VR Theatrical is proud to once again present Charles Dickens’ evergreen tale of redemption, A Christmas Carol with Charlie Bouguenon as Scrooge and Amber Burnhams as Everyone Else, in this two-hander adaptation by the amazing Elizma Badenhorst, whose talents are labelled by Stage and Screen as very underrated, deserving of more acclaim.

Bah, Humbug! the famous exclamation of Ebenezer Scrooge, will be heard this Christmas Season and Holiday Period, on stage, in the intimate setting of Pieter Toerien’s Upstairs Studio Theatre at Montecasino. Not only will A Christmas Carol be a good addition to any Christmas Feeling, but visiting this entertainment centre will just be the Carol on the Christmas Cake, brightening up the Holidays with the biggest indoor display of Christmas Lights in Johannesburg…

This classic holiday favourite story will come to life as you have never seen it before, wearing a brand new interactive jacket by staging animation and original musical numbers that promises to be a feast for the eyes, ears and imagination!

This play is a sensory delight for any tired soul – and even though critics in the likes of old Scrooge, might wonder why this play is being staged once again, we just want to say: “Cheer Up: Every year we are singing Jingle Bells and the song about Rudolph’s Red Nose too, which are Christmas Tunes and age-old traditions, just like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol… that’s why!”

In this year’s run, Executive Producer, Jaco van Rensburg and his team, are introducing several ghosts and characters from his past, present and future. The play takes us on an emotional journey from the old Scrooge’s tight-fister, miserly ways, to the new Scrooge, spreading goodwill and cheer through his generous spirit.

A perfect outing for the entire family, this production has now become a family tradition!

The proven winning team of VR Theatrical’s productions, is once again in part this year, with Wessel Odendaal directing the music, Oliver Hauser who designed the lighting, and Naret Loots, once again the talent behind the animation.

On stage, Bougeuenon and Burnhams will be seen in Badeenhorst’s adaptation, in this 65-minute stage play of pure nostalgia…

A Christmas Carol

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Studio Theatre

3 December 2019 – 5 January 2020

Wednesdays to Fridays at 19:30,

Saturdays at 16:00 and 19:30,

Sundays at 15:00

Special Holiday Performances, are scheduled for:

Monday, 16 December at 15:00

Tuesdays, 24 and 31 December, both days at 18:00

Tickets

Ranging from R130 – R180 per ticket, and available from Computicket, or the Theatre Box Office.

The post A Christmas Carol appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Born to Perform’s Shine 2019 is less than a month away, with over 450 talented young artists hard at work in rehearsals, preparing to blow audiences away as they take to The Teatro’s stage at Montecasino from Friday 13^th  – Sunday 15^th  September for just 4 shows only.

Be ready to be taken on a rollercoaster ride of fun and exhilaration while enjoying the astounding display of young talent in this year’s production of SHINE!

But Born To Perform is SO much more than “just” an opportunity for audiences to witness the energy and passion of young South African talent as they set the stage alight during the 2-hour show.

It is the culmination of many months (and years) of hard work, dedication of the artists and all those behind the scenes for the Joburg audiences to enjoy the end results of that hard work.

Born To Perform is also a place for young people to find their own journey through the Arts, giving them the opportunity for self-development and personal growth through their love and passion for the various performing arts genres.

Some of the highlights of what audiences can look forward to, are Yahto Kraft, recently a finalist in M-Net’s 3^rd season of The Voice SA, Zinah, John Tsenoli, and Philppa Higgins.  Added to this, there will be electrifying performances by more The Voice SA stars, like Craig Lucas and power-vocal-house, Thembeka Mnguni.

Exciting additions to this year’s line-up will be 20-year old Xae Memela and introducing upcoming artists Jamie Nell and Micah Stojakovic, both learners at Fourways High School.

The 450 young performers on stage will feature performances from Fourways High School, Mondeor High School, Curro Aurora – Sundowner and New Generation Pantsula Dancers from Alexandra.   Returning for another heart wrenching performance will be St Vincent’s School for the Deaf.

With material that includes songs from The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, as well as Justin Timberlake, Prince and Mozart, entertainment value will be high.

The show features a spectrum of musical and choreographic styles that will take the audience on a journey from pop to hip-hop, from ballet to rock ‘n roll to opera.

This is nothing short of a celebration! From ages 8 – 80, this is ideal family entertainment like no other!

A First at the Teatro – for 4 shows only! 

Experience the stars of tomorrow, on stage today!

The Teatro at Montecasino

Friday, 14 September at 20h00

Saturday, 15 September at 15h00 and 20h00

Sunday, 16 September at 15h00

The post Born to Perform 2019: Shine appeared first on Stage and Screen.

With thanks to the Producers of Born to Perform, we are giving away tickets to two families to go see tomorrow’s stars on stage today, during the 2019 SHINE performance by Born to Perform.

Born To Perform is also a place for young people to find their own journey through the Arts, giving them the opportunity for self-development and personal growth through their love and passion for the various performing arts genres.  Some of the highlights of what audiences can look forward to, are Yahto Kraft, recently a finalist in M-Net’s 3^rd season of The Voice SA, Zinah, John Tsenoli, and Philppa Higgins.  Added to this, there will be electrifying performances by more The Voice SA stars, like Craig Lucas and power-vocal-house, Thembeka Mnguni.

We have two sets of four tickets to give away to the performance on Friday, 13 September 2019 at 20h00, to be hosted by the Teatro, Montecasino, with a total prize value of R1 020.00 per prize.

Born to Perform Competition is now closed:  

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on 06 September 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.

The post Win Tickets to Born to Perform 2019 appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Following the incredible success of SHINE! 2018, Born To Perform is excited to announce the show will be re-staged at The Teatro at Montecasino from Friday,13^th –  Sunday, 15^th September for four performances only.

Born To Perform was founded in 2015 by Gemma and Matthew Marinus as a platform to give young performers opportunities and experiences in the arts working alongside seasoned professionals, whilst allowing self-development and personal growth through the love and passion for various performing arts.

In 2018, Born To Perform played to sold-out audiences at The Lyric at Gold Reef City and they are thrilled to announce their new collaboration with Montecasino for 2019’s show, with some variations and unexpected new surprises, taking the show to the next level.

There’s nothing quite like witnessing the energy of 450 passionate young performers on stage, alongside celebrity appearances by The Voice SA Winner Craig Lucas and The Voice SA Finalist Thembeka Mnguni as well as a special appearance from Yahto Kraft from the current season of The Voice SA.

With material that includes songs from The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, School Of Rock, as well as Justin Timberlake, Prince and Mozart, entertainment value will be high. The productions features a spectrum of musical and choreographic styles that will take the audience on a journey from pop to hip-hop, from ballet to rock ‘n roll to opera.

Born To Perform artists John Tsenoli and Philippa Higgins, who gave standout performances in 2018, will return to set the stage alight with their original numbers. Tugging at the heartstrings once again will be a performance by Buddy Sacks, as they all showcase their young talent at its best, covering current and relevant topics with strong positive and transformative messages to the youth.

Popular Born To Perform star, ZINAH returns as the MC for the shows, keeping the audiences dazzled and captivated throughout.

This year’s line-up will feature another Born To Perform sensation Siyolise Mkondweni and introduce new upcoming artists Jamie Nell and Micah Stojakovic, both learners at Fourways High School.

The 450 young performers on stage will feature performances from Fourways High School, Mondeor High School, Curro Aurora – Sundowner and New Generation Pantsula Dancers from Alexandra.

Returning for another heart-warming performance will be St Vincents School of the Deaf. 

This is nothing short of a celebration! From ages 8 – 80, this is ideal family entertainment like no other!

Group School Bookings are available on request by emailing bookings@borntoperform.co.za .

Upon confirmation, Group School Bookings of 20 seats and more will receive the added benefit of a SHINE! Workshop delivered by Born To Perform, at their school.

A special performance made accessible for the deaf community will be taking place on Saturday 14^th September at the 15h00 performance, with an on-stage signer.

At this performance, audiences have access to the Opticon system for the hearing impaired. This facility is only available in specific seats within The Teatro, so bookings would need to be made directly with the Teatro Box Office on 011 510 7472.
Various Public Group Bookings and Tsogo Sun Rewards Discounts are available through Computicket.

Follow Born to Perform:

Website: www.borntoperform.co.za

Instagram : borntoperform.world

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Borntoperformgala

YouTube: Born To Perform TV

SHINE! 2019 is produced by Born To Perform NPC, Created & Directed by Gemma Marinus, Bryan Schimmel and Matthew Marinus with Design by Oliver Hauser.

With grateful thanks to Montecasino, Howard Audio, Gearhouse Splitbeam, The CoLab Network. Computicket, Kelsey Mastering and Justine Mac Photography.

A First at the Teatro – for 4 shows only! 

Experience the stars of tomorrow, on stage today!

The Teatro at Montecasino

Friday, 14 September at 20h00

Saturday, 15 September at 15h00 and 20h00

Sunday, 16 September at 15h00

The post Born to Perform 2019: Shine appeared first on Stage and Screen.

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.

The post Win Tickets to Here's To You 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 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 Kosie Smit

If you told me three years ago that I would be building puppets for AVENUE Q, I would not have believed you and would have laughed nervously.

I have an extensive Scenic and Lighting background, and have been producing theatre for almost two decades. On the odd occasion I would agree to build creative elements for productions, but my knowledge of building puppets was very limited.

As a kid I built some puppets with Papier-mâché and they became my little actors in puppet shows. They were very basic.

When the opportunity arose for me to build AVENUE Q’s puppets, I grabbed it with both hands and tackled the challenge head on. I had to build 18 puppets from scratch and they not only had to conform to the director’s needs, but also had to be moulded on the character descriptions and personalities described in the script.

I did an in-depth study on Puppet Mechanics at the University of YouTube, and then started building enthusiastically. Every puppet is unique and has a particular personality. Each one also has its own unique problems when it comes too physically building them – but you fall in love with each one because you work so intimately with them.

I did not realise how long each puppet would take to construct. The process is incredibly time-consuming. From start to finish it can take up to 5 days to complete a single puppet. I am sure that with some practise it will get faster.

I had to create and construct unique patterns for each puppet. The patterns have to be cut out of felt and then hand-stitched. Foam is sculpted to create the different body parts.

There are 12 different puppet characters in the production but we have realised that it is too time-consuming to undress them quickly because of the mechanics and their build, so we had to build multiple sets to assist with quicker costume changes.

The puppets are made up of a combination of foam, fur, felt and fleece. All details, such as the eyes are handcrafted and the hair is made of faux fur or synthetic wigs.

Creating these little people was a daunting but exhilarating task. It was a vast learning curve for me, but I truly loved the process. I often get asked which puppet is my favourite, but I am unfortunately not able to tell as they all feel a little bit like my own children.

Avenue Q

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 10 May 2018

Wednesdays – 20:00

Thursdays – 20:00

Fridays – 20:00

Saturdays – 16:00 and 20:00

Sundays – 15:00

Tickets range from R100 – R350 and are available through Computicket. Discounts are available for block bookings – contact Geraldine on geraldine@montetheatre.co.za for block booking discounts.

Click here to read more about the Human Cast of Avenue Q!

[box type=”warning” align=”alignright” ] [dropcap]PG16[/dropcap]

Er, well, this is where it gets a bit fuzzy. If your teenager is mature enough to see a musical about issues such as sex, drinking, and surfing the web for porn, then they’ll probably love AVENUE Q too! Only you can judge. It’s hard to say what exact age is right to see AVENUE Q – parents should use their discretion based on the maturity level of their children. But we promise you this – if you do bring your teenagers to AVENUE Q – they’ll think you’re really cool![/box]

The post Avenue Q: Creating the Puppets with Kosie Smit appeared first on Stage and Screen.

In 2004, on Broadway, against all the odds, a little show called Avenue Q snatched 3 Tony Awards for Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical from a monster hit, Wicket. This year, VR Theatrical and Kosie Smit are proud to present that triple Tony Winner to Johannesburg Audiences.

The Broadway production was described as ‘equal parts puppetry, comedy and catchy tunes’. Avenue Q is a laugh-out-loud comedy musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it is clear that this is not your ordinary neighbourhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

The South African premiere will be Directed and Choreographed by Timothy le Roux, with Musical Direction by Dawid Boverhoff. Kosie Smit is tasked with Puppet Creation as well as Scenic Design. Lighting Design is by Oliver Hauser.

Le Roux said: “The all South African cast were put through their paces at auditions late last year. In musical theatre jargon the term ‘triple threat’ is often used to describe a person who is good at acting, singing and dancing. What makes this piece of theatre unique is that it includes all that – plus puppetry skills, which requires intensive training for our actors.”

The cast features stellar performers: Ashleigh Harvey as Kate Monster/Lucy, Clive Gilson as Princeton/Rod, Daniel Geddes as Nicky/Trekkie Monster, Grant Towers as Brian, Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri as Gary Coleman, Rebecca Hartle as Christmas Eve, Nieke Lombard as Bad Idea Bear, Graeme Wicks as Bad Idea Bear and Songezo Khumalo will fulfill various Understudy Roles.

Avenue Q is special in that the actors operate the puppets in full view of the audience, using both their hands while singing, acting and dancing. AVENUE Q contains scenes which may be unsuitable for children under 16. Children under 5 will not be admitted.

Avenue Q

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 10 May 2018

Wednesdays – 20:00

Thursdays – 20:00

Fridays – 20:00

Saturdays – 16:00 and 20:00

Sundays – 15:00

Tickets range from R100 – R350 and are available through Computicket. Discounts are available for block bookings – contact Geraldine on geraldine@montetheatre.co.za for block booking discounts.

[box type=”warning” align=”alignright” ] [dropcap]PG16[/dropcap]

Er, well, this is where it gets a bit fuzzy. If your teenager is mature enough to see a musical about issues such as sex, drinking, and surfing the web for porn, then they’ll probably love AVENUE Q too! Only you can judge. It’s hard to say what exact age is right to see AVENUE Q – parents should use their discretion based on the maturity level of their children. But we promise you this – if you do bring your teenagers to AVENUE Q – they’ll think you’re really cool![/box]

The post Avenue Q 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.

The post Rock Of Ages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

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

The post The Mysteries of Irma Vep appeared first on Stage and Screen.