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artsvark · 7 years

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TV star and songstress joins King Kong cast

Sihle Ndaba plays Petal in King Kong. Photo credit: Daniel Rutland Manners.

TV star and sensational songstress Sihle Ndaba has joined the cast of the King Kong – The Musical at the Fugard Theatre. She steps into the key role of Petal from 6 February, for the final extension of the run which is now to 4 March. Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, this historic production has been nominated for an incredible twelve Fleur du Cap awards.

A top 18 finalist in M-Net’s Idols, Ndaba is well-known to South African audiences for her award-winning role as Smangele Maphumulo in SABC 1’s hit prime time soap Uzalo, for which she won the Simon Sabela Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015. Some of her other TV credits include the role of Pru in Inkaba and Qiniso in the sci-fi drama series Room 9.

On stage she joined the touring company of acclaimed Broadway Musical The Lion King in Singapore, understudying the lead role of Nala. Ndaba has also worked with the National Children’s’ Theatre on various productions as an actor, singer, dancer and assistant director on shows including Under the Baobab Tree and has been seen on the Market Theatre stage portraying the role of Ntombi in Kwela Bafana.

Ndaba is in great demand as a voiceover artist for brands such as MTN, Discovery Health and SA Home Loans as well as commercials such as Joko Tea and Ford Fiesta.

“We are delighted to welcome Sihle to the Fugard Theatre stage for this phenomenal final South African leg of KING KONG’s journey,” says Daniel Galloway, the Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre. “With her powerhouse voice and seasoned acting experience, she is dazzling as Petal.”

King Kong

“I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of such an iconic show. I first learned about, “King Kong” while I was still in University and have been obsessed with the show ever since… It is an honor to be a part of a legacy set out by Legends such as, mamaMiriam Makeba, bab’Caiphus Semenya, mam’Sophie Mgcina, mam’Letta Mbulu, bab’Hugh Masekela, and mam’Thandi Klaasen just to name a few,” says Ndaba.

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.

The original production of King Kong in 1959 was South Africa’s first black musical. It toured South Africa, and was seen by 200 000 South Africans, playing to record-breaking and multi-racial audiences before transferring in February 1961 to London’s West End for a 200-performance run.

Ndaba joins Andile Gumbi (The Lion King, isiBaya) as King Kong and Edith Plaatjies (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa; Blood Brothers) as shebeen queen Joyce.

The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong cast includes Sanda Shandu as Lucky (Orpheus in Africa); Tshamano Sebe as Jack (Athol Fugard’s Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek; Master Harold and the Boys; Noem my Skollie); Desmond Dube as Pop (Dube on Mondays, No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Suburban Bliss); Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam (Menopause the Musical) and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell (West Side Story; Peter Pan).

King Kong is directed by Jonathan Munby who directed the Fugard Theatre’s production of A Human Being Died That Night with Noma Dumezweni (the only double Olivier award-winning Southern African actor) amongst many other international productions including the recent production of Shakespeare’s KING LEAR for the Chichester Festival in the UK starring Sir Ian McKellen.

The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom.

The revised book (with additional lyrics) is by Academy award nominated screenwriter and playwright William Nicholson (Shadowlands, Gladiator, Les Miserables, Sarafina, Long Walk to Freedom). South African choreographer star and recent French Legion D’Honneur recipient Gregory Maqoma choreographs KING KONG to the irresistible original music of the late great South African composer Todd Matshikiza.

The Fugard Theatre’s production sees Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (West Side Story, Funny Girl, Cabaret) and Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba with additional music and arrangements by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

Set design is by Paul Wills (A Human Being Died that Night, Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet, West End – Wyndham’s Theatre – David Mamet’s American Buffalo); Costume design by Birrie le Roux (West Side Story, Orpheus in Africa, District Six: Kanala); Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell (A Human Being Died That Night; Royal Shakespeare Company’s King Lear with Antony Sher – Associate artist RSC/Chichester Festival Theatre) and Sound Design by Mark Malherbe (West Side Story, Funny Girl). The associate director is Mdu Kweyama.

King Kong

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma, JT Medupe, Athenkosi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Monde Sibisi, Aphiwe Menziwa, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Barileng Malebye, Rushney Ferguson, Given Mkhize, Siyasanga Papu, Ziyanda Yako, Masego Mothibakgomo and Jay Hlatshwayo.

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 20:00 with a matinee at 15:00 on Saturdays and on Sundays at 16:00.

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.

TV star and songstress joins King Kong cast was originally published on Artsvark

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artsvark · 7 years

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Nominees for 53rd Fleur du Cap Awards announced

The Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards will take place on Sunday, 18 March at 17:30 at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town.

These annual awards are regarded amongst the most valued and prestigious in the South African performing arts industry. This year’s ceremony will take place on Sunday, 18 March at 17:30 at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town and promises to be an “Elegantly Extravagant” evening.

The nominees in the various categories are, in alphabetical order:BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY

André Roothman in Die Nag van Legio as Dogoman

Charlton George in Marat/Sade as Jean-Paul Marat

Craig Morris in Tartuffe as Tartuffe/Madame Pernelle

Ephraim Gordon in Die Dans van die Watermeid as Mills

Marty Kintu in Topdog/Underdog as Lincoln

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Buhle Ngaba in What Remains as The Student

Charmaine Weir-Smith in Suddenly the Storm as Shanell

Faniswa Yisa in What Remains as The Archeologist

Tinarie van Wyk Loots in Hemelruim as Mariaan

Tinarie van Wyk Loots in Marat/Sade as Charlotte Corday

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Bongile Mantsai in Marat/Sade as Duperret

Darren Araujo in Shakespeare in Love as Henslowe, Ensemble

Gerben Kamper in Die Nag van Legio as Oubaas Menge

Mark Elderkin in Twelfth Night as Malvolio

Wessel Pretorius in Twelfth Night as Feste

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Camilla Waldman in Tartuffe as Cléante

Faith Kinnear in Marat/Sade as Patient, Chorus

Jenny Stead in The Visit as Jackie Lodin

Renate Stuurman in Suddenly the Storm as Namhla

Robyn Scott in Shakespeare in Love as Elizabeth I, Ensemble

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Andile Gumbi in King Kong as King Kong

David Dennis in Priscilla Queen of the Desert as Bernadette

Jonathan Roxmouth in Evita as Che

Marc Lottering in Aunty Merle the Musical as Aunty Merle

Sne Dladla in King Kong as Pop

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Ashleigh Harvey in Funny Girl as Fanny Brice

Edith Plaatjies in King Kong as Joyce

Emma Kingston in Evita as Eva

Nondumiso Tembe in King Kong as Joyce

Tarryn Lamb in Aunty Merle the Musical as Abigail

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Anton Luitingh in Evita as Magaldi

Anton Luitingh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Pharoah

Sanda Shandu in King Kong as Lucky

Tshepo Ncokoane in Priscilla Queen of the Desert as Miss Understanding

Tshamano Sebe in King Kong as Jack

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL OR MUSIC THEATRE SHOW

Candice von Litsenborgh in Priscilla Queen of the Desert as Shirley

Isabella Jane in Evita as The Mistress

Josslynn Hlenti in King Kong as Petal

Kate Normington in Funny Girl as Mrs Brice

Tankiso Mamabolo in Aunty Merle the Musical as Lydia

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE

The Cast of Marat/Sade

The Divas of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

The Cast of Shakespeare in Love

The Cast of Tartuffe

The Cast of What Remains

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A REVUE, CABARET OR ONE-PERSON SHOW

Daniel Mpilo Richards in State Fracture in Various Roles

Gideon Lombard in Die Reuk van Appels as Marnus

Jemma Kahn in In Bocca al Lupo as The Narrator

Sandra Prinsloo in Moedertaal as Nellie

Tony Bonani Miyambo in Kafka’s Ape as Red Peter

BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN OPERA – MALE

Fikile Mvinjelwa in Rigoletto as Rigoletto

Jaco Venter in Der Fliegende Holländer as Holländer

Lukhanyo Moyake in Rigoletto as The Duke of Mantua

Lukhanyo Moyake in Der Fliegende Holländer as Steuermann

Martin Mkhize in The Magic Flute as Papageno

BEST PERFORMANCE IN AN OPERA – FEMALE

Brittany Smith in The Magic Flute as Pamina

Johanni van Oostrum in Der Fliegende Holländer as Senta

Leah Gunter in The Magic Flute as The Queen

Noluvuyiso Mpofu in Rigoletto as Gilda

Nonhlanhla Yende in Rigoletto as Maddalena

BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer for Peter Pan

Jon Keevy for The Underground Library

Marinda Engelbrecht and Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck for Vlooi en die Koninginby/Kipper and the Queen Bee

AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING STUDENT

Luntu Masiza, AFDA

Matthew Stuurman, UCT

Melani-Roxanne Breedt, AFDA

Tristan de Beer, UCT

Zoe McLaughlin, WTS

BEST NEW DIRECTOR

Dara Beth

Joshua G Ackerman

Nico Scheepers

Nwabisa Plaatjie

Thando Mangcu

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN

Nick Schlieper & Per Hording for Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Patrick Curtis for Marat/Sade

Tim Mitchell for King Kong

Wilhelm Disbergen for What Remains

Wolf Britz for Shakespeare in Love

BEST SET DESIGN

Brian Thomson for Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Bus Concept and Production Design)

Greg King for Suddenly the Storm

Jaco Bouwer for Marat/Sade

Nicola Mayer for Immortal

Nigel Hook for The Play that Goes Wrong

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Birrie le Roux for King Kong

Birrie le Roux for Funny Girl

Leigh Bishop and Lieze van Tonder for Twelfth Night

Sasha Ehlers for Tartuffe

Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner for Priscilla Queen of the Desert

BEST SOUND DESIGN, ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSITION OR ORIGINAL SCORE

Charl-Johan Lingenfelder for Original Music Composition (additional) for King Kong

Daf James & Michael Williams for Original Score for Tiger Bay the Musical

Neo Muyanga for Original Music Composition for Twelfth Night

Pierre-Henri Wicomb for Original Music Composition for Marat/Sade

Tarryn Lamb & Marc Lottering for Original Score for Aunty Merle the Musical

BEST NEW SOUTH AFRICAN SCRIPT

Die Dans van die Watermeid by Amee Lekas

Suddenly the Storm by Paul Slabolepszy

The Eulogists by Louis Viljoen

The Visit by Brent Palmer

What Remains by Nadia Davids

BEST DIRECTOR

Jaco Bouwer for Marat/Sade

Jay Pather for What Remains

Jonathan Munby for King Kong

Lara Bye for Die Reuk van Appels

Sylvaine Strike for Tartuffe

BEST PRODUCTION

Die Reuk van Appels – Theatrerocket (Johan van der Merwe and Rudi Sadler)

King Kong – The Fugard Theatre (Eric Abraham)

Marat/Sade – The Baxter Theatre (Nicolette Moses)

Priscilla Queen of the Desert – ShowTime Management (Hazel Feldman)

What Remains – Nadia Davids

For over 50 years the Fleur du Cap wine brand has proudly associated itself with the Theatre Awards as displaying the flair that is synonymous with the wine. “Theatre is the showcase for generations of artists; it is an honour to support such a pivotal part of the industry,” says SA Brand Manager for Premium Wines, Khanya Mashalaba.

Through awarding excellence in professional theatre Fleur du Cap wine and the Theatre Awards have played a significant role in the lives of South African theatre-makers.

Winners are chosen from productions performed at professional theatre venues in and around Cape Town. Theatre practitioners are recognised for acting, directing, staging and technical ability. These nominations reflect the excellent theatre talent seen on stages throughout the Western Cape last year. For the first time, awards will be made in the categories of Best Performance in an Opera (Male), Best Performance in an Opera (Female), Best Performance by an Ensemble, Best Theatre Production for Children and Young People and Best Production. This year awards will not be made in the category Best Puppetry Design.

The awards are considered in 26 different categories, including for Lifetime Achievement and Innovation in Theatre. The latter will be announced at the ceremony next month. The judges for the 2017 productions were Africa Melane, Dr Beverley Brommert, Eugene Yiga, Johan van Lill, Marina Griebenow, Maurice Carpede, Niel Roux, Tracey Saunders and Wayne Muller.

A total of 80 diverse productions from the year under review were eligible for consideration. They are, in alphabetical order:

A Handful of Keys, Angels on Horseback, Another One’s Bread, Aunty Merle the Musical, bash: latterday plays, Black, Boy Ntulikazi, Brother Love 2, Buzani Kubawo, Cathy and the Trolley Dollies, Chapter 2 Section 9, Cheers to Sarajevo, Der Fliegende Holländer, Die Dans van die Watermeid, Die Nag Van Legio, Die Reuk van Appels, El Blanco: Tales of the Mariachi, Evita, Evita Bezuidenhout and the Kaktus of Separate Development, Fiela se Kind, Funny Girl, Hamlet, Hemelruim, Immortal, In Bocca al Lupo, In Whorefish Bloomers: The Waitresses’ Lament, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Kafka’s Ape, Kidcasino, King Kong, Klara Maas se hart is gebreek, ensomeer: Die vloeistof-trilogie, From Koe’siestes to Kneidlach, Koöperasiestories, Kwamanzi, Macbeth: The Adult Panto, Mama Africa the Musical, Marat/Sade, Mate, Moedertaal, Nasty Womxn, Nice Coat (Lekker Jas), Niqabi Ninja, Peter Pan, Pieces, Police Cops in Space, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Red Aloes, Renaissance, Rent, Rigoletto, Scenes from an Execution, Selwyn and Gabriel, Shakespeare in Love, Sherlock Holmes and the Curse of the Queen’s Diamond, Single Minded, So ry Miss Daisy, Songs of this Soil, State Fracture, Suddenly the Storm, Synergy, Tartuffe, The Eulogists, The Magic Flute, The Mother, The Mystery of Irma Vep, The Native Who Caused All The Trouble, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Rabble, The Visit, Thirst, Three’s a Crowd, Tiger Bay the Musical, Topdog/Underdog, Tswalo/Source, Twelfth Night, The Underground Library, Vlooi en die Koninginby/Kipper and the Queen Bee, What Remains and Who’s Your Daddy.

The student panel adjudicated another 35 student productions, bringing the total number of productions that were considered in 2017 to an astounding 115.

“The increased number of nominees in the category for Best New South African Script is extremely exciting as it means that local theatre-makers are becoming bolder in telling the stories that are at the heart of our collective lived experience. To see life imitating art in this way is truly exhilarating. We thank Fleur du Cap wine brand, the hardworking panel of judges, theatre-makers and all the creatives behind the scenes who made this possible,” says Melanie Burke, chairman of the judging panel.

Each award carries a cash prize of R15 000 and a silver medallion. All voting processes are audited and overseen by Distell Internal Audit and the legal firm Cluver Markotter Inc.

A limited number of tickets for the ceremony at The Baxter Theatre will be on sale at R300 per person.

However, there is no reason to miss this exciting annual event! For the first time in the history of the awards theatre lovers can share in the celebrations from the comfort of their own home, in real-time, through a virtual experience, at only R100 per ticket, standard data rates apply. Purchase your tickets from the Baxter Box Office on 021 685 7880 or Webtickets from 15th February 2018.

Share your Flair with Fleur du Cap wine and celebrate excellence in theatre with the award recipients! Follow the awards on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FleurduCap/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/FDCTheatreAward. For more information on Fleur du Cap Wines www.fleurducap.co.za

Nominees for 53rd Fleur du Cap Awards announced was originally published on Artsvark

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artsvark · 7 years

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Desmond Dube joins cast of Fugard's King Kong

Desmond Dube (centre) joins the cast of KING KONG -THE MUSICAL from 2 January. Photo credit: Daniel Rutland Manners

Multiple award-winning actor and popular TV and film star Desmond Dube joins the cast of the Fugard Theatre’s hit production of King Kong – The Musical.

From 2 January 2018 he steps in to the central role of Pop in the production, which is currently playing at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town until 18 February 2018.

Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, this production of the historic musical King Kong has received five-star reviews and rapturous responses such as “a knock-out success”, “simply magnificent”, “a tribute to South Africa’s performance arts legacy” and “a theatrical treat”.

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.

He was last seen on the Fugard stage in Mongiwekhaya’s I See You, which was presented by The Market Theatre, Johannesburg and the Royal Court, London in association with the Fugard Theatre, Cape Town. For this role he won the Naledi Theatre Award for Best Actor and was nominated for a Fleur du Cap Best Actor award.

Dube needs no introduction to South African audiences as a much-loved actor and presenter on TV and film. This includes an incredible seven series of Dube on Mondays, No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Suburban Bliss, Joburg Blues and Dube Reloaded. On the big screen he has performed in films such as Hotel Rwanda, Love & Broken Bones, The Long Run, Millinium Menace, Hopeville and Mandela’s Gun. He is also well-known on TV as the face of Clientele Insurance.

His extensive list of theatre credits include Janice Honeyman’s Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, Julius Caesar (Nelson Mandela Theatre); You Fool How Can The Skyfall (Windybrow Theatre); Who Really Freed Nelson?, Jozi Jozi (The Market & The Baxter Theatres); Street Sisters (Stadsscchouwburg, Amsterdam); Scribble (The Baxter Theatre); Survival (The Johannesburg Theatre); Protest (The South African State Theatre) and NONGOGO (The Soweto & The Market & The Canadian Stage Theatres).

Dube’s many other awards include a Naledi Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor (Nongogo), FNB Vita Award for Supporting Actor (Scribble) and an Avanti Award for Best actor in A Comedy Series (Joburg Blues).

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.

“We are delighted to welcome Desmond Dube back to the Fugard Theatre stage, where he last captivated audiences in his award-winning performance in I See You,” says Daniel Galloway, the Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre. “It is a limited season to catch this incredible star on our stage.”

Dube joins Andile Gumbi (The Lion King, isiBaya) as King Kong and Edith Plaatjies (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa; Blood Brothers) as shebeen queen Joyce.

The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong is directed by Jonathan Munby who directed the Fugard Theatre’s production of A Human Being Died That Night with Noma Dumezweni (the only double Olivier award-winning Southern African actor) amongst many other international productions including the recent production of Shakespeare’s King Lear for the Chichester Festival in the UK starring Sir Ian McKellen.

The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom.

The revised book (with additional lyrics) is by Academy award-nominated screenwriter and playwright William Nicholson (Shadowlands, Gladiator, Les Miserables, Sarafina, Long Walk to Freedom). South African choreographer star and recent French Legion D’Honneur recipient Gregory Maqoma choreographs KING KONG to the irresistible original music of the late great South African composer Todd Matshikiza.

The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong cast includes: Sanda Shandu as Lucky (Orpheus in Africa); Tshamano Sebe as Jack (Athol Fugard’s Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek; Master Harold and the Boys; Noem my Skollie); Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam (Menopause the Musical); Josslynn Hlenti as Petal (The Lion King; South African Idols) and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell (West Side Story; Peter Pan).

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma (Sophiatown; Kwela Bafana – The Musical); JT Medupe (Hansel and Gretel; Peter Rabbit); Athenkosi Mfamela (In The City of Paradise; Bash or Be Bashed); Shalom Zamisa (Voices of Hope; Sarafina); Sibusiso Mxosana (West Side Story; Funny Girl; A Spartacus of Africa); Aphiwe Menziwa (Passage; Inexba Lomphillisi); Namisa Mdlalose (Rent); Siphiwe Nkabinde (Exit/Exist; Music in the Air); Lungelwa Mdekazi (African Angels; Phantom of the Opera); Barileng Malebye (Sophiatown; Making Mandela; Dogma; Emotional Creature); Rushney Ferguson (District Six: Kanala); Given Mkhize (Sacredspace; In The End is My Beginning); Siyasanga Papu (Marikana the Musical;Rhythm City); Ziyanda Yako (The Colored Museum;Ingoma); Masego Mothibakgomo (Festival of The Lion King; Romeo ‘n Juliet Unplugged) and Jabulani Gambu (The Lion King; Clash of the Choirs).

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 18 February 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.

Harrington Street car park is located at the corner of Caledon and Harrington streets and is available for the use of theatre patrons. Visit the cosy ground-floor bar, which opens two hours before all scheduled show times and stays open until last rounds are called… often as late as 1am. And if the weather is fine the bar on the fantastic rooftop terrace is opened, with its panoramic views of the city. Both bars offer a range of wines from some of the Cape’s top estates.

Desmond Dube joins cast of Fugard’s King Kong was originally published on Artsvark

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Countdown to 2018 in SA style at Fugard Theatre

Start the countdown to 2018 early in all-South African style at the Fugard Theatre on Sunday 31 December.

KING KONG – THE MUSICAL will be performed at 14:00 on Sunday 31 December, New Year’s Eve. Photo credit: Daniel Rutland Manners.

Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, the highly acclaimed production of historic, South African musical King Kong returns by overwhelming demand for the summer season.

A special New Year’s Eve performance will take place at 2pm on Sunday 31 December. Patrons will be able to enjoy a glass of complimentary South African Cap Classique sparkling wine after the performance for each ticket purchased and the Fugard’s two fully stocked bars include a range of wines from some of the Cape’s top estates. The bars will close at 7.30pm.

More than half a century since the first performance in 1959, the Fugard Theatre’s production of King Kong features an all-South African cast and stellar creative team, and has been described as “Five stars” “a knock-out success”, “simply magnificent”, “a tribute to South Africa’s performance arts legacy” and “a theatrical treat”.

“What better way to start the countdown to 2018 than celebrating our world-class local talent,” says Daniel Galloway, the Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre. “King Kong is the quintessential South African musical with a proud heritage and our 2017 production features a phenomenal all-South African cast. Guests can enjoy some of our finest local wines, and take in the sweeping views of Table Mountain and the City from our rooftop bar, before heading off with their friends and family to herald in the New Year.”

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. The original production helped in part to launch the international careers of Miriam Makeba, among others.

Performing the iconic role of shebeen queen Joyce is powerhouse Edith Plaatjies, (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa, Blood Brothers, Radio Classics, Kaapse Musiek In Kleur), with acting, singing and dancing star Andile Gumbi (The Lion King, isiBaya) reprising his performance in the title role as King Kong.

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

King Kong is directed by Jonathan Munby who directed the Fugard Theatre’s production of A Human Being Died That Night with Noma Dumezweni (the only double Olivier award-winning Southern African actor) amongst many other international productions including the recent production of Shakespeare’s King Lear for the Chichester Festival in the UK starring Sir Ian McKellen.

The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom.

The revised book (with additional lyrics) is by Academy award nominated screenwriter and playwright William Nicholson (Shadowlands, Gladiator, Les Miserables, Sarafina, Long Walk to Freedom). South African choreographer star and recent French Legion D’Honneur recipient Gregory Maqoma choreographs King Kong to the irresistible original music of the late great South African composer Todd Matshikiza.

The Fugard Theatre’s King Kong cast includes: Sanda Shandu as Lucky (Orpheus in Africa); Tshamano Sebe as Jack (Athol Fugard’s Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek; Master Harold and the Boys; Noem my Skollie); Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam (Menopause the Musical); Sne Dladla as Pop (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa; Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek); Josslynn Hlenti as Petal (The Lion King; South African Idols) and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell (West Side Story; Peter Pan) .

King Kong

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma (Sophiatown; Kwela Bafana – The Musical); JT Medupe (Hansel and Gretel; Peter Rabbit); Athenkosi Mfamela (In The City of Paradise; Bash or Be Bashed); Shalom Zamisa (Voices of Hope; Sarafina); Sibusiso Mxosana (West Side Story; Funny Girl; A Spartacus of Africa); Aphiwe Menziwa (Passage; Inexba Lomphillisi); Namisa Mdlalose (Rent); Siphiwe Nkabinde (Exit/Exist; Music in the Air); Lungelwa Mdekazi (African Angels; Phantom of the Opera); Barileng Malebye (Sophiatown; Making Mandela; Dogma; Emotional Creature); Rushney Ferguson (District Six: Kanala); Given Mkhize (Sacredspace; In The End is My Beginning); Siyasanga Papu (Marikana the Musical; Rhythm City); Ziyanda Yako (The Colored Museum; Ingoma); Masego Mothibakgomo (Festival of The Lion King; Romeo ‘n Juliet Unplugged) and Jabulani Gambu (The Lion King; Clash of the Choirs).

The New Year’s Eve performance of King Kong starts at 2pm on Sunday 31 December. Tickets to this performance cost from R180 – R280. and include a complimentary glass of Cap Classique after the show. The Fugard Theatre bar will close at 7.30pm.

King Kong runs at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town until 18 February Tuesday to Saturdays at 8pm with a matinee at 3pm on Saturdays and on Sundays at 4pm.

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

For further information visit http://www.kingkongstagemusical.com

Countdown to 2018 in SA style at Fugard Theatre was originally published on Artsvark

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Cast announced for King Kong - The Musical

King Kong – July 2017

The Fugard Theatre’s production of King Kong – The Musical – fully cast and rehearsals commence Monday 12 June!

Over half a century since the original production, the Fugard Theatre’s forthcoming, brand new production of the legendary South African musical – KING KONG – is fully cast and rehearsals commence on Monday 12 June.

Eric Abraham produces and presents this Fugard Theatre production, which runs from 25 July to 2 September 2017 at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town and then at the Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg from 12 September to 8 October 2017. The official opening night in Cape Town is 2 August after a week of previews.

KING KONG – THE MUSICAL 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.

The 1959 production of South Africa’s first black musical was set in Sophiatown in Johannesburg in the late-fifties. KING KONG toured South Africa, and was seen by 200,000 South Africans, playing to record-breaking and multi-racial audiences – as apartheid was being implemented -before transferring in February 1961 to London’s West End for a 200-performance run. KING KONG launched the international careers of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela among many others.

“We are thrilled that this long-awaited production of this iconic and first South African musical of King Kong, is a Fugard Theatre production which will showcase the very best of South African talent,” says Daniel Galloway the Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre. “The original production united audiences of all colours, launched careers and put South African talent firmly on the international map. We are excited to be re-creating the world of the “Back of the Moon” shebeen with an all South African cast and superb creative team. While remaining true to the original production our Fugard Theatre KING KONG will refresh the musical for the 21st Century”.

The Fugard Theatre’s KING KONG is directed by Jonathan Munby who directed the Fugard Theatre’s production of A HUMAN BEING DIED THAT NIGHT with Noma Dumezweni (the only double Olivier award-winning Southern African actor) amongst many other international productions. Following KING KONG Munby directs Sir Ian McKellen in Shakespeare’s KING LEAR for the Chichester Festival in the UK.

The revised book (with additional lyrics) is by Academy award nominated screenwriter and playwright William Nicholson (Shadowlands, Gladiator, Les Miserables, Sarafina, Long Walk to Freedom). South African choreographer star and recent French Legion D’Honneur recipient Gregory Maqoma will choreograph KING KONG to the irresistible original music of the late great South African composer Todd Matshikiza.

The Fugard Theatre’s production sees Musical Direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (West Side Story, Funny Girl, Cabaret) and Sipumzo Lucwaba with arrangements and additional music by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

Andile Gumbi will play the role of King Kong.

Cast in the title role of King Kong is South African star – actor, singer and dancer Andile Gumbi. Gumbi made his Broadway debut as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King and has starred in productions of this musical in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and South Africa. Gumbi, who was voted by The Sowetan as one of Mzansi’s Sexiest Top 12 celebs in 2015, is the character Zweli in the Mzansi Magic soap opera isiBaya, which was voted most popular TV soap at the 2017 SAFTA Awards.

Nondumiso Tembe will be recreating the role of Joyce, which propelled Miriam Makeba to international fame in the original production of King Kong.

Multiple award-winning actress and singer-songwriter Nondumiso Tembe will be recreating the role of Joyce, which propelled Miriam Makeba to international fame in the original production of King Kong. Tembe’s extensive list of credits include HBO’s Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning True Blood, SABC’s Generations, the military drama SIX on the History Channel and Zulu Wedding opposite Darrin Dewitt Henson. She won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role Naledi Theatre Award in 2014 for her portrayal of Susan in David Mamet’s RACE, which toured South Africa, and to the Edinburgh Festival. Her debut album Izwi Lami – My Voice received much acclaim including a Metro FM Music Award for Best Music Video.

The Fugard Theatre’s KING KONG cast includes: Sanda Shandu as Lucky (Orpheus in Africa); Tshamano Sebe as Jack (Athol Fugard’s Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek; Master Harold and the Boys; Noem my Skollie); Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam (Menopause the Musical); Sne Dladla as Pop (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa; Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek); Lerato Mvelase as Petal (Isibaya; Play Me) and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell (West Side Story; Peter Pan) .

Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma (Sophiatown; Kwela Bafana – The Musical); Ben Kgosimore (The Adventures of Oliver Twist; ‘I, Oedipus’; Singular Sensation); Athenkozi Mfamela (In The City of Paradise; Bash or Be Bashed); Shalom Zamisa (Voices of Hope; Sarafina); Sibusiso Mxosana (West Side Story; Funny Girl; A Spartacus of Africa); Aphiwe Menziwa (Passage; Inexba Lomphillisi); Namisa Mdlalose (Rent); Siphiwe Nkabinde (Exit/Exist; Music in the Air); Lungelwa Mdekazi (African Angels; Phantom of the Opera); Dolly Louw (Peter Pan; The Boys in the Photograph); Barileng Malibye (Sophiatown; Making Mandela; Dogma; Emotional Creature); Edith Plaatjies (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa; Blood Brothers); Rushney Ferguson (District Six: Kanala) and Given Mkhize (Sacredspace; In The End is My Beginning).

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

KING KONG will run at the Fugard Theatre from 25 July until 2 September 2017, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a 4pm matinee performance on Saturdays. The Fugard Theatre is situated in the heart of District Six, on the corner of Harrington and Caledon Streets, Cape Town. Tickets range from R130 to R280.

Born in Vryheid in the then Orange Free State, Ezekiel Dlamini himself became an unwitting symbol for freedom and the wasted power of his people under apartheid. After a meteoric boxing rise Dlamini’s life degenerated into drunkenness and gang violence. In 1957Dlamini was to be a classic Greek tragic figure when, in a fit of jealousy, he killed his girlfriend and at his trial asked for the death sentence to serve as a warning to others. Instead, the white judge, refusing to take instruction from a black defendant, sentenced Dlamini to twelve years hard labour. Three months later King Kong was found drowned in a dam on a prison farm. At 36 years old King Kong had taken his destiny into his own hands and, inadvertently, become a legend.

KING KONG will run at the Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg from 12 September until 8 October 2017, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a 4pm matinee performance on Saturdays and a 4pm matinee performance on the Sundays. The Mandela Theatre is situated at 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein. Tickets range from R150 to R350.

The original production featured music by Todd Matshikiza, lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom. Songs such as Back of the Moon, King Kong and Sad Times, Bad Times, have become popular South African favourites and are firmly entrenched in this country’s musical history. Sales of the original recording achieved unprecedented numbers, with reviews such as “This for my money is the record of the year” (Rand Daily Mail) and ‘Five stars!” (Drum). The cast recording was the first release of an all-black production in South Africa and unusual in that the libretti was included with the LP, which normally only happens with opera recordings. Arthur Goldreich designed the sets for the original production with original musical direction by Stanley Glasser.

Some of the extensive rave reviews the original production for KING KONG in 1959:

“… a big event in theatrical history.” Time Magazine (March 03, 1961)

“… King Kong triumphs by its bursting, smoking glowing life”. Daily Express

” … the greatest thrill in 20 years of South African theatre-going” The Star

“… Magnificent…spectacular… a resounding success” Rand Daily Mail

“… the theatrical sensation of the (Union of) South Africa” The New York Times

“… the audience was mixed…and for a short time at least, they held the laws of apartheid was suspended with their applause” The Central African Examiner

“… tears of exultation as I feel that a new era in Non-White entertainment has been born with the production of King Kong. I became breathless with the splendour of the production…´ Golden City Post

“… there is inspiration here that must mean the beginning of a colourful vigorous theatre in South Africa” Sunday Tribune

“… excellent… I must applaud Todd Matshikiza” Cape Argus

The UK’s Portobello Books publishes KING KONG lyricist and original book writer Pat Williams’ personal memoir of the original musical – OUR KNOT OF TIME AND MUSIC- to coincide with the Fugard’s production. “An extraordinary memoir of the first ever South African musical, which has since acquired mythical proportions. Essential reading for anyone who loves our country – and, of course, its music” Athol Fugard. The book will be available at the Fugard during the run of the show.

Bookings for both seasons can be made through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. Bookings can also be made at the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. There is a generous 15% discount available for the Friends of the Fugard members.

For further information visit http://www.kingkongstagemusical.com

Cast announced for King Kong – The Musical was originally published on Artsvark

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