Cape Ballet Africa’s production of The Nutcracker, now on stage at the Teatro at Montecasino, is one of those rare festive rituals that still feels special. Presented with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and performed by a 50-strong company alongside international guest artists, this new version honours tradition while feeling intentionally considered and warmly inviting. With choreography by Maina Gielgud, artistic direction by Debbie Turner and sets by Michael Mitchell, the production opens the door to a dreamlike world of high society of years gone by, snowflakes, sweets and courage, setting the tone for a show that feels genuinely celebratory.

There is something about attending the ballet that feels like buying yourself flowers. It is a deliberate treat, a moment of personal indulgence that fills the soul rather than the schedule. Watching The Nutcracker unfold here carried that exact feeling. The music is a reminder of how timeless Tchaikovsky truly is and just how many of his melodies live in our collective memory, resurfacing with a rush of familiarity as the music swells.

The production itself is poised and polished, beautifully assembled without feeling stiff. The decision to retain the original Russian character through costumes, props and performers of different ages gives the ballet a grounded authenticity. Standout performances include Denys Cherevychko, visiting from Ukraine, who brings a distinctive presence to the stage, Marcel Meyer, whose artistry extends beyond performance into costume design and the children portraying the rats, whose innocence and charm were just delightful.

Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker is now on at the Teatro at Montecasino until 28 December 2025.

More info: montecasino.co.za | and To book: webticket.co.za

The post Review: Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker Dazzles at Montecasino appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The Nutcracker has provided wonderfully imaginative, sweet holiday entertainment for over a century, often being the first show young audiences experience when introduced to ballet and theatre. The new production presented by Global Star Events in collaboration with Cape Ballet Africa shows that none of that appeal has diminished, with its Teatro, Montecasino run already having been extended to accommodate overwhelming demand for tickets.

Now ending on Sunday 28 December, the run incorporates special festive season early show times on the final eight performances, on sale today at Webtickets.co.za. There are two shows on Tuesday, 23 December; Saturday, 27 December and Sunday, 28 December at 11 am and 3:30 pm with 3 pm matinee shows on Wednesday, 24 December and Friday, 26 December.

Cape Ballet Africa’s take on this magical holiday classic features South Africa’s top classical ballet talent alongside acclaimed international guest artists. Arthur Wille, from Brazil, dances for the London City Ballet and has danced major roles in Giselle, Raymonda, Don Quixote and Le Corsaire. Ukrainian Denis Cherevychko danced for over a decade with the Vienna State Ballet, working with the Paris Opera Ballet, Hungarian National Ballet and Teatro San Carlo as a guest artist. He has performed lead roles in Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, The Nutcracker and more. This production marks both dancers’ African debut.

Tchaikovsky’s much-loved score, including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers” supports a magical, enchanting spectacle as young girl Clara (played by a number of wonderfully talented young dancers from across South Africa during the run) receives an intriguing Christmas gift and goes on an enchanting journey through mesmerising dream landscapes.

Choreography and stage direction by internationally renowned Maina Gielgud, beautiful costumes designed by Marcel Meyer and gorgeous sets by Michael Mitchell are some of the other captivating contributions to Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker, which is set to thrill Johannesburg audiences with its beauty and the breathtaking precision of its 50-strong company and esteemed guests.

The season opens on 4 December and will now run to 28 December 2025 – no further extensions are possible! Tickets remain in high demand, so don’t miss out – book now! The show is recommended for all ages over five years. Ticket prices range from R220 to R690. Tickets are from webtickets.co.za or at montecasino.co.za.

The post The Nutcracker At Montecasino Extends To 28 December appeared first on Stage and Screen.

The production follows a cast attempting to stage the farce Nothing On with only two weeks of rehearsals, varying levels of acting talent, and all possible theatrical disasters in tow. Expect slamming doors, flying sardines, flaring tempers, and tangled romances—all unraveling in chaotic brilliance.

Leading the young LAMTA cast are two award-winning actors: Aiden Scott (Amadeus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Natalie Robbie (Spring Awakening, Orpheus McAdoo). Together, they guide audiences through this fast-paced theatrical calamity that celebrates both the magic and madness of live theatre.

Act One presents the final dress rehearsal, Act Two flips the set to reveal the backstage chaos during a mid-run meltdown, and Act Three delivers a complete comic collapse. With set and lighting design by Kieran McGregor and costumes by Frankie van Straten, this farcical fiasco guarantees laughter from curtain up to final bow.

Don’t miss it! Noises Off runs at Monte from 3 to 12 October.

Bookings

• Webtickets: Book Here
• Theatre Box Office: (011) 511 1988

The post LAMTA Presents Michael Frayn’s Comic Farce ‘Noises Off’ At Monte From 3 October appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Launched initially to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, Suddenly The Storm had its World Premiere at the Barney Simon at Jozi’s’s Market Theatre on the 7th June 2016. A season at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town as well as Durban’s Playhouse followed, where the play continued running to capacity audiences and nightly standing ovations.

The play walked away with three Naledi Awards; Best New South African Script (Paul Slabolepszy), Best Theatre Set Design (Greg, King) and Best Lighting Design (Wesley France) as well as a Fleur Du Cap Award in Cape Town for Greg King’s Set Design.

Suddenly The Storm has been described as one of the most powerful South African plays since the birth of Democracy.

Set in contemporary South Africa, the play poses the question of whether the wounds of the past can ever really be healed.

Suddenly The Storm features Renate Stuurman (as Namhla), Charmaine Weir-Smith (as Shanell) and Paul Slabolepszy (as Dwayne). Bobby Heaney directs.

The nail-biting story takes place in Johannesburg’s East Rand at the home of an ageing former policeman Dwayne Combrink and his much younger wife Shanell.

Combative, volatile, constantly on the verge of exploding, Dwayne and Shanell Combrink are two halves of a white South African working-class couple, living an uneasy truce as they struggle with the day-to-day trials of scraping together a living and dreaming competing dreams.

Beneath Dwayne’s angry, violent exterior lies the heartbreak that governs his attitude to life. Dwayne is a man in mourning. Shanell believes his current level of despair was sparked by the death of his childhood friend and recent work partner, Jonas, but the source of his mourning and anger lies much further back.

When the elegant and self-contained Namhla Gumede, born on 16 June 1976, arrives on their doorstep seeking answers to questions that have remained buried for 40 years, Dwayne and Shanell finally discover the truth.

What begins as a smouldering dark comedy, suddenly turns into a roller-coaster ride of startling revelations, of rage and recrimination, before the storm finally breaks.

This is theatre that throws up a whirlwind of mixed emotions – greed, love, loss and healing – touching on distinctly South African topics that make this country so rich and rewarding for those who can brave its storms.

The experience and proven track record of both Slabolepszy and Heaney coming together once again creates the perfect storm of talent – powerful acting, inspired writing and incisive direction – promising to make this production a truly memorable event.

Suddenly The Storm runs at The Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino from Thursday 12th March – Sunday 29th March.
Performances are Tuesdays – Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 16h00 & 20h00 and Sundays at 15h00.
Ticket Prices range from R100 – R240 and Bookings can be made through Computicket .

The post Suddenly The Storm Is Back For A Limited-Time Run! 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.

Presented by leading local promoter, Showtime Management, Slava’s Snowshow is a universal and timeless theatrical poetic spectacle which has unanimously enchanted and empowered the imagination of audiences and critics since 1993 in dozens of countries, hundreds of cities with multiple thousand performances resulting in millions of ecstatic spectators from all nationalities, genders, beliefs, types and ages, probably like no other show. It’s a genre of its own and remains as spontaneous and magical as the first day it was performed, systematically catapulting adults back in childhood. So, immerse yourself in a magical world of dreams and imagination, ankle-deep in snow!

The gradual transformation of the spectator during the show is one of the greatest feats Slava’s Snowshow has to offer.  Get ready to be catapulted back to your childhood as Slava’s Snowshow takes you on a uniquely spontaneous interactive and wildly entertaining journey under a snowy blanket.

A wordless show that leaves you speechless – laughter through tears – the most heart-warming show on earth – rare theatrical beauty – blissful – theatrical brilliance – an unforgettable miracle – a pure form of human kindness.  After the show ends, nobody wants to leave the theatre – the joy is remembered forever – each person sees his or her own story in the show, your own world comes to life.  The stunning not-to-be missed finale sees a letter turn into snowflakes, and the flakes turn into a snowstorm that whirls around the auditorium leaving the audience ankle-deep in snow.

This highly acclaimed international visual clown masterpiece for families, lovers and joy seekers is easily understood by all round the world.  Why not take advantage of the special discounted Terrific Tuesday ticket prices of R100, R200 or R300?

There are special discounted family packages and pensioners ticket options. T’s and C’s apply

Slava’s SnowShow

Johannesburg

  Teatro Montecasino

12 May to 31 May 2020

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 20:00

Saturdays at 15:00 and 20:00

Sundays at 13:30 and 17:30.

Terrific Tuesdays –  R100, R200, R300

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday evenings: R175, R 200, R275, R350 per person inclusive

Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees: R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

NB: Recommended for children 8 years and over

Family Packages are applicable to all shows except Tuesdays.

Weekends: R30 off per ticket weekends

Weekdays: R40 off per ticket weekdays, top two prices only

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

Book through Computicket

 Cape Town

Artscape Opera House

3 June to 14 June 2020

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 19:30

Saturdays at 1500 and 19:30

Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00

Terrific Tuesdays –  R100, R200, R300

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday evenings: R100 R 150, R250, R350 per person inclusive

Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees: R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

NB: Recommended for children 8 years and over

Family Packages are applicable to all shows except Tuesdays.

Weekends: R30 off per ticket weekends

Weekdays: R40 off per ticket weekdays, top two prices only

 Book through Computicket

The post Slava's Snowshow appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Presented by leading local promoter, Showtime Management, Slava’s Snowshow is a universal and timeless theatrical poetic spectacle which has unanimously enchanted and empowered the imagination of audiences and critics since 1993 in dozens of countries, hundreds of cities with multiple thousand performances resulting in millions of ecstatic spectators from all nationalities, genders, beliefs, types and ages, probably like no other show. It’s a genre of its own and remains as spontaneous and magical as the first day it was performed, systematically catapulting adults back in childhood. So, immerse yourself in a magical world of dreams and imagination, ankle-deep in snow!

The gradual transformation of the spectator during the show is one of the greatest feats Slava’s Snowshow has to offer.  Get ready to be catapulted back to your childhood as Slava’s Snowshow takes you on a uniquely spontaneous interactive and wildly entertaining journey under a snowy blanket.

A wordless show that leaves you speechless – laughter through tears – the most heart-warming show on earth – rare theatrical beauty – blissful – theatrical brilliance – an unforgettable miracle – a pure form of human kindness.  After the show ends, nobody wants to leave the theatre – the joy is remembered forever – each person sees his or her own story in the show, your own world comes to life.  The stunning not-to-be missed finale sees a letter turn into snowflakes, and the flakes turn into a snowstorm that whirls around the auditorium leaving the audience ankle-deep in snow.

This highly acclaimed international visual clown masterpiece for families, lovers and joy seekers is easily understood by all round the world.  Why not take advantage of the special discounted Terrific Tuesday ticket prices of R100, R200 or R300?

There are special discounted family packages and pensioners ticket options. T’s and C’s apply

Slava’s SnowShow

Johannesburg

  Teatro Montecasino

12 May to 31 May 2020

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 20:00

Saturdays at 15:00 and 20:00

Sundays at 13:30 and 17:30.

Terrific Tuesdays –  R100, R200, R300

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday evenings: R175, R 200, R275, R350 per person inclusive

Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees: R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

NB: Recommended for children 8 years and over

Family Packages are applicable to all shows except Tuesdays.

Weekends: R30 off per ticket weekends

Weekdays: R40 off per ticket weekdays, top two prices only

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

Book through Computicket

 Cape Town

Artscape Opera House

3 June to 14 June 2020

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 19:30

Saturdays at 1500 and 19:30

Sundays at 14:00 and 18:00

Terrific Tuesdays –  R100, R200, R300

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday evenings: R100 R 150, R250, R350 per person inclusive

Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees: R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

NB: Recommended for children 8 years and over

Family Packages are applicable to all shows except Tuesdays.

Weekends: R30 off per ticket weekends

Weekdays: R40 off per ticket weekdays, top two prices only

 Book through Computicket

The post Slava’s Snowshow appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Fall in love with Simon & Garfunkel all over again in this dynamic, and uplifting musical journey through more than 20 classic hits!

Everyone knows the songs of Simon & Garfunkel and between 31 Jan and 8 March, you will be able to hear them all live at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre – AGAIN, as this production returns due to huge public demand!

Expect to hear all the hits, including Bridge over Troubled Water, Cecilia, The Sound of Silence, Scarborough Fair, You can call me Al, and many others.

Here’s to You is performed by a stellar all South African cast of 8 talented singers who all play musical instruments.  Under the Musical Directorship of Wessel Odendaal, the cast is led by Josh Ansley on guitar with Ashleigh Butcher on Banjo/Guitar/Ukelele, Daniel Geddes on Keyboards, Hanna So on Piano/Violin/Cello, Justin Swartz on Guitar/Vocal Percussion, Phindile Dube on Percussion and Sanli Jooste on Cello.

The show features thrillingly fresh, yet faithful re-interpretations of Simon & Garfunkel`s evergreen songs, blending nostalgia and imagination, so that generations, young and old can discover the magic of their music as if for the very first time.

Here’s To You

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

31 January to 8 March 2020

Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20:00

Saturdays and Sundays at 15:00.

Tickets are available from R100 through Computicket, or through the Theatre.

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

The post Here's To You Returns appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Fall in love with Simon & Garfunkel all over again in this dynamic, and uplifting musical journey through more than 20 classic hits!

Everyone knows the songs of Simon & Garfunkel and between 31 Jan and 8 March, you will be able to hear them all live at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre – AGAIN, as this production returns due to huge public demand!

Expect to hear all the hits, including Bridge over Troubled Water, Cecilia, The Sound of Silence, Scarborough Fair, You can call me Al, and many others.

Here’s to You is performed by a stellar all South African cast of 8 talented singers who all play musical instruments.  Under the Musical Directorship of Wessel Odendaal, the cast is led by Josh Ansley on guitar with Ashleigh Butcher on Banjo/Guitar/Ukelele, Daniel Geddes on Keyboards, Hanna So on Piano/Violin/Cello, Justin Swartz on Guitar/Vocal Percussion, Phindile Dube on Percussion and Sanli Jooste on Cello.

The show features thrillingly fresh, yet faithful re-interpretations of Simon & Garfunkel`s evergreen songs, blending nostalgia and imagination, so that generations, young and old can discover the magic of their music as if for the very first time.

Here’s To You

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

31 January to 8 March 2020

Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20:00

Saturdays and Sundays at 15:00.

Tickets are available from R100 through Computicket, or through the Theatre.

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

The post Here’s To You Returns 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.

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