Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions are thrilled to reveal the full company of the international tour of the world’s #1 musical, Disney’s The Lion King. A talented cast of impressive and diverse international performers will star in the landmark musical event which begins performances in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire on 18 March 2018 and will then transfer to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, starting performances on 27 June 2018. South African lovers of the The Lion King will have to wait a bit, as the show will only come complete the Circle of Life in 2020.

The cast of The Lion King features alumni who have performed in previous productions around the world, including the Johannesburg, London, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Basel, Hamburg, Taiwan, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil engagements and the UK and Australian tours, along with a host of emerging talent from South Africa that will make this one of the most sensational casts to appear in acclaimed director Julie Taymor’s ground-breaking musical.

The principal cast includes Ntsepa Pitjeng who is returning to the role of Rafiki, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End production is Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role of Mufasa. Also from the United Kingdom is music theatre performer Antony Lawrence as Scar.

Australian actor Andre Jewson will feature as Zazu, the charismatic New Zealand born performer Jamie McGregor will play Timon and South African favourite Pierre van Heerden will return as Pumbaa. Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba will be Julien Joshua Dolor, Pablo Palacpac and Juan Gabriel Tiongson.   Sharing the role of Young Nala will be Sheena Bentoy, Uma Martin and Felicity Napuli.

Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers Calvyn Grandling, playing the much-loved role of Simba, the up-and-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as Nala, Candida Mosoma who returns to the role of Shenzi. Bjorn Blignaut as Banzai and Mark Tatham as Ed, will also feature.

Joining The Lion King ensemble will be Chachano Baez, Dayan Kingsley Beukes, Tertia Coetzee Dippenaar, Viridiana Cortés, Felipe Flores, Trudy Fredericks, Jabulani Gambu, Liso Gcwabe, Sheila Maria Hernandez, Phumelele Jili, Christine Kapswarah, Amanda Kunene, Sfiso Matlala, Lungile Mkhize, Fumane Moeketsi, Noluyanda Mqulwana, Zodwa Mrasi, Lwazi Mzimase, Zolina Ngejane, Thato Nkwe, Thabani Ntuli, Peace Nzirawa, Nonofo Olekeng, Khanyisani Shoba, Phumelele Sikhakhane, Romy Jo Swales, Clifford Tlomatsana, Vuyelwa Tshona, Tlholo Tsotetsi, Benn Welford, Zi-Rong Wu, Daniel Guerrero Zazueta, Monde Zondi, and Sandile Zondi.

Julie Taymor and her extraordinary creative team have brought together a truly diverse company, representing twelve countries in this production of enormous scale, beauty and heart. I cannot wait for new audiences in the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan to share an indelible theatrical experience for the first time, with this talented cast,” said Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions.

After six months of intensive auditions, we have been able to bring together a truly international group of performers that will showcase the talent from almost every corner of the world. From seasoned professionals to actors making their professional debut, this company of The Lion King will be sure to delight and amaze audiences as we tour this phenomenal production around the globe,” commented Producer of the international tour, Michael Cassel.

Lebo M, who provided additional music, lyrics, vocal score and arrangements to The Lion King, said; “The cast of the international tour that we have assembled, which features many of South Africa’s greatest and most exciting talents, is something that I am very proud of and I cannot wait to see the extraordinary talent when they come together for the first-time next year.”

For further information about THE LION KING and to sign up to be the first in line for tickets, visit: www.lionkinginternational.com.

The post The Lion King: Cast Announced appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical originally opened in Australia in 2006 and after a sell-out two year run, opened on London’s West End followed by Broadway in New York. The show continues to wow audiences across the globe with recent return tours to the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It has won awards all over the world, including prestigious Olivier and Tony awards.

Critics the world over rave! The Herald Sun (Australia) claims the show is “Vivid, daring and over-the-top” while The Daily Telegraph (UK) sums up the show as being “hugely entertaining … insanely glitzy”.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a heart-warming and uplifting tale of three drag artist friends who hop aboard a battered old bus aka “Priscilla” and go off on the adventure of a life-time through the Australian Outback, to perform in Alice Springs.  On the way they find friendship, love and far more than they ever dreamed of.

With a dazzling array of over 500 award-winning costumes, 200 extraordinary head-dresses and a hit parade of dance floor favourites including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!

Showtime Management’s Hazel Feldman says: “Priscilla is the ultimate ‘feel-good’ show. This dazzling musical has all the ingredients for a superb night out: the most wonderful costumes, outrageous glamour, music that will have you dancing in your seat and a funny yet touching storyline. No wonder this show has been such a massive hit from the West End to Broadway and beyond.”

The proudly South African, exceptionally talented 28-member cast, live band, crew and creative team will give audiences a night of unforgettable performances, nostalgic music and an entertainment experience with all the sparkle to share in Priscilla’s “fabulousness”.

The principal roles will be played by stellar stage, screen and television performers including David Dennis who has achieved prominence in leading roles from classical to contemporary and musical theatre to film and television over the past three decades (Pirates of Penzance, Starlight Classics and movies 10000BC, Winnie and Zambezia); Daniel Buys (Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever); Phillip Schnetler (Saturday Night Fever, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) and veteran actor, James Borthwick (Sunset Boulevard, Evita and over 200 other productions).

Additional roles are played by Taryn-Lee Hudson (Singin’ in the Rain, Jersey Boys), Chantal Herman (Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Noah of Cape Town) and Candice van Litsenborgh (Annie, Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard) with Candida Mosoma (Lion King, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), The Voice of SA finalist, Thembeka Mnguni (High School Musical, Grease) and Durban born Londiwe Dhlomo (Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Puss in Boots) as the three dazzling Diva’s.

The ensemble features a host of multi-talented local performers including Tshepo Ncokoane (Shrek, Janice Honeyman’s Pantomime Sleeping Beauty); Zane Gillion (Sister Act, Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing); Michael Fullard (Hot Mikado, Sleeping Beauty, Sneeuwitjie); Michael Wallace (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cabaret, West Side Story); Craig Hawks (Black Sails television series, My Fair Lady); Ryan Flynn (Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Sound of Music, Jersey Boys), Samuel Hyde (Singin’ in the Rain SA, Asia and Australia/New Zealand Tour); Henk Opperman (Private Presley, Dirty Dancing the Musical SA and Asia). Fresh new talent includes Dirk Joubert, Jonathan Raath, Nadine Grobbelaar, Donae Brazer, Lourens Obermeyer and Darius Engelbrecht.

Original Priscilla international Director, Simon Phillips together with Choreographer, Andrew Hallsworth will be coming to South Africa to mount the show together with Resident Director, Anton Luitingh; Musical Director, Bryan Schimmel and Resident Choreographer, Duane Alexander.

Board the bus! Bring your “fabulousness” on this highly entertaining journey. Book now at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre.  This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.

Get ready for the musical journey of your life!  The critically-acclaimed hit musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert based on the Oscar-winning hit film makes its South African premiere at Artscape, Cape Town on Tuesday, 28 March 2017.  Presented by Showtime Management in association with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Nullarbor Productions, and featuring an all South African cast, Priscilla will be on stage at Artscape until Sunday, 23 April, thereafter moving to Montecasino’s Teatro from Friday, 28 April to 18 June 2017. Tickets are now on sale at Computicket. Hashtag: #PriscillaSA. Brought to South Africa in association with BBC First

SHOW INFORMATION:

C A P E   T O W N

VENUE: Artscape

DATES:  Tuesday, 28 March to Sunday, 23 April 2017

SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances.

Weekdays: Tuesdays  – Fridays 20h00

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

NOTE SHOW SCHEDULE– EASTER WEEKEND 2017

Friday, 14 April: No performance

Saturday, 15 April: 15h00 and 20h00

Sunday, 16  April: 14h00 and 18h00

Monday, 17 April:  No performance

PRICES:

Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays/Sunday evenings: R150, R250, R350, R450

                Fridays/Saturdays/Sunday matinees: R200, R300, R400, R500

BOOKINGS:

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet or call Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695

GROUP BOOKINGS:

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – all midweek and Sunday evening performances only

Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

IMPORTANT INFO:

This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12

JOHANNESBURG

VENUE: Teatro at Montecasino

DATES: Friday, 28 April to Sunday, 18 June 2017

SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances, except for Monday 01 May 6pm (Workers Day Public Holiday).

Weekdays: Tuesdays to Fridays 20h00

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

PRICES:

Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays 6pm:  R150, R250, R350, R450 inclusive

Fridays/Saturdays (matinee and evening) and Sunday matinees: R200, R300, R400, R500 inclusive

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 – all midweek performances  and Sunday evenings only

Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES:

For Montecasino Group Hospitality Packages (20+ tickets) montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or 011 367 4250

SHOW & STAY PACKAGES

For Montecasino Show and Stay Packages at one of the Montecasino Hotels,  telephone 011 367 4250  or montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12

The post Priscilla, Queen of the Desert appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Riding through the royal forest of Sherwood on a glorious May morning, you don’t have a care in the world.  Then you hear a bird call, the faint rustling of trees, and suddenly a man armed with a longbow appears in your path.  He wears a feathered cap, or is that a hood?  You can’t see the man’s face clearly, but you don’t have to.  He is dressed in Lincoln green, the colour of Robin Hood – the most famous English outlaw of all time.

And now comes Janice Honeyman’s brand new pantomime adventure, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, on the stage of The Mandela at Joburg Theatre from November 5th to December 30th 2016.

The plot combines the babes-lost-in-the-forest story with the Robin Hood legend.  The young children, Hansel and Gretel, come to visit their uncle, the Sheriff of Nottingham, little suspecting that he is plotting their demise.  But never fear, help is at hand – in the shape of Robin and his Merry Men, plus Maid Marian and the Spirit of the Forest!

Playing the role of Robin in his first Joburg Theatre pantomime is Izak Davel, best known to TV viewers as Isidingo‘s arrogant Bradley Haines, and whose hit recordings include Verlei My, Is Jy In Of Is Jy Uit and Vreesloos.

Much loved panto star Desmond Dube returns to Joburg Theatre to play the jovial Friar Tuck, Idols finalist Bongi Mthombeni features in his fifth Joburg Theatre pantomime as the dandy Will Scarlet and leading lady of South African musical theatre, Kate Normington, will surely be wildly comic as Silly Sylviana, the Spirit of the Forest!

Also featured in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood are Graham Hopkins as the villainous Norman the Nasty, Sheriff of Nottingham, L J Urbani as the ever-popular panto Dame Emmarentia Ugly, Phumi Mncayi as chief lieutenant of the Merry Men, Little John, award-winning actress Candida Mosoma as Much the Miller’s Son (written with an inevitable panto twist!), beautiful Carmen Pretorius as Robin’s love interest, Maid Marian, and Jaco Van Rensburg as the wandering minstrel, Alan-a-Dale.

Joining them in the all-South-African cast are, in alphabetical order, TeeKay Baloyi, Darius Engelbrecht, Clive Gilson, Nuritt Graff, Kyra Green, Dirk Joubert, Dolly Louw, Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri, Tsepho Ncokoane, Noni Nkonto, Dale Scheepers, Natasha Van Der Merwe and Maryanne Van Eyssen.

“It’s an exciting year for us when Janice Honeyman writes a brand new pantomime script,” says Bernard Jay, Executive Producer of the panto. “We don’t know exactly what to expect until the last minute, but we do know it will be full of her magical flair for story-telling, spectacular special effects, zany comedy and outrageous double entendres!”

Writer / director Janice Honeyman collaborates with producer Bernard Jay on their sixteenth Joburg Theatre pantomime together.  Rowan Bakker joins the team this year as musical director; Nicol Sheraton returns as choreographer; the eagerly anticipated, over-the-top, fabulous sets and costumes are once again supplied by Qdos in the UK; the lighting design is by Graham McLusky; sound design by Trevor Peters; and Timothy Le Roux is the resident director.  As with many past successful pantomime productions at Joburg Theatre, Claire Pacariz and Simon James serve as associate producers.

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood has preview performances on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre on November 5th and 6th with tickets from R170.  Its official Opening Night is scheduled for Sunday November 6th and the season continues until December 30th, with tickets priced from R220.

Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this year’s panto, so best to hurry and get yours now for South Africa’s most popular family entertainment tradition.  Tickets are available by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or calling 0861 670 670, as well as through Webtickets and at Pick ‘n’ Pay stores. For group bookings of 10 or more, contact the theatre directly on 011 877 6853/6815.

For details of the full schedule and performance times, visit www.joburgtheatre.com

TWITTER HANDLE:

@joburgtheatre

HASHTAG:

#RobinHoodPanto

The post Robin Hood appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Bernard Jay, Executive Producer for Joburg Theatre’s Sister Act – the biggest musical in Joburg this year – is proud to announce the stellar South African cast of the country’s première production of the feel-amazing musical comedy.

Sister Act will open on the stage of The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on July 10th and runs until August 16th 2015.

Leading the cast will be Candida Mosoma as disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the top grossing 1992 movie comedy of the same name.

“The role of Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act is – arguably – the flashiest and most challenging written for a black female in recent musical theatre history,” says Bernard Jay.  “It’s a star role for a star personality with star attitude.  When Candida Mosoma walked into the audition room and started being Deloris from the first moment, we all knew we had found our star.”

Upon hearing the news of her lead casting, Mosoma excitingly stated; “It’s a little daunting stepping into Whoopi Goldberg’s shoes, but what an opportunity! I intend to grab it with both hands and can’t wait to make the role my own.”

This brand new ‘non-replica’ production of the musical Sister Act will be directed by Janice Honeyman, with musical direction by Rowan Bakker, choreography by Nicol Sheraton, production design by Declan Randall, costume design by Sarah Roberts and sound design by Trevor Peters.

Joining Candida Mosoma, South African stage star Kate Normington will play Mother Superior (legendarily portrayed by Maggie Smith in the movie) and Keith Smith will play the pivotal role of Monsignor O’Hara.

Also cast are (in alphabetical order) Bjorn Blignaut, Caroline Borole, Vanessa Brierley, Caitlin Clerk, Anne-Marie Clulow, Elizca Coetzer, Judy Ditchfield, Toni Jean Erasmus, Trudy Fredericks, Germandt Geldenhuys, Zane Gillion, Clive Gilson, Themba January, Dolly Louw, Mervin Marvey, Noni Mkhonto, Phumi Mncayi, Dean Roberts, Brenda Sakellarides, Andrea Shine, Shelly Simon, Nqobile Sipamla, Lebo Toko, Carmen Tromp, L J Urbani, Natasha Van Der Merwe and Zano.

Sister Act in Joburg will be a creative collaboration and celebration of South African talent. Multi-award-winning South African director and writer Janice Honeyman is on board to direct.  “No-one in South Africa has proven herself to be in finer creative control of ‘non-replica’ mega-musical productions than Janice.  No-one knows the magic possibilities of The Mandela stage like Janice,” says Bernard Jay.  “I’m just so thrilled that she loves the show too and said yes!”

Bernard Jay produces Sister Act for Joburg Theatre, with Simon James and Claire Pacariz as associate producers.  Timothy Le Roux will serve as resident director.

The wittilly infectious musical is written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane, lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Oscar and Tony winning composer Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, etc).

The stage production premièred at the Pasadena Playhouse in California in 2006 and was produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment in London in 2009 – then on Broadway in 2011.  The musical was nominated for four Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Musical, and five Tony Awards in New York, including Best Musical.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent!  Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior.  Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover.  Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act leaves audiences breathless.  A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to rejoice!

The New York Times said of Sister Act: “When the wimples start quivering, the pinched mouths break into sunbeam smiles, and the nuns start rocking to raise the Gothic rafters, all’s right in the kingdom of musical comedy.”

The UK Telegraph said: “The cheers and standing ovation at the end were both genuine and deserved.  The book is strong, funny and touching.  The disco-inspired score by Disney favourite Alan Menken is a cracker.  Frankly, what’s not to like, especially when you’ve got a chorus line of jiving nuns singing their hearts out ecstatically?”

Sister Act is brought to South Africa by the City of Joburg in association with MNet and is on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from July 10th to August 16th.

The show will run from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Tickets range from R200 – R350 and are exclusively available from www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.

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