G-Day approaches as chaos reigns in Johannesburg…

Date: 02 March 2011

Article: Madoda Ntul

Picture: Mashabela Seshoka

When the vault opens, where will you be?
G-Day is coming and you must choose….

Blazing onto the Johannesburg stage in March is the ground-breaking original rock musical, Streets of Gold – The Musical, presented by AngloGold Ashanti in association with the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino, for 10 performances only from Thursday, 24 March to Sunday, 3 April 2011.

Streets of Gold tells the rousing story of a fight for freedom and love in a world choked by corruption and greed. 

Beautiful and brooding Cassandra (Samantha Peo) has fled her downtown lair and is on the run from the enraged Prefect Flora von Higgins (Fiona Ramsay), a powerful leader of the Global Union of Nations (GUN). Perched on the Global Union’s Most Wanted List, Cassandra has swiped the precious gold bracelet-key from out under the Prefect’s nose after her very public and botched attempt to claim the world’s long lost gold.  To make matters worse, even if the pesky rebel can be tracked down and the key recovered, Flora has triggered the vault's self-destruct countdown. Jabulani Bond (Tumisho Masha) is tasked with return the key and restoring some of her wounded pride. While holding out hope that her mischievous daughter Lily (Carmen Pretorius) will defect from the Gold Liberation Front (GLF), Flora plots her next move with Defense Minister - Moro (Mark Richardson), a man with a salacious appetite for gold. He in turn enlists the wiles of the treacherous temptress Sheba (Amor Vittone). Cassandra evades capture and reaches The GLF leader Viddy Civille (Shaun V). Whether their meeting is destined to change their lives or the world is up to the skillful Ngudu 9’s (Phumi MnCayi) rolling of the dice.

Eight of South Africa’s most revered triple threat talents will bring these exciting characters to life. The all-star cast was attracted to the production by the challenge of performing in a rare original South African musical with a bold new take on the genre.              

With its graphic novel and film noir inspiration, Streets of Gold is vibrant with design; from award winning gold jewellery and accessory design to haute couture costume, hair and make-up creations and fascinating animation. The show will feature the AuDITIONS Urban Tribes gold jewellery collection and out-of-another-world costume design by fashion designer Suzaan Heyns.

Barbed satire written by Alan Swerdlow with music composed by Jon Savage and Jane Breetzke of Cassette, Streets of Gold represents a unique local identity, but in a parallel reality. The musical score is grounded in rock which draws on multiple influences from alternative, traditional and contemporary pop to kwaito, hip-hop and Latin. Arranged by musical director Bryan Schimmel, the songs have each been developed with the characters and collective cast in mind and will be played live by a seven-piece band. Big rock guitar and Cassette’s signature keyboard sound threads through the music from beginning to end.

Still reeling from the recent global recession, Streets of Gold - The Musical will have audiences pondering, chuckling and cheering. As befits good musical theatre, this satire pokes fun at politicians and plays on the ever-present tension between political institutions and agents of change. Set in a parallel universe, this Johannesburg may look strangely familiar but when it comes to jockeying and politicking, the city at the heart of Streets of Gold is not so different from the Johannesburg that exists in our world.

Streets of Gold-The Musical offers a premium seat at the theatre - a haute couture jewellery and fashion show and a heart pounding rock concert seamlessly woven into a single delightful performance.

For more information log onto www.streetsofgoldmusical.com

View the promotional music video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXmr-6x82aM

The musical runs from Thursday, 24th March until Sunday 3 April 2011 at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino and bookings can be made through Computicket at www.computicket.com or 083 915 8000.

Ticket prices range from R125 - R175

A timeless classic

Date: 01 March 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
Picture: Supplied

Roles cast for Peoples’ Theatre’s ‘Pinocchio’
The story of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who undergoes a moral journey in order to become a real boy, is one of the great classics of children’s literature. It’s awash with fun, adventure and laughs - but also great lessons about love and life, and the perils of making the wrong choices in the company we keep. This People’s Theatre Production is filled with great songs, that audiences will undoubtedly be humming all the way home. Actors in place for opening in early March

The People’s Theatre would like to introduce the cast for Pinocchio, their first production of the year, which opens at The People’s Theatre, situated within the Jo’burg Theatre complex, on March 8th:
Lebogang Mpahlele (Geppetto/Judge) Lebogang has appeared in various shows such as Charlotte’s Web, The Sheep and Avery, and The Secret Garden. He also landed roles in two television series, SABC2’s Noah’s Ark and Kyknet’s Kruispad. In between these gigs, he also managed to include a number of corporate events and travelling educational theatre, which dealt mostly with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. For The People’s Theatre he’s played the part of Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh and Big Ears in More Adventures of Noddy.

Emmanuelle Girard (Fairy/Tightrope Walker/Frog/Bird/Cricket)  After obtaining her degree in Theatre Arts in France, Emmanuelle performed in various cabarets in Spain and France, before returning to South Africa, where she featured in Beauty and the Beast and Babe–the Sheep Pig for The Peoples’ Theatre. She also won roles in The King and I and Janice Honeyman’s panto, Snow White; both at The Joburg Theatre. Subsequently she was cast in a number of productions for The Peoples’ Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk, Noddy, Peter Rabbit, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Other Fabulous Tales, and More Adventures of Noddy.  Gopala Chetty (The Fire Eater/Coachman)

This ambitious young man worked with the eastern choreographer Shivani Kara on her Bollywood fusion show called East Meets West, and during his Bachelor of Arts studies he performed in Boys in the Backroom, Three Wall Temple and Like Show Business, at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Gopala has also performed in Hats, Grey Matter, Erupt-OO, Papillion, Johan Spies’s production of La Traviata, Willem en die Grys Menere, and Dammed Up.

Stefan Carstens (Fox/Policeman/Circus Master) Stefan made his musical theatre debut with The Phantom of the Opera in 2004, and featured in the Bollywood extravaganza Bombay Crush and Janice Honeyman’s Joburg Theatre pantomimes Cinderella and Peter Pan. Other productions he’s tucked under his belt include Thoroughly Modern Millie, We Will Rock You, Dance Some More, The Merry Widow, Fiddler on the Roof, Rite of Spring, Giselle and Cats. He has performed for The People’s Theatre in Winnie the Pooh, The Ugly Duckling, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood and Aladdin.  Noni Mkhonto (Cat) Noni’s first production for The Peoples Theatre was in the 2007 production of Alice in Wonderland, in which she played the title role. She has since appeared in numerous productions at The People’s Theatre: The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty and Other Fabulous Tales’ (in which she played multiple roles), and More Adventures of Noddy. She’s thrilled to be back on board at The People’s Theatre!

Bookings can be made at all Computicket outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at http://www.computicket.com/

SA DANCER MADE HISTORY

Date: 25 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
Picture supplied

South Africa made history on 22 Feb 2011 in Killarney, Ireland at the annual "All Ireland Irish Dance Competition" by having a competitor go through to the final rounds. Reze-Tiana Wessels, the winner of the Solo-Dance section of the National Eisteddfod Academy's National Awards in 2010, made history by becoming the first South African ever, to receive a "recall" at the "All Ireland Irish Dance Competition.
Reze-Tiana (pronounced Reezuh-Tee-haana, (a grade 8 pupil of Randburg High School and formerly of Bryanston Parallel Medium) and 192 competitors, mostly from the US and Ireland, also England, Canada, Wales, Australia, etc, competed in the Girls 13 under 14 age group. Some 40 South Africans - of all ages - are competing at the event this year.

Reze-Tiana won the Solo-Dance section of the National Eisteddfod Academy's National Awards in 2010 and was joint winner of the Junior Dance section of the same competition in 2009.

The National Eisteddfod Academy the NEA, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) presents this competition as a next level of participation for top achievers in various festivals or competitions. It provides a platform where the best young performers in music, dance and drama can compete and showcase their talents. Previous winners of this competition include Andile Ndlovu and Camille Bracher (both top achievers in the SA International Ballet Competition) and Julian Hepburn (finalist in the recent “SA got talent”). The 2011 NEA Awards Finals will be presented on 21 May 2011 at the Joburg ProMusica Theatre.

For more information on the National Eisteddfod Academy contact the office on tel.: 011-886-6005 / e-mail: info@eisteddfod.co.za / webpage: http://www.eisteddfod.co.za/.

Zangara was a Night of Celebrity Makers in Film Industry

Date:22 Fabruary 2011
Article: Zama Hlongwane

What a spectacle the first leg of the SAFTAS were, apart from the fact
that they started late, (which I find annoying) they were still
amazing. The circus theme was pretty appropriate seeing at how late
the show started which was hosted by Madame Zingara. The nominees
seemed to have forgotten that they were attending an award ceremony.
Like what where they wearing? I have never seen such plain outfits
in one room and at a award ceremony.

 Its like they took down the curtains at their homes to make an outfit
or even better they  asked their dressmaker aunts to make their
outfits. Can anybody spell fashion designer in the film industry.
Producers need to get with the programme and hire fashion designers
and not dressmaking auntie's.

Don't get me started on Joey Rasdin suit he looked like he was about
to pop he should fire his designer. Thami Ngubeni was looking good  in her matric
dance dress. I wonder which whole did Iko Mash crawl out of but
nevertheless Iko looked hot. The entertainment was amazing the Asian girls really know how to
bend it like Beckham. But they look like they don't eat, Madame
Zingara  please feed them. Not forgetting three tons of fun that
serenated us through out the night with old school sounds.

Now drum roll please and the winners are in their respective
categories. For best student film Agter die berge by Stacey Howell and
Meredith Aylward from AFDA. Best short film Karoo Oliver Kohl and
Fazilla Wahab from Kaugoom. Best animated film Mune by Jesca Marisa
Leibbrandt. Wildlife category. Best wildlife editor cinematographer Into the
dragon's liar Craig and Damon Foster-NHU. Best wildlife programme.

Into the dragon's liar-NHU. Youth and Children category. Best youth programme Ed and eppa in the
wild- Red Pepper pictures. Factual category. Best factual/Educational programme A country
imagined-Curious pictures. Best talk show Clive Morris Production.
Best variety show MK awards 2010-Magic factory. Best reality show
, Die Foon-Urban brew studios. Best sports show, Sports playback-Engage
entertainment. Best magazine show All access -Homebrew films. Best
game show Noot vir noot-Stemmburg television.

 Documentary category. Best director Jammer as ek so Bitter by Rina
Jooste-Kika productions. Best short documentary The killing of the
Iman -tuba films. Best documentary feature Playing the Enemy - Living
pictures.

Dr Preciuos Motsepe Open the Joburg Fahion week

 Date: 17 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

The fashion week Joburg was officially open two days ago at the Fashion Kapital downtown Jozi, Nothende was graces the occation with her beautiful voice while the models took the center stage and seeying newcomers like Dj Sbu Showcasing his range Vandal (ghubuluzing}.the event also attended by Kanysile Mbau, Kabonina and off-caus Dr Precius Motsepe who also tank the audience who came to the opening, we believe in you and we know that you are going to succeed in this industry she said.

The fashion shows will continue until saturday aftertnoon with David Tlale schedule to showcase his range at Mandla Bridge,it is going tp a big stage out there, and tickest are available ta computickets.

Promusica’s ‘The Crucible’ : A play with movie tonalities

Date: 17 fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
The Crucible - more relevant than ever.

In 1953 Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible as an allegory to McCarthyism; a period in US history during which numerous prominent Americans were named, shamed and ostracised as being communists and subversives. The play deals with the shocking Salem witch hunts of 1692, during which innocent people were sent to their death as a result of a wave of hysteria that was started by a handful of young girls.

This message of prejudice and mob justice is just as relevant in this new millennium.
Joburg Promusica is proud to present Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as you’ve never seen it before. Alby Michaels, known for his incredibly innovative and strongly visual productions, directs this production, which is designed by the talented Kosie Smit. From physical theatre to puppetry, from masks to music, The Crucible promises to be a feast for theatregoers’ senses.

The production’s top-drawer slate of actors includes Jacques Bessenger, Candi Brown, Kim Cloete, Christien LeRoux, Clive Gilson, Cindy Swanepoel, Clifford Hughes and Angus Charl Meyer, who goes by the mononym of Angus.
Dawid Boverhoff: adding fresh dimensions
Dawid Boverhoff spent his primary school years with the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir. After matriculating, he completed a BMus (Composition) at the Utrecht Conservatoire in the Netherlands.

Now firmly entrenched back in South Africa, he’s been involved as rehearsal and performance pianist for musicals such as Grease, Footloose, Saturday Night Fever and the Joburg Civic Theatre panto, Snow White. He’s just returned from the Hong Kong run of Grease.

Dawid was Musical Director for seven Joburg Promusica ‘Kidz’ productions as well as the musical revue Spoof Full of Sugar at Sandton’s Theatre on the Square. Dawid accompanied Elzabé Zietsman in Op ’n Ligter Noot, and is now embarking on a regular piano duet concert series with Marga Sander.

When one thinks of a play such as The Crucible, one seldom thinks of music, but Boverhoff has written a ‘score’ for the play, almost as if scoring for a film. And every piece is newly and specially composed for the show by this talented artist.
Dawid broke down the music in The Crucible into three distinct themes, being: Religion, Love, and Witchcraft. Sometimes the themes use exactly the same piece of music, but shift into either minor or major, according to the emotional quality of the scene. Different instruments will also change the quality of each composed piece. All of the music will be pre-recorded, save for the presence of a live violinist on stage; Irishman David Delaney.
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For school/group bookings, contact Queen (queenm@promusica.co.za) or Nevolan (nevolanr@promusica.co.za) on 011 674 1356/7/8/9 or fax on 011 674 2365.
Other bookings can be made at Computicket Outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at http://www.computicket.com/
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VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Auditorium
DATES: March 7th – 26th 2011
TICKETS: R50
The Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free parking for patrons.
The production will then move to the UJ Theatre on the Kingsway Campus, booking is also at Computicket.

Promusica’s Summer Jazz

Date: 17 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

The one-day-only seasonal smash is back!
The magic begins as soon as you leave your car in the parking lot - as you step into the foyer, you will be greeted by the infectious musical stylings of the well-loved jazz pianist and singer Neal Robertson, who will be at his post from 6.30pm.

Then, at 7pm, Zarcia Zacheus and her band will take to the stage. Born in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, Zarcia began her adventures in music at the tender age of nine, by singing in the church choir. By the age of 13 she had auditioned for - and landed a role - in her first professional stage production. She went on to sing for a variety of gospel and jazz bands. She has also recorded and/or performed with musicians such as Joyous Celebration, Patrick Duncan, James Okon, Mpumi Dlamini, Dave Koz, and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.

After interval, it’s the turn of the freewheeling and eclectic outfit, Quantum. This multi-talented ensemble of jazzmen, who are no strangers to Joburg Promusica, was formed by their dynamic keyboardist, Jaconell Mouton as a labour of love. Audiences can look forward to a chill blend of smooth jazz, easy listening and a mix which includes public favourites as well as some more out-of-the-way gems.

Ms Mouton, who can be seen every week on TV’s Noot Vir Noot, is joined by her Noot Vir Noot colleague David Klaasen on drums, Denny Lalouette on electric bass, and Erik Paliani on guitar. Their passion for their music - and playing together - is evident in their unique and memorable sound. Jazz fans will, however, recognise within the band’s repertoire, echoes of renowned musicians and bands as Lee Ritenour, Fourplay, Joe Sample and Sting. This astonishing outfit - one of South Africa’s best kept secrets in jazz - rarely make public appearances, so this will be an occasion to treasure!

WHERE : Promusica’s foyer and Main Auditorium on Saturday Feb 26th
WHEN : Stage show begins 7pm. Foyer entertainment starts at 6.30pm.
SEATS : From R120

Bookings can be done at any Computicket outlet, or online at http://www.computicket.com/

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The Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free parking for patrons.