By Jaco Lotriet

With the school holidays now in full swing, one cannot wonder whether parents are dreading this break, or embracing it? While Johannesburg offers a myriad of different entertainment options for both young and old, serving as a most welcome reprieve from boredom, one entertainment option seems to be overlooked by most families: The magnificent world of theatre. Enter directors Jill Girard and Keith Smith of the People’s Theatre, situated in the Joburg Theatre complex. This specially created flagship of Children’s Theatre has celebrated over 25 years of providing world class quality, fun filled – and educational – theatre to countless families.

Girard and Smith are delighted to get this year underway with a bang, bringing children and parents together for a thumping theatre experience, with the fabulous Broadway show, Seussical the Musical Jr.

Based on the books by Dr. Seuss, the children’s favourite author for over 60 years, his much loved use of language, rhyme and humour have been aptly re-imagined on stage by Smith, Girard and their extraordinary team, while retaining Dr. Seuss’ customary positive message.

Still, as crafty as they may be and as comfortable as the People’s Theatre is, I couldn’t help but wonder how they would pull off grabbing the young ones attention, in an age where even 4 year olds have their faces buried in their own cellular telephones these days. Fear not, Seussical the Musical Jr did not disappoint – cell phones were out of sight just as soon as the curtain lifted.

A nearly constant barrage of dance, music, lights and some clever set design, not only captured the imagination of the little ones, but that of the adults too. Visually, Grant Knottenbelt’s set design may seem minimalistic but then, it doesn’t have to be over-the-top. It’s colourful, with features such as steps behind one of the set pieces, a tunnel and door behind another, creating the illusion that the characters are seamlessly moving around all the time. I was delighted by the see-through display screen dropping from above, in front of the stage. Clever use of lasers and LED’s display various shapes and characters on this screen, enhancing the thread of the story in a modest, yet effective manner, while being a visual delight, all at once.

With characters ranging from a cat, to an elephant and even some birds joining in, the costumes and make-up further pulls the audience into the Dr. Seuss’ imaginary world of make-believe. Sean McGrath, Merry Whiller and specialist Costume designer Trudie Stroh pulled this off in an excellent execution, bringing the characters to life on stage. It is said that the costume make the character but the actors playing these parts, were astounding.

Newcomer Katlego Nche excelled with his charming, witty portrayal of The Cat in the Hat – a sort of jester-like character, sometimes serving as a narrator, other times within the storyline, mingling with the central child character of the show. Nche is joined by another newcomer, Megan Spencer, as the Sour Kangaroo. Seasoned stage actor Luciano Zuppa brought the endearing character of Horton to life. Central to the storyline of this morality-play, Zuppa’s elephant character is the hero with a message that is loveable, especially in the final moments of the show.

The child actors in this magical production amazed with their professionalism. Unwavering in their deliverance of the several different characters they portray, I am always astonished at the magnitude of their commitment. Exactly how they remember all the words in the script is something that boggles my mind. Masego Mothibakgomo plays the quirky Gertrude McFuzz, and another People’s Theatre favourite Nonhlanhla Mkhonto, plays the effervescent Mayzie. Thokozani Jiyane, who charmed in Annie Jr, returns to the Peoples Theatre as Mr. Mayor and is sure to delight the audience again.

A sensational music score under the musical direction of Dale Scheepers, combined with the funniest characters by Dr. Suess, will surely bring rapturous laughter, rhyme and rhythm to Johannesburg during Easter.

Seussical the Musical Jr is great family entertainment and will run from 10 March 2019, until 28 April 2019 at the Joburg Theatre’s People’s Theatre.

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Directors Jill Girard and Keith Smith are delighted to get this 2019 Children’s Theatre year, at The Peoples Theatre, underway with a bang, bringing children, parents and all those with a love of joy and laughter together, for a rollicking theatre experience with the fabulous Broadway show Seussical the Musical Jr.

Previews begin on 4 March 2019, with the official opening on Sunday, 10 March 2019, at the Peoples Theatre. Seussical the Musical Jr. runs aptly through the school holidays, with the final performance on Sunday, 28 April 2019.

Based on the much-loved Dr. Seuss books, Seussical the Musical Jr. draws its characters from a number of books. It is filled with non-stop music, laughter and feel-good fun.

Dr. Seuss has been a children’s favourite author for over 60 years and is loved for his use of language, rhyme and humour. The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham and many more, have been the stepping stones to reading for many children and introduced them to a wonderful range of characters and positive concepts.

Girard and Smith say that The Peoples Theatre strives to educate younger minds, in order to create a stronger generation through the medium of theatre, further adding that it is fun to have fun, but you have to know how – this is their motivation in directing this marvellous production.

Designer Grant Knottenbelt will be bringing Dr. Seuss’s unmistakable, quirky pages to stage with his set design.  Merry Whillier and Sean McGrath will tickle the audiences’ imagination, with their costume design.  Sandy Richardson Dyer choreographs a superb cast of actors and is sure to even get audience’s feet moving in time, to the catchy tunes.

The Cat in the Hat and the Sour Kangaroo, will be played by rising newcomers Katlego Nche and Megan Spencer respectively, and will bring their wit and charm to these synonymous characters. Nche says audiences should expect the unexpected, but they will definitely fall in love this with cat!

Luciano Zuppa brings his wide-ranging theatre experience to the character of Horton. Lovable to the end, this kind-hearted elephant is a hero with a message, and not to be missed.  Masego Mothibakgomo plays the quirky Gertrude McFuzz, and another People’s Theatre favourite Nonhlanhla Mkhonto, plays the effervescent Mayzie.  Thokozani Jiyane, who charmed in Annie Jr, returns to the Peoples Theatre as Mr. Mayor and is sure to delight the audience again.

Girard and Smith state they have combined the funniest stories and craziest Dr. Seuss creatures in this unique blend of rhyme, rhythm and sensational music score. Smith continues, saying that Dr. Seuss is bound to appeal to children of all ages and abilities, encouraging them to think and be creative. “Oh, the places this show will take your imagination!”

Seussical the Musical Jr:

Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex

From Sunday 10 March 2019 to Sunday 28 April 2019.

Performance times are Monday to Friday, at 9:00 and 11:00 and Saturdays, at 10:30 and 14.30, as well as on some Sundays and Public Holidays.

Ticket prices are R140 for general public or R100 for members of the Peoples Theatre kids Club.

Discounts for school bookings apply, with tickets being R80 per person.

For bookings, call Peoples Theatre on 011 403 1563/2340 or email info@peoplestheatre.co.za

Alternatively, bookings can be made online at www.joburgtheatre.com or through Webtickets.

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Multiple award-winning actor and popular TV and film star Desmond Dube has joined the cast of the Fugard Theatre’s hit production of the iconic South African musical King Kong.  Dube has stepped into the central role of Pop in the production, which is currently playing at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, having been extended for a final time to 4 March 2018.

Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, this production of the historic musical King Kong has received five star reviews in 2017. Dube joins the cast fresh from the success of an international tour and Johannesburg run of The Market Theatre’s production of The Suitcase, adapted and directed by James Ngcobo from the short story by Es’kia Mphahlele.

King Kong tells the story of heavyweight fifties boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini whose self-appointed ring name was “King Kong” to the wildly exhilarating music of Todd Matshikiza.  Dube joins Andile Gumbi as King Kong and Edith Plaatjies as shebeen queen Joyce.  The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong is directed by Jonathan Munby.

The Fugard Theatre’s production sees Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba.

The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong cast includes: Sanda Shandu as Lucky, Tshamano Sebe as Jack, Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam and Josslynn Hlenti as Petal.

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma, JT Medupe, Athenkosi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Sibusiso Mxosana ; Aphiwe Menziwa,  Namisa Mdlalose, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Barileng Malebye, Rushney Ferguson, Given Mkhize, Siyasanga Papu, Ziyanda Yako, Masego Mothibakgomo  and Jabulani Gambu.

A live 9-piece band, under the direction of Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba, accompanies the action at every performance.

KING KONG runs at the Fugard Theatre until 4 March 2018 Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee at 3pm on Saturdays and on Sundays at 4pm.

Tickets cost from R130 to R280. Bookings can be made at Webtickets www.webtickets.co.za and through the Fugard Theatre Box office on 021 461 4554.

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