By David Simmons

Joburg Theatre is infused with bucket loads of wit and charm this March where Aunty Merle: The Musical has taken centre stage. Together with abundant local humour, local problems and some of the best one-liners on offer, audiences are in for a very special homegrown experience! Aunty Merle: The Musical is making its Johannesburg debut after two successful runs in Cape Town.

There is something quite remarkable about productions with an authentic feel, especially ones that represent people from each corner of society. We as an audience find solace when privy to stories that reflect and mimic one’s own life and inner feelings, making ones theatrical experience all the more worthwhile. If there was ever a time where humour in our country is most needed, Aunty Merle: The Musical sets the standard for huge comedic relief, igniting a warm and welcoming energy to the stage.

This family inspired musical, straight from the heart of Cape Town’s bustling Athlone has a certain tenderness to it, yet at the same time exudes strong themes with equally strong characters who make sure their stories are told in the best possible light. Aunty Merle Abrahams is no stranger to Cape Town, and for those who have enjoyed her antics over the years will find her anecdotes and comedy prowess all the more appealing.

Merle, or as she is commonly referred to as Athlone’s Rose is in fact the brain child of Marc Lottering and one could say his alter ego. She has been part of Marc’s one man shows for many years and although she may have aged ever so slightly, she is still a force to be reckoned with. Lottering is almost unrecognisable as Merle who epitomises the true characteristics of a typical house wife on Belgravia Road in Cape Town.

There is gossip aplenty at the Abrahams resident, especially with Merle’s faithful neighbour Soraya, portrayed by Carmen Maarman and housekeeper/friend Lidia depicted by Tankiso Mamabolo who’s vocal talents are worthy of praise. Royston Stoffels acts as Merle’s husband Dennis whose affection for his wife is loving and kind-heated. Their Son Carl, coming to terms with his own sexuality is sensitively performed by Anzio September whose character effortlessly has the knack of letting go of his past and enter into a new phase of openness and self -realisation.

Merle’s daughter Abigail Abrahams, played by the enormously talented Tracey-Lee Rose, has just been proposed to by her long-time boyfriend Alan White, a wonderful performance by Paul Du Toit. Abigail and Alan come from different spectrums of life, and with the usual stereotypes of mixed marriages and social standing long forgotten, there is not an inch of doubt that these two are destined to be together.

Alan’s wealthy family from Bantry Bay together with the Abrahams clan are both welcoming of each other even though their opinion and ideals are disagreeable at times. The fast-paced scenes with Merle and Claire bantering over wedding plans together with Dennis and David’s interaction is a joy to watch creating a very interesting family dynamic.

Gina Shmukler and Adrian Galley give a wonderful charm to Claire and David White, Alan’s parents. Claire can’t wait to have ’exotic’ grandchildren however makes it perfectly clear that they are not allowed to call her ‘Ouma’! No story is complete without its resident villain who just so happens to be Abigails Ex, Denver, and a slimy and slippery character brought to life by Loukmaan Adams whose shared secret with Abigail he threatens to leak.

Directed by Lara Foot with music written by Marc Lottering and Tarryn Lamb, this wonderfully diverse musical in essence is all about acceptance and understanding and most importantly how we embrace it. Together with a phenomenal 7 piece band on stage don’t miss this proudly South African experience!

Aunty Merle The Musical will be running at the Joburg theatre until Sunday the 3^rd of March 2019.

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With thanks to our friends in the Theatre Business, who is bringing Marc Lottering’s Aunty Merle; The Musical to the Mandela Stage of the Joburg Theatre, we are giving away 2 Double Tickets to the 20:00 Performance of this true Cape Townian Production, on Wednesday, 20 February 2019,

Popular comedian, Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego, Aunty Merle Abrahams sashays onto the stage for the first time in Johannesburg with Aunty Merle, The Musical, after a Christmas and New Years run in Cape Town.

Written by comedian, Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the show has received four Fleur du Cap nominations and has already enjoyed two sell-out seasons in Cape Town to rave reviews.

Aunty Merle; The Musical Competition is now closed.

Please Note:

1. This competition Closes on Friday, 15 February 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. Each Prize comprises of two tickets per 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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Popular comedian, Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego, Aunty Merle Abrahams sashays onto the stage for the first time in Johannesburg with Aunty Merle, The Musical, after a Christmas and New Years run in Cape Town.

Written by comedian, Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the show has received four Fleur du Cap nominations and has already enjoyed two sell-out seasons in Cape Town to rave reviews.

High drama unfolds in Belgravia Road, Athlone, as Merle’s daughter, Abigail, announces her engagement to her boyfriend, Alan.  As Merle puts it: “He’s a good looking white chap!”  But it’s never smooth-sailing in the world of musicals when Abigail’s twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse – who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC – is determined to get her back – and if not, threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.

Aunty Merle, The Musical boasts a talented South African cast including Marc Lottering as Aunty Merle, Tracey-Lee Oliver as Abigail, Paul du Toit as Alan, Loukmaan Adams as Denver Paulse, with a stellar support cast including Royston Stoffels, Tankiso Mamabolo, Gina Shmukler, Adrian Galley, Carmen Maarman, Zandile Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Anzio September, Crystal Finck and Tashreeq de Villiers- accompanied by a live 8-piece band

Twenty-two original songs, with lyrics by Marc Lottering and Tarryn Lamb; musical direction by Alistair Izobel and choreography by Grant Van Ster, have earned the cast thunderous standing ovations.

Aunty Merle – The Musical

Cape Town

Baxter Theatre

3 December 2018 to 5 January 2019.

Tickets from R135 and available from mwww.baxter.co.za

Suitable for all ages (no under 3’s).

Johannesburg

Joburg Theatre

1 February 2019 to 3 March 2019

Tickets from R145 and available from www.joburgtheatre.com.

Suitable for all ages (no under 3’s).

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In medieval times, a jester was employed by a nobleman or monarch to entertain him and his guests.  The heavyweights of South African comedy are by no means jesters, but they certainly do entertain…

Shining their comical armour and sharpening their witty swords for the night, the stellar line-up of comedy giants includes Joey Rasdien (MC), Khanyisa Bunu, Krijay Govender, Mark Banks, Mpho Popps, Muthu Murugan, Ndumiso Lindi, Rob van Vuuren, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Trevor Gumbi and Tumi Morake.

Leading the pack, Joey Rasdien takes the role of MC for this royal affair.  Instantly recognisable, his endearing stage persona is intellectually absurd, physically hysterical and thought-provoking.

Teacher-turned-comedienne/actress, Khanyisa Bunu is a fan favourite.  She was the first woman to win the audience choice award at the Comics’ Choice Awards and has also made her mark on SA TV with roles in Scandal! and Ses’Top La.

The dynamic Krijay Govender is one of the funniest woman in South Africa.  A stand-up comic, award-winning actress, playwright and director, she is a rare mix of brains, beauty and creativity.

With over 25 years in the industry, Mark Banks is one of the most respected comedians in the country.  He is widely recognised for his political satire and commonplace poke at the rich and famous, nothing and no-one is sacred to Mark’s blatant humour.

Mpho Popps has a reputation for enthralling audiences.  With a unique style all of his own, his tempting stage personality, hilarious social commentary and high-energy impersonations has had thousands of South Africans in stitches.

Known as the ‘King of Indian Comedy’, Muthu Murugan has been wowing audiences for many years.  Sharp-tongued and witty, Muthu will bring some Durban flavour to Johannesburg.

Ndumiso Lindi has come a long way from Zwelitsha, a small township in the Eastern Cape.  He is a brilliant young comic who is genuinely funny and his humour will appeal to fans across the demographic.

A household name in South Africa, Rob van Vuuren became a comedian by mistake while he was trying to be an actor.  A natural funnyman, he has established himself as one of the most prolific players in the entertainment scene – as an actor, writer, director, dancer and producer and has earned himself a very loyal following.

Tracey-Lee Oliver is a powerhouse singer, comedian and actress.  While she is no stranger to the stage, her move to musical comedy has taken her to another level.

While outspoken and sometimes controversial, Trevor Gumbi is a firm favourite in the comedy scene.  His underlying charm offsets his assertive energy on stage, as he brings to the stage some politically uncomfortable issues and delivers them with hilarity.

Tumi Morake’s impressive resume includes radio host, presenter, TV show host, brand ambassador, actress and ‘Queen of Comedy’ – her unique ability to deliver all the laughs and right punches has become synonymous with what fans have come to expect from this clever, witty and hilarious comedian.

Don’t miss the Kings & Queens of Comedy, 21 July 2017 at the Pavilion at the Sandton Convention Centre.  The show is rated PG16 and starts at 20h00.  Tickets from R185 and are available through Computicket.

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Duo of Firsts for the Teatro and Musical Theatre star, Jonathan Roxmouth

Following sold-out performances of his smash hit show Stage by Stage in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg earlier this year, and in a first for the Teatro and Jonathan Roxmouth, the multi-award winning star of local theatre will perform three concerts entitled From the Footlights, featuring a variety of hits from internationally acclaimed Broadway and West End musicals such as Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd and Jesus Christ Superstar. These are also featured on Roxmouth’s latest album by the same name. The concerts will be staged at the Teatro at Montecasino on Friday 18 September and Saturday 19 September 2015, both commencing at 8pm and Sunday 20 September at 2pm. 

Joining Roxmouth on the Teatro stage and sharing a few musical surprises are some of his favourite artists who have made their mark on the musical theatre scene. Guest stars include Afrikaans singer and recording artist, Nádine (Jesus Christ Superstar); actress, singer and musician, Lindiwe Bungane (Dreamgirls); TV, stage and movie actress and comedienne, Tracey Lee Oliver (Dreamgirls); and actor, singer and recording artist, Harry Sideropoulos (Hairspray). Roxmouth and his guest artists will be accompanied by an 18-piece Broadway big band under the baton of award-winning conductor and arranger, Bryan Schimmel,  who is also the arranger and co-producer of Roxmouth’s new album.

The 2-hour concert programme includes “All That Jazz” (Chicago), “Bring Him Home” (Les Miserables),  “Being Alive” (Company), “I’m Going Home” (The Rocky Horror Show), “Last Night of the World” (Miss Saigon) and “Music of the Night” (The Phantom of the Opera).

From the Footlights is presented by Renier and Lise-Marie Keyser of Add-Life Productions, producers of six original musicals since 2008, including the hits Ester and Liefling and the recently staged Aspoestertjie, with choreographer and director Weslee Lauder (Starlight Express, Stage by Stage and Aspoestertjie) is the director, with lighting and set design by Denis Hutchinson (Sunset Boulevard). 

“My first big stage role at the Teatro was Gaston in Beauty and the Beast in 2008 and three years ago I played my last major role here as the Phantom. I have been rearing to get back onto the Teatro stage and I can’t wait to perform From the Footlights”. Roxmouth said. 

 Don’t miss this rare weekend of musical theatre extravagance; a unique opportunity to enjoy your favourite songs from the musicals all in one show!

CONCERT INFORMATION

Venue:  The Teatro at Montecasino

Dates and times:

Friday 18 September @ 8pm

Saturday 19 September @ 8pm

Sunday 20 September @ 2pm 

Ticket prices: R150, R200, R250 and R300 (inclusive)

Tickets available from Computicket

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