Many will have seen Urbani in the leading roles of hit musicals like The Rocky Horror Show, Rock of Ages and Chicago or on TV in Scandal, Isidingo and Ashes to Ashes. But he loves the recording studio as much as the stage, so when composer and music producer Mark Cheyne pitched the idea of creating some original pop tracks, he didn’t think twice.

Urbani and Cheyne first worked together in 2003 and have been collaborating in musical productions on and off ever since. The downtime that came with being in lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to take this partnership to the next level.

I Might Like It is now available on all major music platforms. The official video will be released soon, as well as more brand new tracks.

Listen now:

The post Craig Urbani Drops New Single I Might Like It appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Me, Myself & Everyone Else is a highly entertaining solo show of great songs, musical comedy and impressions of pop culture personalities and iconic vocalists such as Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton and Britney Spears. Popular local singer, actor and award-winning musical theatre performer, Craig Urbani, currently on stage at The Teatro playing the leading role of Dr Frank-N-Furter in the Rocky Horror Show joins Christina Bianco as special guest artiste.  Multi award-winning arranger and music director, Bryan Schimmel will conduct the live 9-piece band featuring top SA musicians.

Christina Bianco is known locally for her sterling appearances at select prestigious corporate events but possibly more so for her 2017 performances at Cape Town’s Gate 69. Brought back to South Africa by Cape Town born Creative Director and Producer, David Bloch of David Bloch International, Christina is delighted to be returning to this country making her Johannesburg debut at Montecasino.

Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 25 million views. Dubbed ‘the girl of a thousand voices,’ Christina has performed on major television programs such as The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Queen Latifah Show and The Today Show in the US, and The Paul O’Grady Show, This Morning & The Imitation Game in the UK.

As two-time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina Bianco performed her critically acclaimed concerts to sold out crowds in New York City and across the U.S.A. In the UK, she’s enjoyed extended runs headlining at London’s Hippodrome, Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, The Charing Cross Theatre and at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This past fall, she completed her second UK concert tour titled, First Impressions. She recently made concert debuts in Switzerland, Spain and in Australia, at The Sydney Opera House. Christina frequently performs with major US and Canadian symphonies. Her solo symphony show, The Woman Of A Thousand Voices, tours under the direction of the great Maestro Jack Everly. Christina’s live album Life Of The Party was released in October of 2018.

Christina Bianco

Montecasino’s Teatro

Saturday, 11 April 2020

Two shows only: 15h00 and 20h00 for R300, R350 and R450.

Purchases of these tickets, will count towards your R500, when entering the Montecasino Ferrari Promotion.

The post Christina Bianco: April 2020 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With huge gratitude to Pieter Toerien Productions, we are giving away 10 double tickets to The Rocky Horror Show, coming to the Teatro, Montecasino, when this production continues its SA run, after a very successful run in the Mother City.

Pieter Toerien and Howard Panter presents the legendary Musical Extravaganza, The Rocky Horror Show, with Craig Urbani as the infamous Dr Frank’n’Furter, Kate Normington as the Narrator, with Rocky being played by Jarryd Nurden. It was also recently announced, that record-breaking actor, Kristian Lavercombe, playing the weird and funny Riff Raff,  will be joining the cast for its Johannesburg run.  Lavercombe has just completed the UK Tour of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show where he notched up a staggering 1600 performances! Not only is this a record for an actor playing the role the most, but it also marks the record any actor has performed in Rocky Horror since its conception.

The tickets up for grabs, are for the 20:00 performance, on Wednesday 22 January, at the Teatro, Montecasino, each set to the Value of R1000.00.

In order to win, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, share this competition, and submit the entry form below!

The Rocky Horror Show Competition is now Closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on 20 January 2020
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 The Rocky Horror Show appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With thanks to Montecasino and VR Theatrical, we have 2 sets of tickets to give away to Rock Of Ages, Coming soon to Montecasino in Johannesburg.

Broadway’s smash hit musical is set to rock the Teatro at Montecasino for the first time in this venue, from 26 September until 20 October 2019! Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. Featuring 28 nostalgic rock anthems including the music of Pat Benatar, Styx, Twisted Sister, Poison, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and more, this production features a dynamic local cast as the larger than life characters and exhilarating story that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon. It`s a sing-along, party show with tons of humour and a charming love story! Bookings only at Computicket.

Win one of two sets of double tickets to Rock of Ages at Montecasino’s Teatro on Sunday, 29 September at 6pm. Each prize comprises of two tickets valued at R600.

Rock of Ages Competition is now closed.  

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on 24 September 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 Rock of Ages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Broadway’s smash hit musical, Rock of Ages is set to rock Montecasino’s Teatro for the first time from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 20 October 2019.  This jukebox musical features 28 classic rock songs from the 1980s including hits Don’t Stop Believin’, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again and many more. As the humorous high-energy storyline unfolds, the audience takes a journey back to a colourful era while singing-a-long to rock anthems that come alive on stage. Rock of Ages is a feel-good stage production where audiences are rocking in their seats at every performance.   Tickets on sale at Montecasino.co.za and Computicket.

The extraordinary characters and roller-coaster story that turned Rock Of Ages into a global phenomenon are brought to life by a dynamic all-South Africa cast, band and production team. The star studded Rock of Ages cast features this country’s finest talent across the entertainment spectrum including musical theatre, television shows, concerts, movies and recording artists.

Vocalist, producer and WONDERboom band front man, Cito is cast as the male lead playing Stacee Jaxx with The Voice SA 2017 runner up, Josh Ansley in the role of Drew and singer, actor, director and producer Zak Hendrikz is Lonny.  Popular actor, writer and award-winning director, Neels Clasen is cast as Hertz and actor and drama lecturer, Matt Counihan plays the role of Franz. Twenty-one-year-old female lead Jessica plays Sherrie and Lois du Plessis in the role of Justice returns to South Africa after living in the USA for almost twelve years.

Returning from the highly successful CHICAGO The Musical world tour sees former West End and SA performer Craig Urbani, before he will head up the cast of The Rocky Horror Show, later this year.  Also, Natasha van der Merwe and Raquel Munn will be seen in principal roles with fellow CHICAGO cast members Alex Girard and Stefania du Toit joining Lara Kleynhans, and Chantel Stanfield to complete the female ensemble.  Thokozani Jiyane, JP Rossouw and Ryan Flynn are the male ensemble.

Produced by Montecasino in association with VR Theatrical, Rock of Ages combines the highly talented production team of Executive Producer, Jaco Van Rensburg; Director and Choreographer, Timothy Le and Musical Director, Wessel Odendaal, recently seen in the same role in Here’s to You, who leads the five-piece live band.

Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock Of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. The nostalgic rock anthems include the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Twisted Sister, Styx, Poison, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and many other great rock bands – this musical truly is larger than life!

Rock of Ages is a rock ‘n roll romance set on the Sunset Strip in The Bourbon Room, the last epic venue where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality – celebrating a time.

Rock of Ages is a seriously mindless, ridiculously enjoyable glamour-rock musical that is not to be missed! It’s the hilarious book by Chris D’Arienzo that drives the piece. There’s great comedy, stellar performances and great music – all the ingredients of a great night out! Get your tickets at  www.montecasino.co.za, by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com   Owing to adult themes, a PG13 is recommended.

Rock of Ages

Montecasino’s Teatro.

Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 20 October 2019

Show Times:

No Monday performances

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 20h00

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

Performance:  2 hours 30 minutes including 20-minute intermission

Ticket Prices including VAT

Midweek (Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays 18h00): R150, R200, R250, R300

Weekend (Fridays & Saturdays 20h00, Saturdays 15h00 and Sundays 14h00):  R200, R250, R300, R350,

Student Discount:

One ticket per person

Only available at Computicket outlets upon presentation of valid SA ID/Student Card:

Tuesdays to Thursdays at 20h00 and Sundays, 18h00 ONLY: R160, R200, R240

Bookings:

Visit Montecasino.co.za or visit the Montecasino Box Office

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

visit your nearest Computicket outlets

Group Bookings (10+ Tickets)

Tuesday to Thursday at 8pm and Sunday 6pm ONLY
Computicket Corporate Bookings Department  011 340 8139 /011 340 8475

(Monday to Friday from 09h00 until 17h00) or email corporatesales@computicket.com

Important Notice:

No children under 3 years.

PG 13 years and under recommended owing to adult themes

The post Rock of Ages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Pieter Toerien and Howard Panter presents the legendary Musical Extravaganza, The Rocky Horror Show, coming to Cape Town later this year, and Johannesburg early in 2020, with Craig Urbani as the infamous Dr Frank’n’Furter, Kate Normington as the Narrator, with Rocky being played by Jarryd Nurden.

Recently announced by Pieter Toerien Productions, is that record-breaking actor playing the infamous Riff Raff, Kristian Lavercombe, will be joining the current South African Production, due to open at Montecasino on the 17^th of January 2020. Lavercombe has just completed the UK Tour of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show where he notched up a staggering 1600 performances! Not only is this a record for an actor playing the role the most, but it also marks the record any actor has performed in Rocky Horror since its conception.

Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, having been performed worldwide for 45 years in more than 30 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, The Time-Warp.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favorite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The cast includes the BEST SA talent.  Urbani, Normington, and Nurden will be joined on stage by Anthony Downing, Marlee van der Merwe, Tyla Dee Nurden,  Stefania du Toit, Zak Hendrikz, Jessica Sole, Usisipho Nteyi, Robin Timm and Sean Louw.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

BIGGER and BETTER than ever seen before on South African stages – this is Richard ‘O Brien’s original legendary Rock ‘n Roll Musical – It’s just a jump to the left… and then a step to the right!

The Rocky Horror Show

Johannesburg:

Teatro, Montecasino

17 Jan – 1 March

Show Times:

Tuesdays – Fridays at 8pm,

Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm,

Sundays at 2pm and 6pm

Tickets: R150, to R500

All bookings at Theatre Box Office & COMPUTICKET

The post The Rocky Horror Show appeared first on Stage and Screen.

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.

We’ve all had our fair share of bad dates. But when it comes to the worst of them, few can beat the experiences of poor Buyi Dube in the new film Looking for Love by Nigerian-born filmmaker Adze Ugah, which portrays some of the perils of the local dating scene for women who are almost 40.

Looking for Love stars Celeste Ntuli, one of South Africa’s favourite actors and comedians, in the role of ’38 and single’ Buyi. She is an often inappropriate workaholic who is under pressure to find love. Also featuring in the star-studded cast are Trevor Gumbi, Lillian Dube and Phindile Gwala.

Adze Ugah says the idea for the film originated two years ago, after a conversation he had with Celeste Ntuli about doing a movie, loosely based on her life and her journey to becoming a stand-up comedian. The raw thoughts were put into an outline that went to writer Chinaka Iwunze, who turned it into a script.

“What’s unique about the film is that it’s an adult comedy, which we believe is a first for SA cinemas,” Ugah says. “It tells the story of an average South African girl who is doing her best to get by and has no choice but to use her wits to navigate the complex maze of relationships, while also figuring out a career path. Traditionally, films of this nature feature a female lead with attributes that make her extremely desirable, but our character is stripped bare of that. She could easily be someone we meet on the street.”

The story begins with a disastrous drunken display at her younger sister’s wedding. Buyi has her parents worried that she’s wasting her life working at meaningless jobs. They insist that she takes her head out of the clouds and focus on finding herself a good man and settling down. Goofing around was fine at 20, even 30, they insist, but Buyi’s almost 40.

Buyi is absolutely gutted. She returns to Jozi from KwaZulu-Natal feeling deflated about her love life. Where the hell is a ‘heavier-set’, black woman, going to find a man in South Africa? Desperate, Buyi reluctantly allows her beautiful, sexy, best friend Lindi, played by Phindile Gwala, to help find her a man from her multitudinous collection.

Following a series of catastrophic dates – including questionable concoctions, a quirky magician with a cat obsession, and a sex addict, who can’t get enough of a big butt – Buyi quickly loses hope of finding her match. Meanwhile, Greg, played by Trevor Gumbi, an old schoolmate from Buyi’s past who is in love with her, comes to town with the aim of becoming her manager and turning her into a star comedian. But Buyi’s on a mission to find a man, and besides, she’s not funny! Or is she?

This entertaining, heart-warming story of acceptance and hope follows one woman on her journey to learning that the path to finding Mr. Right begins with finding herself first.

Looking for Love opens at cinemas nationwide on 31 August 2018.

The post Looking For Love appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Fresh from his success as Che in the international tour of Evita, Jonathan Roxmouth sets the stage on fire as Jerry Lee Lewis in Great Balls of Fire. Audiences can expect the hits that shaped a generation played by Jonathan at the piano and a flaming hot six-piece band. All-time favourite hits include Great Balls of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Roll over Beethoven and High School Confidential.

The show features Buddy Holly Stalwart Craig Urbani as Sam Philips and Paul Ditchfield of The Bats as Elmo Lewis. Cranking up the temperature is Ashleigh Butcher as Myra Gale Lewis.

Jerry Lee Lewis is widely regarded as the Real Wild Child of Rock ‘n Roll. Since his meteoric rise to fame in the 1950’s, Lewis has established himself as a performer of unbridled energy, passion and unmistakable piano pyrotechnics – literally and musically. Whether driving audiences wild with his distinctive pumping piano style or setting the piano alight, the story of Jerry Lee Lewis is as fascinating as the string of gold records to his name.

Having paid tribute to famous pianists like Liberace in Call me Lee and Marvin Hamlisch in I’m Playing Your Song, Jonathan is back behind the piano for the first time in two years – this time in his favourite genre of rock ‘n roll. He once again joins forces with acclaimed director and choreographer Weslee Swain Lauder, having enjoyed huge success staging Jonathan’s sell out concert The Musicals at the Teatro at Montecasino. The show will be designed by Nadine Minnaar with lighting by Oliver Hauser and sound by Richard Smith.

Great Balls Of Fire

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

18 July – 12 August

Wednesdays to Fridays at 20:00

Saturdays at 16:00 and 20:00

Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00

Tickets: R125, R175, R225 & R275

Bookings through Computicket or the Box Office (011) 511 1818.

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