Here’s to you… an opportunity to win tickets to get on this Simon & Garfunkel journey down Memory Lane, all the way to Graceland, passing the Bridge over Troubled with Water.

With thanks to the Producers, we are giving away 10 double tickets to the 20:00 performance, on Thursday, 4 July 2019 at the Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.

Everyone knows the songs of Simon & Garfunkel and between 5 and 28 July, you will be able to hear them all live at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre. 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, Runner op of the previous season of The Voice SA on guitar with Ashleigh Butcher on Banjo/Guitar/Ukelele. Daniel Geddes was cast on Keyboards, Hanna So on Piano/Violin/Cello, Justin Swartz on Guitar/Vocal Percussion, Phindile Dube on Percussion and Sanli Jooste on the Cello.

Here’s To You Competition is now Closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on Monday, 1 July 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.

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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 5 and 28 July, you will be able to hear them all live at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre. Expect to hear all the hits, including Bridge over Troubled Water, Cecilia, The sound of Silence, Scarborough Fair, You can call me Al, Mrs. Robinson and Graceland.

Simon and Garfunkel’s great catalogue provides a carousel of memories that will be on display for a limited season in Johannesburg and promises to be the hottest musical ticket in town.

With a sensational cast of multi-talented performers who bring this timeless music alive in a theatrical setting, Here’s to You is a fresh take on Simon & Garfunkel`s classic songs that speak to all ages.

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, Runner op of the previous season of The Voice SA on guitar with Ashleigh Butcher on Banjo/Guitar/Ukelele. Daniel Geddes was cast on Keyboards, Hanna So on Piano/Violin/Cello, Justin Swartz on Guitar/Vocal Percussion, Phindile Dube on Percussion and Sanli Jooste on the 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. With fast becoming a big name in SA Theatre, VR Theatrical is bringing this production to stage, with Timothy le Roux as the director, Oliver Hauser in charge of the lights, with Set Design by proven top talent, Nadine Minnaar.

Here’s To You

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

5 to 28 July 2019

Performances will be at 20:00 from Wednesdays to Saturdays, as well as 16:00 on Saturdays and 15:00 on Sundays.

Tickets are available from R100 through Computicket.

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

by Louw Mulder

There are only a few things better in life than to leave a theatre production where you have hit the epiphany of sheer entertainment. Taking nothing away from all the other brilliant theatre productions that stunned audiences this year, but with reference to Rock of Ages, now showing at the Lyric theatre in Gold Reef City, absolute enjoyment is included in your ticket price. Not only does the music comprise of well-known anthems for young and old, the story, humor and most of all, the presentation of all these elements, are the perfect ingredients for a fun and memorable night out.

In the last few years, VR Theatrical have produced numerous productions on SA stages, succeeding in entertaining and delighting audiences nationwide. We are talking about I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Mysteries of Irma Vep, and forthcoming Johannesburg attractions in 2018 such as the hugely successful Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as Avenue Q, in association with Kosie House of Theatre.

“We focus on a younger audience, because it is important for theatre to keep up with the times”, Executive producer, Jaco van Rensburg told Stage and Screen after the show: “And even though our productions appear to be very edgy, audiences love them because people feel welcome when seeing these shows and they associate with the type of shows we play, which doesn’t exclude anyone. And mostly because it is fun!”

This time around, in partnership with Gold Reef City, they successfully brought Rock of Ages to the stage, with acclaimed response.

I do firmly believe that the success of this production, is mostly a result of the impeccable casting selection. I don’t think that the effectiveness of this show could have been so magical if it wasn’t for the versatility of all the actors in their various roles. The Headline act for this show, Josh Ansley, played the role of Drew, who falls in love with Sherrie, played by the super talented Claire Taylor. To throw a spanner in the works, is Stacee Jaxx, as sung by Andrew Webster.  He does show off his very well-defined body, but his talent, together with that of Ansley and Taylor, lies within their rock voices, that make most of these anthems, revived hits in their own right.

I could carry on about how I enjoyed the performances of the whole cast, like the physically excellent performance of Zak Hendrikz, the vocal powerhouse Nompumelelo Mayiyane, brilliantly with her quick scene-changes, Natasha van der Merwe, and the very camp Schoeman Smit, but I have to highlight two performances that stood out for me on the night. First was Neels Clasen, who is not a new face in a VR Theatrical production. In the role of German developer, Hertz, Classen’s versatility and expertise in accents and impersonations, added to the authenticity of his character.

Acting on opposite sides of the story, was club owner Dennis, played by Craig Urbani, who for me was undoubtedly the standout performance of the night. He fitted his character like a glove, and the noticeable effort he put into the portrayal of his role, was hysterical to watch. I personally, after seeing him recently in Saturday Night Fever and West Side Story, haven’t enjoyed Urbani’s talent as much as in Rock Of Ages… By no means do I suggest that his other roles were off par.

Louis and Nadine Minnaar were responsible for the Scenic Design. I was so impressed with many of the set elements, which in its over-the-top approach, was very effective. The impressive lightning design by Oliver Hauser set the scene for a true rock style musical. At times I felt as if though I was more rockstar groupie, than civilized theatre patron! Some scene changes were illustrated with various illuminating combinations, which made the flow of the storyline effortless to follow.   More than once, I caught myself enjoying various scenes so much, and laughing out so loud, I neglected to hear the many beautiful harmonies relating to those scenes. This, in my opinion, is reason enough to admit that seeing Rock Of Ages only once, is just not enough.

Adding to the constantly moving sets, were the choreography of Weslee Lauder, to complete the full picture. Lauder, brilliant on and off the stage, added to the je ne sais quoi of the show. It takes a certain type of character to make two 80’s rocker fellows fall in love, and at the same time, have the audience accepting everything happening on stage, reeling with laughter. Lauder was exactly the man for the Job.

The music was executed with distinction under the directorship of Wessel Odendaal. I am sure that each rock hit of that era featuring in this show, brought at least one or two memories to every audience member, irrespective of age. With the music of the 80’s being very diverse and quintessentially popular, Odendaal had the enormous task of directing the music in such a way, that the expectations of all 80’s music lovers would be met.  Odendaal, after the show, acknowledged that he is very thankful to have worked with such talented musicians as those appearing in Rock of Ages. Audiences should not expect replicas and cover versions of the original hits featuring in this musical, but can be sure to be entertained with fitting renditions of these songs, as part of a stand-alone musical production. Putting all these elements together, is Director Elizma Badenhorst, whose resume speaks for itself…

Rock of Ages has a rating of PG16, but van Rensburg said that the final call will ultimately be those of the youngster’s parents. From club scenes to public toilet scenes, from protests to the Final Countdown, there is something for every type of theatre goer in Rock of Ages, to make you remember and appreciate the music and energetic days of the 80’s. Rock of Ages will run until Sunday, 10 December 2017. For more information, especially on Group and Corporate Discount offers, please visit: http://www.stageandscreen.co.za/rock-of-ages/

Experience Rock of Ages in Pictures, with compliments of Gold Reef City.

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By Louw Mulder

You see the posters, two of South African Theatre giants in drag. You get convinced to go see this show, just because of VR Theatrical’s reputation. Half way through the first act, you think, “What am I watching”. At the end, when the actors take their final bow, you are saying: “I have to come see this again.”

With effects that totally hypnotise the naked eye, The Mysteries of Irma Vep recently entertained the audiences of Johannesburg with huge success. Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French by VR Theatrical, audiences in Cape Town are next to be in for a treat.

Two actors are responsible for portraying no less than eight characters. This will normally go hand in hand with on-stage costume changes, and visible transformation, but not in Irma Vep. The story is about Jane Twisden, the maid, who expresses absolute loyalty to her former employer, Lady Irma Vep. She cannot stand Nicodemus, the groundsman. Besides a funny hairstyle, his only other characteristics, is his peg leg and cockney accent.

Lord Edgar is the Lord of the Manor but also an Egyptologist, who is haunted by the memory of his first wife, Irma Vep. His second wife, Lady Enid, is a former actress, and also the current Lady of Mandacrest. We also meet Alcazar, the Egyptian tour guide, Pev Amiri, the Egyptian Princess and Mummy, as well as an Intruder, who… intrudes. But what about the lead role, as indicated in the title of this play? That, is the mystery.

Craziness is constantly unfolding throughout both acts. It is craziness perfected. Two actors are constantly changing, transforming from male characters to female ones, and then vice versa again. Wigs off to the efficiency this was carried out throughout the show. The real magic lies within the phenomenon, that whilst two actors are visible on stage, you are truthfully mislead by the fact that there are more characters backstage… disremembering the true identity of the on-stage actors. This was simply immaculate.

Nadine and Louis Minnaar were responsible for the set of Irma Vep, with the lights in the hands of Oliver Hauser. The score was written especially for this production by associate producer and sound designer, Wessel Odendaal. Together with the stage hands, and the impeccable direction of Elizma Badenhorst, the all-inclusive creative team created a fitting milieu, which completely assisted the magical madness to unfold in theatre brilliance.

It is no mystery that Irma Vep would not have been this successful, without the two giant South African stage names cast in this production. Bringing together a well-known musical theatre choreographer, and our country’s leading musical theatre actor, to put them in a play, might be a tall order. Giving them each more than two characters to play, makes that task even bigger. But giving the talent and the je ne sais quoi of Weslee Swain Lauder and Jonathan Roxmouth, the brilliance of the production was guaranteed from the start.

Being great friends off the stage, Lauder and Roxmouth created the perfected duo to unravel the mysteries of this production. The chemistry, as well as their theatrical skills, knowledge and experience played together like a hand and a glove. The two performances, irrelevant of the character, complimented the other, which add ease to the optical misapprehension of who is who in this tale. From musicals to comedic plays, there is no mystery in our talent in South Africa.

The Mysteries of Irma Vep is an experience that should not be missed. It has the ability to even make the grumpiest person laugh. A stellar all-star cast, with all boxes of professional theatre ticked, makes this production, one of 2017’s big ones.

The Cape Town season of The Mysteries of Irma Vep, runs from 3 to 19 August at the Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay.

Watch the Johannesburg promotional video clip here:

https://youtu.be/LA1j6s1kHaI

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