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.

The post King Kong appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Over half a century since the world premiere of the original production of King Kong – The Musical, Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre bring this legendary and iconic musical ‘home’ to Johannesburg. The run comes hot off the Cape Town season, which is currently playing to five star reviews, rapturous responses and sold-out houses at the Fugard Theatre until 2 September.

Eric Abraham produces and presents this Fugard Theatre production, which runs from 12 September to 8 October 2017 at the Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre in Johannesburg.

The Fugard Theatre’s KING KONG is directed by Jonathan Munby who directed the Fugard Theatre’s production of A Human Being died that Night. Following King Kong, Munby directs Sir Ian McKellen in Shakespeare’s King Lear for the Chichester Festival in the UK.

The Fugard Theatre’s production sees Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (West Side Story, Funny Girl, Cabaret) and Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba with additional music and arrangements by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

Cast in the title roles of King Kong South African, are actor, singer and dancer Andile Gumbi and multiple award-winning actress and singer-songwriter Nondumiso Tembewill. The Fugard Theatre’s KING KONG cast includes Sanda Shanduas Lucky, Tshamano Sebeas Jack, Ntambo Rapatla, Sne Dladlaas Pop, Lerato Mvelase and Sabelo Radebe.

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma, Ben Kgosimore, Athenkozi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Sibusiso Mxosana, Aphiwe Menziwa, Namisa Mdlalose, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Dolly Louw, Barileng Malebye, Edith Plaatjies, Rushney Ferguson and Given Mkhize.

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

The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom. Songs such as Back of the Moon, King Kong and Sad Times, Bad Times, have become popular South African favourites and are firmly entrenched in this country’s musical history. Sales of the original recording achieved unprecedented numbers, with reviews such as “This for my money is the record of the year” (Rand Daily Mail) and ‘Five stars!” (Drum). The cast recording was the first release of an all-black production in South Africa and unusual in that the libretti was included with the LP, which normally only happens with opera recordings. Arthur Goldreich designed the sets for the original production with original musical direction by Stanley Glasser.

KING KONG will run at the the Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Johannesburg from 12 September until 8 October 2017, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a 3pm matinee performance on Saturdays and 2pm matinee on Sundays. The Mandela Theatre is situated at 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein. Tickets range from R150 to R350.

Bookings for the Johannesburg season can be made at Webtickets www.webtickets.co.za or through the Joburg Theatre Box Office on 0861670670 or 011 877 6855.

For further information visithttp://www.kingkongstagemusical.com

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