March 2009

Time to go gaga over Killer Queen

Fred’s not dead – his legacy lives on in his timeless songs and in the musical tribute Killer Queen, which takes up residence at the University of Johannesburg’s Arts Centre from 24 March to 5 April 2009.

Killer Queen features the songs of the legendary Freddie Mercury and Queen, as delivered by powerhouse vocal outfit Overtone. Before you groan, “Oh no, not ANOTHER cover show!” listen up: this one promises to deliver the goods with a distinctive twist.

The seven members of Overtone don’t merely trot out all the Queen hits, they reinvent them with sensational a cappella arrangements, mixing in modern R&B, gospel, funk and rap influences and backed on certain numbers by a great live rock band.

This promises to be an entertainment experience with a difference, sure to enthrall Queen fans who are eager to hear all their favourites, but who will also appreciate the touches of initiative and originality thrown in to enhance their enjoyment of the show.

Overtone’s vocal range extends far beyond the usual boy-band harmonies: they don’t just sing without instruments, they replicate the instruments, and the result is a highly creative and engaging musical tapestry.

Expect to hear “killer” hits such as Radio Gaga, I Want to Break Free, Show Must Go On, Who Wants to Live Forever?, Under Pressure, Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon, Bohemian Rhapsody and, of course, Killer Queen.

The seven members of Overtone are: Emile Welman (tenor), Eduard Janse van Rensburg (counter-tenor), Ruan van Zyl (baritone), Shane Smit (baritone), Ernie Bates (tenor), Valentino Ponsonby (beat box, percussion and sequences) and Riaan Weyers (bass). As a bonus treat, sopranos Yolandi Nortjé and Loveline Madumo will add their gorgeous voices to the mix, alternating as guest artists.

Killer Queen is directed by Gina Schmukler, with musical direction by Du Preez Strauss, choreography by JC Snooke, set design by Stan Knight and lighting by Jane Gosnell.

So Tie Your Mother Down, find Somebody to Love and come and experience A Kind of Magic with Overtone and Killer Queen! Show times are Tuesdays to Fridays at 8.15pm (Tuesdays are buy one, get one free nights), Saturdays at 5.30pm and 8.30pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are available through Computicket or at the UJ Arts Centre box-office.