My Fair Lady at The Playhouse in March

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 24, 2025

For those of you that love a good musical be sure not to miss out on the show My Fair Lady which will be opening in March at The Playhouse from 8 March 2025.

My Fair Lady on stage at The Playhouse in March. | Photo: Supplied. 

The Playhouse in association with Pieter Toerien and Cape Town Opera by arrangement with DALRO (Pty) Limited presents this dazzling musical, with an extraordinary cast, stunning costumes, and jaw-dropping staging is set to wow audiences. This must-see show will take audiences back to the time of elegancy and vibrancy in Edwardian London.

This show is adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion! Discover how Eliza Doolittle transforms from a feisty Cockney flower girl into a sophisticated lady under the mentorship of the pompous linguist Professor Henry Higgins.

There are some amazing songs in this show like ‘Wouldn’t It Be Lovely, I Could Have Danced All Night, and On the Street Where You Live,’ this production is full of wit, charm and heart that has made this musical a timeless classic.

‘’We are pleased to share that several performances of My Fair Lady are already sold out! If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, now is the time,’’ said Lynda Bukhosini, The Playhouse Company’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director.

This production is directed by Steven Stead, who brings fresh energy to this show. The musical direction is by Kevin Kraak, the iconic score by Lerner and Loewe comes to life through rich orchestrations and powerful vocals. The set and costumes designed by Greg King transport the audience to early 20^th-century London. Duane Alexander’s choreography adds a dynamic flow to the show. This musical features some of the top actors in South Africa including Leah Mari’s amazing portrayal of Eliza Doolittle.

Now is your chance to immerse yourself in Broadway’s longest-running musical. This show has captivated audiences through 2, 717 performances and has won six Tony Awards including Best Musical! The show has just finished a sold-out run in Cape Town and is now amazing audiences in Gauteng.

Due to high demand and sold-out shows, an extra performance has been added on Sunday, 9 March 2025, at 18h00 for My Fair Lady.

Don’t miss your chance to see this classic running from 8 to 16 March 2025.

Get your tickets now for just R150 – R250 on Webtickets before they are all sold out.

Elf: The Musical JR Coming to Durban ICC

 

By Fred Felton | Oct 12, 2024

The much acclaimed show Elf: The Musical JR will be making its debut at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) from 16^th – 29^th December 2024.

The Durban ICC is well known for bringing the best entertainment to Durban and this show is certain to attract many bookings for this pantomime.

Elf: The Musical JR is a tale guaranteed to warm your heart. The show captures the spirit of Christmas through the adventures of Buddy. As Buddy tries to find his family in the busy city you can expect themes of love, hope and resilience during the show.

John Aritho, Durban ICC's Chief Operating Officer at the media launch for Elf: The Musical JR. | Photo: Fred Felton 

This musical is the perfect show to see during December with your whole family. You can expect a show filled with laughter, joy and the magic of the holiday season.

The Durban ICC has collaborated with The Young Performers Project and Warner Bros to bring Elf: The Musical JR to the stage. You can expect to see stunning visuals, captivating music, and an emotionally resonant story for everyone.

‘’We are thrilled to be working with The Young Performers Project to bring Elf: The Musical JR to South Africa for the first time,’’ said John Aritho Durban ICC’s Chief Operating Officer.

Those that see the show can expect a set design that brings the North Pole to life; you can also expect a talented cast and crew that will give you many a laugh and cheer.

Actor and Comedian Aaron Mcllroy had the audience in stitches at the launch. | Photo: Fred Felton

Elf is the perfect show for audiences of all ages.

Don’t miss out on the extraordinary celebration of storytelling and artistry.

Get your tickets at www.webticket.co.za

Win Tickets to see Joseph Clark in 'The Music of Queen'

 

May 7, 2024

Catch Joseph Clark in Durban with ‘The Music of Queen.’

Joseph Clark returns to Durban to perform in 'The Music of Queen'. | Photo: Supplied. 

Theatre star Joseph Clark is coming back to Durban to perform the music which defined his career – The Music of Queen. Clark returns to the Playhouse Opera for two shows only, on Friday evening 17 May and Saturday, 18 May.

Joseph Clark returns to the Playhouse Opera stage in Durban to recreate the magic from the original 1991 show for a whole new generation of music lovers and for fans who can still remember the first show.

His show boasts an extensive song list, including hits like Somebody to Love, Another One Bites The Dust, Under Pressure, The Show Must Go On, We Will Rock You, and of course Bohemian Rhapsody. You can expect more and Joseph will perform alongside guitar virtuoso Axe Lourens, on his real Bryan May red special.

Clark has spent most of his years performing in The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany and Switzerland, The Middle East, The United States, numerous African countries including South Africa and most recently in Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, Zanzibar.

Diary Dates

Friday, May 17 @ 19h00

Saturday, May 18 @ 14h30

Venue: The Playhouse Opera Theatre

Tickets: R250

Bookings: Webtickets

Win Tickets to The Music of Queen.

Umhlanga Life have four tickets for one lucky winner for the Friday show.

All you have to do is answer this easy question:

In which Theatre is Joseph Clark performing ‘The Music of Queen’?

Email your answers along with your name, email address and cell number to umhlangalife@gmail.com

Please put Joseph Clark competition in the subject address. 

Fresha Festival 2019 Is Fast Approaching

The Fresha Festival of free fun family al-fresco theatre will be staged for the third time on Durban’s North Beach at the end of the school holidays for three days on 18, 19, 20 January.

Full Programme

The 2019 programme and performance details are below.

Opening Procession

Friday 18th January, from 5 pm:

Join us for an hour of strange and unusual happenings to kick off the festival. A taste of the weekend to come.

Yoga

Sunday 20 January & Sunday 21 January: 7 am - 8 am

Join us at 7 am to salute the sun! An easy open yoga class for all ages and all levels. Bring your own yoga mat or towel to sit on.

Free, open dance classes

Saturday 19 January: 8 am - 9 am: DanceXercise 
Sunday 20 January: 8 am - 9 am: Zumba class

No matter how many left feet you have - join us for a fun, free class to get the year started on the right foot (or the left one).

Get involved!

Sunday 20 January & Sunday 21 January: 9 am onwards 

On Saturday join in with Mzansi Arts Development Ensemble for a workshop on creating art out of waste.  Join Gerard O for a masterclass in street performance on Sunday:  whether you are an aspiring actor, comedian or just want to entertain yourself - come and explore the mad world of this acclaimed Dutch performer for an hour.  Free of charge.  All day every day, add your wisest bit of advice from your favourite song in our open art exhibition: Advice from Songs. Inspired by Swiss Artist Marcus Kraft and his work - PopMusicWisdom.

Missing

Performance Art
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 1 pm

Thought-provoking, uncomfortable, yet beautiful to watch.  Concept and performance by doung Anwar Jahangeer.

7 Chairs 

Street theatre
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 1:20 pm

A simple act with 7 chairs and 7 actors who expect that something will happen. Presented by Ithubalabasha Arts.

Gerard O

Street comedian
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 1:40 pm

Dutch street comedian, Gerard Olthaar has performed at festivals around the world. Back at Fresha for the third time , anything can happen!

Tran(ce)sitions 

Contemporary Dance
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 2 pm

Sizwe Hlope presents an outstanding work exploring the ties that bind and ropes / umbilical cords / railway pathways / roots.

The Goal

Street theatre
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 2:20 pm

On the pitch and off the pitch. Women versus men - the eternal game of courtship without the usual rules.  Umlazi Arts Academy.

Promises

Street satire
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 2:40 pm

When politicians promise rain on Fridays, no more dying, and more love for all; who can we trust? Who do we vote for?  034 Drama.

The Thing about Wolves

Puppets 
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 3 pm

A delightful collaboration between puppeteers from the Handspring Puppet company and the Mahlekahlathini Mask & Puppet Players.

Cats and the Curse

Dance
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 3:20 pm

When two boys are cursed and turned into cats they have to fight to win the heart of a beautiful girl. Zamokhukhanya Productions.

Street Mime

Mime artist
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 3.40 pm

Sibo Masondo delights kids and adults alike with his gently observed comedy and perfectly timed mime.

Old skool vs new skool

Street Dance
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 4 pm

Award-winning choreographer Jarryd Watson and his dance troupe from the Wenthworth Arts Organisation present all the tricks and kicks of street dance.

Love is stronger

Physical theatre 
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 4.20 pm

In a society where we can be killed for who we love, maybe love can be stronger than death.

Look up 

Aerial act
Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January at 4.40 pm

The amazing entertainers from Innov8 gym wow us way up above the ground.

Sundowner Showcases - Live Music

Join us for live music on the Bay of Plenty lawns to dance and watch the sun go down.

The South Jersey Pompoms 

Saturday 19 January at 5pm 

Sassy & sharp, slightly Burlesque and joyously off-kilter; these happy rebels  bring you their catchy tunes performed in German, French,  Italian, English & Spanglish.

Zulu Blue and La Canta Rosa

Sunday 20 January at 5 pm 

An awesome collaboration between a wonderful Afro-blues outfit and an opera quartet. Think Busi Mhlongo with a touch of Puccini and a little bit of Miriam Makeba!

For more info, visit www.freshafestival.co.za.. Find Fresha Festival on facebook and @freshafest on twitter.

All festival events are at the Bay of Plenty lawns, North Beach and are free. There is a tent for rainy days, so come down whatever the weather!

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Win tickets to the ballet

Crown of the Russian Ballet

Would you like 2 tickets to the ballet?

Royal Moscow Ballet will be in Durban in July with 'Crown of the Russian Ballet' on Saturday July 28th at 2pm and 6pm. It will be performed at the Playhouse Opera.

This time they bring a ballet programme featuring new works not brought to Durban before, Paquita with music by Ludwig Minkus choreographed after Marius Petipa; and The Firebird – a one act ballet with music by Igor Stravinsky and choreography by Anatoly Emelianov.

Paquita is the creation of French composer Édouard Deldevez and Paris Opéra Ballet Master Joseph Mazilier. In 1847, Paquita was staged for the first time in Russia for the Imperial Ballet of St Petersburg by MariusPetipa and Pierre-Frédéric Malavergne, being the first work ever staged by Petipa in Russia. In 1881, Petipa produced a revival of the ballet for which he added new pieces specially composed by Ludwig Minkus. This included the Paquita pas de trois for the first act and the Paquita grand pas classique and the Mazurka des enfants for the last act. Petipa's version of Paquita was retained in the repertory of the Mariinsky Theatre until 1926.

Petipa's 1881 additions for Paquita survived long after the full-length ballet left the stage. Today these pieces, particularly the Grand pas classique, are major cornerstones of the traditional classical ballet repertory and have been staged by ballet companies throughout the world.

The Firebird is a ballet and orchestral concert work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.  It was written for the 1910 Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes company; the original choreography was by Michel Fokine, with a scenario by Alexandre Benois and Fokine based on the Russian fairy tales of the Firebird and the blessing and curse it possesses for its owner. When first performed at the Opéra de Paris on 25 June 1910, the work was an instant success with both audience and critics.

The ballet has historic significance not only as Stravinsky's breakthrough piece, but also as the beginning of the collaboration between Diaghilev and Stravinsky that would also produce the acclaimed ballets Petrushka (1911) and The Rite of Spring (1913).

In a country starved of professional ballet, the regular visits from dancers of the Royal Moscow Ballet are always a treat. The company arrives in the country for a six city tour in July covering Johannesburg, Sasolburg, Gaborone; Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.

Royal Moscow Ballet has toured successfully around the globe presenting more than a thousand performances. The company, which consists of graduates of the best Russian choreography, ballet and dance schools, premiered as the Royal Moscow Ballet on the 12 August 2002. The founders are Anatoly Emelianov and Anna Aleksidze.

In 2018  the Royal Moscow Ballet will be celebrating its 16^th anniversary. The company has created more than 20 modern and 15 classical ballets. The ballets were created by choreographers / founders Anatoly and Aleksidze.

The Royal Moscow Ballet has visited countries such as Tanzania, Zambia and Kenya – the first visit of a Russian ballet company to East Africa, The dancers performed on specially built stages near Victoria Falls.

In honour of their contribution to the furthering of Russian Culture both Anna Alexidze and Anatoly Emelianov were awarded the prestigious Knight of the Second Order of Dyagilev in 2007.

Royal Moscow Ballet is presented by Edouard Miasnikov Agency whose objective remains to widen cultural exchange and sharing between Russia and South Africa: www.russianartists.co.za.

Bookings:  www.computicket.com / 0861 915 8000 / Shoprite Checkers Money Market Counters.

National Tour

Johannesburg: Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace: 21 July @ 3pm and 7pm; 22 July @ 3pm

Sasolburg: Etienne Rousseau Theatre: 23 July @ 7pm

Gabarone: International Convention Centre, Grand Palm – 25 July @ 7pm

Durban: Playhouse Opera: 28 July @ 2pm and 6pm

Bloemfontein: Sand du Plessis Theatre: 30 July @ 7pm

Port Elizabeth: Opera House: 31 July at 5pm @ 8pm

Book nationally through Computicket

(Bloemfontein tickets at PACOFS ticket office) 

Giveaway: Win 2 tickets to the Royal Moscow Ballet show in Durban.

One lucky winner will win 2 tickets to the Durban show. It’s the perfect romantic evening for you and that someone special.

Just answer this easy question:

Where is the show playing in Durban?

1.      Playhouse Opera

2.      Wavehouse

3.      The Funhouse

Email your answer, name, cell number and email address to: umhlangalife@gmail.com

This competition is only for the Durban show and only for the evening show.

Closing date: Early July 2018.

Ts and Cs apply.

Win Tickets To The Dance Show Footloose

Directed for the first time by Daisy Spencer, the 17^th annual Young Performers Production for this year is a reprise of Footloose which comes to the UKZN Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 8 – 17 September 2017.

Footloose tells the story of a tenacious and rebellious city teenager, Ren (played by Joshua Milne), who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned by the conservative Rev Shaw Moore (played by Arnie Field) and his wife (Sarah Heron) and the town council. Ren leads the young people of the town, including Rev Moore’s rebellious daughter Ariel (Leah Mari), in a protest against the town’s banning of the annual dance.

The stage adaptation of Footloose is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford with music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Logins and Jim Steinman.

Footloose has had two incarnations as a feature film: in 1984 a youthful Kevin Bacon was Ren playing against John Lithgow’s Rev Shaw Moore. Also in the cast were Lori Singer, Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Wiest. The film was remade in 2011 and featured Kenny Wormald as Ren and Dennis Quaid as the Reverend. Also in the remake were Julianne Hough and Andie MacDowell. 

Footloose, the Musical was adapted for the stage from the film, and premiered in 1998 and became a Broadway and West End hit. It has been staged successfully globally since then. Footloose boasts some now-iconic musical numbers:  the theme song, Footloose,  which became a hit for Kenny Loggins; Holding out for a Hero, which was recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler for the first film; and Let’s Hear it for the Boy which became a number one song for singer Denise Williams. Other songs from the musical include On Any Sunday; The Girl Gets Around, Somebody’s Eyes, Heaven Help me and Learning to be Silent.

The 2017 Young Performers Project sees Daisy Spencer as both the director and choreographer working together with co-choreographer Jarryd Watson and Des Govender as vocal coach, Dawn Selby is MD, with live music from The Reals. Production supervisor is Themi Venturas.

“We are delighted to be reviving such a topical story as Footloose,” say Venturas. “When it was staged in 2014 we had a short run, and many performances were sold out, and we had a sense that people wanted more – so we are doing it again – staging it in a slightly different more contemporary way with the addition of Jarryd’s new choreographic ideas, new leads and a mostly new cast,” said Venturas.

The project ensures that the learners get a taste of working in the professional musical theatre arena. The cast of 25 were chosen at auditions – including learners travelling from the Skhethuxolo High School in Hammarsdale.  Rehearsals are in full swing, with the cast meeting every weekend until the opening night. The project promotes discipline, develops confidence, and gives an opportunity to make life-long friendships, and to learn a huge amount from the professionals.

The producers are grateful to RCL Foods through their Do More Foundation, Black Coffee, Snazzi Events and UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

Previous YPP productions have been: Curtain Up;  One Voice; Grease; Oliver; Fiddler on the Roof; The Wiz; Annie; School of Rock, SA; Big River; Hairspray; Seussical; Legally Blonde, Can You Feel It?; Footloose; Soldiers in the City and last year, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story.

Over the years the show has grown to be very popular with Durban audiences so early booking is recommended. Booking is through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.

Footloose the Musical is presented by arrangement with DALRO.

For further enquiries please call Riaan Timson on 082 696 3507

Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre UKZN

Dates: 8 – 17 Sept 2017.

Times: Tues – Sat 7pm; Sat and Sun at 2.30pm

Tickets: R100 (Tue – Wed) & R150 full price R130 OAP and scholars (Thur – Sun)

Schedule:

Friday 08 Sept @ 7pm    R75 (low-priced preview)

Sat 09 Sept @ 2.30pm  R150 (concession price R130)  

Sat 09 Sept @ 7pm  R150 (concession price R130)  OFFICIAL OPENING NIGHT

Sun 10 Sept @ 2.30pm  R150 (R130 concession price)

Tues 12 Sept @ 7pm  R100

Wed 13 Set @ 7pm R100

Thurs 14 Sept @ 7pm  R150 (R130 concession price)

Frid 15 Sept @ 7pm R150 (R130 concession price)

Sat 16 Sept @ 2.30pm R150 (R130 concession price)

Sat 16 Sept @ 7pm R150  (R130 concession price)

Sun 17 Sept @ 2.30pm R150 (R130 concession price)

General admission: R150, with a discount price of R130 for students, scholars and pensioners.  Low priced preview R75,  and Tues and Wed shows will sell at R100 throughout.

Win Tickets To The Show

The producers have given us tickets just for you. We have 3 double tickets for the show on Tuesday 12 September 2017 at 7pm.

Simply email umhlangalife@gmail.com with your name, contact details, email and the answer to this easy question:

Which famous actor was in the original film version of Footlose?

1.  Kevin Macon

2.  Kevin Bacon

3. Kevin Acorn 

Competition could close at any time. Ts and Cs apply.

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton  

Win Tickets To Dora's Pirate Adventure

This adventure stage show is just around the corner.  Come and see Dora the Explorer Live!

The show runs in Durban from 1^st to 3^rd July at the Durban ICC.

Bookings at Computicket. 

Families and kids are invited to join Dora and her pals Boots and Diego on a voyage of discovery as they embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island in search of the ultimate pirate party.

For more info go to www.nickelodeonafrica.com

Follow them on Twitter @NickAfrica

Like them on Facebook at Nickelodeon

#DoraLiveSA

The good folks at Dora’s Pirate Adventure have given us some tickets to the show just for you.*

All you have to do is answer this easy question

Who is Dora? Is she:

A.      Dora The Architect or

B.      Dora The Treasure Hunter or

C.      Dora The Explorer

Email your answer with your name and contact details to falconscove@gmail.com

Please put Dora in the subject line

Good luck!

*Ts and Cs apply.