Erasure, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, have announced details of their eighteenth studio album, The Neon, and share the album’s luminous opener, Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling).

The 10-track album is out on Mute, by Gallo Record Company for SA), on 21 August 2020, and available as pre-order exclusives on limited edition neon orange vinyl, limited edition neon green cassette and CD in a fold out orange foil blocked sleeve with fold out lyric and photography booklet, as well as on black vinyl, to download and stream.

The Neon is a place that lives in the imagination, that we – you and me – put in the real world. It could be a night club, a shop, a city, a cafe, a country, a bedroom, a restaurant, any place at all. It’s a place of possibility in warm, glowing light and this is music that takes you there.

Written and produced by Erasure, the album’s initial sessions saw Vince and Andy reunite to work on the follow up to 2017’s World Be Gone with a fresh optimism and energy, in part born from their own recent personal projects.

The album’s vocals were recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, with Vince joining Andy at the studio sessions, and the mixing was done by the band in London earlier this year. Photographs were shot at that time in the unique environs of Gods Own Junkyard, a gallery housing a huge collection of vintage neon.

The Neon offers us warmth and a brilliant brightness in our times. It connects us to our pasts and our futures as it glistens with hope. It creates beautiful places where our imaginations can roam, bringing us together, twinkling and beaming. The Neon puts you and me in a celebratory world, now and forever, illuminated and alive.

Tracks on The Neon include;

1. Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling)
2. Nerves of Steel
3. Fallen Angel
4. No Point in Tripping
5. Shot A Satellite
6. Tower of Love
7. Diamond Lies
8. New Horizons
9. Careful What I Try to Do
10. Kid You’re Not Alone

Pre-order: Pre-orders via the band’s shop will include priority access to future tour dates.

The post Erasure – The Neon appeared first on Stage and Screen.

South African, singer, songwriter, Josh Middleton has released his latest single Caught Up prior to the release of his upcoming album A Mild Case of Insomnia.

Caught Up is an up-tempo acoustic pop track giving the listener the festival feels.

Josh wrote and produced Caught Up alongside producer Crighton Goodwill of Good Noise Productions, who has worked with the likes of Jason Derulo and Coke Studios, making use of multiple live instruments to present an authentic sound. The song is laced with foot-tapping bass and consists of an impossibly catchy hook that a true high-energy pop chorus should hold including a vocal edge. The song takes you on a journey through musical lifts and falls for the listener to truly connect emotionally with the relatable lyrics which will give you a peek into the mind and heart of this soulful artist.

Caught Up is new, fresh and consists of everything South Africa is craving to hear, in a very electronic-intensive era. This is only a taste of what’s to come.

The post Josh Middleton – Caught Up appeared first on Stage and Screen.

We are all searching for hope in these uncertain and turbulent times where the Covid-19 pandemic takes its toll on so many different levels. Christien de Klerk of Embrace The Brand Media, had a brainwave just after the lockdown to approach her artists to record an indigenous song which will not only transcends hope, but also encourage people to unite. This idea was shared with producer Sean Butler and he suggested the iconic hit My African Dream, which made Vicky Sampson a household name in 1996.

Upcoming as well as established artists pool their talents together in this new rendition of My African Dream. The talented artists include Jack Stone, Matt Stern, Johan Anker, Chris Theron, Mondrey, Hannah, Chante and the duo GnT Band.

The singers are from all over the country, from Cape Town to Kimberley and Pretoria, and fortunately most of them have their own studios at home where they did the recordings. They send their individual recordings to the producers, with Francois Steyn and Tertius Jacobs who did the final mix.

The singers also recorded separate music videos with a special app which was uploaded on their mobile phones. Johann Latsky, edited the music video’s creatively in one music video. Each singer contributes an insert on the music video.

The singers are overly excited about the project.  “It is an honour to be part of this final product. Music is a universal language and it is wonderful that we can utilise it to convey a positive message of hope in these difficult times,” says rocker Jack Stone. 

My African Dream is one of the most recognisable songs, says Chante. “The song symbolises going back to your roots and personifies hope and unity. It reminds us of the fact that we must live our dreams and that the sun will shine again. We are all together in this difficult time.”

Johan Anker says My African Dream makes him proud to live on the continent and even more to be a South African. “I always feel a little patriotic when I listen to the song. We want to give people hope and comfort with My African Dream and convey the message that we are so much stronger when we are united.”

The duo GnT Band agrees that My African Dream conveys a message of peace and hope. “The song brings positivity in a current negative climate and environment. We hope every South African will hear this message and move forward with a constructive attitude.”

Newcomer Mondrey says dreams bring inspiration and ambition in your life. “This song personally means that although today looks dark and gloomy, tomorrow is a new day with new challenges.”

Matt Stern says My African Dream underlines the need to unite as a nation and to reach out to one another. “It was a privilege to compile a song and a video during lockdown with other artists. Although there was little contact, we share the same vision and passion.”

Chris Theron says My African Dream speaks thought-provokingly, not only through its angelic melodies but also through its deeper message of transforming and uniting our country. “I hope people will listen to this piece, not just for leisure, but also for the hope it shines to the world. In a time like this, we all need a little hope”

Hannah agrees My African Dream is an incredibly special song. “The song symbolises the dream we always cherished for South Africa and still do. I do hope when people listen to our rendition, it will inspire them to pursue this dream.”

The post Artists bring hope with ‘My African Dream’ appeared first on Stage and Screen.

In May 2020, 21 artists from across the globe came together online to stand in solidarity with the entire entertainment and live events communities and recorded a unique take on Katy Perry’s hit song ROAR, culminating in the release of an inspiring video today, #ReInventYourROAR.

No matter where in the world we find ourselves, and in whatever circumstances, everyone has been affected by COVID-19. We are all trying to re-assess, re-adjust and re-invent ourselves in these uncertain times.

It was on one of these days in early May when an idea came to David Bloch, Executive Show Producer, Creative Director and Stage Director for high-end events in South Africa and abroad. David felt that now more than ever, it was important for the entertainment and live events industries to show love, support, understanding and compassion to each other.

What was planted in his mind as an idea has now blossomed into this epic music video, recorded by individual artists in 15 cities from 11 different countries, all artists that David has had the pleasure of working with over the past 21 years.

#ReInventYourROAR is about resilience and the power of the human mind, body and spirit to overcome ANYTHING! The message is – no matter what… these industries WILL soldier on!

Bloch believes this video can definitely mean so much to so many, depending on what one is feeling on any given day. It can be inspiring, reaffirming, empowering, joyful and almost defiant if you will, of the situation in which we all find ourselves. It really depends on the mood of the listener.

Ultimately he wants this song to be one of belief; a genuine, impassioned and unquestionable belief that these industries will recover. A belief so strong that their Roar will never be silenced.

Alongside incredible international appearances, #ReInventYourROAR, features the remarkable talents of South Africans living both here and abroad, namely; Lelo Ramasimong and Graeme Watkins from Johannesburg, South Africa, Chad Saaiman from Cape Town, South Africa, Fem Belling from Melbourne, Australia, Sifiso Mazibuko all the way from London, Richard Stirton from Liverpool, Melanie Scholtz from Berlin, Germany, Lyle Anthony from Los Angeles in the States, with Naz Holland and Shaun V from the United Arab Emirates.

International artists include The Clarisse Sisters from Mauritius, Shanay Shah from Mumbai, India, Appassionante from Rome, Italy, Cristina Ramos from Gran Canaria, Spain, Tal Vaknin from Jerusalem, Israel and Christina Bianco, from New York, USA.

The song was re-arranged by Bryan Schimmel with the track produced and mixed by Bluberry Entertainment. Backing Vocals were provided by Tima Reece and Kurt Herman, and the music video was edited by Even Flow Media with footage provided from all artists.

“The time has come, to # #ReInventYourROAR

To our entire entertainment and live events families, we say STAY STRONG!

To our audiences, fans, supporters, families, friends and colleagues from all over the world, we say;

We WILL return to our stages

We WILL put on our make-up

We WILL dress in fabulous outfits

We WILL be supported by the most incredible technical crews

We WILL hear YOUR applause again

You WILL hear OUR voices again

but until then… you WILL continue to hear us ROAR!”

The post #ReInventYourRoar – We Will Return to Our Stages appeared first on Stage and Screen.

by Louw Mulder

Internationally recognized, South African actor Arnold Vosloo, returned home from Hollywood, to feature in the latest local Afrikaans feature film, Griekwastad due for release early May, on DSTV Box Office.

Based on the bestselling true crime novel by journalist Jacques Steenkamp, who closely followed the case of the Griekwastad family murders that took place in April 2012, Vosloo, stars as Dick de Waal, the detective who solves the puzzle.  Here is the Trailer:

Internationally acclaimed Vosloo granted us the opportunity for an interesting Q&A:

How did it come about that you agreed to be cast in a South African Feature film again?

Producers Tim Theron and Cobus van den Berg, contacted me via my sister, Nadia Vosloo, who is in charge of my South African affairs.  I read the Griekwastad script and immediately said yes.  It was really good and the fact that it was in Afrikaans was a bonus! I miss South Africa always and Afrikaans especially.

Before returning to SA for the filming, what did you expect from the production side, and how did this perception change after the filming was concluded?

Joz Malherbe, the Director, told me early on in the process that the crew would be small and handpicked by him due to a very low budget – so I knew that going in. The good news is that we had rehearsal time before we rolled. That helped a lot because all questions were answered off set. Production was hard as we had crew doing two jobs but it went smoothly and the South African crew did great as always.  Whenever I meet foreign directors they always hail the work ethic of the South African based movie crews!

 What was your final thoughts after seeing the final version for the first time?

Seeing the final cut of the film was very emotional for me because I had wanted for so long do a movie in Afrikaans again.

Impressed with the production myself, it is a pity that Covid-19 restrictions disallow Griekwastad’s release on the Big Screen currently.  How do you feel about a film of this nature being released to a Video on Demand Service?  Do you think the theatrical value will maintain its effectiveness?

I have no problem with the release of this film direct to Video on Demand.  It is the way all content will go in the future.  In fact, I pushed for it when the virus hit because it made sense to give people stuck at home something to watch.  Having said that, I would love to see it on a big screen and without subtitles that (to me) spoil the frame.  When I get back to SA later this year I will try to make a screening like that happen.

Have you ever followed the growth of Afrikaans Movie Industry whilst living in Los Angeles?

I attended the Silver Skerm Fees this year for the first time. The energy and spirit was truly an eye opener.  My sister fills me in every now and again but I had not been following the local Afrikaans scene. To see it blossoming and thriving now, is encouraging.

In Griekwastad, you played with some of our Veterans again like Lida Botha.  How was your experience and thoughts on our newer and younger talent that played with you? 

Working with all the SA talent was a wonderful experience. Actors are givers and this cast gave it their all, from the oldest to the youngest cast member.  Everybody pitched in and carried each other in the difficult scenes. The young actors were a revelation and I told them that a film like this comes along rarely and that they should embrace the process. 

What are your thoughts on young Jane de Wet and especially Alex van Dyk, playing alongside you as the Griekwastad murderer? 

Jane and Alex are the heart of the story and they were great.  Alex has all the tools to become a professional actor and future film maker and if he chooses that life he will be successful.

It was said during an interview with Alex van Dyk, that he has idolised you since your success in The Mummy.  Do you have any words of motivation, advice, or encouragements for him, and young actors like him, who are embarking on acting as a career? 

My advice to our young talent in SA would be to work in the industry here. The USA is not the centre of the film world.  Hollywood sounds glamorous and it is for about 5 seconds, but then it is the same old struggle to get ahead of the next guy.  It is easy for me to say stay and work there because I scratched the itch to go to Hollywood and found success.  But, I would say stay in SA and work towards building a thriving local movie scene.

You mostly get to play the parts of villains and bad guys –  but in Griekwastad, you portray the role of a non-fictional character. How do you approach a role like this, compared to the role of a fictional character? 

I have never had to portray a real or living person. I chose not to meet the real Dick de Waal up front because I come to the story with my own baggage as Arnold Vosloo.  Audiences know how I sound and look and I did not want to do anything to detract from that. I did not want the audience to be distracted by a “performance”.  My job was to be the vessel through which the audience discovers the twists and turns of the story. It is very hard to do nothing when the director says action but I had to contain myself for this film. If this was a film of another sort then I could have done something different, but because the story and people are so well known by South Africans, I had to chill in the role.

Were you aware of the Griekwastad Murders?  Did it influence your decision to agree to this role? 

I had never heard of the Griekwastad saga and it was not a factor in choosing to be part of the film.  The script was King and Tertius Kapp wrote a good one and that was the reason to do this film.

Would you return to South Africa to star in more movies, especially because of Hollywood not producing Afrikaans Features? I guess I am asking, did the Afrikaans bug bite?

Having worked in South Africa in Afrikaans, has turned me off working in the US.  I have no more real motivation to work at my craft in the USA anymore.  I am 57 years old now and all I would like to do is work in Afrikaans.   I am not sure what the future holds for me professionally but I wish and hope for it to be in South Africa.  Viva Afrikaans, my mother tongue!

Do you have any recent success stories, or major achievements back in the US, of which South Africans may not be aware of, or may not have heard of?

The last TV series I worked on was Season 2 of Jack Ryan with John Krasinksi as the lead.  It is on Amazon.

Do you have any final words for the SA Audiences who will be watching Griekwastad? 

To the audience in SA I would like to say that “Griekwastad” was executed by us to the best of our abilities.   We are very proud to share it with you and we look forward to feedback and the reaction after experiencing it.

The prospects sound promising to see more of Arnold Vosloo in locally produced films, but for now, you can see him back in SA, playing in his Mother tongue, when Griekwastad releases on DSTV Box Office, on 5 May 2020.  If you are not a DSTV subscriber, you can still catch it on https://boxoffice.dstv.com/

The post Our Chat with Arnold Vosloo appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Young South African artists have joined together, in their individual homes and via technology during #LockDown to record The Ultimate South African Song Medley, as a “THANK YOU” to all the healthcare professionals and other essential workers who are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis in order for the rest of us to #BeSafe and to be able to #StayHome.

The Ultimate South African Song Medley integrates 28 of the most instantly recognizable classic South African songs from music icons across diverse genres from the last 50 years, woven into a seamless tapestry by Music Arranger, Maestro Extraordinaire, Bryan Schimmel, and performed by 50 students and alumni from Stageworx Performing Arts School in Johannesburg.

Music from Brenda Fassie to Kurt Darren, Mandoza to PJ Powers, Yvonne Chaka Chaka to The Parlotones, Miriam Makheba to Four Jacks and a Jill, Sonja Herholdt to Mafikozolo to name but a few – are all included to showcase the rich musical culture of South Africa.

The post The Ultimate South African Song Medley 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.