By Louw Mulder

Late in 2016, we ran a story on Menopause, a successful drag show presented by the Beefcakes franchise, which is still running every Friday night at their Illovo restaurant. Now, almost two years later, with the new Burger Bar in the chain which opened in Pretoria, the Dare-to-Drag and Love-to-Love trademark does not drag behind.

On Thursday nights, Menopause member, as well as presenter of Via TV’s reality series, Betty en die Dossers, Bernard Buys, stars in this one-man Comedragy, From Bloemfontein to Broadway. Unfortunately, the big-hair drag artist we got to know, does not feature in this show as herself, but that is mainly because I think there is no more space in the show’s line-up for her.

Written and directed by Bernard Buys, From Bloemfontein to Broadway tells the story of a little girl from Bloemfontein, with big dreams to one day be a star on Broadway.   Every night, our story teller takes us into her dreams, as she envisioned all the various roles she wants to play one day. Besides her always drunk aunt from Bloem, all other characters are those roles in her big dream – all played by Bernard Buys in this musical journey.

During a quick chat I had with Buys after the show, he told me that in some way, the story of From Bloemfontein to Broadway is based on the dreams he himself had in his childhood. To be able to perform in a show he compiled and produced himself, is a small part of that dream coming true. “It is all about entertaining people” he said.

As with most proper and classic drag shows, the aim is not on duplicating the fairer sex, but primarily on entertainment, but entertainment that guarantees a lot of laughter. It is also commonly known that these shows where drag artists are onstage, stroking their microphones like no other, are not for the faint-hearted, and even though, needless to say, I need to add that a hefty age restriction does apply.

In From Bloemfontein to Broadway, Buys not only shows off his art for being a drag performer, but combines this production with his theatrical training and skills for the stage. I think that his transitions into the various characters are unique and funny, giving the not-so-used-to drag members in the audience, that extra little reality check when these transformations are witnessed live.

The repertoire of songs in this One-Drag Show, each fitting its own character like a pair of fake eyelashes, includes songs from Chicago, Mary Poppins, Sister Act and Funny Girl, as well as a few Afrikaans covers, in the mix. If you are lucky to be part of a good, open-minded crowd, you will not have to tolerate the sounds of some of the somewhat orthodox versions of these songs, as the laughter will moffle it all away.

From Bloemfontein to Broadway is staged within the famous Beefcakes setup, with hunky waiters serving some of the best burgers in the country. They are now in Cape Town, Illovo and Pretoria. As Stage and Screen is a web-magazine for all ages, I will refrain from commenting on all the fun, hilarious and daring activities after the show…

Not being a stranger to any of South Africa’s Beefcakes branches, the experience and fun every time, automatically create the excitement towards the next visit. My advice, be open-minded, go hungry, and leave with an Uber…

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by David Simmons

What do we know about Synergy? For starters, it’s the new song and dance celebration between husband and wife duo Ian and Vivienne Von Memerty. However, one tends to forget that Synergy and creative collaborations in musical theatre has echoed throughout the decades by some of the world’s greatest musical partnerships of all time. In a somewhat gracious and tender ode to the icons and musical leaders of stage and screen the simplicity and light- heartedness of Synergy brings to life a true and impactful bond of love, relationships and musical alliances.

In this instance Synergy commemorates the combination of a connection between husband and wife which is elegantly portrayed on stage but tributes a gentle fondness to the acclaimed theatrical scores and the creators behind them. Applauded shows such as Fiddler on The Roof, Mary Poppins, A Little Night Music, Chicago and Cabaret to name a few have effortlessly become synonymous in the musical history hall of fame, not only for their music but the artists who brought their scores to life. We are treated to snippets from these productions giving the audience some time to indulge in an evening of nostalgic reverie!

Our dancing and singing twosome who take centre stage, evidently enjoy their time as musical partners and with a 26-year marriage behind them including the ups and downs of their journey together, theirs is a notable energy and understanding of each other which makes Synergy so pleasing to watch. At the centre of their staging lies a single prop– a simple white lounger – a space and comforting station to contemplate and join force. As such, this was nothing glamorous or eye catching but an inanimate object that somehow understands in a figurative sense the true essence of where partnerships are established and more importantly, ones that are just about to flourish. Ian and Vivienne make use of their ‘Personal Lounger’ whether sitting, reflecting or dancing on!

Ian Von Memerty needs no introduction to musical theatre and his dancing wife Vivienne (who previously stared with Ian in Fabulous 50) is comfortable in the different roles that she plays. They are both joined by the amazingly talented Roelof Colyn who tampers away effortlessly at the piano, bringing songs from the past to life.

Some of the best known partnerships in musical history have provided the songs to countless theatrical productions to which our sprightly duo explore with an impactful eagerness. With soft lighting, minimal set design, and a background filled with the foggy haze  of yesteryear (yes, the smoke machine was working overtime!) will transport you to a dreamlike world filled with the sexiness of Kander and Ebbs’ Chicago to modern day Lennon and McCartney’s All You Need Is Love.

Enter the Gershwin Brothers who brought us songs of love and passion from Hollywood and Broadway in the 1920’s and 30’s. Songs such as Embraceable You, Stairway to Paradise and, I’ve got a crush on you were remembered and enjoyed through Ian and Viv’s song and dance routines. Cut to a very quick wardrobe change and we are transported to Tsarist Russia in the little village of Anatevka where Tevye and Golde sing that memorable yet poignant song ‘Do You Love Me? With Ian in full impoverished milkman ensemble and Viv playing the part of his long-suffering wife was probably the highlight of the show and proves that love and mutual partnerships grow even in the worst of times. Cut to our next act where we are introduced to the magical music of the Sherman Brothers where song and dance sketches from Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Jungle book ignited a true sense of giddiness in all of us, not forgetting the claps and laughter from the audience…Young and old!

Other famous duos explored were Fred Ebb and John Kander with Chicago and Cabaret tributes not forgetting the great Steven Sondheim’s Send In the Clowns sung with affection by Vivienne and ending off with one of the greatest collaborative partnerships of all time- Lennon and McCartney with a throwback to the Beatles and some of their greatest hits.

If you are mad about musical theatre as much as I am, you will appreciate the music and what our duo has set out to portray. Synergy will mainly attract an older audience looking for a dip back into something a little sentimental although the younger crowd familiar with Ian’s work on A Handful of Keys will love his showmanship energy and performance.

Synergy will be on at Pieter Toeriens Montecasino Theatre until the 2^nd of July 2017.

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