by Betty Bangles

Daaaahlings!

I took a trip down to Cape Town and with lots of thanks to The Fugard Theatre and Stage and Screen, I got to see Kinky Boots, and now I have something to say….

I first saw Kinky Boots two years ago on Broadway and fell in love with the show. So, when they announced that The Fugard will bring an original production of this show to South Africa, I threw glitter in the air and did a little celebratory dance of my own. But also, I was a little scared; Will they find the perfect Lola? Will the boots be fabulous? Will ‘Lauren’ be funny?

Well, in true Fugard style, they did NOT disappoint! This show is entertaining, and appropriate for all Walks and Feathers of life, but kiddies under 10 years old, may require some PG.  Before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you what Kinky Boots is about.

The story of Kinky Boots is based on true events, about two people who think they have nothing in common.  Factory owner, Charlie, struggles to save his family business, with Lola, an extraordinary entertainer having wildly exciting ideas of her own.  As the story unfolds, these two characters starts the journey to embrace their differences, to form their unique, and sensational friendship… and their own line of the infamous stilettos, unlike anything ever seen before.

Now back to me… or rather, my fears about this SA production. Like I said, The Fugard did not let me down. Lola is sensational, the boots are fierce, and ‘Lauren’ is a hoot.

Firstly, can I get an ‘Amen’ for Paul Wills’ set design. He used every square inch of a fairly small staging surface in such a way that it feels like you’re experience the Musical on a bigger scale stage. The lighting design by Tim Mitchel also deserves a special courtesy. A standout moment for me was the projection during the design scene.

Matthew Wild gets a kiss on the cheek from me. His direction plays a pivotal role in the smooth transitions of the scenes on a stage with some limitations.  Birrie le Roux gave me life with the costume designs. My favorite being the Angels’ outfits for the boxing match, with those high ponytails.

Darren Craig plays Charlie and Oh Boy, does he do it well. The song Soul of a Man is a tough one, and he smashed it. He can sing to me all day, every day.  Earl Gregory steps into the heels of Lola and do I dare say, it’s his best role I’ve seen him in yet. Gregory doesn’t play Lola, he becomes Lola. He forces you to look at him without saying a word.

Lola’s Angels are played by Tshepo Ncokoane, Philip Schnetler, Chester Martinez and Emile Doubell. They strut their stuff on stage in full fabulocity and makes you want to join them! Namisa Mdlalosa, who plays Lauren is fantastic and completely makes the character her own. Her version of Lauren actually works better for me than the ‘Broadway Lauren’. She steals every scene she’s in and her comedy timing is so perfect… I can’t even deal with it!

Kinky Boots tackle real life issues and pulls hard on your heart strings. It teaches acceptance and challenge the closed-minded. Not my Father’s Son made me do the ugly cry because I could relate to it so much. That is why Kinky Boots is such a loved and important show.

Everybody will find something they can relate to in the story and overall, it’s a toe-tapping, feel-good show.

If you have a heart, you will Love Kinky Boots!

This show currently plays on stage of the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, until October 27, 2019.

Photo credit Jesse Kramer

[box type=”info” align=”alignright” ] [dropcap]B[/dropcap]etty Bangles is South Africa’s leading drag artist, and a self-confessed theatre junkie. As a created character by artist-in-his-own-right, Bernard Buys, Miss Bangles’ involvement within the theatre and TV industry, stretches from on the stage, to behind the scenes.  Stage and Screen thought it to be very appropriate, to have a musical like Kinky Boots, reviewed by her.

This review was voluntarily done by Bernard Buys, and acted purely as a trusted contributor to Stage and Screen. The views depicted in this review, are that of the contributor, but edited and published according to the established identity and standards of the publication. We thank Betty for the contribution, and hope for many more collaborations to come.[/box]

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Just two weeks into its South African premiere run, The Fugard Theatre’s production of multiple Tony-Award winning musical Kinky Boots has been extended. Bookings are now open for performances until 27 October.

Presented by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre, this is the first non-replica production of the show, and a brand new, South African original production of this huge-hearted, smash-hit musical.

Kinky Boots has been playing to sold-out houses and wowing audiences, who have responded with comments.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots was first brought to life on the big screen in 2005 before being transformed into a hit musical, winning six Tony and three Olivier Awards.

Kinky Boots features a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Tony Award for Best Original Score, Tony Award for Best Choreography and Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Kinky Boots has played to sold out houses on Broadway and in the West End since 2013. This mega-hit is a must see for all Musical Theatre fans.

The Fugard Theatre’s Kinky Boots is brought to you by the same creative team behind the Fugard Theatre productions of The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl and West Side Story. Direction is by Matthew Wild, Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Choreography by Louisa Talbot. Costume design is by Birrie Le Roux, Set Design by Paul Wills and Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell. Sound Design is by Mark Malherbe.

A stellar local cast is led by Darren Craig as shoe factory owner Charlie Price and Earl Gregory stepping in to the role of drag queen Lola.,

Kinky Boots

The Fugard Theatre Cape Town

11 June 2019 – 2 February 2020.

Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee performance on Saturdays and on Sundays at 3pm

Tickets starting from R180 can be booked directly through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through The Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com

This production has a recommended age restriction of no under 10 year olds.

There is a 20% discount available for all Friends of The Fugard members (on certain performance days); a 15% discount for pensioners and 10% discount for students and block bookings. These discounted tickets can be booked through the Fugard Theatre box office only and are available for performances from 27 June 2019 onwards.

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Into the Woods is a sleek and sexy beast of a musical. It is in turn moody and magical as well as witty and wise, providing the kind of intellectual and emotional satisfaction, and the kind of exhilarating theatrical experience that you would expect from Stephen Sondheim, the creator of musical masterpieces such as Sweeney Todd and West Side Story.

James Lapine of Book fame and Stephen Sondheim, who brought us Music & Lyrics, take everyone’s favourite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece… and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

Don’t be deceived – this is not a musical for children… This is a wicked and wonderful cautionary fairy tale for adults that will both delight and haunt you. It is all about what it is to be human, to long for something other and to wish for something more than what you have; to deal with the inevitable loss and the terrible beauty that this journey through the world offers us.

Into the Woods has all the allure of the fairy tale, the mystery and the whimsy. It tells of love, loss, desire, hope… and revenge… With its roots deeply planted in old folk tales, it offers a rich harvest of ideas. The production also has a dazzling score with ravishing melody and seductive rhythms. It also boasts one of the cleverest, most complex set of lyrics ever written for musical theatre.

This is Sondheim at his very best; a very rare opportunity to revel in his wisdom and originality. Productions of this kind only appear once in a blue moon!

Be spellbound by this delightful tale that will show at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino’s Theatre. Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast to the likes of Kate Normington, Earl Gregory, Zak Hendrikz, Jessica Sole, Haylea Heyns, Michael Richard, Graham Wicks, Candice Van Litsenborgh, Dianne Simpson, Nathan Kruger, LJ Neilson, Schoeman Smit, Ashleigh Harvey, Sarah Richard, Brandon Moulder, Naret Loots, Alyssa Harrison and Megan Rigby, Into the Woods is sure to astonish the audience!

Into the Woods is directed by Steven Stead, with set design by Greg King, costume design by Neil Harris and lighting by Tina le Roux.

Into the Woods:

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

8 March 2019 to 14 April 2019

Performances on Wednesdays to Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm

Ticket prices vary between R375, R275, R175 and R100

Book at Theatre Box Office on 011 511 1818 or at Computicket.com

The post Into The Woods appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With Compliments of Pieter Toerien Productions, we are giving away 11 double tickets to the performance of Into the Woods to be staged on Friday, 8 March 2019 at 19:30 at the Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.

Into the Woods is a sleek and sexy beast of a musical. It is in turn moody and magical as well as witty and wise, providing the kind of intellectual and emotional satisfaction, and the kind of exhilarating theatrical experience that you would expect from Stephen Sondheim, the creator of musical masterpieces such as Sweeney Todd and West Side Story.

Into the Woods has all the allure of the fairy tale, the mystery and the whimsy. It tells of love, loss, desire, hope… and revenge… With its roots deeply planted in old folk tales, it offers a rich harvest of ideas. The production also has a dazzling score with ravishing melody and seductive rhythms. It also boasts one of the cleverest, most complex set of lyrics ever written for musical theatre.

Into The Woods Competition is now closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on Wednesday, 6 March, 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 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 Into the Woods appeared first on Stage and Screen.

From the producer of Shrek The Musical and twelve sold-out award winning pantomimes, KickstArt Theatre brings you Puss in Boots, a swashbuckling spectacular for the whole family. Live on The Lyric stage from Friday, 30 June until Sunday, 23 July 2017, this rendition of Puss in Boots is an original adaptation of the well-known fairytale.

Set on a mystical, magical Caribbean island, Puss in Boots is a laugh-a-minute and features great audience participation, breath-taking sets, gorgeous costumes and toe-tapping tunes sure to enthral both young and old. Starring everybody’s favourite famous feline in footwear, along with a host of fabulous new characters, Puss in Boots offers the best in family entertainment available in Joburg this winter holiday.

Written and directed by Steven Stead and designed by Greg King, the story of Puss in Boots is brought to life by a stellar cast – Earl Gregory as the booted hero; Ilse Klink as the good fairy Calypso Honeybunch; Michael Richard playing the evil shape-shifting goblin wizard, Grimbsy Withergood; Sean John Louw as the hapless miller’s son, Tom Marzipan; Darren King as Mother Merry Marzipan; and Zak Hendrikz, Londiwe Dhlomo-Dhlamini, Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri and Caitlin Kilburn as some of Puss’ friends. This extravagant stage production is choreographed by Janine Bennewith, with lighting by theatre veteran Denis Hutchinson and under the musical direction of Rowan Bakker.

“Following the resounding success of Shrek The Musical, we are excited to bring this legendary pantomime to Gold Reef City,” says Noeleen Bruton, Director of Marketing for Tsogo Sun. “It’s an enchanting winter pantomime to be enjoyed these holidays by the entire family, not just the kids.”

Bruton continues, “We are also delighted upon hearing the recent news of KickstArt Theatre’s ten well deserved Naledi nominations for Shrek The Musical.  Staging another production featuring an all-star cast of highly experienced panto performers lead by Steven Stead and his production team was an easy decision for us.”

Puss in Boots performances will run at The Lyric during the following times: Wednesdays at 14h30; Thursdays  & Fridays at 19h30; Saturdays at 14h30 & 19h30; Sundays at 11h00 & 16h00.

Ticket prices range between R150-R260, and are available through www.goldreefcity.co.za, Gold Reef City Box Office on 011 248 5000 and Computicket.

SHOW & STAY PACKAGES

From R1,615 per room including two selected show tickets, breakfast and access to the theme park. Ts & Cs apply.

GROUP BOOKINGS – DISCOUNT OFFER:

• Groups of 20 or more will receive a 10% discount off the ticket price – applicable to all price categories.
• Group bookings will only be available at the Gold Reef City Box Office.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or Rewards discounts.

TSOGO SUN REWARDS CARD – DISCOUNT OFFER:

• 10% off: Tsogo Sun Gold Rewards Card
• 15% off: Tsogo Sun Platinum Rewards Card
• 20% off: Tsogo Sun Black Rewards Card

NO CHILDREN UNDER THREE YEARS/NO BABES IN ARMS

The post Puss in Boots appeared first on Stage and Screen.

After much anticipation, the Naledi Theatre Awards is proud to announce the nominees for productions staged during 2016.

The Nominations Reveal was hosted by the Market Theatre and took place on 27 March at the Mannie Manim Theatre amidst great excitement from the theatre industry’s key players.

BEST THEATRE SET DESIGN

Greg King – Suddenly the Storm

Karabo Legoabe – Waiting for Jack

Kayli Elit Smith – Cheers to Sarajevo

Sarah Roberts – iLembe

Saul Radomsky – Bad Jews

Sylvaine Strike – DOP

Wilhelm Disbergen – AS

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Jade Bowers (assisted by Camille Behrens) – Scorched

Floris Louw – Mannequin

Greg King and Shanti Naidoo – Shrek The Musical

Niall Griffin – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Onthatile Matshidiso – Egoli

Sarah Roberts – iLembe

Thando Lobese – TAU

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Gareth Hewitt Williams – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Hlomohang Mothetho – TAU

Mandla Mtshali – A Raisin in the Sun

Nomvula Molepo – Egoli

Oliver Hauser – Scorched

Thapelo Mokgosi – 6 Characters in Search of an Author

Wesley France – Suddenly the Storm

BEST SOUND DESIGN

Disney Nonyane – 6 Characters in Search of an Author

Emily Adams – I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Gladman Balintulo – iLembe

Lee Brune – Shrek The Musical

Mark Malherbe – Annie

Mark Malherbe – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Richard Smith – Sneeuwitjie

BEST CHILDREN’S PRODUCTION (Supported by ASSITEJ SA) (0 – 12)

Disney’s Peter Pan – People’s Theatre.

Disney’s Junior Aladdin – People’s Theatre.

Khokho’s Treasure – The National Children’s Theatre.

Library Lion – The National Children’s Theatre.

Mr Popper’s Penguins – The National Children’s Theatre.

Ntombi Dreams Big – Alt Eye Productions, Redhill Festival and PopArt

Seussical JNR – People’s Theatre.

BEST PRODUCTION FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES (Supported by ASSITEJ SA) (13 – 17)

Hoopvol – Pit Productions.

Just Antigone – The Movement.

My Japan – Andre Stolz,

Narrative Dreams – Seeds of Water

Shakespeare’s Coriolanus – National Children’s Theatre in ass with Renos Spanoudes

Woza Albert – Market theatre

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A CHILDRENS’ THEATRE PRODUCTION (Supported by ASSITEJ SA)

Gamelihle Bovana – Library Lion

Jovan Muthray – Just Antigone

Mathabo Tlali – Ntombi Dreams Big

Nyakallo Motloung – Just Antigone

Thapelo Sebogodi – Shakespeare’s Coriolanus

Veronique Mensah – Library Lion

Palesa Makhalima – Seussical Jnr

BEST NEWCOMER / BREAKTHROUGH

Aubrey Mogali – Narrative Dreams

Dean-John Smith – A Cock and Bull Story

Edwin van der Walt – A Cock and Bull Story

Daniel Richards – Pay Back The Curry!

Ezbie Sebatsa Moilwa – The Dying Screams of the Moon

Phillru van Achterbergh – Porselein

Wilhelm van der Walt – DOP

BEST ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY

Duane Alexander – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Janine Bennewith – Shrek The Musical

Lennox Sibisi – Umshado – A Marriage of Heritage

Nhlanhla Mahlangu – TAU

Sonia Thandazile Radebe – Sophiatown & Nhlanhla Mahlangu

Weslee Swain Lauder – Saturday Night Fever

Oscar Buthelezi – iLembe

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE / ARRANGEMENT / ADAPTATION

Charl-Johan Lingenfelder – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Dawid Boverhoff – Altyd In My Drome

Eddie Mathiba – Umshado – A Marriage of Heritage

Heidi Edeling & Francois Steyn – Sneeuwitjie

Neo Muyanga – Turned Away and She Was Gone

Warrick Sony & Brendan Jury – Ubu and the Truth Commission

BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Arthur Molepo – Sophiatown

Bryan Schimmel – Annie

Dawid Boverhoff – Altyd In My Drome

Heidi Edeling – Sneeuwitjie

Louis Zurnamer – Singin’ In The Rain

Rowan Bakker – Shrek The Musical

Wessel Odendaal – I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

BEST ENSEMBLE

Egoli

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Sophiatown

Sherlock Holmes

6 Characters in Search of an Author

TAU

Tease!

BEST CUTTING EDGE

AS

I See You

I Turned Away   and She Was Gone

Les Cenci: A play about Artaud

Porselein

TAU

The Year of the Bicycle

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Ameera Patel – Scorched

Ashley Carine de Lange – Bad Jews

Barileng Malebye – Sophiatown

Lesedi Job – A Raisin in the Sun

Renate Stuurman – Suddenly the Storm

Tholani ‘Khoni’ Miya – iLembe

Toni Morkel – Tobacco and the Harmful Effects Thereof

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Alesandro Mendes – iLembe

Brandon Auret – The President’s Man

Craig Jackson – Sherlock Holmes

Katlego Letsholonyana – Egoli

Oli Booth – Bad Jews

Tiaan Slabbert – Porselein

Wilhelm van der Walt – DOP

BEST DIRECTOR OF A PLAY

Jade Bowers – Scorched

John Kani – The Dying Screams of the Moon

Lara Bye – Oskar en die Pienk Tannie

Marthinus Basson – A Cock and Bull Story

Sibusisi Mamba – 6 Characters in Search of an Author

Sylvaine Strike – DOP

Thabiso T. Rammala – TAU

BEST DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL/REVUE

Elizma Badenhorst – I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Nataniël – Mannequin

Neels Clasen – Altyd In My Drome

Paul Warwick Griffin – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Steven Stead – Shrek The Musical

Weslee Swain Lauder – Sneeuwitjie

BEST SUPPORTING/FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL/REVUE: FEMALE

Delray Halgryn – Annie

Kiruna-Lind Devar – Saturday Night Fever

LJ Nielson – Saturday Night Fever

Taryn-Lee Hudson – Singing In The Rain

Taryn Sudding – Annie

Tessa Denton – Altyd In My Drome

BEST SUPPORTING/FEATURED PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL/REVUE: MALE

Bongi Mthombeni – Saturday Night Fever

Jacobus van Heerden – Shrek The Musical

Jonathan Roxmouth – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Rory Booth – Shrek The Musical

Stephen Jubber – Annie

Steven van Wyk – Singin’ In The Rain

BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL/REVUE: FEMALE

Angela Kilian – Sneeuwitjie

Bethany Dickson – Singin’ In The Rain

Charon Williams Ros – Annie

Jessica Sole – Shrek The Musical

Kate Normington – Robin Hood and the Babes in the wood

Lilla Fleischmann – Annie

BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL/REVUE: MALE

Earl Gregory – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Graham Hopkins – Robin Hood and the Babes in the wood

Grant Almirall – Singin’ In The Rain

Lyle Buxton – Shrek The Musical

Neels Clasen – Annie

Willem Botha – Altyd In My Drome

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY: FEMALE

Busisiwe Busi Zofuka – Ubu and the Truth Commission

Busisiwe Nyundu – iLembe

Charmaine Weir-Smith – Suddenly the Storm

Ilse Klink – Scorched

Masasa Lindiwe Mbangeni – The Dying Screams of the Moon

Sandra Prinsloo – Oskar en die Pienk Tannie

Tinarie van Wyk Loots – Plant vir my ‘n Boom André

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY: MALE

André Odendaal – DOP

Andrew Buckland – Tobacco and the Harmful Effects Thereof

Andries Babalo Mbali – iLembe

Desmond Dube – I See You

Lunga Radebe – I See You

Motlatsi Mafatshe – Mooi Street Moves

Mpho Osei-Tutu – Scorched

BEST NEW SOUTH AFRICAN SCRIPT

DOP – Written by Retief Scholtz

I See You – Written by Mongiwekhaya Mthombeni

iLembe – Written by Small Ndaba & Phyllis Klotz

Pay Back The Curry! – Written by Mike van Graan

Sherlock Holmes – Written by Robert Fridjhon & Bronwyn Gottwald

Suddenly the Storm – Paul Slabolepszy,

TAU – Written by Thabiso T. Rammala.

BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY

Bad Jews

I See You

Scorched

6 Characters in Search of an Author

Suddenly the Storm

A Raisin’ in the Sun

Ubu and the Truth Commission

BEST PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL

Altyd In My Drome

Annie

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Shrek The Musical

Singin’ In The Rain

Umshado – A Marriage of Heritage

The post Naledi Theatre Awards 2017: The Nominees appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Pieter Toerien & The Really Useful Group present this Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical, which returns to Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 10 November 2016 to 29 January 2017, due to huge popular demand.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, this magical musical is packed full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream will Do and Close Every Door to me.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat stars Earl Gregory (Joseph, JC Superstar, Cats, Sweeney Todd) as Joseph – the role that launched his career in 2004 (and for which he won the Naledi Award for Best Male Newcomer) when he was fresh out of TUT! We also welcome Nadine, the JC Superstar heroin as the Narrator. Musical Theatre fans will be delighted at the news that audience favourite Jonathan Roxmouth (Sweeney Todd, Phantom, Cats, Sunset Boulevard, JC Superstar and more) who will continue to work his magic as the Pharoah!

The creative team will once again (as in the 2004 production) be headed by Director Paul Warwick Griffin, with Musical Supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Musical Direction by Louis Zurnamer. Choreography will be by Duane Alexander.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features a stunning local cast of 23 of the best musical theatre performers and dancers, and promises to be “A Technicolor Triumph” for the whole family to enjoy!

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

Return season from 10 November

Wed – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 2pm, 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 2:30pm & 5:30pm

Tickets: R350, R250, R150 & R100 with special Group Discounts available – contact Geraldine (011) 511 1988

We welcome Nadine as our Narrator

After almost 20 years NÁDINE is an artist that stands for quality, inspiration, energy, style and motivation in the South African Music and TV industry.

The youngster surprised young and old with “Krappies & Krefies” when she was only 13. Five years later she recorded the legendary “Kaapse Draai”, a song that became an evergreen hit in the Afrikaans music industry. More hits of the teenage superstar followed.

In 2008 international doors opened with a massive “This Time I Know” album that was recorded in Sweden and released in Germany, China, South Africa and worldwide via iTunes! Nádine is the first South African to win the annual World Peace Song Festival with the title track of the album when she beat Coldplay and Ladyhawke in 2010.

Her stunning live performances quickly caused a buzz, also in theatre… Early 2012 Nádine was nominated for the South African Theatre awards as the leading lady Mary Magdalene in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Shortly after she was invited by top Afrikaans drama and theatre producer Deon Opperman, to play the lead role in the musical “Lied Van My Hart” opposite Steve Hofmeyr and Elzabe Zietsman to 1 500 people in the State Theatre Pretoria for two months.

With her latest local album Nádine took the chart position in the Afrikaans music again with the hit song “Skildery” which reached the #1 position on every radio station nationwide specifically on Jacaranda FM. The album was nominated for two GHOEMA awards and a SAMA (South African Music Awards)! Less than three months after the #1 position with “Skildery” Nádine did it all over again, May 2015, with the massive ballad of the album “Tyd”. Nádine has also just been awarded the Red Carpet Glamour Celebrity of the classy Afrikaans magazine SARIE.

In between her music career Nádine is the presenter of the tv show “Musiek Roulette”, that aired on national television in the prime time slot 8pm, every Friday night on SABC2. Talented Nádine is again nominated for an award as presenter at the Tempo Awards.

The post Joseph Returns to Jozi appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Pieter Toerien presents Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical, to be staged at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, from 29 April to 7 August 2016

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, this magical musical is packed full of unforgettable songs including ANY DREAM WILL DO and CLOSE EVERY DOOR TO ME.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHICOLOR DREAMCOAT stars Earl Gregory (JOSEPH, JC SUPERSTAR,  CATS, SWEENEY TODD) as JOSEPH – the role that launched his career in 2004 (and for which he won the Naledi Award for BEST MALE NEWCOMER) when he was fresh out of TUT! Making a welcome return to our stage is Bianca Le Grange (BLOOD BROTHERS) as the NARRATOR. Musical Theatre fans will be delighted at the news that audience favourite Jonathan Roxmouth (SWEENEY TODD, PHANTOM, CATS, SUNSET BLVD, JC SUPERSTAR, A HANDFUL OF KEYS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, CALL ME LEE, STAGE BY STAGE, JEEVES & WOOSTER, I’M PLAYING YOUR SONG) will work his magic as the PHAROAH!

The creative team will once again (as in the 2004 production) be headed by Director Paul Warwick Griffin, with Musical Supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Musical Direction by Louis Zurnamer. Choreography will be by David Gouldie.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT features a stunning local cast of 23 of the best musical theatre performers and dancers, and promises to be “A TECHNICOLOR TRIUMPH” for the whole family to enjoy!

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

29 April to 7 August 2016

Wednesdays – Fridays @ 8pm

Saturdays @ 2pm, 5pm & 8pm,

Sundays @ 2:30pm & 5:30pm

Tickets: R350, R250, R150 & R100 with special Group Discounts available – contact Geraldine (011) 511 198

The post Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat appeared first on Stage and Screen.

by Louw Mulder

Set to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics by Tim Rice, Pieter Toerien Productions, through the direction of Paul Warwick Griffin, once again brought a stellar production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to the stage. This time, this biblical story was a reinvented festival of colorful lights, song and dance, through the energy from the most perfect cast you could’ve assembled.

Thinking back to the opening performance, I clearly remember the astounding lighting design by multi-award winner Gareth Hewitt Williams, who created a world with lights, making this a Technicolor Dreamshow, where not all was just about the coat… The enchanting lighting design, made up of hundreds of colors, contributed immensely to this staging’s rejuvenated magic, and did so quite efficaciously.

The spirit of this production was also captured by the energetic moves on stage and hats off to choreographer Duane Alexander for what he has conjured up. The show’s fast paced and energetic dynamism, exploded in a well-groomed display of perfectly executed choreography, which was a result of harmonious teamwork from every member of this young and professional cast.  The calibre of Alexander’s choreography was world class, as what you’d come to expect from someone with his experience.  Alexander made his Musical Theatre debut in Pieter Toerien’s Production of Cats, in 2001.

Another winner of numerous awards for his musical direction, is Louis Zurnamer, who took this show’s music under his baton.  Together with the musical supervision of Charl-Johan Lingerfelder, they created the audible journey of the magic, with excellence brought to the arrangements, the collaboration of all 12 brother’s voices, and just the overall musical in general. New life was added to familiar songs like Go, go, go Josepeh, Close every door to me, and the most famous of them all, Any Dream will Do.

The cast of this production is a hot and sexy ensemble of South Africa’s elite theatre performers, and also introduces upcoming artists, like Michael McMeeking, who is making his professional debut starring in Joseph.  It was quite evident that talent and fitness were amongst all the other requirements for this show, which brought along an energetic display of their love for theatre.  Ranging from dance captain Darren Greeff, to names like Richard Gau, Louise Duhain, Mila De Biaggi, Emil Haarhoff and Sonwa Sakuba, to mention a few, the whole cast played their parts perfectly, in support of the holistic production.

In the lead roles, were Earl Gregory who played Joseph, and Bianca le Grange as the Narrator. Gregory won the Naledi for best newcomer in 2005 and le Grange took home the Naledi for best female performance in a Musical in 2014, for her performance in Blood Brothers.  With this being said, it is no surprise that Gregory and le Grange was part of the key factors that brought all the multiple elements of this show together.

I have to highlight the performance of Jarryd Nurden who was playing the roles of Issachar and the butler. It was as though he featured in almost every scene, and in doing so, Nurden magnificently showcased his talent, techniques, and versatility, through every different style and genre in this production. Nurden was previously seen in Cats, Starlight Express, and lately, Singin’ in the Rain, which played in the Teatro at Montecasino earlier this year. Most impressive and captivating about Nurden’s performance, was the enjoyment and dedication shown in his eyes and facial impressions, throughout both acts.

Last, but by no means the least, was the performance of Jonathan Roxmouth, who once again showed off why he is the top theatre actor currently in South Africa. As winner of the Best Musical Actor award at this year’s Naledi’s, Roxmouth brought an impeccable performance in the role of the Pharaoh. His experience added to his distinctive style, to the way he captivates the audience, and without effort, making his character the highlight of the show. Playing in Lloyd Webber musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera and now Joseph, there is no doubt that his upcoming album, My Lloyd Webber, will be huge success.

In the end, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat took me to so many different places, stylistically and colorfully. It was a real experience, and a proudly South-African showcase.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will run at the Pieter Toerien Theatre in Montecasino until the 7^th of August.  You can also stand a chance to win one of 5 double tickets to this production.

Go, Go, Go Joseph!

*Photos by Christiaan Kotze

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