With thanks to Montecasino and VR Theatrical, we have 2 sets of tickets to give away to Rock Of Ages, Coming soon to Montecasino in Johannesburg.

Broadway’s smash hit musical is set to rock the Teatro at Montecasino for the first time in this venue, from 26 September until 20 October 2019! Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. Featuring 28 nostalgic rock anthems including the music of Pat Benatar, Styx, Twisted Sister, Poison, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and more, this production features a dynamic local cast as the larger than life characters and exhilarating story that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon. It`s a sing-along, party show with tons of humour and a charming love story! Bookings only at Computicket.

Win one of two sets of double tickets to Rock of Ages at Montecasino’s Teatro on Sunday, 29 September at 6pm. Each prize comprises of two tickets valued at R600.

Rock of Ages Competition is now closed.  

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on 24 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 Rock of Ages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Broadway’s smash hit musical, Rock of Ages is set to rock Montecasino’s Teatro for the first time from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 20 October 2019.  This jukebox musical features 28 classic rock songs from the 1980s including hits Don’t Stop Believin’, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again and many more. As the humorous high-energy storyline unfolds, the audience takes a journey back to a colourful era while singing-a-long to rock anthems that come alive on stage. Rock of Ages is a feel-good stage production where audiences are rocking in their seats at every performance.   Tickets on sale at Montecasino.co.za and Computicket.

The extraordinary characters and roller-coaster story that turned Rock Of Ages into a global phenomenon are brought to life by a dynamic all-South Africa cast, band and production team. The star studded Rock of Ages cast features this country’s finest talent across the entertainment spectrum including musical theatre, television shows, concerts, movies and recording artists.

Vocalist, producer and WONDERboom band front man, Cito is cast as the male lead playing Stacee Jaxx with The Voice SA 2017 runner up, Josh Ansley in the role of Drew and singer, actor, director and producer Zak Hendrikz is Lonny.  Popular actor, writer and award-winning director, Neels Clasen is cast as Hertz and actor and drama lecturer, Matt Counihan plays the role of Franz. Twenty-one-year-old female lead Jessica plays Sherrie and Lois du Plessis in the role of Justice returns to South Africa after living in the USA for almost twelve years.

Returning from the highly successful CHICAGO The Musical world tour sees former West End and SA performer Craig Urbani, before he will head up the cast of The Rocky Horror Show, later this year.  Also, Natasha van der Merwe and Raquel Munn will be seen in principal roles with fellow CHICAGO cast members Alex Girard and Stefania du Toit joining Lara Kleynhans, and Chantel Stanfield to complete the female ensemble.  Thokozani Jiyane, JP Rossouw and Ryan Flynn are the male ensemble.

Produced by Montecasino in association with VR Theatrical, Rock of Ages combines the highly talented production team of Executive Producer, Jaco Van Rensburg; Director and Choreographer, Timothy Le and Musical Director, Wessel Odendaal, recently seen in the same role in Here’s to You, who leads the five-piece live band.

Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock Of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. The nostalgic rock anthems include the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Twisted Sister, Styx, Poison, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and many other great rock bands – this musical truly is larger than life!

Rock of Ages is a rock ‘n roll romance set on the Sunset Strip in The Bourbon Room, the last epic venue where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality – celebrating a time.

Rock of Ages is a seriously mindless, ridiculously enjoyable glamour-rock musical that is not to be missed! It’s the hilarious book by Chris D’Arienzo that drives the piece. There’s great comedy, stellar performances and great music – all the ingredients of a great night out! Get your tickets at  www.montecasino.co.za, by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com   Owing to adult themes, a PG13 is recommended.

Rock of Ages

Montecasino’s Teatro.

Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 20 October 2019

Show Times:

No Monday performances

Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 20h00

Weekends: Fridays, 20h00; Saturdays 15h00 & 20h00; Sundays 14h00 & 18h00

Performance:  2 hours 30 minutes including 20-minute intermission

Ticket Prices including VAT

Midweek (Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays 18h00): R150, R200, R250, R300

Weekend (Fridays & Saturdays 20h00, Saturdays 15h00 and Sundays 14h00):  R200, R250, R300, R350,

Student Discount:

One ticket per person

Only available at Computicket outlets upon presentation of valid SA ID/Student Card:

Tuesdays to Thursdays at 20h00 and Sundays, 18h00 ONLY: R160, R200, R240

Bookings:

Visit Montecasino.co.za or visit the Montecasino Box Office

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or

visit your nearest Computicket outlets

Group Bookings (10+ Tickets)

Tuesday to Thursday at 8pm and Sunday 6pm ONLY
Computicket Corporate Bookings Department  011 340 8139 /011 340 8475

(Monday to Friday from 09h00 until 17h00) or email corporatesales@computicket.com

Important Notice:

No children under 3 years.

PG 13 years and under recommended owing to adult themes

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

by Louw Mulder

Avenue Q… there’s actually so much to say about this production, currently on stage at the Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre. It’s a puppet show, but it’s an adult play, it’s a superbly composed musical, but it is also a presentation of the fact that South African Theatre is ready to take the next steps towards innovative, edgy and ground-breaking stagings.

Jaco van Rensburg and Wessel Odendaal of VR Theatrical, together with Kosie Smit, present this arrangement in association with Dalro, with the musical staging and direction handled by Timothy le Roux, who I thought outdid himself. Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx composed the music and lyrics for Avenue Q, which is based on the book by Jeff Whitty. As the show progresses, the clever tunes slowly swift your initial impression away from the one you entered the theatre with…

Leaving the theatre after the show, I had an idea of what the structure and theme of my review would be. The naughty bits, the catchy tunes of a very clever and well-composed score was still fresh in my mind. But as I reminisced the next day with pen and pad at the ready, the whole realisation of Avenue Q hit home!

The main attraction around Avenue Q, as would be rightfully created by the leading advertising campaigns and publicity views, are the puppets, the main attraction and stars of the show. We have Princeton, the graduate with a BA in English, Rod, the homosexual who himself still has to come to terms with his secret, and then there is Nicky, who is the messy slacker with a bit of a wild side. Adding to the edgy side, is Kate Monster and Lucy, both slightly promiscuous female characters who are in constant search of Princeton’s attention. In my layman’s opinion, I couldn’t find any fault with the visual presentation of the puppets, and compliments with huge respect goes to their creator, Kosie Smit, who breathed life into all 18 puppets featuring each night in this production. Smit, whose passion and love for this show spoke for itself during the build-up to the opening night, is also in charge of the Scenic design, which I thought was stunning.

Nowhere was it ever made a secret that the content of Avenue Q exceeds real edginess, and possibly wouldn’t be seen as appropriate for conservative people, or teens under the age of 16 for that matter. After seeing the show myself, the story of Avenue Q is powerful enough to manipulate anyone’s views on matters that play a part in the lives of each and every one of us. There are puppets having sex on stage, a fair share of swearing, and some will say inappropriate utterances that may offend a lot of diverse theatre goers. Be that as it may, all the profanity and full-frontal nudity is coming from the puppets, which I believe makes all of this more acceptable!

Modern day issues, current-day curveballs and everyday events, are all addressed in a very comic and uproarious fashion. It disguises the hurt and cold truths of life, with the healing power of laughter. I refer to issues such as unemployment, being homeless, losing one’s job and even the rejection of friends and loved ones. The internal struggle with one’s sexuality, and the battle of coming to terms with it, feature prominently in the story, with perfect fit. These are the themes of truths we all face daily, that surface above the whole mosaic of memories when thinking back to Avenue Q, as you are lefty with a final thought… “It’s only for Now!” And yes; Everyone on Avenue Q, are a little bit racist too…

I do believe that the powerful message, which was camouflaged by the magic of humour, was made as effective as it is, due to the production quality. I am totally uneducated and uninformed about the art-form of puppetry, that my enthusiastic raves about Avenue Q may be seen as disproportionate, but I am sure once any theatregoer sits back, let go and enjoy the show, they will be entranced by the same childlike fervour I experienced.

With an edgy and very sharp script, I found it to be effectively complimented by the lyrics of each song. Dawid Boverhoff, Avenue Q Musical Director, did a stellar job, which I think would honestly not have been this powerful without the contribution of the strong and impressive cast. I thought that all their performances were enhanced by their passion and eagerness for this new genre, supported by every unique puppet.

The strong voice of the very talented Ashleigh Harvey, is a definitive sound which I found to illustrate many of the stories’ emotions, which the expressionless puppets had to tell. Her natural style of acting, even though in the shadow of her doll, pulled through in such a perceptible form, that her character’s intended expressions were effortlessly transferred to her puppet.

Alongside Harvey, is Ryan Flynn, who manipulates the lead character, Princeton, as well as the closeted gay republican, Rod. Whether his puppetry techniques were according to academic techniques, I cannot say, but I thought he was amazing throughout both acts. What was totally enchanting for me, was the moment I realised that the personality of Flynn’s character, imperceptibly echoed through his puppet. As impressed as I was with this, so I can cite how I thought the sturdiness of Flynn’s performance somehow kept the rest of the cast on par, which I thought was key to their phenomenal ensemble performances,

The rest of the cast consist of Daniel Geddes, Nieke Lombard, Greame Wicks and Songezo Khumalo whom all, through their puppets and their associating characters, contributed in his or her own right to Avenue Q’s success. Among the craziness of the puppets, are the three real people. For me, the inclusion of human characters added a valuable balance between the deep-cutting themes of the script, and the human reality. Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri, Grant Towers, and the hilariously talented Rebecca Hartle, each played their roles with effortless talent.

If you give me only a half a chance, I will grab the opportunity and fill a few more pages about my raving thoughts on Avenue Q. Older theatre experts may say that my exaggerated praise for this production are excessive, and that I am turning a blind eye to its shortcomings, but I do believe my views are justified, as I experienced a total sense of entertainment, along with the excitement of this brand-new genre introduced to SA Theatre.

As a warning, do not ruin your own Avenue Q experience by watching online video’s of this show, because one, you need to see it live, secondly, this South African production is way better than all the ones online, and thirdly, The Internet’s for Porn..

Due to the gut-busting depth of the text, the complete essence of Avenue Q will be best experienced after seeing the show for the third time.  Avenue Q opens this Saturday, 19 May 2018, on stage of the Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, and will run for a limited season. The show plays for 2 hours, 15 minutes, with a 20-minute interval. Parental guidance for younger patrons are advised, as Avenue Q carries an age restriction of 16.

Visit VR Theatrical’s Facebook page for more detail on the show times.

The post Avenue Q appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical originally opened in Australia in 2006 and after a sell-out two year run, opened on London’s West End followed by Broadway in New York. The show continues to wow audiences across the globe with recent return tours to the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It has won awards all over the world, including prestigious Olivier and Tony awards.

Critics the world over rave! The Herald Sun (Australia) claims the show is “Vivid, daring and over-the-top” while The Daily Telegraph (UK) sums up the show as being “hugely entertaining … insanely glitzy”.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a heart-warming and uplifting tale of three drag artist friends who hop aboard a battered old bus aka “Priscilla” and go off on the adventure of a life-time through the Australian Outback, to perform in Alice Springs.  On the way they find friendship, love and far more than they ever dreamed of.

With a dazzling array of over 500 award-winning costumes, 200 extraordinary head-dresses and a hit parade of dance floor favourites including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!

Showtime Management’s Hazel Feldman says: “Priscilla is the ultimate ‘feel-good’ show. This dazzling musical has all the ingredients for a superb night out: the most wonderful costumes, outrageous glamour, music that will have you dancing in your seat and a funny yet touching storyline. No wonder this show has been such a massive hit from the West End to Broadway and beyond.”

The proudly South African, exceptionally talented 28-member cast, live band, crew and creative team will give audiences a night of unforgettable performances, nostalgic music and an entertainment experience with all the sparkle to share in Priscilla’s “fabulousness”.

The principal roles will be played by stellar stage, screen and television performers including David Dennis who has achieved prominence in leading roles from classical to contemporary and musical theatre to film and television over the past three decades (Pirates of Penzance, Starlight Classics and movies 10000BC, Winnie and Zambezia); Daniel Buys (Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever); Phillip Schnetler (Saturday Night Fever, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) and veteran actor, James Borthwick (Sunset Boulevard, Evita and over 200 other productions).

Additional roles are played by Taryn-Lee Hudson (Singin’ in the Rain, Jersey Boys), Chantal Herman (Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Noah of Cape Town) and Candice van Litsenborgh (Annie, Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard) with Candida Mosoma (Lion King, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), The Voice of SA finalist, Thembeka Mnguni (High School Musical, Grease) and Durban born Londiwe Dhlomo (Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Puss in Boots) as the three dazzling Diva’s.

The ensemble features a host of multi-talented local performers including Tshepo Ncokoane (Shrek, Janice Honeyman’s Pantomime Sleeping Beauty); Zane Gillion (Sister Act, Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing); Michael Fullard (Hot Mikado, Sleeping Beauty, Sneeuwitjie); Michael Wallace (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cabaret, West Side Story); Craig Hawks (Black Sails television series, My Fair Lady); Ryan Flynn (Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Sound of Music, Jersey Boys), Samuel Hyde (Singin’ in the Rain SA, Asia and Australia/New Zealand Tour); Henk Opperman (Private Presley, Dirty Dancing the Musical SA and Asia). Fresh new talent includes Dirk Joubert, Jonathan Raath, Nadine Grobbelaar, Donae Brazer, Lourens Obermeyer and Darius Engelbrecht.

Original Priscilla international Director, Simon Phillips together with Choreographer, Andrew Hallsworth will be coming to South Africa to mount the show together with Resident Director, Anton Luitingh; Musical Director, Bryan Schimmel and Resident Choreographer, Duane Alexander.

Board the bus! Bring your “fabulousness” on this highly entertaining journey. Book now at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre.  This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.

Get ready for the musical journey of your life!  The critically-acclaimed hit musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert based on the Oscar-winning hit film makes its South African premiere at Artscape, Cape Town on Tuesday, 28 March 2017.  Presented by Showtime Management in association with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Nullarbor Productions, and featuring an all South African cast, Priscilla will be on stage at Artscape until Sunday, 23 April, thereafter moving to Montecasino’s Teatro from Friday, 28 April to 18 June 2017. Tickets are now on sale at Computicket. Hashtag: #PriscillaSA. Brought to South Africa in association with BBC First

SHOW INFORMATION:

C A P E   T O W N

VENUE: Artscape

DATES:  Tuesday, 28 March to Sunday, 23 April 2017

SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances.

Weekdays: Tuesdays  – Fridays 20h00

Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00

NOTE SHOW SCHEDULE– EASTER WEEKEND 2017

Friday, 14 April: No performance

Saturday, 15 April: 15h00 and 20h00

Sunday, 16  April: 14h00 and 18h00

Monday, 17 April:  No performance

PRICES:

Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays/Sunday evenings: R150, R250, R350, R450

                Fridays/Saturdays/Sunday matinees: R200, R300, R400, R500

BOOKINGS:

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet or call Artscape Dial-A-Seat 021 421 7695

GROUP BOOKINGS:

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – all midweek and Sunday evening performances only

Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

IMPORTANT INFO:

This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12

JOHANNESBURG

VENUE: Teatro at Montecasino

DATES: Friday, 28 April to Sunday, 18 June 2017

SHOW TIMES:

No Monday performances, except for Monday 01 May 6pm (Workers Day Public Holiday).

Weekdays: Tuesdays to Fridays 20h00

Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00

PRICES:

Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays 6pm:  R150, R250, R350, R450 inclusive

Fridays/Saturdays (matinee and evening) and Sunday matinees: R200, R300, R400, R500 inclusive

BOOKINGS:

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or

visit your nearest Computicket outlet

GROUP BOOKINGS

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – all midweek performances  and Sunday evenings only

Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES:

For Montecasino Group Hospitality Packages (20+ tickets) montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or 011 367 4250

SHOW & STAY PACKAGES

For Montecasino Show and Stay Packages at one of the Montecasino Hotels,  telephone 011 367 4250  or montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12

The post Priscilla, Queen of the Desert appeared first on Stage and Screen.