Multiple award-winning actor and popular TV and film star Desmond Dube has joined the cast of the Fugard Theatre’s hit production of the iconic South African musical King Kong.  Dube has stepped into the central role of Pop in the production, which is currently playing at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, having been extended for a final time to 4 March 2018.

Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, this production of the historic musical King Kong has received five star reviews in 2017. Dube joins the cast fresh from the success of an international tour and Johannesburg run of The Market Theatre’s production of The Suitcase, adapted and directed by James Ngcobo from the short story by Es’kia Mphahlele.

King Kong tells the story of heavyweight fifties boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini whose self-appointed ring name was “King Kong” to the wildly exhilarating music of Todd Matshikiza.  Dube joins Andile Gumbi as King Kong and Edith Plaatjies as shebeen queen Joyce.  The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong is directed by Jonathan Munby.

The Fugard Theatre’s production sees Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba.

The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong cast includes: Sanda Shandu as Lucky, Tshamano Sebe as Jack, Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam and Josslynn Hlenti as Petal.

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma, JT Medupe, Athenkosi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Sibusiso Mxosana ; Aphiwe Menziwa,  Namisa Mdlalose, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Barileng Malebye, Rushney Ferguson, Given Mkhize, Siyasanga Papu, Ziyanda Yako, Masego Mothibakgomo  and Jabulani Gambu.

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

KING KONG runs at the Fugard Theatre until 4 March 2018 Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee at 3pm on Saturdays and on Sundays at 4pm.

Tickets cost from R130 to R280. Bookings can be made at Webtickets www.webtickets.co.za and through the Fugard Theatre Box office on 021 461 4554.

The post King Kong appeared first on Stage and Screen.

For those staying in Joburg over the December holidays and looking for ideas of how to entertain the children – there is no better way than by taking them to see The Big Bad Musical, on stage at Roodepoort Theatre from for a short season from 15 – 23 December.

The Big Bad Musical is a smart, wickedly funny and interactive musical for the youngsters as well as the young-at-heart.

It tells the story of the court case. A courtroom has never been more lively and fun. The jury, which is the audience, must decide the outcome of the biggest trial that’s ever taken place in the fairy-tale world.

The notorious Big Bad Wolf is being slapped with a class-action lawsuit by quirky storybook characters who want to get even, being Little Red Riding Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs and the Shepherd in charge of the Boy Who Cried Wolf.

The plaintiff’s attorney is Miss Fairy Godmother, while Mr. Wolf is represented by none other than The Wicked Witch, who was assigned the pro bono case – a clash in a trial that will be remembered forever after!

There is non-stop fun in this 60-minute musical delight, including fantastic original songs and hilarious audience participation for the children, making it an end-of-year experience not to be missed.

The Cast consist of Mandla Gaduka from Gauteng Maboneng and Generations, Isabella Jane, previously seen in Born to Perform, Comedy Central and A Night with the Stars, Philip Hanly, who has just finished his first single with his duet group called Born Free and Ziyanda Yako, with credits such as Footloose, Mulan, Dream Girls and The Coloured Museum.

Simonè Nortmann plays the Fairy Godmother and is a South African award winning actress best known for her role as Nadia Croukamp in the renowned local Afrikaans soap, 7de Laan for which she garnered a Best Newcomer Award in 2013. Other TV credentials include Jony in KykNET’s mockumentary, Hotel.

While studying, she took part in various student productions and children’s interactive theatre productions including Die Fluitspeler van Hamelin, Lunch Girls, and AWBW TV which she wrote and co-directed.

Simoné made her local film debut in 2016 in Huisgenoot’s romantic comedy, Vir die Voëls, as female lead, Irma de Klerk.  She is currently set to go into production early next year for the long-awaited Vuil Wasgoed  as Niki, love interest of male-lead, Kevin, played by Bennie Fourie.

The Big Bad Musical is a must-see for all ages that is guaranteed to be a highlight on Roodepoort’s 2016 theatre calendar. The Big Bad Musical is proudly brought to you by Stageworx Entertainment in association with Roodepoort Theatre.

The Big Bad Musical

R100 – R150 per person

Roodepoort Theatre:

100 Christiaan De Wet Road, Florida Park, Roodepoort

Thursday 15 December at 2:30pm

Friday 16 December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Saturday 17 December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Sunday 18 December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Friday 23 December at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Bookings: www.roodepoorttheatre.com or by calling Roodepoort Theatre’s Box Office 011 472 1374 or City of Joburg Theatres’ Call Centre: 0861 670 670

Age Restriction: No under 4’s purely due to the comfort of other patrons

@RoodepoortT

#BigBadMusical

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