The People’s Theatre auditions for ‘Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids’ on 31 January 2013

To start The Peoples Theatre 2013 season off in true Disney fashion, the definitive fairytale, Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids, will be brought to life on stage in March and April.

Previous production of Sleeping Beauty at the Peoples Theatre

Young audiences and their grownup counterparts will be enchanted by the story of Princess Aurora and her fairy guardians, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, who must use their magic to save her from the spell of evil sorceress Maleficent.

True to form, Peoples Theatre’s cast of talented performers will put their own mark on the various Disney-style characters in the story and will have audiences reminiscing with some classic Disney songs from the beloved film, including Once Upon a Dream, accompanied by some brand new tunes like Maleficent! and A Little Magic Now to bring a fresh telling of the story to a new generation of families.



The Peoples Theatre will be holding auditions on Thursday 31 January from 2pm for the first production of 2013, DISNEY’S Sleeping Beauty Kids, they are looking for children from 8 years old upwards. Please call 011 403 1563 to book a space .

Santa's Story at Theatre on the Square

One-woman show “SANTA’S STORY”, an on-stage rendition of 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Santa Pelham’s touching autobiography, is set to captivate audiences at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton, in early 2013. The production enjoyed a sell-out season at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town recently.

While the production, which is an evocative mix of storytelling and live music, is helmed by a particularly adept creative team – including accomplished local director Janice Honeyman, esteemed designers Mannie Manim and Dicky Longhurst, and gifted music arranger Matthew Reid – the solo lead of the show is none other than Santa Pelham’s own daughter, multi award-winning, internationally-acclaimed opera singer Aviva Pelham.

Accompanied by a vibrant Klezmer band that shifts through multiple genres, this seasoned mother’s intriguing tale to life through one of her most personally cherished mediums: song.

Starting in pre-war Germany where the Jewish Santa was born, the production recounts this remarkable woman’s attempts to navigate life under Nazi oppression. The narrative follows her as she flees from this dictatorial state to Spain, where civil war rages, then on to even poorer conditions in an occupied France, and finally, by ship, to Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, where, under arranged circumstances, she marries a man she has never met – a decision that ultimately, saves her life. It is a tale of trials, tribulations and triumph, one that depicts deeply personal issues within a harrowing broader political context. To evoke a sense of place and culture as the story unravels, the gifted Aviva sings in multiple languages – German, Spanish, French, Yiddish, Hebrew and English – reflective of the different parts of Europe. But the show is far more than merely an account of one (now) elderly woman’s distressing journey; rather, with a core focus on upliftment and perseverance, it carries moving universal messages of courage, tenacity and hope, and works to highlight core issues – such as prejudice, intolerance, displacement and acceptance – that are likely to resonate with most. In essence, as Aviva emphasises, Santa’s Story is an evocative piece that, through poignant music, explores the possibility of “pushing through the darkness to ultimately find strength, spirit and light again”.

Bring your friends, school, family, colleagues or clients. There are special group bookings discounts and on

Fundraisers and dinner show packages can also be arranged.

Performances are at 8.15 for Tuesday – Thursday (No Friday Show)

2 shows on Saturdays at 6pm and 8.30.

and Sundays at 3pm.

Bookings can be made by calling the theatre on tel. 011-883-8606

or Strictly Tickets on 082 553 5901

or book on-line – www.strictlytickets.com or www.theatreonthesquare.co.za

Alan Committie NO, SERIOUSLY? For Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre from 30 January

It’s the new year and madcap comedian Alan Committie returns to Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre in a BRAND NEW hilarious One Man comedy tour de force! It’s the ideal way to start your year with a laugh!


Alan describes the show as follows:

“ My new show will be jam packed with stand up comedy, the return of some much loved characters like Johan van der Walt and Trevor Tahor (The medium at large), mini-movies, “So You Think You Can Dance” auditions you never got to see on TV and loads more!

Amongst a whole host of topics, I will be talking about RED TOUR BUS frustrations, dream interpretations, AMWAY products, and how to best understand the sales pitch. I also chat about how we have filters and apps for everything, why 50 Shades of Grey can save South African education and why America should really be voted off the world-island!

In our modern world we are so “connected” through social media that in fact, we hardly connect with humans at all. Well, in NO SERIOUSLY, we will offer the audience the once in a lifetime opportunity to ask Alan any questions they want in the segment titled: ASK ALAN ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU WANT! I am not sure that I will answer them accurately or indeed, with any truth whatsoever but I can assure you that I will use words in my reply!!”

If you don’t laugh till you cry; cry till you laugh or – at the very least – make strange gurgling noises that could be akin to laughter or maybe a terrible nervous breakdown – then I will guarantee your money back after the show! **

But if you need only one good reason to come and watch this show then it’s to share in a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Alan recreate the the thrills, excitement and raw passion in his DO IT YOURSELF DIRTY DANCING lecture!

**THIS IS A BLATENT LIE!! Any attempt to ask for a refund will probably end in an acrimonious court case, stretched out over many years and ending in tears for all parties concerned. So, the best solution is simply to laugh at the appropriate places and – occasionally – in inappropriate places!!

The show is once again directed by Christopher Weare and has an age restriction of 13 up. Tickets can be booked through the theatre or at Computicket.

Alan Committie

NO, SERIOUSLY?

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

30 Jan to 3 March 2013

Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm

Tickets cost R150, R100 & R75

All bookings at Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1818 or www.computicket.com

First organ concert series to conclude with a burst of young talent

American organist Nathan Laube, a rising star in the classical music world, is set to dazzle Joburg residents with his inspired performances at St George’s Anglican Church on 9 and 10 February 2013.


Concluding the church’s first concert series with a flourish, this exciting young instrumentalist will apply his considerable playing talents to the new organ at St George’s in Parktown, which has been christened in grand style in recent months by an array of visiting international organists.

Laube hails from Chicago and graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, but is a true global citizen. He is studying towards a graduate degree at the Musikhochschule in Stuttgart, under Germany’s top organ teacher, Ludger Lohmann.

In addition, he holds the position of artist in residence at the American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Paris, commuting frequently between there and Stuttgart to play for services as his schedule allows. Laube is also an assistant organist to Peter Richard Conte at the largest functioning organ in the USA – a massive six-manual, 28,500-pipe organ, popularly known as the Wanamaker, in Philadelphia.

Still only in his mid-20s, Laube has achieved much in his brief but stellar music career to date, thanks to his ability to conjure beautiful music on pipe organs of all sizes. He previously toured South Africa as an accompanist with the USA’s Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Choir in 2007.

Although his vast repertoire spans the works of pre-Baroque to living composers, Laube has become known for his colourful and virtuoso transcriptions of orchestral works by Liszt, Mendelssohn, Mahler, Rossini and Strauss.

Don’t miss the chance to witness this young, dynamic classical music star in the making! Book for the St George’s February concerts at Computicket. Phone 011 482 1606 for more details or email music@stgeorges.org.za.

The second series of celebrity organ concerts at St George’s will be starting in March 2013, of which further details will be provided.

Enchanted spells and happy endings in Peoples Theatre’s 2013 programme

The year ahead looks super-enchanting and loaded with happily ever-afters at Peoples Theatre.


The 2013 lineup at Peoples Theatre is sure to have children of all ages practicing their Ps & Qs to win favour with mom and dad for tickets to all four of the fabulous shows which all have a common thread; they are well-loved Disney tales.

To start the season off in true Disney fashion, in March and April, the definitive fairytale will be brought to life on stage. Titled Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids, young audiences and their grownup counterparts will be enchanted by the story of Princess Aurora and her fairy guardians, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, who must use their magic to save her from the spell of evil sorceress Maleficent. True to form, Peoples Theatre’s cast of talented performers will put their own mark on the various Disney-style characters in the story and will have audiences reminiscing with some classic Disney songs from the beloved film, including Once Upon a Dream, accompanied by some brand new tunes like Maleficent! and A Little Magic Now to bring a fresh telling of the story to a new generation of families.

Next on the magical lineup, from May to July, is a timeless favourite, namely Disney’s Aristocats, which will be presented for the very first time on stage as Peoples Theatre has secured the rights to this world-renowned children’s musical. Through talented performances and against a wonderful backdrop of costumes and props, children and their families will get to experience the amazing journey of Aristocat Duchess and her Aristokittens when her Madame’s jealous butler Edgar cat-naps them and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. She and her little ones meet up with happy-go-lucky Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of Alley Cats, who help rescue them. This feline adventure will have audiences tapping their feet to its jazzy beat of Disney favourites the likes of The Aristocats, Scales and Arpeggios and Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat.

Then in September and October the Story Book Theatre, which encourages the important of reading, will introduce a potpourri of popular fairytales in The Frog Prince and Other Tales. These classics will be brought to life on stage by a skilled ensemble of actors who will present these stories in a vibrant and stimulating manner. This will include full on audience participation and involvement with loads of song, fun and laughter. Children love these interactive Peoples Theatre experiences because they get to take part in their favourite tales on a whole new level.

To end the year, the theatre company will be presenting one of the most treasured fairytales in all of Disney’s kingdom, that of Cinderella. Marking the festive season, in the months of November and December, Peoples Theatre will bring to stage Disney’s Cinderella Kids, when audiences young and old will get to witness the tale of a poor but beautiful girl who is mistreated by her ugly stepsisters and wicked stepmother. In the end though, all her dreams come true and she finds the love of her life with the help of a fabulous Fairy Godmother and other eclectic friends. Set against a beautiful score, including A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes and the classic Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo, Disney's Cinderella Kids will weave an enchanting spell over everyone in the audience and remind even the biggest cynics that dreams really do come true.

For a reduced price on tickets, join the Peoples Theatre Kids Club. Also, there are special discounted tickets available for schools.

To book call Andrew or Lorraine on 011 403 1563/2340 and for more information visit www.peoplestheatre.co.za – like us on facebook.

MICHAEL JACKSON HISTORY II heading for Jozi in 2013

After wowing audiences across the country, The Michael Jackson HIStory ll Show, starring Kenny Wizz direct from Vegas, heads to Johannesburg for a season at Joburg Theatre opening 17th January with a strictly limited season until 10th February 2013.


The widely acclaimed Michael Jackson HIStory ll Show, a musical biography of Michael Jackson's life, is an all-new production that has recently taken New Zealand by storm and has had audiences up on their feet in Cape Town and Durban already on this tour. Now, it’s Jozi’s turn.

Together with a live band of talented musicians, fully choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and high production values, HIStory II brings fans what they want but can never again see, a Michael Jackson concert. The show stars Kenny Wizz, widely recognised as the best Michael Jackson impersonator in the world.

The first HIStory concert was tremendously popular when it was first presented at Joburg Theatre in 2011 and since then Michael Jackson fans have called for its return. True to Michael Jackson, the show has reinvented itself, with a brand new production that has raised the bar and exceeded all expectations, with the addition of new songs, outstanding dance routines and spectacular visual effects.

The production takes fans right back to the Jackson 5 era and through a thrilling journey to the current decade. Hit after hit tells the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known and features over twenty songs performed live by Kenny Wizz, the celebrated Las Vegas performer. The concert's success is the product of Wizz's dedication to championing the genius of Michael Jackson, and HIStory is the result of more than two decades perfecting "the art of sharing MJ".

Wizz was shattered by Jackson's death and at the time closed his act down in Las Vegas, despite calls from fans to continue. On his return to the stage he noticed that Jackson's death had made concert-goers even more critical of his performances. He commented, "It's more difficult because my act is observed through a microscope now he's gone - people want the closest thing possible." Wizz delivers remarkably.

Wizz was twenty when Michael Jackson's career exploded with the release of the pivotal album Thriller. During that time, his strong resemblance to Jackson heralded the start of a long career as a conduit for Jackson music.

His regular performances in Atlantic City gratified audiences and allowed him to perfect his act. After tours in Europe and Asia, Wizz settled in Las Vegas where his show was signed for eleven years at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Michael Jackson, repeatedly described as a musical juggernaut, had an influence on popular culture and music that remains virtually unparalleled.

Beside his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackson held thirteen Grammy awards and twenty-six American Music Awards including "Artist of the Century". His roll of accolades, however, is almost too massive to mention, and for most the focus weighs more heavily on the music Jackson has shared since the 1960s.

Songs such as ABC, Ben, Smooth Criminal, Beat It and many more will be performed on the upcoming HIStory tour, providing a flawless live experience that might otherwise be unattainable. Jackson's popularity which has gained epic proportions since his untimely death in 2009.

The rampant popularity of these concerts is driven by their ability to transport audiences to a time and place they once loved. It's a founding principle of the success of Showtime Management Australia, the Producer bringing the HIStory II tour to South Africa and the company behind the immensely popular concert series Queen - It's a Kinda Magic.

The Michael Jackson HIStory ll Show runs at Joburg Theatre from January 17th to February 10th 2013, with performances Thursdays to Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Ticket prices range from R100 to R295, and are on sale by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com, or by calling the theatre’s direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.

Michael Jackson's gone, but fans still can't get enough - "Music has been my outlet, my gift to all the lovers in this world. Through it, my music, I know I will live forever." - Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson HIStory ll is presented in South Africa in association with Mzansi Magic.

Follow the latest Joburg Theatre news on Twitter - @joburgtheatre gives you all the latest information, special offers as well as news from behind the scenes of Joburg’s world class theatre.

A Handful of Keys: Two nights only!

Ian Von Memerty and Jonathan Roxmouth in special showcase performances prior to tour to New York, London and Dubai!

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

Tues 8 Jan & Wed 9 Jan @ 8pm

Tickets: R160, R120 & R100

All bookings at Theatre (011) 511 1818 and Computicket

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151149031837127&set=a.10150414414382127.350772.617932126&type=1&theater

Fascinating AïDA: Cheap Flights SA Tour

Following a sold-out season at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre in January 2011, we are delighted to announce that the FASCINATING AIDA team is returning in January 2013!

Captain Dillie Keane, navigator Adele Anderson and soprano Liza Pulman (returning to her previous role as air marshal) look forward to touching down in Johannesburg and will be on stage at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from Tuesday 15 Jan till Sunday 27 Jan.

“Cabaret Heaven" ★★★★★ Metro

Still Britain's best comedy cabaret trio and now a global internet sensation, FASCINATING AïDA have been much invigorated by over nine MILLION YouTube hits on their infamous anthem to budget travel Cheap Flights. The video has been watched by literally millions of people worldwide, has graced the home-page of a certain Irish discount airline's website, been tweeted by The Economist as a method of cheering-up the nation and has been described as "very clever and very funny" by the editors at Travel Weekly, the national newspaper of the travel industry. Fans can now enjoy their new hit Down With The Kids (www.youtube.com/user/FascinatingAida ) which see the FA Crew hip-hop dancing and Ms Keane (rebranded P DILLIE) looking 'bootylicious in her padded spanx'.

“The satirical blows are dispatched with the sweetest of smiles.... a delight” ★★★★★ The Times

This show was premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011, and has sold-out a seventy date UK tour and a five week London season. This show will include several numbers hot off the press plus a few old favourites, including their now infamous anthem to budget travel ‘Cheap Flights’ and 'The Dogging Song', a fond homage to the joys of al fresco sex described last year by The Times as "…the dirtiest & funniest song of the century so far".

ENDS

www.fascinatingaida.co.uk

For further information please contact Mark Sage (011) 511 1988 or email mark@montetheatre.co.za

SOUTH AFRICA tour details:

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre

15 Jan to 27 Jan

Performances: Tues to Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm

Tickets cost: R250, R200, R150 & R100

All bookings at Computicket (011) 511 1818 or online www.computicket.com

Theatre on the Bay (Cape Town)

29 Jan to 16 Feb

Theatre on the Square: Jazz Delights

Following a series of successful jazz concerts presented during 2012 at Theatre on the Square, jazz promoter Anthony Yoko in collaboration with Daphne Kuhn are staging a weekend celebration of jazz and blues at the intimate Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, from 25th to 27th January.

Local fans of the genre can look forward to a wonderful line-up of musicians from South Africa,

Holland and the U.S.A.

This first jazz evening will kick off on Friday, 25th January, with one of Gauteng’s popular blues outfits known as ‘THE RED HAND BLUES BAND’.

Heading the band is ‘singing’ double bass player MARTIN MEERHOLZ who will get your fingers snapping and your feet tapping with exciting renditions of popular blues tunes from days gone by and a few recent hits too !

THE RED HAND BLUES BAND comprises MARTIN MEERHOLZ (Vocals/Double Bass); DESMOND LATHAM (Electric Guitar); ROB LUCE (Drums); KEVIN DAVIDSON (Tenor & Saxophone) and a special guest performance by the outstanding blues harmonica player, CRAIG MCKINNON.

Moving on to Saturday Evening 26th January with a repeat performance on Sunday Afternoon 27th January,

local jazz fans are in for a double treat when the dynamic Dutch jazz duo of DENISE JANNAH and WOLF MARTINI take to the stage with an opening performance by American jazz pianist JOHN FRESK and special guests.

DENISE JANNAH, is an internationally acclaimed jazz singer and Blue Note recording artist based in Holland. Denise has performed all over the world at major jazz festivals together with her renowned guitarist WOLF MARTINI and will be a highlight at the Sandton Jazz & Blues Weekend.

Also on the programme is the outstanding jazz pianist JOHN FRESK from Oregon U.S.A. who will be showcased with some of South Africa’s finest musicians.

The organisers of the JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND are hoping to make this an annual event with the emphasis on presenting refined international and local jazz performers in an intimate concert setting
for discerning jazz fans.

Ticket prices are R175 for all performance.

Bookings are now open.

For more information and ticketing visit the web site www.theatreonthesquare.co.za or call 011-883 8606 or www.strictlytickets.com

Music prodigy preparing to stun South African audiences

He has played piano at the Offices of the Prime Minister of Malta, he was awarded the prestigious international AMI Award for his creative excellence in music and most recently he played piano at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics alongside the Paraorchestra and Cold Play. He is an accomplished pianist at 23, something that has taken absolute dedication and love for his instrument because this young talented musician has only one hand.

Indeed, British-born Nicholas McCarthy made his way into the world without his right hand. Yet, this did not hold the super-pianist back and he is currently shaking up the international classical music scene as one of the few left-handed pianists, worldwide. In fact, at present Nicholas is the youngest sole left-handed pianist to ever play.

His stage performances have left audiences in awe and he has been described as ‘sheer poetry’ by The Times. Now, South Africa can look forward to witnessing this left-handed pianist sensation in action as he plans his South African tour for February 2013, when he’ll perform in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for one night only in each city.

Nicholas discovered his talent for Piano as late as age 14 but his perseverance and determination to succeed as a teenager when others thought he’d fail paid off as it won him a place at the Royal College of Music in London. He graduated in 2012 making history as the only left-handed pianist to ever graduate from the prestigious 100-year-old institution.

Since graduating, he has become one of the busiest Piano soloists, playing solo and with the premier orchestras in the United Kingdom. He has also made regular appearances on British television and radio but he rates his playing at the 2012 Paralympics closing ceremony in London as one of his biggest highlights. He is currently recording a piano series for the BBC.

Now, as he brings both his talent and his message ‘that anything is possible’ to South African shores and prior to his world tour, classical music lovers can look forward to this musical prodigy’s stunning piano performances.

He will be performing at the Cape Town Convention Centre on Saturday 9th February; Durban City Hall on Wednesday 13th February; and Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg on Friday 15th February at 7:30pm. Book at Computicket.

For more information about his South African tour Visit Nicholas on Facebook or at his official website www.nicholasmccarthy.co.uk