For Four Performances Only, one of South Africa’s most versatile Musical Theatre Stars, Jonathan Roxmouth, takes to the magnificent Teatro stage to perform all your favourite Broadway hits – accompanied by a full 55-piece orchestra!

Presented by Pieter Toerien, and featuring the cream of South Africa’s musicians and performers, Jonathan Roxmouth – The Musicals in Concert is back, and will run at the Teatro at Montecasino from the 17^th to the 19^th August, 2018.

Jonathan Roxmouth was seen worldwide in EVITA, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Sunset Boulevard and Stage by Stage.

In September 2015, he made SA Theatrical history as the first local artist to headline a series of Broadway Concerts entitled From the Footlights.  Rapturous audiences packed the Teatro at Montecasino to hear him perform classic Broadway Songs backed by an 18-piece Broadway Big Band.

2017 saw him returning to the prestigious venue in The Musicals in Concert, with a full orchestra under direction of Bryan Schimmel, as well as an exceptional cast of 20 to perform the famous songs of Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many more well-loved composers.

The great news is Jonathan returns again this year with an even Bigger show than before!  Featuring all your favourites, with arrangements of these songs custom-written to showcase Roxmouth’s vocal versatility and virtuosity to the max. Many songs are also featured on Roxmouth’s latest album entitled My Lloyd Webber. 

Audiences can look forward to songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Aladdin, CHESS, The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love, Love Never Dies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and many more…

The Musicals in Concert

17 August – 19 August 2018

The Teatro at Montecasino

Friday 17 August at 20:00

Saturday 18 Aug at 15:00 and 20:00

Sunday 19 August at 14:00

Tickets are between R125 and R375 and available through Computicket

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audiences and sold out quickly.  It is clearly a production that is not to be missed and advance booking is highly recommended.

 Show Information

7 March 2018 – 8 April 2018

Artscape Opera House, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town

Tickets

Available through Computicket, Artscape Dial-a-Seat 0214217695 or the Fugard Theatre Box Office 021 461 455

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For FOUR PERFORMANCES ONLY, one of South Africa’s most versatile Musical Theatre Stars – Jonathan Roxmouth – takes to the magnificent TEATRO stage to perform all your favourite Broadway hits – accompanied by a full 45-piece orchestra! Presented by Pieter Toerien, and featuring the cream of South Africa’s musicians and performers, JONATHAN ROXMOUTH – THE MUSICALS IN CONCERT will run at the Teatro at Montecasino from June 30 to July 2, 2017. Tickets are now on sale through Computicket.

Jonathan Roxmouth (The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Sunset Boulevard and Stage by Stage) made SA Theatrical history in September 2015 as the first local artist to headline a series of Broadway Concerts entitled FROM THE FOOTLIGHTS. Rapturous audiences packed the Teatro at Montecasino to hear him perform classic Broadway Songs backed by an 18-piece Broadway Big Band. 2017 sees him returning to the prestigious venue with a full orchestra as well as an exceptional cast of 20 to perform the famous songs of Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many more well-loved composers. The arrangements of these songs have been custom-written to showcase Roxmouth’s vocal versatility and virtuosity to the max. Many songs are also featured on Roxmouth’s latest album (released last year) entitled My Lloyd Webber. Audiences can look forward to songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, West Side Story, CATS, Aladdin, CHESS, The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love, Love Never Dies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and many more…

Joining Roxmouth on the Teatro stage with a few tricks up their sleeves are some of his favourite performers who are no strangers to the musical theatre scene. Guests include leading-lady Lynelle Kenned (West Side Story, Show Boat, Orpheus in Africa) and popular comedian Alan Committie (Defending the Caveman, Little Shop of Horrors). Roxmouth and his guests will be accompanied by a 45-piece orchestra under the baton of award-winning conductor and arranger, Bryan Schimmel (Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chicago, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys).

In partnership with Oakfields College as well as the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra, this event promises to be one of the theatrical highlights of the year.

Says Roxmouth, “Everyone has their favourite musical song, but they have to wait for it during the course of the show. THE MUSICALS in Concert is an evening FULL of those, just without the waiting and performed as you’ve never heard them before with an extraordinary orchestra.”

The Musicals in Concert

Date: 30 June – 2 July 2017

Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino

Times: Friday 30 June @ 8pm/ Saturday 1 July @ 3pm & 8pm, Sunday 2 July @ 3pm

Tickets: R200 – R350, available through Computicket

Tel: Box Office (011) 511 1818

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by Louw Mulder

It is not the first time I have had the privilege to review a Fugard Theatre Production, but it is the first time I am writing about a production performed at the Fugard Theatre. Being in Cape Town is always an experience for a Gautenger like me, and to see a professional musical like Funny Girl  on its home stage, completes a perfect visit. I was pleasantly surprised with the Fugard Theatre itself, it has a very nice, intimate, friendly and arty feel. I think it is a brilliant idea for out of towners to include a visit to this theatre when traveling to Cape Town.

After a successful run of West Side Story in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and returning to the stage in 2018, Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre have produced the 1964 Broadway hit, Funny Girl, The Musical – the stage production most theatre critics say was Barbra Streisand’s big break when she played the lead role in the original production at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Even though it is a treat to see experienced musical theatre actors and actresses perform, nothing beats that feeling of being impressed and blown away by performers I have seen for the first time in a lead or prominent role. The Fugard Theatre is becoming a key player in providing these opportunities with the likes of Shaun Smit in Rocky Horror, and most recently Lynelle Kenned in West Side Story. With Funny Girl, they did not disappoint.

With names in the cast becoming more and more familiar to the regular theatre junkie like myself, Funny Girl did not fall short at all. But I have to elaborate on two of the performances that made me excited for what is to come in the future.

In the lead role, playing Fanny Brice, is the remarkable Ashleigh Harvey. Harvey has also appeared on the cast list for Rocky Horror, and Shrek – the Musical, but Funny Girl is the production where she has really imprinted her talent in the industry. The role is complicated in my view, as it needs a strong voice, and also an actress that plays a not-so-clever, naïve girl, who grows into a mature lady towards the end. Harvey was outstanding, because she was funny when she needed to be, sincere when the role required it to be, and also forced complete silence in the audience when she showed off her vocal abilities. In character, she also does look like a Fanny…

The performance I remember most distinctly, is that of Cameron Botha, in the role of Eddie Ryan. His credits in musical theatre include performances in West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Peter Pan Pantomime, as well as a whole lot of Afrikaans productions. Even though these were smaller roles, Botha is getting sexier and more mature as an actor in his own right. The distinct characteristic of an impressive performance, is someone who owns the stage, consumes the attention of the audience member, making the stage look small and irrelevant. This was Botha on the night.

The rest of the Funny Girl Company includes Clyde Berning, Kate Normington, who also played her role brilliantly as always, Diane Wilson, Michelle Maxwell, Grant Towers and well known acting veteran, Mike Huff. The boys in the ensemble cast includes Sven Eric Muller, Sibusiso Mxosana, and Daniel Fisher.

The ladies added the snazzy, glitz and sex appeal needed to complete the cast line-up. Lucy Tops, Jenna Robinson-Child, Tyla Nurden and Tamryn van Houten played their roles with a high standard, alongside the more experienced Ambre Chanel Fulton, Michele La Trobe, and one of our most promising theatre actresses, LJ Nielson.

Innovative sets, and smooth transitions between scenes is also something that is mostly overlooked by many patrons, but for me, it is something that can make, or break a pertinent element of a stage production, namely the flow of the show. With a revolving stage, Saul Radomsky designed a set that promotes such a suave flow between scenes, which does not distract the audience from the story unfolding.

Even the costumes were classically appropriate for a story that plays off in the 1960’s, and I think Birrie le Roux did a fashionably remarkable job in designing them. Daniel Galloway and Benjamin du Plessis were responsible for illuminating the stage, and Mark Malherbe completed the creative team as the sound designer.

One of South Africa’s top maestros, and also resident Musical Director to the Fugard Theatre, Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, was in charge of the music. Louisa Talbot, also with a remarkable resume, worked out the moves, as choreographer for Funny Girl. The music was powerful and classical, swing and cabaret at times, but whatever the genre, it was melodically orchestrated. The dances, moves and steps, were in sync with the music, and under the leadership of multi-award winning director, Matthew Wild, the production of Funny Girl was set to be a success from the word go.

Us in Gauteng pray with you Cape Townians for rain, but Don’t let it Rain on My Parade.

You can visit www.thefugard.com for show times, and ticketing information.

This review was edited by Bronwyn Kerry.  Photos courtesy of the Fugard Theatre

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By Louw Mulder

In the mid-nineties, in the middle of my high school career, I took a fieldtrip to the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein to see my first ever musical, West Side Story. Not only was I bowled over by the magic a stage production can enchant, but also the decisive factor was, that it made me fall in love. That is why West Side Story holds a very special place in my heart, and now, more than twenty years later, I got to see this musical again… with that memory of a 16 year old boy, fresh in my mind.

Because of this nostalgic connection to this production, the wait was long, the anticipation was mounting, and eventually, the night came where hundreds of theatre greats, celebrities and friends gathered at the Joburg Theatre, for the opening of the Fugard Theatre’s production of West Side Story. Normally, one shouldn’t expect too much, because it may set one up for extreme disappointment. But take it from me… Expect a lot.

After the performance, when I was comfortably relaxed at home, floating on the back flashes of the show I just saw, Facebook buzzed with reviews. Bryan Hill from the Teatro said “this production is daring, innovative and exciting and if you love musical theatre, you have to see it.” Acclaimed musical maestro Bryan Schimmel posted that “for the first time in many years, the stage of the Joburg Theatre is being graced with a ravishing, gut-punching, achingly beautiful production of one of the great benchmark pieces of musical theatre.”

To write a raving review of West Side Story, one should start with the music of Leonard Bernstein. Many label West Side Story as one of the best musicals ever written, and so experiencing it once again, that label is justified. The music is magical, powerful, and the band under the baton of Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, did the music score justice. The music alone tells the story. Bernstein melodically uses the brass instruments to build tension.  The woodwind section of the orchestra melts the scenes of the gangster rambles and love scenes into a perfectly harmonious theatre world. Soundtracks are great to relive the memories, but feeling the vibrations of the live orchestra, is just priceless.

Raving reviews of musicals, always include words like magical, phenomenal, and I might use them too in this review. The set, designed by Conor Murphy, was based on an original concept by Johan Engels. The set was big, life-size, and truly majestic. The size of the Joburg Theatre Stage was utilized to capacity, and the depth and size of that stage increased the element of the ‘wow’ that the show brings.

Joshua Cutts was in charge of designing the lighting. He used so many variations of lighting effects and strategies, which instantly takes the theatre goer to the place that the scene is intended to be. From cool white lighting shades to highlighting the brutality of the fighting scenes, to the warm white and golden effects during the love scenes; the illumination of every mix of lights, was spot on. One of the scenes that stood out for me, was the balcony scene between Tony and Maria, where literally hundreds of golden lights appeared, making every soul in the audience feel the magic of that moment.

In this specific production, I have to mention how impressed I was with the Choreography. Louisa Talbot, and especially Richard Lothian who choreographed the fight scenes, did a phenomenal job of combining the rebelliousness of American Gangsters, to the magical translation of Musical Theatre. The moves and steps were not in your face, nor overwhelmingly focused on one specific routine. The tension of fights, the flow of the scenes, even the transition from life to death, was something spectacular.

Of course, effective choreography is nothing without skilled actors who actually have to carry it off. The cast was stellar, energetic, and visibly acted out all of the many moods in West Side Story. Both the men and women were all in it, and even though there are too many of them to mention individually, everyone is worthy of compliments. From Reg Hart and JP Rossouw showing off the definition of their deltoid muscles, Christopher Jaftha displaying a well-defined six-pack, to the humorous acting of Stephen Jubber and Richard Lotian, all elements of good theatre were displayed.

The leads, well, they were impressive, perfectly cast, and made West Side Story another memorable production. The experience and aura of Jonathan Roxmouth was yet again so profound, with his versatility, as I have said in so many reviews before, fitting the role like a glove. As big as the stage in this production is, Roxmouth’s presence fills not only this stage, but the whole theatre.

But most impressive of the night, was Maria, played by Lynelle Kenned. This soprano will still become one of SA’s great theatre actresses. This small, petite little lady, played the innocence when necessary, the bold young woman standing up for herself in total contrast, while blowing the audience away with a very powerful voice, hitting every note as intended by the composer. If I am looking for another reason to go see this production, it will be to go see Kenned… oh, and because it is just a theatrical masterpiece with all the cliché’s eliminated.

I wish I could mention all the impressive moments, memorable roles of all the cast members and events that provided goosebump moments. But at the end, the Fugard Theatre’s Production of West Side Story, was worth the standing ovation it received. A must see… just like all the other theatre productions brought to life by local, South African talent.

This production of West Side Story will run at the Joburg Theatre till the 5^th of March. Tickets are going fast, which goes without saying.

This review was edited by Bronwen Kerry from B Sharp Entertainment.  Photos by Helena Fagan

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After receiving rave reviews across the board from critics and audiences alike, Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre’s grand-scale, smash hit, all South African production of West Side Story will be presented at the Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre by popular demand from 24 January 2017.

West Side Story ended a staggeringly successful, sold-out run at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town last year, and was the Fugard Theatre’s first out-of-house production, five years on from the theatre’s official launch in 2010.

West Side Story, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim’s musical theatre masterpiece, is based on an original conception of Jerome Robbins and is arguably one of the world’s greatest musicals. The stellar creative team is headed by Matthew Wild (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl) as director, Charl-Johan Lingjnfelder (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl) as musical director and conductor, and choreographer Louisa Talbot (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Funny Girl). The Fugard Theatre team has selected the finest South African talent for this production that first premiered on Broadway in New York in 1957. The superb cast of 40 is backed by a full Philharmonic Orchestra playing Bernstein’s magnificent score that includes iconic songs such as “Something’s Coming”, “Maria“, “I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight“.

Reprising their roles as Tony, Maria and Bernardo respectively, will be Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winners Jonathan Roxmouth (Topsy Turvy, A Handful of Keys, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Phantom of the Opera) as Tony and Lynelle Kenned (Orpheus in Africa, Showboat, The Sound of Music) as Maria and Christopher Jaftha (The Sleeping Beauty, High School Musical) as Bernardo. Sharing the title role once more with Ms. Kenned will be the London-based actress and opera singer Filipa van Eck (Carmen, L’Aggripina) who will perform the role of Maria once a week. Bianca le Grange (Blood Brothers, District Six Kanala, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) returns to reprise her role of Anita.

The Jets gang is led once again by Fleur du Cap nominee Stephen Jubber (Annie, Showboat) as Riff, backed by a superb cast that includes Daniel Buys (Cabaret, Saturday Night Fever) and Grant Almirall (Singin’ in the Rain, Jersey Boys) as Action. Mr. Buys will perform the role of Action from 24 January to 18 February 2017 and Mr. Almirall will perform the role from 19 February to 5 March 2017. Sven–Eric Müller (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret) as Diesel, Cameron Botha (Singin’ in the Rain, Sweeney Todd) as Snowboy, Clive Gilson (Sister Act, High School Musical) as Big Deal, LJ Neilson (Sound of Music, Dirty Dancing) as Anybody’s, Elzanne Crause (A Thousand Shepherds, Queen at the Ballet, The Phantom of the Opera) as Velma, Kristin Wilson (So You Think You Can Dance, Private Presley) as Graziella, Tamryn van Houten (Private Presley) as Minnie and Caitlin Clerk (Sister Act, Showboat) as Pauline. Adrian Galley (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret), returns as Doc. Brendan Murray (Amadeus, Romeo and Juliet) will perform the role of Krupke alternating with Richard Lothian (An Absolute Turkey, Taming of the Shrew) who will once again be the fight choreographer.

Christopher Jaftha, now a well-known Top Billing presenter, leads the Sharks as Bernardo, with Zolani Shangase (The Lion King, Orpheus in Africa) as Chino, Carlo McFarlane (Footloose- The Musical, A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits) as Pepe, Duane Williams (Honey 3, Cinderella: If the Shoe Fits) as Indio, Thami Njoko (Swan Lake) as Luis, Tevin Wiener (Honey 3) as Toro, Sabelo Radebe (Peter Pan) as Nibbles, Kirsten Rossiter (Grease, Jersey Boys) as Rosalia, Chloe Perling (The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret) as Consuela, Sarah-Ann van der Merwe (Reik Na Die Sterre) as Francisca, Natasha Hess (District Six Kanala, Orpheus in Africa) as Estella and Ipeleng Merafe (Swan Lake, A Thousand Shepherds) as Teresita. Tamryn van Houten (Private Presley, Spartacus of Africa),  Sibusiso Mxosana (Spartacus of Africa, Spring and Fall), Gemma Trehearn (Iris Warriors, A Thousand Shepherds) and Nurit Graff (Dirty Dancing, Showboat) complete the talented line up of remarkable performers.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, the tale is set in the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City in the mid-1950s. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two street gangs of different backgrounds. The members of the Sharks are taunted by the Jets. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and the focus on social conflict marked a turning point in American musical theatre.

West Side Story is a must-see that is guaranteed to be a highlight on Johannesburg’s 2017 theatre calendar.

The season will run from 24 January to 5 March 2017 and tickets are now on sale through 021 461 4554, Computicket, 08619158000 or from the Joburg Theatre directly. Given the anticipation about this stellar musical and how the Cape Town season sold out, advance booking is highly recommended. The producers recommend an age restriction of 12 years with parental guidance. ADVANCE BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED. 

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New Year’s in July is a special once-off performance based on the concept of Clint Lesch’s own production Brilliant Broadway. This celebration is a musical programme comprising of masterpieces from some of the worlds most loved musicals. Created by Lesch himself, with contractual assistance by Greg Homann, and created by Lesch himself, this one-man show, containing a carefully selected repertoire of musical theatre solos, pays tribute to the creators, composers and lyricists of Broadway.

In this theatrical production Lesch performs numbers composed by Broadway legends like Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Bernstein, Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim. The entertaining selection includes energetic numbers including Something’s Coming from West Side Story, intense ballads like Not a Day Goes By from Merrily We Roll Along, and thought provoking songs like Everybody says Don’t from the production, Anyone Can Whistle.

Performing in the intimate Live Arts Little Theatre, it will be Lesch himself, his music and the audience. “Music runs through my veins. I have spent most of my life honing the very skills that can turn any music into magic,” Lesch said. “This piece is for everyone who loves a great show-tune and an enriching theatrical experience.”

Executive Producer and owner of the Life Arts Little Theatre, Louw Breytenbach, said that they have been looking a while now for a broadway performer, someone who doesn’t just have the perfect musical talent, but someone who can tell the story through the songs. “Clint is such a special performer. He is someone we believe would take our audience on a journey through the streets of New York, for a brilliantly and uniquely Broadway Experience. Breytenbach said.

Known for being a triple-threat performer with extensive musical theatre training and experience, Lesch can be remembered from his role as Tony in the Playhous production of West Side Story, Kruppe in Joburg Theatre’s Starlight Express, and Kevin in Add Life’s Droom Kind. Other appearances include Reik na die Sterre, Peter Pan, Aspoestertjie and Sneeuwitjie. Lesch also performed as soloist with the Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in their 2015 Valentine’s Concert under the baton of maestro Daniel Boico.

The latest addition to his fast-growing resumè, is his inclusion in the cast of Bernard Jay’s Saturday Night Fever, which will be on the Opera Stage of the South African State Theatre this September.

Brilliant Broadway already played at the Hilton Arts Festival, the Pop Art Theatre, and the UJ Con Cowan Theatre, with great reviews. Lesch portrays the many intricacies of the range of songs that brilliantly capture the challenges and triumphs of romantic love, personal inner conflict, hope, ambition, and a celebration of life.

Clint Lesch can be followed on Twitter, @Clint_L_P, Instagram, @Clint_L and Facebook, Facebook/Clint-Lesch.

New Year’s In July will be staged at the Life Arts Little Theatre, on 1 July 2016 at 20:00. Tickets are R120 per person. Visit www.lalt.co.za, www.facebook.com/liveartslittletheatre or @lalt_jhb for more detail.

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