presentation of a valid identity document

No children under 3 years.

Get Your Tickets Here:

Teatro at Montecasino                       Artscape Theatre

.

The post Stomp appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Following the ground-breaking Mozart and Salieri, Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) will next present Cinderella, at the Artscape Opera House, from 5 to 21 October 2018.  The production, accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic at select performances, will incorporate new digital elements by design luminary Peter Cazalet, who returns to once again work alongside Veronica Paeper, a creative coup by Acting Executive Director, Tracy Li.

Paeper, who will also direct this production, first choreographed Cinderella for CAPAB Ballet in 1975 and, like Cazalet, will re-work aspects of the charming, feel-good classic that has enchanted dance audiences around the world for decades.  In a move that is sure to delight Capetonian balletomanes, Paeper has cast former CAPAB and CTCB ballerina Janet Lindup into the deliciously over-the-top role of the Ugly Sister Daffodil, opposite Johnny Bovang and Mervyn Williams as Violet. Both Ugly Sister roles are typically taken by males and there’s no doubt Lindup’s sense of humour will be a delightful addition to the stellar CTCB line-up.

International guest artist Maxime Quiroga will return from France to dance the role of Prince Charming, opposite Senior Principal ballerina Laura Bosenberg. Quiroga, seen most recently in the title role in Marc Goldberg’s Mozart and Salieri, will alternate with Daniel Szybkowski and Conrad Nusser, while the role of Cinderella will be shared between Bosenberg, Kirstel Paterson and Mariette Opperman.  The Fairy Godmother will be danced by Caitlin Smith, Leane Theunissen, Claire Spector and Hannah Ward. Buttons will be performed by Tusile Tenza, Craig Pedro and Stephen Underwood, all three of whom, together with Jordan Roelfze, will also share the role of the Jester. Craig Pedro and Stephen Underwood will be seen as the Dancing Master.

Cinderella is presented in three acts and set to Prokofiev’s stirring score, with Brandon Phillips conducting Cape Town Philharmonic at certain performances.

Cinderella

Artscape Opera House

5 to 21 October 2018

There will be performances on Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 3:00pm

Tickets cost from R120 to R350 from Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 0214217695, online via http://www.artscape.co.za/event/cinderella/ and via Computicket

A special performance aid of CTCB’s Outreach and Development programme takes place on Friday 19 October at 16h00 with tickets at R100 each

The post Cinderella appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The Cape Dance Company (CDC) under the artistic direction of Debbie Turner returns to Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre in November 2017 with Interplay.

After a successful season at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, the critically-acclaimed neo-classical and contemporary dance company CDC is delighted to present Interplay, a season that will comprise two programmes of works that reflect the diversity of the company and its broad repertoire.

This annual exciting fixture on the Western Cape’s dance calendar most notably features a newly commissioned work funded by the National Arts Council and created by Mthuthuzeli November, the South African born and trained dancer and choreographer who is now based in London with Ballet Black. November was recently nominated as one of four dancers for Dance Europe Magazine’s Critics’ List for Most Outstanding Performance by a male dancer.

The company and management are inspired by the fact that the entire creative team are drawn from the organization, including faculty member Nathalie Vijver, Head of Drama as dramaturge and graduates Peter Johnson and Lee van der Merwe as original composer and assistant choreographer respectively. Both are products of the CDC and Cape Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA), its associated school.

The CDC is significantly committed to nurturing emerging talent in all aspects of the profession and focuses on skills transference from one generation to another.

Sun – the Rite of Passage, is dedicated to the memory and extraordinary life of Fiona Sutton, dedicated dance teacher and mentor, who started November on his dance path in Xolani Township. Sun – the Rite of Passage is Mthuthuzeli’s first major commission for the CDC and is a journey into adulthood and finding one’s path and unique place in the world while navigating the challenges of the 21st century in a modern yet traditional context.

Visceral, another piece by November, will also be presented this season. Additionally, a newly commissioned work by Kirsten Isenberg, entitled Hush, will be premiered, inspired by those who feel unheard and voiceless. Returning for a second Artscape season is Andrea Schermoly’s poignant and dramatically-lit Cliffnotes, as well as signature CDC works by Christopher L Huggins in the form of the tempestuous Blue, the beautifully haunting When Dawn Comes and the perennial classic, Bolero.

Featured artists in this season include Marlin Zoutman, Carmen Lotz, Olivia Parfitt, Kingsley Beukes, Gemma Trehearn, Danielle Wagner, Emily Isted, Odwa Lindokuhle Makanda, Lwando Dutyulwa, Kayla Schultze, Lewellyn Afrika, Farnel Smart, Mia Labuschagne, Gabrielle Fairhead and an excellent supporting cast and an excellent supporting cast. Lighting design throughout is crafted by the award-winning and highly sought-after Wilhelm Disbergen. Disbergen has a unique gift for lighting dance that is innovative, impactful and passionately driven by quality, precision and dedication.

The management, creative team and artists of the Cape Dance Company are single-minded in their vision for the future artistic development of the company; an unwavering determination to redefine a dance landscape that is reflective of a 21st century global sensibility; while, most importantly, maintaining and progressing the establishment of a definitively African artistic identity.

Interplay is supported by the National Arts Council, Food Lover’s Market, Business & Arts South Africa and the Western Cape Government.

The season runs at the Artscape Theatre on 4, 8, 9 and 10 November at 8pm, with two shows on Saturday 11 November at 2:30pm and 8pm. Tickets cost from R130 to R200 and booking for Programme A and Programme B is through Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021-4217695. Advance booking is recommended.

The post Interplay appeared first on Stage and Screen.

South Africans can look forward to the world premiere of the new and original musical, Calling Me Home. It will have a three week run on the Mandela stage at the Joburg Theatre from 17 August 2017 until 3 September 2017. From here, it will tour internationally and open at Artscape Theatre in Cape Town in October 2018.

Calling me Home is a powerful love story of hope, courage, longing and compassion that will resonate with people everywhere. The story itself depicts the journeys of three women who each find their own personal power. Grace (Lynelle Kenned) a young African woman flees her war-torn homeland to try to survive in a country of concrete cityscapes, crime and danger. With her is her friend Lindiwe (Zolani Mahola), who too has fled her home, but in Lindiwe’s case it is a flight from abuse and pain. Finally, there is the beautiful but deeply troubled Isabella (Samantha Peo), who finds the strength and courage to conquer almost insurmountable challenges when she overcomes addiction, both chemical and emotional, to take the moral lead in her community.

In this new, hugely diverse and colourful community, Grace experiences both joy and great danger. She also falls deeply in love and most importantly, learns the true meaning of ‘home’. The work is a global story with far-reaching relevance and it has been described as “epic, sophisticated, heartfelt and sincere.”

The book, score and libretto were written by composer and producer Alice Gillham, who is signed with EMI Music Publishing / Sony/ATV and who lives and works in South Africa. Joining Gillham in bringing this musical to the stage, is director Magdalene Minnaar. According to Minnaar this production has the potential to have a profound impact on the world.

The story of Calling Me Home is character driven and the large cast will each play an important part in the story.

According to Minnaar choosing the right artists was critical as they will have the opportunity to bring their characters to life for the first time. “We have carefully chosen hugely talented singers who bring storytelling energy, creativity and a spirit of adventure to this journey. Their energy is amazing and their talent world-class.”

The complete Southern African cast consists of some of the country’s most celebrated stage performers, well-known personalities and some up-and-coming young stars. It includes, amongst others, Lynelle Kenned (West Side Story), Samantha Peo (Cabaret), Anthony Downing (Phantom of the Opera), Michael McMeeking (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as well as Carly Graeme, Pierre van Heerden, Clint Lesch and Christiaan Snyman. Zolani Mahola will be making her professional debut in Calling me Home.

To stage a musical of this size, some of South Africa’s top production designers have been approached to transport the audience from the vast landscapes of Africa to the buildings and streets of a large metropolis. It will be a theatre experience like few others, blurring the lines somewhat between cinema and musical theatre.

Nadine and Louis Minnaar, Werner Burger and Joshua Cutts are responsible for creating the dynamic, light-based set that utilises 3D projection mapping, animation and lighting effects to create a highly impactful audience experience that seamlessly transitions between scenes. The set has been specifically designed to be transported effortlessly as the production tours to different countries.

One of the big challenges for a musical of this scale, is to develop an authentic original wardrobe for the cast. Taking on this essential task, is top stylist, Juanita Køtzé from The Rare Librarian. Køtzé will bring together a group of talented young designers, who, together with established fashion icons, will create a unique wardrobe for each individual character; one that supports their development and performance.

Calling me Home

 The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre

17 August 2017 until 3 September 2017

Tuesdays to Fridays at 20:00

Saturdays at 15:00 and 20:00

Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00

Tickets sell from R180 to R420

For tickets call 0861 670 670 or book online at www.joburgtheatre.com

For group bookings of 10 or more tickets, contact the Theatre’s ticketing office on (011) 877 6853/4

Cape Town information to follow….

A selection of songs, recorded by the original cast, are gradually being introduced to the public. The song ‘Tomorrow’ sung by Lynelle Kenned, was released on social media platforms, as well as to radio stations such as Classic FM, Fine Music Radio and RSG. The response to the music has been overwhelming and other songs will be released in the near future. Listen to the song Tomorrow from Act 1, Scene 1, as performed by Lynelle Kenned, to hear what is to come.

The post Calling me Home appeared first on Stage and Screen.

by Louw Mulder

There are a couple of good reasons why we can celebrate the healthy state of South African Theatre, especially if I look at a couple of the highly acclaimed and professional shows I have seen lately; like Annie, Sound Of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and now, Priscilla. But the real couple worth mentioning, is our country’s most successful Director and Choreographer duo, Anton Luitingh and his fiancé, Duane Alexander.

Anton and Duane met during the first touring South-African production of Cats, in 2001. This is after Anton obtained his B.Dram (Hons) Cum Laude degree in Drama from Maties, and Duane completed his training as the most outstanding student at the Waterfront Theatre School, and obtained teaching degrees in both modern and Tap Dancing. With these credentials, together with the love and passion both Anton and Duane have for Musical theatre, success was inevitable.

After Cats, Anton and Duane’s resumes speaks for itself, and there are too many success stories to mention in this article. Both have won awards, and played various lead roles in many South African Productions, and even toured the world to showcase their talent. But acting, was only the start. “You have to contribute more to theatre than just one aspect” they both made me understand.

As we went through their long careers in musical theatre so far, we talked about their involvement in the 2007’s production of Rent. “The South African audience loves the typical classic musicals, but Rent was the first challenging and edgy production, which for me was a very sentimental piece,” Anton said. The role of Mark Cohen was also Duane’s first role in the lead, a role he has wanted to play since he was a boy. With much enthusiasm, both Duane and Anton speak about the 10 year reunion of Rent, which is coming to the Teatro later this year. It is a concert staging with the original South African cast, original band and musical director for one night only.

In the last few years, Anton has established himself as South Africa’s leading resident director of full scale Musical theatre, with Duane flourishing in choreography, being resident choreographer in most of these shows, next to Anton. We spoke about the recent production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat quite a lot, which seems to be very special to both Anton and Duane. This production, for which Duane won various awards for his choreography, is the first fully South African produced production that went on tour. Joseph is currently touring Australia and New Zealand, and as Duane says, he suffers a little bit from fomo, not being able to be there himself.

Boldly and passionately they speak about what works and what doesn’t work in today’s theatre productions. Their experience give merit to their comments, and their explanations and motivations are filled with comprehension and a detailed understanding of the industry. I just hung onto their every word for the whole two hours I spent talking to them.

Saddened, Anton explained that he would love to see more involvement in the theatre industry from an audience perspective. He explained that some brilliantly produced shows are not well attended, while others exceed expectations. Anton mentioned how he would love to see schools being more involved in theatre, and for theatre to become more prominent amongst young people. It was very evident to me that they are driven and have a vision for Musical theatre to prosper even more.

Both Anton and Duane are co-directors of the Musical Theatre Workshop, which invest in youngsters, now also expanding internationally. They elaborated that the biggest lesson that they teach in their workshops, is that the only ego anyone should be concerned about, is the ego of the show. No one individual person is bigger than the show.

I really wish I had time, and space to write about everything we spoke about, but the most exciting part is that the story of Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander is far from over. When Priscilla’s run is concluded, their next project of being the Resident Director and Resident Choreographer couple, is the full scale production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s classic, Evita.   Anton speaks proudly when he tells me of the extensive international tour this production will embark upon, after delighting South African audiences later this year in Johannesburg and Cape Town.  And no, they are still not saying who will be playing the lead in Evita…

But for now, the attention is on Priscilla, which will open at the Montecasino Teatro next week after a very successful sold-out run in the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. Both Anton and Duane speak fondly of how fun the show is, but also, how this show introduces new talent to the industry. In particular, they refer to Phillip Schnetler, playing his first major role as the very familiar and infamous character, Adam / Felicia.  As  up skilling and development of young future stage stars being high on Duane and Anton’s priority list, their faces both speaks of excitement and enthusiasm as they tell how promising Schnetler’s career can be.

Even though Priscilla will just be another successful entry on both Anton and Duane’s resumes, personally, this will be a production they will least forget.

During the cast party, after the Opening night performance of Priscilla in Cape Town, Duane proposed to Anton, and they got engaged to be married. They have been a happy couple for 16 years, since that first production of Cats in 2001. As both Duane and Anton explained, they waited for the right moment to do this, and an opening of a gay-themed show in their home town, with friends and theatre-family all present… they couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.

As theatre fanatics, we congratulate Anton and Duane on their engagement, and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. With these humble artists, fully devoted to be involved with world class productions coming to our stages, we are in for some real magical theatre.

Feel free to visit http://www.musicaltheatreworkshop.co.za and also www.antonluitingh.com for more about Duane Alexander and Anton Luitingh and to follow their fascinating journey.

This article was edited by Bronwen Kerry.  Photos from Anton and Duane’s Facebook Pages.

The post We Talk to Duane Alexander and Anton Luitingh appeared first on Stage and Screen.