World-renowned MJ Tribute, HISTORY: King of POP, returns to Johannesburg next month with yet another dose of enthralling performances.
HIStory: King of Pop @ Emperors Palace, 6-22 December 2019
Presented by Showtime Australia
Shamone! The festive season is set to become a thrilling musical experience as one of the world’s most-loved tribute productions pays homage to the legendary pop icon, Michael Jackson, in HIStory: King of Pop, in Johannesburg next month.
The world-famous King of Pop tribute concert is a two-hour musical spectacular, which takes audiences on a nostalgic journey back to MJ’s early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his ground-breaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued reign as the King of Pop into the 21st century.
Having rung in 2019 with a successful performance run in Cape Town earlier in January, it’s now the turn for Johannesburg fans to experience the music, costumes and amazing production celebrating the iconic Michael Jackson, at Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace from 6-22 December 2019.
Long-time fans of MJ, are in for a treat when they come to experience the HIStory: King of Pop show as they get the full concert experience with accomplished Kimberley-born and Johannesburg-based singer and impersonator Dantanio – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and effects.
The phenomenal lighting and effects team makes use of 160+ moving lights and over 2,000 lighting cues to create a production that truly evokes the creative spirit of The King of Pop, live on stage.
In 2014, Dantanio was scouted by the show’s director, Johnny Van Grinsven, to take on this challenging role, in what’s been billed as “a mind-blowing stage production”.
“Michael Jackson inspired me to sing and dance. I have been preparing for this role my entire life and I get to live out my dream of paying tribute to my idol on stage around the world,” admits Dantanio.
Expect to hear all the major hits being belted out on stage, such as: Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat It, ABC, Don`t Stop Til You Get Enough, Human Nature, PYT, They Don`t Really Care About Us.
So what can Jozi fans expect to experience this festive season?
“I am so excited to be back in Johannesburg, where I get to share my love for MJ with other die-hard fans of the pop icon. It’s such an honour and a privilege to perform as Michael across the globe and what a treat it is for me to close out 2019 in style – celebrating the life of the King of Pop right here on home soil.”
Visit www.mjhistoryshow.com for ticketing and further information. Tickets for this spectacular show can also be purchased via Computicket at either www.computicket.com or via Checkers and Shoprite retail stores, countrywide, and range between R144 and R490 each.
International singing superstar, Belinda Davids, set to release her first ever Christmas album this month – ahead of her limited series of Orchestral Concerts at Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.
She’s taking over the global concert stages one mesmerizing performance at a time, and now Showtime Australia artist Belinda Davids is set to heat up the Christmas season with the release of her very first holiday album: Belinda Davids – I Love Christmas.
The Port Elizabeth-born Davids, who just returned from touring the UK and Russia last month, is expected to drop her first Christmas album on Wednesday 20 November – the same day of her much-anticipated opening night concert in Cape Town, marking a two-year wait for her Mother City fans to catch the singing diva again live in concert.
Belinda Davids – I Love Christmas is a 12-track soulful album that is guaranteed to encourage all Christmas-lovers who are eager to get into the Christmas spirit early.
Recording a Christmas album became a special and personal project for Davids when she realised, in recent years, the significance and privilege of being able to spend the festive season with her two children and extended family. “My touring schedule is so hectic, sometimes I barely have time to breathe, so when I can be at home over Christmas and truly be present with my children it is the greatest gift, and super important to me – it’s the creation of memories,” she says.
With this album Davids wanted to give her fans a taste of what her own earliest Christmas memories were like:
“These are the Classics that were played at Christmas time when I was young. I adore Christmas songs, but they are often so cheesy, so when I sat in the studio I wanted to record those same Classics that are timeless and nostalgic, but with a soulful and playful vibe that reflects the diverse musical influences I had in my upbringing. I think we managed to deliver just that.”
Some of the festive season classics to expect on the album include: Silent Night, Joy to the World, Away in a Manager, Do You Hear What I Hear, and When a Child Is Born.
Davids, who now calls Cape Town her home, recorded the album in Johannesburg earlier this year, with studio time juggled between her international touring commitments over a period of four months.
It’s been a long time coming for Davids to finally release more solo music; she was just 16 years old in 1996 when she released her debut album Belinda which included the hit single ‘We Go Together’.
So what magical Christmas memories does Davids ponder on every festive season?
“Christmas in my grandmother’s house was a highlight for me, where all her kids and grandkids gathered and there was just always so much presence of family throughout the holidays. We would all decorate the house, walls and the Christmas tree – all while our favourite Christmas classics were playing in the background. It meant the world to be around family and to celebrate Christmas Day with my loved ones”.
Belinda Davids – I Love Christmas will be available for purchase on all major global digital music platforms from 20 November 2019.
Belinda Davids takes over Cape Town with The Greatest Love of All: A tribute to Whitney Houston
The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston will showcase with orchestral accompaniment at Artscape Opera House at Artscape Theatre in The Mother City from 20 November until 1 December, and is billed as one of the “most anticipated concert performances of the year”.
These special and limited orchestral concerts featuring South African-born Davids, are a first for South Africa, having already performed to sold-out arenas in the UK and Russia earlier this year.
The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston is set to be backed by a South African orchestra, dancers and stunning theatrical effects this time around, as the vocally-talented Davids is set to yet again impress local audiences in a jaw-dropping musical tribute experience to one of music’s most loved-icons.
Tickets for this spectacular concert experience in Cape Town can purchased via Computicket at either www.computicket.com or via Checkers and Shoprite retail stores, countrywide, and range between R250 and R390 each.
The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston is also set to tour its orchestral concert series to Johannesburg later next year. The show will perform at The Mandela at Joburg Civic Theatre, from 5- 28 June 2020. Tickets are available now via the theatre box office or by visiting www.thegreatestloveofallshow.com.
I can’t wait for Belinda Davids – I Love Christmas to drop! A new Christmas album is LONG overdue in the Spirited Family house 🙂
If you missed seeing Benny Bushwhacker – Human Nature, like I did, during the Joburg season in October, don’t despair, Ben Voss returns to Gauteng for ONE NIGHT ONLY at The Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria on Wednesday 13 November at 20h00.
Benny Bushwhacker aka Ben Voss continues his successful national tour of his brand-new, one-man-show and will soon be in Pretoria to delight Gauteng audiences once again.
Pretoria audiences loved Ben’s previous shows, including Bend it Like Beauty and Beauty and the BEE and will remember him as Beauty on the Jacaranda 94.2 breakfast show. Audiences get the chance to see this award-winning actor, comedian, writer and producer back on stage in his brand new show!
Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature kick-started a fabulous tour when it won two Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival Makhanda in Grahamstown – the very first staging of the show.
The Republic of South Africa proudly welcomes home Benny Bushwhacker (aka Ben Voss), the world’s funniest conservationist. The legend returns to share what it takes to survive the African bush … and for the African bush to survive.
The genial South African, who recently trended worldwide for banging heads with swashbuckling British survivalist Bear Grylls, is touring South Africa’s theatres and festivals with an hilarious yet sobering look at the collision between man and environment.
For somebody who has spent more time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than a hibernating Arctic wood frog, Benny Bushwhacker brings untainted humanity and delicious humour to his performance that will have you laughing out loud and wondering why, when it comes to the bush, the most uncommon human trait is common sense.
Whether it be his opinion on how to spot a know-it-all in Kruger, or the relative chances of his estranged wife, Brenda, replacing the buffalo in the Big 5, Benny delivers time and again with his unique sense of humour and classic bush logic.
Benny Bushwhacker’s stories and experiences have been translated from bush to page by his unofficial biographer, John van de Ruit, (of Spud fame) and directed from page to stage by the lioness of theatre, Janice Honeyman.
When asked about the project, Director Janice Honeyman said:
“I have worked with Ben before and have always enjoyed it. He’s a good actor, and a thinking actor. His Mamba series impressed me, so I chose to direct his alter ego, Beauty Ramapelepele. Ben then worked with me last year on the Snow White Pantomime as Evil Queen Hildagonda, in which he was fantastic. The opportunity to work with him again as Benny Bushwhacker is great fun. The concerns of the content are very close to my heart and putting it into a less didactic, preachy context feels good for me.”
Writer of the piece, John van de Ruit, expressed his involvement thus;
“Ben and I have been friends and collaborators for over twenty years. In that time, I have had the best seat in the house to witness his talent and versatility as a comedic actor. He has the unique ability to capture reality and extremity, often simultaneously, with hilarious consequences. It does help that he was born with a rubber face, a razor-sharp mind and the body of Frankenstein. This made him the perfect fit for Benny Bushwhacker, a celebrity conservationist with a big heart and little education to speak of.”
van de Ruit continues;
“Historically, Ben Voss and I have collaborated on both scripting and performance, but this time we have made a deliberate decision to separate ourselves into writer and actor. This means I won’t steal Benny’s favourite lines on stage, and he won’t tamper with my favourite lines in the script. I think that’s called collaborative uncoupling. It’s been a terrific time developing the idea of Benny Bushwhacker with Ben Voss, although of late it’s been rather difficult to tell the pair apart.”
While touring South Africa, Benny Bushwhacker is raising awareness and Moola for the Lebombo Leopard – Human Conflict Survey. And while leopards are not known to change their spots, through this initiative, Benny will try to help humans to do so.
Ben Voss states; “I am closely involved with the Lebombo Leopard Human Conflict Survey in Mkuze, Northern Zululand. A big part of this project is to raise money to set cameras to monitor leopard movement in the area after two children were taken by these cats on the reserve boundary. My interest is not so much conserving pristine bush, as conserving the line between humans and nature. These boundaries are critical. As a roving species, Leopard are under constant threat from humans, and communities are under threat from Leopard. So this conflict seemed like a “natural” fit for my show. I care about nature, I care about humans and if the leopard is to survive we are going to have to create more green spaces, and keep communities healthy and happy.
Voss continues; “The theme of the show is even based around saving the leopard and there are donation boxes for the project at every show. Every single cent in those boxes goes towards the initiative. At the moment we are raising on average R1000 a show and I have nearly 100 shows this year. So R100 000 is my target!”
Book your seats soon for this wonderful look at life on the wild side, because, like the rhinos of Africa, you never know if you will get the chance to see it again.
Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature is on stage at The Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria for ONE NIGHT ONLY on Wednesday 13 November at 20h00.
For the first time at Peoples Theatre, the magic of one of society’s all-time favourite films CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG Jr. comes alive on stage in spectacular fashion from Monday, 28th October – Sunday 22nd December.
Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the beloved film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. is a family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.”
An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.
Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs including the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bangis a high-flying, fun-filled adventure for the entire family.
Says Director Jill Girard; “Peoples Theatre presents for the first time ever this fantastic musical adventure which features the most unforgettable score by the Sherman brothers. This is a feel good, heart-warming family musical which is an absolute delight to direct, as it takes the audience back to their childhood while enchanting the next generation.”
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR is directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith, with Musical Direction by Coenraad Rall, Musical Staging by Sandy (Dyer) Richardson, Set and Lighting Design by Grant Knottenbelt and costumes by Merry Whillier and Sean McGrath.
Newcomer Mondé Sibisi recently qualified in the UK, plays the role of Caractacus Potts who is Jeremy and Jemima’s father. He is an eccentric inventor who cares deeply about his children.
Peoples Theatre is delighted to have Caroline Borole grace our stage, playing the role of Truly Scrumptious who is a smart, confident, adventurous daughter of Lord Scrumptious who quickly earns the Potts family’s trust. (Caroline recently wowed audiences on stage as Tina in Tina – Simply The Best.)
One of Peoples Theatres favourite performers, Luciano Zuppa will be back again. He will be playing the role of Grandpa who loves Jeremy, Jemima, and Potts with all his heart; the most important thing to Grandpa is his family.
Roberto Queiroz, who was seen in Shrek Jr at the People Theatre as Lord Farquard, will be playing the role of Lord Scrumptious, the all-powerful owner of the candy factory.
Peoples Theatre is excited to have newcomer Matthew Otto play the role of the larger than life, evil Baron and by his side the mischievous and manipulative Baroness played by Joelle Rochecouste who charmed us as Gloria in Madagascar Jr.
Peoples Theatre is happy to have Raymond Skinner back playing the role of Boris, the worst spy ever.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. opens at the Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex with preview performances from Monday, 28th October. The official show opening is on Sunday, 10th November. The season runs until Sunday, 22nd December.
Performance times are Mondays to Friday at 9am and 11am, Saturdays at 10:30am and 2.30pm as well as all Sundays and Public Holidays.
Ticket prices are R140 for general public or R100 for members of the Peoples Theatre kids Club (You can become a member for R120 membership fee – contact Peoples Theatre on 011 403 1563/ 2340 for more information).
To book tickets call Sean or Beth on 011 403 1563 / 2340 or email the theatre at info@peoplestheatre.co.za.
Special school performances are available at R80 per learner plus for every 20 learners there is one complimentary ticket per educator – extra educators R80 each and all other accompanying adults are R100 each.
For more information and to make these bookings, contact the Peoples Theatre directly on 011 403 1563 / 2340.
Starring BEN VOSS
Written by John van de Ruit (SPUD)
Directed by Janice Honeyman
Already that is enough information to get you hooked 🙂
Benny Bushwhacker, aka Ben Voss, continues his successful national tour of his brand-new, one-man-show and will soon be heading to Gauteng to delight Joburg and Pretoria audiences.
Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature will be on stage at TheStudio Theatre at Montecasino from Thursday,3rd – Sunday, 20th October for a strictly limited season.
Joburg audiences loved Ben’s previous shows, including Green Mamba, Black Mamba, Mamba Republic, Bend it Like Beauty and Beauty and the BEE to name but a few. Now they get to see the chance to see this award winning actor, comedian, writer and producer back on stage in his brand new show!
Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature kick-started a fabulous tour when it won two Standard Bank Ovation Awards at the National Arts Festival Makhanda in Grahamstown – the very first staging of the show.
The Republic of South Africa proudly welcomes home Benny Bushwhacker (aka Ben Voss), the world’s funniest conservationist. The legend returns to share what it takes to survive the African bush … and for the African bush to survive.
The genial South African, who recently trended worldwide for banging heads with swashbuckling British survivalist Bear Grylls, is touring South Africa’s theatres and festivals with an hilarious yet sobering look at the collision between man and environment.
For somebody who has spent more time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than a hibernating Arctic wood frog, Benny Bushwhacker brings untainted humanity and delicious humour to his performance that will have you laughing out loud and wondering why, when it comes to the bush, the most uncommon human trait is common sense.
Whether it be his opinion on how to spot a know-it-all in Kruger, or the relative chances of his estranged wife, Brenda, replacing the buffalo in the Big 5, Benny delivers time and again with his unique sense of humour and classic bush logic.
Benny Bushwhacker’s stories and experiences have been translated from bush to page by his unofficial biographer, John van de Ruit, (of Spud fame) and directed from page to stage by the lioness of theatre, Janice Honeyman.
When asked about the project, Director Janice Honeyman said:
“I have worked with Ben before and have always enjoyed it. He’s a good actor, and a thinking actor. His Mamba series impressed me, so I chose to direct his alter ego, Beauty Ramapelepele. Ben then worked with me last year on the Snow White Pantomime as Evil Queen Hildagonda, in which he was fantastic. The opportunity to work with him again as Benny Bushwhacker is great fun. The concerns of the content are very close to my heart and putting it into a less didactic, preachy context feels good for me.”
Writer of the piece, John van de Ruit, expressed his involvement thus;
“Ben and I have been friends and collaborators for over twenty years. In that time, I have had the best seat in the house to witness his talent and versatility as a comedic actor. He has the unique ability to capture reality and extremity, often simultaneously, with hilarious consequences. It does help that he was born with a rubber face, a razor-sharp mind and the body of Frankenstein. This made him the perfect fit for Benny Bushwhacker, a celebrity conservationist with a big heart and little education to speak of.”
While touring South Africa, Benny Bushwhacker is raising awareness and Moola for the Lebombo Leopard – Human Conflict Survey. And while leopards are not known to change their spots, through this initiative, Benny will try to help humans to do so.
Ben Voss states; “I am closely involved with the Lebombo Leopard Human Conflict Survey in Mkuze, Northern Zululand. A big part of this project is to raise money to set cameras to monitor leopard movement in the area after two children were taken by these cats on the reserve boundary. My interest is not so much conserving pristine bush, as conserving the line between humans and nature. These boundaries are critical. As a roving species, Leopard are under constant threat from humans, and communities are under threat from Leopard. So this conflict seemed like a “natural” fit for my show. I care about nature, I care about humans and if the leopard is to survive we are going to have to create more green spaces, and keep communities healthy and happy.
Voss continues; “The theme of the show is even based around saving the leopard and there are donation boxes for the project at every show. Every single cent in those boxes goes towards the initiative. At the moment we are raising on average R1000 a show and I have nearly 100 shows this year. So R100 000 is my target!”
Book your seats soon for this wonderful look at life on the wild side, because, like the rhinos of Africa, you never know if you will get the chance to see it again.
Benny Bushwhacker : Human Nature is on stage at The Studio Theatre @ Montecasino from Thursday 3rd – Sunday 20th October.
Performances are Wednesdays – Fridays at 20h00, Saturdays at 16h00 & 20h00 and Sundays at 15h00.
Ticket prices are R130 – R180 and bookings are through Computicket.
The duration of the show is 65 minutes with no interval.
There’s no Age Restriction (although there’s “No Under 3’s” for the comfort of other patrons) Check out www.benvoss.co.za for general information or to click through on booking links to the various venues around the country. Follow Benny Bushwhacker on Social Media: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/BennyBushwhacker
For those Pretoria residents not able to make the excursion to Jozi, there will also be a one-night-only opportunity for Pretoria audiences to see the show at Atterbury Theatre on Wednesday 13th November at 20h00.
Ticket Prices are R140 – R160. Bookings are via iTickets.
The Largest LEGO®Activation on the Continent created for KidsCon Africa
Reed Exhibitions and ReedPOP officially announce the LARGEST LEGO® event in Africa, to be held at KidsCon 2019 co-located with Comic Con Africa from the 21st to the 24th of September at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
In partnership with KidsCon, the first family friendly and completely kids focused convention in South Africa, LEGO® are expected to WOW visitors with tons of thousands of bricks, bringing every LEGO® fans dream to life.
Families will be immersed into a world of exploration, creativity and imagination by taking part in the LEGO® games, builds and activations at KidsCon over all four days. Get together with Andrea, Emma, Mia, Olivia, Stephanie and the diverse world of LEGO® friends and be transported into a world of your own making.
Can you imagine all the things you’ll be able to create from the pieces found in the gigantic LEGO® pits? You don’t need 40 billion LEGO® bricks to reach the moon, you can build a world of fun and excitement at KidsCon, all you need is a bit of imagination.
Besides being able to find the hottest Marvel, DC, Star Wars and other models on display, you’ll be able to win big by simply participating and having fun with an opportunity to win 1000’s of rand worth of prizes. And if you’re up for a challenge, test your brain with LEGO® Robotics or put your fast fingers up against your friends to see who’s the fastest builder among you.
“KidsCon is going to be a world of wonder for kids and families alike. The addition of the largest LEGO®activation on the African continent, shows that KidsCon means business, but that’s not all, there are many more announcements to come” says Carol Weaving, Managing Director at Reed Exhibitions.
With less than a month to go, make sure you buy your tickets from Computicket so you don’t miss out on any of the excitement or fantastic prizes up for grabs with LEGO® at KidsCon. Book your tickets now for KidsCon Africa 2019 by visiting the Computicket website: https://tickets.computicket.com/event/comic_con_africa_2019/7062267
Experience the stars of tomorrow, on stage today! 4 shows only!
The Teatro @ Montecasino
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th September 2019
BORN TO PERFORM’s SHINE! 2019 is less than a month away, with over 450 talented young artists hard at work in rehearsals, preparing to blow audiences away as they take to The Teatro’s stage at Montecasino from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th September for just 4 shows only.
Be ready to be taken on a roller coaster ride of fun and exhilaration while enjoying the astounding display of young talent in this year’s production of SHINE!.
But Born To Perform is SO much more than “just” an opportunity for audiences to witness the energy and passion of young South African talent as they set the stage alight during the 2-hour show.
It is the culmination of many months (and years) of hard work, dedication of the artists and all those behind the scenes for the Joburg audiences to enjoy the end results of that hard work.
Born To Perform is also a place for young people to find their own journey through the Arts, giving them the opportunity for self-development and personal growth through their love and passion for the various performing arts genres.
Says Creator/Director Gemma Marinus; “My passion in teaching and mentoring is always seeing my students succeed in what they love and finding confidence and growing as future professionals of our industry in doing so.”
She continues; “I am so proud that we have managed to play a small part in assisting these young people reaching their goals. We cannot wait for the audience to see them SHINE! in September and for them to enjoy how they have blossomed!”
Gemma’s producing and creative partner, Bryan Schimmel, states; “SHINE was originally developed as a transformational performing arts experience for over 400 young people ranging from age 8 to 23.
The production delivered on massive entertainment value and had a profoundly emotional effect on the audiences who came to see it, so much so that Montecasino asked us to reproduce it for the Teatro.”
Bryan continues; “Revisting the show has given us a chance to improve an an already powerful product and introduce elements that will take it up yet another level.
We have some of the same young artists from last year and a whole bunch of fresh faces.
Here are just a few highlights of what audiences can enjoy from BORN TO PERFORM’s SHINE! 2019 :
YAHTO KRAFT (18)
Yahto Kraft made a stir for his performance of his original track Ugly in the 2018 SHINE! Show. Since last year’s show, Yahto became a South African TV audience favourite in The Voice SA, reaching the Top 6.
Zinah has been busy non-stop since appearing as the face of Born To Perform and MC of the 2018 SHINE! show. Her debut single Ever Been has been released and rising up the charts, with her music video featured on Trace. She was recently offered an opportunity on EXPRESSO where she took the day being mentored on set to further her presenting aspirations.
John’s performance of his original song Long Road in 2018 SHINE! was the showstopper number of the show. Since last year’s show, he has been been hard at work on his original music and has been gigging around Johannesburg as well as having been invited to perform in Gone Too Soon. John will be releasing his debut single later in September.
Philippa was a crowd favourite in 2018’s SHINE! Show, performing her orginal song Running Away. Since last year’s show, Philippa was selected to perform in the The Abba Tribute Show, also touring around Australia, New Zealand and Canada. She will be releasing Running Away as a single following SHINE!.
With material that includes songs from The Greatest Showman, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, as well as Justin Timberlake, Prince and Mozart, entertainment value will be high.
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Added to this, there will be electrifying performances by The Voice SA WinnerCraig LucasandThe Voice SA FinalistThembeka Mnguni .
The show features a spectrum of musical and choreographic styles that will take the audience on a journey from pop to hip-hop, from ballet to rock ‘n roll to opera.
Exciting additions to this year’s line-up will be 20-year old Xae Memela(who reached Top 7 in Idols Season 14) and introducing upcoming artists Jamie Nell and Micah Stojakovic, both learners at Fourways High School.
The450 young performers on stage will feature performances from Fourways High School, Mondeor High School, Curro Aurora – Sundowner and New Generation Pantsula Dancers from Alexandra.
Returning for another heart wrenching performance will be St Vincents School for the Deaf.
This is nothing short of a celebration! From ages 8 – 80, this is ideal family entertainment like no other!
Says Bryan Schimmel; “Audiences who saw SHINE! last year will be knocked out at the development and growth of the young artists they saw previously. Audiences who missed it last year now have an opportunity to come and experience what all the rage is about.”
SHINE! 2019is on stage for FOUR SHOWS ONLY at The Teatro at Montecasino:
Friday 13 September at 20h00
Saturday 14 September at 15h00 & 20h00
Sunday 15 September at 15h00.
Tickets range from R180 – R320 and can be booked online at www.monteacsino.co.za or through Computicket.
Various Public Group Bookings and Tsogo Sun Rewards Discounts are available through Computicket.
Upon confirmation, Group School Bookings of 20 seats and more will receive the added benefit of a SHINE! Workshop delivered by Born To Perform, at their school.
Born to perform’s SHINE 2019 caters for the deaf community too
A special performance made accessible for the deaf community will be taking place on Saturday 14th September at the 15h00 performance, with an on-stage signer. At this performance, audiences have access to the Opticon system for the hearing impaired. This facility is only available in specific seats within The Teatro, so bookings would need to be made directly with the Teatro Box Office on 011 510 7472.
SHINE! 2019 is produced by Born To Perform NPC, Created & Directed by Gemma Marinus, Bryan Schimmel and Matthew Marinus with Design by Oliver Hauser. With grateful thanks to Montecasino, Howard Audio, Gearhouse Splitbeam, The CoLab Network. Computicket, Kelsey Mastering and Justine Mac Photography.
A FEAST OF TALES FROM THIS YEAR’S MAGICAL STORY BOOK
“Story telling has a magic about it that entrances and enthrals. It has the ability to grab the attention of any audience, young and old. This show is about books and reading.”
One of the most beloved children’s theatres, Peoples Theatre, proudly presents another series of timeless tales, Rumpelstiltskin, The Emperors New Clothesand so many more, in this year’s magical production of Story Book Theatreon stage from Monday, 2nd – Sunday 29th September.
Children will fall in love with their favourite bookshelf classics all over again when they experience the enchanted world of books, which dynamic duo Jill Girard and Keith Smith creatively bring to stage.
“Our aim has always been to share the wonder of books and reading with children. To bring life back to all the most dearly loved stories and give children something memorable to carry with them after the curtain falls,” says Girard.
The Story Book Theatre series has always been extremely popular and in past years has seen sold out performances. In 2019 it’ll be no different. With great fairy tales the likes of Honest Woodcutter, Little Red Riding Hood, Brave Roaster, Tinder Box, The Princess and the Pea and Hansel and Gretel. all taking centre stage, the only thing left is a superb cast to perform them – together with the audience who become an integral and interactive part of the show.
This is exactly what the young audiences will get with the skills of actors like Nonhlanhla Mkhonto, Joelle Rochecouste , Luciano Zuppa, Katlego Nche and introducing Raymond Skinner. All professional performers are highly proficient in musical theatre and have appeared in numerous Peoples Theatre shows previously.
The cast will bring this year’s Story Book Theatre classics alive through the use of engaging narration, music, movement, puppetry and, of course, exciting audience interaction.
“By involving the young audience we can trigger their imaginations and give back to them an unforgettable and magical theatre experience,” Smith says.
And what unforgettable children’s musical theatre production would be complete without contemporary child-friendly music, which is what musical director Dale Scheepers has provided in his kaleidoscope of toe-tapping renditions of popular hit songs.
Providing the colour and breathing vibrant life into the stories is the stunning set design by Grant Knottenbelt and glorious fun costumes by Merry Whillier.
Story Book Theatre is aimed for young audiences, generally between 3 – 10 years, and is one event Johannesburg’s youngsters should not be missing this spring.
“Need a little magic? all you have to do is open a book”
Story Book Theatre runs at Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex from Sunday 8th September – Sunday 29th September (Previews take place from 2nd September).
Performance times are Mondays to Friday at 9am and 11am, Saturdays at 10:30am and 2.30pm as well as all Sundays and Public Holidays.
Ticket prices are R140 for general public or R100 for members of the Peoples Theatre kids Club (You can become a member for R120 membership fee – contact Peoples Theatre on 011 403 1563/ 2340 for more information).
To book tickets call Sean or Beth on 011 403 1563 / 2340 or email the theatre at info@peoplestheatre.co.za.
Special school performances are available at R80 per learner plus for every 20 learners there is one complimentary ticket per educator – extra educators R80 each and all other accompanying adults are R100 each. For more information and to make these bookings, contact the Peoples Theatre directly on 011 403 1563 / 2340.
So I know of some adults folk who look forward to Comic Con but here’s a major bonus for families. Comic Con Africa 2019 welcomes the youngest member of the family to its spectacular four day offering, KidsCon! Get Ready for the most exciting family-friendly, kids-oriented convention! It’s the first, entirely Kid focused convention in Africa. KidsCon is taking the term ‘fun and games’ to the next level by empowering kids to be expressive and embrace their individuality.
KidsCon, 21 – 24 September 2019, Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. Four days of interaction geared to celebrate and inspire all kids to embrace the superhero within but not forgetting those who are older, but still kids at heart. Edutainment seamlessly bring learning, playing and creativity together under one roof.
To make sure that the kids rule the playground, KidsConis designed by Kids for Kids, which is why the KidsCon Board of Little Experts was established. A board of 14 diverse children (ages 5 to 10), the KidsCon experts, shared their insights on various trends and products. Their input was used to create an unforgettable, dynamic and modern experience that’ll have parents itching to join in on the fun.
What to look forward to at KidsCon
Children attending the festival will be stimulated as they engage with different interactive areas. Their creative flair will be sparked by the BIC Artist Corner then their imagination will surely run wild as they create new worlds while immersed in the Play-Doh Creations space. Visitors can also team up and face-off as they show off their blasting skills in the Hasbro Nerf Zone, and experience the Nerf Fornite blaster range, or play it safe by challenging mom to a game of Monopoly or taking a photo with dad at the Nintendo selfie wall and win wonderful prizes.
Visitors are in for a number of treats like meeting some of their favourite characters e.g. Mario Karts’ Mario and Luigi, your favourite My Little Pony and many more. Other activities include building a RC Car with Nintendo Labo, competing at the Transformers Speed Station to see who takes home the prize for transforming a Transformer in the least amount of time and a chance to take a pic with Transformer Bumblebee.
Besides the Mario Kart and Ultimate Dance competitions., there are numerous other giveaways at KidsCon. Families can shop, learn and play to their hearts content while enjoying the ultimate kids experience. Hosting the best fashion, the newest merchandise, a digital universe, and a gaming corner is only the tip of the iceberg. The awe-inspiring exhibitors will keep the whole family on their toes and occupied for hours.
A world of wonder is coming soon. Join the first Kid focused festival from the 21st of September and be a part of the excitement of the first annual KidsCon.
A sizzling tour of Ballroom and Dancing Extravaganza
The world’s most prolific ballroom and dance theatre production, Burn the Floor,returns to South Africa for a much-anticipated tour across the country later this year. The show is set to dazzle local audiences with its spectacular dance moves and sizzlingballroom displays on stage and you shouldn’t miss it for the world!
Burn The Floor is a global production that has revolutionised the image of Ballroom dance across the world, and is set to visit South Africa for the fourth time in August and September this year, in what has been dubbed as Burn The Floor – The Rebel Tour.
With the reputation of being the world’s toughest dance show, the international cast of dance champions are handpicked for their rebellious spirit and pure skill.
Burn The Floor – The Rebel Tour, also known as “The Rebels of Ballroom”, sees an international dancing cast showing off their passionate and sexy dance skills on stage, and it includes South African Latin Champion, Kylee Brown. South Africans will also witness the sweet vocals of sultry songstress, Lelo Ramasimong – who is currently a finalist in local music reality TV show, The Voice SA – throughout the SA tour.
Choreographed and directed by Peta Roby, Burn The Floor – The Rebel Tour, has more surprises in store and promises to blow the roof off the theatre, including music from Rag and Boneman, James Brown ,Aretha Franklin, Santana, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin.
CAPE TOWN – Burn the Floor
Burn The Floor – The Rebel Tour, is brought to South Africa by Dance Partner Productions and kicks off at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town from 8 – 17 August 2019. Tickets for this much-anticipated show can be purchased via Webtickets at either www.webtickets.co.za, and are priced at R180 – R310 each. You may also book tickets directly from the Baxter Theatre via 0861 915 800 or http://www.baxter.co.za.
JOHANNESBURG AND DURBAN – Burn the Floor
Johannesburg and Durban fans are in for a treat too! Burn The Floor – The Rebel Tour, will run from 22 August – 8 September at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg before closing out the Mzansi tour in Durban at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom from 12-29 September.
Tickets for the Johannesburg and Durban legs of the SA tour can be purchased via Computicket at either www.computicket.com or via Checkers and Shoprite retail stores, countrywide, and are priced at R280 –R520 for Johannesburg and R285 each for Durban
Follow Burn The Floor on Instagram at @burnthefloorofficial. On Twitter, you can visit: @officialBTF. For up-to-date info, you can also visit: Facebook page (OfficialBurnTheFloor) as well as the official website: www.burnthefloor.com
MORE ABOUT BURN THE FLOOR
The original concept of Burn The Floorgrew from an electric display of ballroom and Latin dancing at Sir Elton John’s 50th birthday party in London, March 1997. There, producer Harley Medcalf discovered the ballroom dance world and its charismatic people, with their deep intensity, commitment, discipline, burning passion and total love of the ballroom art form.
Initially, Harley’s idea of a new theatrical ballroom production sent shock waves through the ballroom dancing establishment. For decades, ballroom competitions had been performed behind closed doors, as a pastime for the privileged. And well before reality television embraced it with such shows as Dancing with The Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
Burn The Floor opened in England in 1999. A decade later, after visiting thirty countries and over one hundred and sixty cities worldwide, it achieved its long standing dream, to bring Ballroom to Broadway – appearing at the Longacre Theatre in New York, followed by two hugely successful seasons in London’s West.
