A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin surrounded by the razzle dazzle of the world’s sexiest musical returns in 2019! You’ve got it Comin’ as the story of the award-winning Broadway and West End Musical Chicago unfolds to show-stopping songs including ‘All that Jazz’, ‘Cell Block Tango’ and ‘Mister Cellophane’. 

The multi-talented all-South African touring cast, band and crew started rehearsals in Johannesburg in July ahead of an international tour to New Zealand and China.  The South African leg of the tour in association with BBC First brings Chicago back to Artscape, Cape Town from 15 March until 14 April 2019, thereafter heading to Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg from 20 April to 26 May 2019. Booking is open at Computicket.

After eleven years, this sensual, seductive smash hit musical returns to these venues bringing back one of this country’s most successful theatre productions.  And, back for the show are leads Samantha Peo and Ilse Klink, as well as Craig Urbani who reprises the role of the devious lawyer, Billy Flynn in South Africa while Jonathan Roxmouth plays this role in New Zealand and China. Also returning to the show is KJ Haupt with Carmen Pretorius and Grant Towers joining the company in principal roles.

Ensemble members from Chicago‘s  2005 and 2008 seasons, also returning to the show are husband and wife, Ferdi Gernandt and Diani Gernandt and Tandi Gavin as the Hungarian murderess, Hunyak.  The remainder of the Chicago ensemble features Lesego van Niekerk, Raquel Munn, Natasha van der Merwe, Brittané van Loggerenberg, Jenna Child, Alexandra Girard, Jarryd Nurden, Michael Fullard, Hugo Madeleyn, Craig Arnolds, Thamsanqa Njoko, Sibusiso Mxosana, Darren Greef and Stephan van der Walt.

Produced by Showtime Management in association with Barry & Fran Weissler and David Ian Chicago has a combined South African and international creative team including Associate Director, Tania Nardini and Re-creation of New York Production Choreography by Gary Chryst, both of whom have staged Chicago across multiple continents. Award-winning Musical Director, Bryan Schimmel will lead the 11-piece orchestra and the sexy, stylish ensemble will once again razzle-dazzle South African audiences.  This great musical is simply … Broadway at its best.

Chicago has everything that makes Broadway and the West End great – a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another, including Razzle Dazzle; the sexiest, most sensational dancing and a sharply sophisticated set which incorporates the live orchestra.

Chicago continues to be one of the most successful international musical hits of all time. Chicago‘s international appeal stems from its enticing tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery-characteristics the entire world is drawn to.

Book now for Chicago 2019 by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000 or book on line at www.computicket.com  Computicket is the official ticketing partner for the Chicago ‘The Musical’, and tickets should not be purchased from any other supplier/outlets.

SHOW INFORMATION

Cape Town:

Artscape Opera House

Friday, 15 March to Sunday, 14 April 2019

 Johannesburg

Montecasino’s Teatro

Saturday, 20 April to Sunday, 26 May 2019

SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 20h00

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

SPECIAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY SHOW TIMES: 

CAPE TOWN:  Thursday, 21 March: 3pm & 8pm

JOHANNESBURG: Monday, 22 April: 3pm.

Wednesday, 01 May:  3pm & 8pm

TICKET PRICES including VAT

Midweek: R200, R250, R320, R400

Weekend:  R250, R320, R420, R500

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: PG is advised owing to adult themes

MONTECASINO GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES:

(20+ tickets) montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or 011 367 4250

The post Chicago appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With compliments of Showtime Management, we are giving away tickets to Chicago; The Musical, for both Cape Town and Johannesburg audiences.

Up for grabs, are two double tickets to the 20:00 performance on Tuesday, 30 April 2019, at the Teatro in Montecasino.  Each ticket is valued at R320, with a total value of R640.00 for the set… and it also includes All That Jazz…..

Chicago will be on stage of the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town from 15 March  to 14 April, before touring up to the Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg from 20 April to 26 May.

This devilishly delicious musical and its all-South African cast has brought cheering audiences to their feet in New Zealand, across China and soon in South Africa. If you are not lucky enough to win the tickets through this competition, you can still get yours from Computicket.

Chicago Competition is now Closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on Thursday, 18 April 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 Chicago, The Musical appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Agapé, van griekse afkoms, beteken onvoorwaardelike liefde. “Ek sal jou trane afvee wanneer dit soos riviere stroom” sing Tussen Sterre. Hierdie trio is opgewonde om hule nuwe engkelsnit, Agapé bekend te stel.

Soms loop ons almal maar met ons harte op ons mou, maar om onvoorwaardelik lief te hê is altyd mooi, altyd goed. Dit beteken om lief te hê ongeag al die foute wat ons maak, lief te wees ongeag of dit verdien word of nie. Net onvoorwaardelik! Agapé hoef nie noodwendig eers ‘n gevoel te wees nie maar daardie gewillige besluit om iemand anders voor jouself te sit, ongeag wat.  Luister hieronder…

Maar wie en waar is Tussen die Sterre?

Dit is die droom van duisende jongmense om eendag hul eie Rock Band te stig, maar dit gebeur selde dat 3 super talentvolle jong ouens hulle idees saamgooi en ‘n nuwe projek aanpak. Soveel groepe klink dieselfde, maar Tussen Sterre is verseker die uitsondering op daardie reël.

SJ van Dyk, Martin Clifford Earle en Jan-Mattys van Lill is die drie lede van hierdie nuwe Afrikaanse Pop/Rock groep wat in 2015 gestig is.  Hulle eerlike lirieke, energieke musiek en elektriese klanke sal aanklank vind by oud en jonk en hulle eerste enkelsnit is reeds baie populer by hulle aanhangers.

Tussen Sterre se passie vir musiek is so groot soos hulle toewyding tot die Afrikaanse taal. Dit blyk duidelik uit hulle lirieke. Daar verskyn geen Engelse woorde in hulle musiek nie, verseker ’n eerste in die Afrikaanse Pop/Rock genre. Hulle beplan om die Afrikaanse musiekmark te revolusioneer met hulle unieke skryfstyl en passie om die taal lewendig te hou. Al drie van hulle is kranige musikante en spesialiste in hulle veld.  Van Dyk speel dromme, kitaar en klavier, Clifford is ‘n kitaaronderwyser en van Lill ‘n sangonderwyser.

Hulle eerste enkelsnit was Wonder Steeds. Carmen Pretorius het die hoofrol in die musiekvideo vertolk.  Daarna was dit Vir Ewig ‘n Goeie Tyd wat almal natuurlik in ‘n vakansie bui gesit het. Hulle het toe bietjie cowboys en crooks gespeel met hul musiekvideo van Wenteldans. Hul vorige enkelsnit en video onlangs, was Hemelrym saam met Bouwer Bosch. Luan Jacobs het die hoofrol in hierdie liedjie se video vertolk.  Al hierdie videos is gemaak deur The Reel Thing Film Productions. Hulle musiek is ook beskikbaar op iTunes.

Tussen Sterre was ook hierdie jaar vir 3 Ghoema toekennings benoem, in die Kategorieë van Beste Nuweling van die Jaar, Beste Rock Album van die Jaar, en die Publiek se Gunsteling.  Hulle het ten einde met die Ghoema vir die Publiek se Gunsteling Duo of Groep, weggeloop.

“Mens maak nie net musiek nie, jy verduidelik emosies wat oor die algemeen moeilik is om met woorde te sê” vertel Tussen Sterre.

Die sterre lyk blink vir hierdie 3 jong manne, kyk hoe hulle skitter op, op  tussensterre.co.za

The post Tussen Sterre: Agapé appeared first on Stage and Screen.

By Louw Mulder

The Teatro came alive, with the Sound of Music, when this musical opened at Montecasino last week. This run comes after what is believed to have been a hugely successful World Tour, forcing audiences onto their feet in Manila, Singapore, Macau and Colombo. Now, in Johannesburg, the stage production of the World’s most loved musical, is Climbing Every Mountain…

One thing about The Sound of Music, that will guarantee its success time and time again, is just that… The Sound of the Music. In my opinion, all these songs which are well-known theatre Anthems in their own right, are the essence of this musical, more than the story itself. Just as the numerous times I’ve Seen Sound of Music before, it was the music, and the songs with the ability to get stuck in your head for days after leaving the theatre, that emphasize the nostalgic, delightful production Sound of Music is.

We all know these well-known stage classics as composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, which include the catchy Do-Re-Mi, the popular Sixteen Going On Seventeen, the powerful Climb Ev’ry Mountain, as well as The Hills Are Alive catchphrase, in the title song. As would be an unequivocally necessity in the delivery of the Sound of these iconic tunes, I thought the orchestra was world-class, doing justice, with musical integrity, to each bar and key-change in the score. Well done to Musical Director Keving Kraak, who took this task under his baton, and succeeded with flying crescendos.

The traditional set and sceneries were once again an impressive sight to accentuate on the Sound of Music experience, but this is what you can come to expect from a production by The Really Useful Group, with Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian. Although very large in scale, the set is simple and minimalistic, leaving enough to the imagination, without the over excessive detail, that can easily destruct the audience’s attention.

What really impressed me, was Mick Potter’s Sound Design, and the execution thereof. The audience’s ability towards sound localization are perfected with the multiple audio channel sound system in the Teatro, which proved again to be World Class. This was laudably evident, with the manifestation of the multi-dimensional sounds of the thunderstorms in act one, and the church bells of the Abbey in the opening scene, as examples. From my point of view, together with all the theatre elements that galvanised appreciation towards what is unfolding on stage, the production value of Sound of Music deserves every standing ovation it got during their global stint.

Now, with the Sound of Music easily capable of connecting to the child in us all, it is most appropriate to mention the minor masters on stage. Although I only got the chance to witness one of the three sets of these mini-actors, I can defiantly attest to the professional and expert coaching they received from The Musical Theatre Workshop’s Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander. These kids were a treat to watch and I believe that they can each be exceptionally proud of their performances. My opinion of all these kids’ roles, were justified throughout the performance, with adorable cheers, chats of cuteness, and also appreciative applause from the theatregoers around me on the night. They are worth seeing…

The adults in the cast include names, well-established in the South African Theatre scene. Andre Schwartz, who joined this team only recently for the South African leg of its tour, and Carmen Pretorius were cast in the leads. I thought that Pretorius makes an excellent Maria, with her acting, singing and demeanour portraying an authentic, and caring Governess with the necessary empathy elements of a nanny. I however thought that the vocal-wobble and the overacting of the technique known as the Sprechgesang, could have been the one element impeding Pretorius from giving the perfect performance. That said, I thought the visible chemistry between Pretorius and the kids was exceptional, and truly proficient.

Notable theatre veterans that form part of this strong cast include, Rika Sennett, admittedly one of my all-time favourite actresses, alongside Malcolm Terrey and Jonathan Taylor, to mention only three. But steadfast fans of Sound of Music will appreciate the underlying love theme between Rolf and Liesl. Michael McMeeking plays the role of the young delivery boy while Zoë Beavon stars in the role of the eldest Von Trapp. Both McMeeking and Beavon have all the rudiments necessary for their story to be told, but I thought that even though Beavon was superb in her acting and singing, her physical height was at times a little destructing, especially within the scenes where she was part of the seven children. I do however think that apart from this small piece of immaterial critique, the support Liesl gave to the young, inexperienced children during showtime, was visible, and therefore remarkably effective.

When looking back at the experience of this year’s production of Sound of Music, I can honestly say that this South African Cast once again delivered a show of the highest standards. From the harmonious voices of the nun choir, to the melodies of the whole ensemble, the experience in its holistic presentation, is something no one should miss.

The Sound Of Music will be on-stage at the Teatro, Montecasino, until 29 April, after which they will conclude their World Tour in Cape Town, running from 6 May 2018 – 27 May 2018. Tickets are available at Computicket.

The post Sound Of Music appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Pieter Toerien, David Ian and The Really Useful Group is presenting another theatrical masterpiece later this year, as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Sound of Music will hit stages in Johannesburg and Cape Town.  This musical which contains arguably the best-loved songs of all time, will be coming to Johannesburg from 31 March 2018 to 29 April 2018, after which it will move to the Mother City, opening on 6 May 2018, till 27 May 2018.

This lavish production, presented in South Africa by Pieter Toerien, David Ian and The Really Useful Group, tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains from Austria, with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including “My Favourite Things”, “Edelweiss”, “Do-Re-Mi”, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen”, “The Lonely Goatherd”, “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, and the title song “The Sound of Music”. Featuring an all-star South African cast back from their international tour, The Sound of Music is a must-see on the 2018 theatrical calendar!

With words and music by the legendary Rogers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I), The Sound of Music originally premiered on Broadway in 1959 to record-breaking advance ticket sales, where it won eight Tony Awards – including “Best Musical”. The show opened in London in 1961 and became the longest-running American musical of its generation.  The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars, including “Best Picture”, and quickly became the highest-grossing film in history. Even today, The Sound of Music remains the most successful movie musical in history.

Since the turn of the 21st century, the enduring magic of The Sound of Music has lead to major productions around the world, giving testament to its title as “The World’s Most Popular Musical”. This production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened to rave reviews and sell-out business at the Wales Millennium Centre in July 2009, following a record-breaking 954 performances at the London Palladium where it was seen by well over 2 million people. The role of Maria was cast following a hugely popular 2006 BBC reality television show called “How do You Solve a Problem like Maria?”

The 2018 production will star Andre Schwartz as Captain von Trapp and Carmen Pretorius as Maria.  The hills will certainly be alive once again with the Sound of Music in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 2018. Bookings are now open at Computicket.

The Sound Of Music

Johannesburg

Teatro at Montecasino

31 March 2018 – 29 April 2018

Tuesdays to Fridays at 20:00

Saturdays at 15:00 and 20:00

Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00

Cape Town

Artscape Opera House

6 May 2018 – 27 May 2018

Tuesdays to Fridays at 20:00

Saturdays at 15:00 and 20:00

Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00

We managed to find some images of the Sound of Music Asian Tour: 

The post The Sound of Music 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

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