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.

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.

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.

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.

VR Theatrical expands to collaborate with various artists under the banner Crewworks, to bring to the stage Charles Dickens’ Evergreen tale of redemption, A Christmas Carol, with Jason K. Ralph as Scrooge, and Naret Loots as Everyone-one-Else, in this 2-hander adaptation by Elizma Badenhorst.

Bah, Haumbug! The famous exclamation of Ebenezer Scrooge will be heard this Christmas season at Pieter Toerien’s Studio Theatre between 08 November and 6 January.

This classic holiday favourite will come to life as you have never seen it before, wearing a brand new interactive jacket featuring animation and original music that promises to also be a sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears and imagination. With original music by Wessel Odendaal, animation by Naret Loots, voice overs by Christopher Dudgeon and direction by Elizma Badenhorst, this play is a sensory delight for any tired soul.

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-fisted, miserly ways, to the new Scrooge, spreading goodwill and cheer through his generous spirit.

A perfect outing for the entire family, this play is bound to become a family tradition!

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

 Stephen Sondheim, arguably the greatest living exponent of the Musical Theatre said: “Musicals aren’t written. They’re rewritten.” The Musical Theatre is the most collaborative of all the performing art forms made up of a rich tapestry of lighting and sound, costumes and special effects, music and lyrics, spoken text and choreography among various other elements.

https://youtu.be/GaPbL5ExFgw

VR Theatrical commissioned the daunting task of turning the most translated non-religious book into a mini-musical about a year ago and have been rewriting since. With an expert creative team, whom all loved the book since they were much younger, are all excited to unveil this, their latest venture: The Little Prince – A Mini-Musical.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale of a pilot and a young alien prince has been delighting readers since it was first published in 1943 and has since been translated into more than 250 languages. This makes the book the most translated book ever written. Even if you know The Little Prince by heart, you have never seen it quite like this!

The 60 minute long mini-musical will feature original music and lyrics by Wessel Odendaal, under the pen and directorship of Elizma Badenhorst. Exupéry illustrated his novel himself and decided to omit any sketches of what the Pilot may have looked like. Badenhorst took her cue from the author and will feature the first female Pilot to portray the iconic character.

With a timeless charm this enchanting family show tells the story of The Little Prince, who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the oddities of adult behaviour through a series of extraordinary encounters. His personal journey culminates in a voyage to Earth and further adventures.

Told with the help and wonderment of shadow and Japanese Bunraku puppetry that share the stage with traditional actors, this tale is not to be missed by young and old alike, with Caitlin Salgado, Nieke Lombard and Christelle van Graan in the cast.

The Little Prince

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

25 October 2018 to 25 November 2018

Wednesdays to Fridays:  11:00 performances

Saturdays:  16:00 and 19:30 performances

Sundays:  15:00 matinee performances

Tickets:

Available from R130 per person and are available from Computicket.

The post The Little Prince 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.

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