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10th, 11th and 12th of December 2019

The Sun Arena at Times Square in Pretoria

Disney’s The Lion King LIVE in Concert

I’m sure that by now you have seen the ads on TV about the Disney’s The Lion King LIVE In Concert with The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Last night, I was invited to the rehearsal show. Man alive, what an experience! The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra has just taken the Lion King up a few levels! It’s definitely an experience not to be missed. Also, did I mention that it’s family-friendly 🙂

In The Lion King LIVE In Concert, the all-new Disney film that was released a few months ago, will come to life on an epic scale as it’s screened and accompanied LIVE by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Disney and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra brings you even more magic in a perfectly synchronised live orchestral performance.

Credit: Celeste van der Berg Photography

This unique family entertainment experience combines the screening of Disney’s The Lion King directed by Jon Favreau with the epic live orchestral performance of Oscar® and GRAMMY®-winning composer Hans Zimmer’s original motion picture soundtrack that also features South African legend Lebo M.

Disney’s 2019 release of The Lion King features the voices of artists such as South African Dr John Kani, as well as James Earl-Jones, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, and Beyoncé bringing the unforgettable host of characters to life.

“Now begins another tale told about my continent, about my country, about my people and about my heritage. These animals are mine. That’s what the great generations of my ancestors left to me to inherit and when that story is told I feel SO proud that the world is listening to Africa,” says Dr John Kani. “It warms my heart knowing that it’s now being taken to even greater heights as an all new live orchestral experience – I cannot wait for local audiences to experience The Lion King in this way,” he added.

The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way.

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, which has always provided the best of local and international soloists and conductors will add harmony to the new film. The Orchestra epitomises the highest standards and world class skills in performing arts.

Credit: Celeste van der Berg Photography

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) was formed in May 2000 by a group of committed and resilient musicians following the demise of the National Symphony Orchestra. It has continued to consistently perform regular series of Symphony Seasons, attracting the best international and local soloists and conductors, as well as being the orchestra of choice for State functions in Gauteng.

The film is presented, on a 13mx7m projection screen, its full duration of 118 minutes and accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra throughout. Computicket is the official ticketing partner.

Are you going to see the Lion King LIVE in concert with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra?

10, 11 & 12 December 2019 at The Sun Arena, Times Square Pretoria.

Here’s an opportunity to add an unforgettable experience to your family festivities this month.

Spirited Mama

** Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the rehearsal. Thank you Just A Mamma for graciously sharing Celeste van der Berg Photography’s beautiful pictures with me.

Chalmer Beef celebrates Golden jubilee and raises funds for Little Eden Society

By spiritedmama1

On December 6, 2019

In Food, News

Chalmar Beef celebrated their golden jubilee whilst raising funds for the Little Eden Society

A few weeks ago I was invited to a Beef Auction. My initial reaction was “what would I possibly do there”? I’m delighted that I said “yes” because not only was it fun and interactive BUT the food! OMG, the food was AMAZING! I am not a big meat eater BUT I do love a piece of good meat, every now and then.

Chalmar Beef recently celebrated their 50^th anniversary. While this milestone was a worthwhile celebration, how they chose to commemorate their special day was even more astounding; raising funds through a meat auction with some of the proceeds for Little Eden Society which cares for 300 residents living with intellectual and physical disabilities.

“The auction was a wonderful success. A portion of the funds raised will go towards supporting the daily costs associated with running Little Eden. We are very much entrenched in our community and honouring our legacy while taking care of those in need is part of our value system,” explains Chalmar Beef CEO, Willem Wethmar.

Chalmar had a variety guests attend their golden jubilee, with their customers, suppliers and members of the media making up most of the turnout.

“People who love to eat are always the best people.~Julia Child”

My friend, Chanene, from Tonic and Tiaras

Find yourself a friend who will share their BEEF with you 🙂

“Our customers are our greatest stakeholders. Having them celebrate with us was very important and we hope to continue enjoying the working relationship we have with them,” continues Wethmar.

Also, I got to hang with the MC, “Lallie” aka Thabiso Khambule. And yes, I did ask him to “laugh” like he does on Jacaranda FM.

The Chalmar Beef farm and abattoir operation includes over 300 dedicated and passionate people, it has a farm feedlot capacity of 20 000 cattle and a further 19 000 cattle on pasture. The farm also produces maize silage on 1 000ha of high potential soil. The grain feeding of the cattle at Chalmar Beef is an exact science which requires dedication and hard work. Their operation runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“There is one constant which has not changed and will not change for Chalmar Beef and that is the focus on producing consistently tender and juicy beef. As we don’t buy market-ready cattle from other feedlot producers, we have complete control over the production process from the feedlot into the abattoir,” Wethmar explains.

The farm is still owned and managed by the Wethmar family who started the business 50 years ago. They continue to be proudly involved in the day to day running of Chalmar.

“We would like to thank the many people who came out to support us and the worthy cause we are advocating for. We would also like to extend our gratitude to those that have played, and are continuing to play, a positive role in setting the culture of our work ethic and core values. We look forward to a future of innovation, growth and mutual success as Chalmar Beef celebrates another 50 years,” Wethmar concludes.

Beef with a cause! Well done Chalmer Beef. Here’s to another 50 years.

Spirited Mama

P.S. Did you know that you can order your meat online and it will be delivered to you 🙂 You can thank me later.

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FRY’s 100% plant-based and vegan friendly pizza & artisinal sausages launched in South Africa.

By spiritedmama1

On November 20, 2019

In Food, Lifestyle, Wellness

100% plant-based and vegan friendly pizza launched in South Africa.

The Fry Family Food Co. leaders in the plant-based food category, have just launched their new artisan, stone-baked vegan pizzas. These are the first pizzas produced by the brand and are 100% plant-based.

“Pizza is a new journey for us and we are very proud of this new range,” says Tammy Fry, International Marketing Manager of The Fry Family Food Co., “These pizzas are proof that there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between taste and healthy plant-based foods.”

With a Recommended Retail Price of R89.99, the range includes two delicious varieties. The Smoky BBQ style pizza is perfect for entertaining friends on a ‘Fryday’ night. It’s topped with Fry’s marinated Chicken-Style Strips, roasted red onion and grilled peppers. The Mediterranean pizza offers an authentic taste of Italy and is made with sliced cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, black olives and Fry’s Chicken-Style Strips rubbed with Italian herbs. Both varieties are non-GM and dairy free.

Explains Tammy, “Our pizzas are crafted in Italy and the sourdough base is hand stretched and leavened for 24 hours, then wood fired to create an unforgettable taste experience. They are also a wonderfully convenient way for people to bring more plant-based eating into their daily lives – they are delicious and so easy to prepare.”

Artisinal sausages!

Aside from the new pizzas, the company also launched a new range of artisanal sausages. There are two delicious flavours in the new range – the Wood Smoked Breakfast Bangers (smoked to perfection and seasoned with Fry’s secret spice blend) and the Artisan Mediterranean Sausages (seasoned with sweet rosemary, garlic and green olives).

“The quintessential Fry’s sausage has always been a corner stone of our product range, and was one of the first products that Wally Fry made in our kitchen all those years ago. We have gently expanded the range over the years, but these two new artisanal flavours are going to take our sausage offering to the next level. The flavours took a while to perfect as we were looking for something very specific, but our innovation team have nailed it and the Wood Smoked Breakfast Bangers and Artisan Mediterranean Sausages are truly delicious,” says Tammy.

Adds Tammy, “There are loads of brand-new versatile and yummy sausage recipes on our website that we created especially for the new additions. Now there is no reason to feel deprived when you swap your meat sausage for a much healthier plant-based one. All the recipes are available in our new sausage cookbook ‘Fry’s with a bang’ which you can download here for free.”

The recommended retail price for the new sausages is R37.99.

The Fry Family Food Co. are online at:

https://www.fryfamilyfood.com/za/

https://www.instagram.com/frysfamily/

https://www.facebook.com/TheFryFamilyFoodCo/

Have you tried the NEW Fry’s Pizza and artisinal sausages yet?

Those pizzas! Yummm!!! A firm favourite all round in the Spirited Household is the Wood Smoked Mediterranean Sausages!

Spirited Mama

**Disclaimer: We were gifted these products without any expectations.

Michael Jackson Tribute, HIStory: King of Pop featuring Dantanio coming to Johannesburg this December!

By spiritedmama1

On November 14, 2019

In Entertainment, Music, News

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.

What are your favourite Michael Jackson songs?

Spirited Mama

International singing SuperStar, Belinda Davids, releases her first ever Christmas Album this November!

By spiritedmama1

On November 8, 2019

In Entertainment, Music, News

Belinda Davids – I Love Christmas

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 🙂

What’s you favourite Christmas album?

Spirited Mama

Benny Bushwhacker: Human Nature heads to PRETORIA for one night only!

By spiritedmama1

On October 31, 2019

In Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

Starrring BEN VOSS

Written by John van de Ruit (SPUD)

Directed by Janice Honeyman

Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Wednesday 13 November 2019

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.

Ticket prices are R140 – R160

Bookings are via iTickets by calling 086 1000 291 or online at https://itickets.co.za/events/427342

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.

National Tour Dates of Benny Bushwhacker still coming up:

Hexagon Theatre, Pietermaritzburg, 4 – 9 November

Atterbury Theatre, Pretoria, 13 November

Somerset West Playhouse, 15 – 16 November

Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, 10 December – 18 January 2020

Pretoria, are you ready for Benny Bushwhacker?

Spirited Mama

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. comes alive at the Peoples Theatre

By spiritedmama1

On October 15, 2019

In Entertainment, Press News

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, 28^th October – Sunday 22^nd 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 Bang is 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, 28^th October. The official show opening is on Sunday, 10^th November. The season runs until Sunday, 22^nd 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.

For more information visit www.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.

Spirited Mama

Go on a “DATE” with your kid(s) at Bounce Play Dates

By spiritedmama1

On September 16, 2019

In Kids, Wellness

BOUNCE is an indoor trampoline park that promotes fun and adventure in a healthy, safe environment. The BOUNCE team is committed to inspiring movement, creative expression and human connection where children of all ages can come and BOUNCE and have fun. Each BOUNCE trampoline venue is an adrenaline playground comprising around 3000 square meters of interconnected indoor trampolines, adventure features, padding and airbags.

What is Bounce Play Dates?

Unlimited jump time for Junior Jumpers (children under 125cm in height) anytime between 9am-12pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays, during the public-school terms. Children will have access to trampolines as well as a brand-new, fully equipped soft play area designed to engage all the senses.

Play Dates is for ‘walking age’ kids developing early stage movement skills in balance, coordination and agility. Play Date participants are preschoolers who are learning the fundamentals of physical, social and emotional skills, on the way to becoming the freestylers of tomorrow. BOUNCE is a safe and multi-sensory environment for kids to harness balance, coordination, strength and agility in a way that focuses on fun, creativity and self-expression.

Bounce Play Dates and busy schedules

I feel like I’m BUSY all the time. I have to find creative ways to ensure that my kids get the very much needed physical exercise/outlets for their energy. Why do kids have SO much energy? Imagine all the things I could do if I had just a quarter of THAT energy. Bounce Play Dates is the perfect solution as Noah can jump freely without me having to worry about older kids around him.

Daily movement is important for all areas of development including fine motor and gross motor skill development; social and emotional development and even speech and language development.

Children and exercise
• An active child will also develop good muscle tone which helps them to sit upright at the table or on the carpets without slouching or moving around. “If a child tires easily because their muscles can’t keep them up against gravity this will have an impact on their concentration and fine motor skills,” says Tarryn Rutenburg, Occupational therapist and co-owner of Talk Sense Early Intervention Therapy Centre in Bryanston.

• “Eye-hand coordination such as throwing and catching objects or kicking a ball is
important for copying from the board and reading and writing. Coordination between the two sides of the body, such as when you BOUNCE on a trampoline, also improves communication between the two sides of the brain which is essential for learning to read,” she adds.

BOUNCE is a safe and multi-sensory environment for kids to harness balance, coordination, strength and agility in a way that focuses on fun, creativity and self-expression.

BOUNCE encourages parents and caregivers to jump too, because jumping on a trampoline has the same physical benefits for adults, and it’s one of the only muscle strengthening and cardio-based activities in one.
This means that parents can get in a good workout too! Also, bouncing together encourages bonding and good old’ fashioned quality time between parents and their kids. It’s so much fun, you can’t help but smile when you BOUNCE!

The benefits of visiting BOUNCE:

• It encourages a sense of belonging
• It helps children build confidence by challenging themselves
• They learn valuable skills and body awareness which comes in handy at school and
with other sports
• It boosts fitness levels in a fun, non-threatening way
• It helps to develop fundamental movement skills
• It offers the freedom to have fun and play!
• It helps children feel happy- exercise offers a natural endorphin high
• It helps to build neural pathways and help children think.
BOUNCE is proud to introduce Bounce Play Dates for little ones!

Bounce Play Date: the cost:
R145 per ticket with the parent/guardian able to jump too. this also allows a flexible check-in time where you don’t have to book on the hour. The ticket does exclude official BOUNCE grip socks which you can purchase at check-in for R30.00

Venue: Bounce Waterfall Lifestyle Centre only
Booking details: Book your spot online at www.bounceinc.co.za or call 011 517 2500 for more information.

Go on a Bounce Play date with your kid(s)!

Spirited Mama

Benny Bushwacker: Human Nature on stage at Monte Casino

By spiritedmama1

On September 10, 2019

In Entertainment, Lifestyle

BENNY BUSHWHACKER: Human Nature

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 The Studio Theatre at Montecasino from Thursday, 3^rd – Sunday, 20^th 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.

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.

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 3^rd – Sunday 20^th 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 13^th November at 20h00.

Ticket Prices are R140 – R160. Bookings are via iTickets.

Spirited Mama

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve says NO to cub petting!

By spiritedmama1

On September 9, 2019

In Animals, Environment, Family

The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve says NO to cub petting!

September 9^th 2019 – The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind will no longer be offering cub petting to the public, with immediate effect.

For 30 years, the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve has shared its love of wildlife with South Africans and visitors from across the world. But times have changed. Under the new ownership of the Bothongo Group the reserve is refocusing its efforts on animal welfare.

“As new owners, we have acknowledged that what was acceptable in 1990 when the reserve first opened to the public, may no longer be acceptable in 2019,” says Jessica Khupe, Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve Brand Manager. “Human beings have always wanted to get up close and personal with wild animals,” says Khupe. “Understandable as this is, studies have shown that it is not good for animal welfare.

Recent campaigns have highlighted the global problem of cub petting and unscrupulous operators both locally and abroad. Simply put, it is not necessary to touch an animal to connect with the importance of wildlife conservation. We’d also like to make it very clear that we are utterly opposed to the abhorrent canned hunting and lion bone trade.”

Recently appointed Chief Operations Officer of the reserve, Mike Fynn, explains: “Breeding and rearing animals for the purpose of cub petting and interaction is not only undesirable from an animal welfare perspective, it’s also not a sustainable business model. From now on, we will focus on educating the public about wildlife and the importance of conservation. This is why, with immediate effect, we choose to put a stop to cub petting at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and sincerely hope that other facilities responsibly follow suit.”

Over the past few months, while under new stewardship, the reserve has initiated a three-year plan to upgrade all of its public facilities, habitats and wildlife enclosures, which will be remodeled around the welfare and well being of its animals. Many of them are species that are endangered thanks to human activity and habitat loss.

According to Fynn the reserve team will dedicate themselves to a new internal mantra of being a ‘nurture reserve’.

In addition, he says they will commit to the following:

We will strive to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse and contented animal collection, and we will work with local and international institutions and bodies ensuring that we play our part in managing the long-term survival of endangered and threatened species.
We pledge not to sell or exchange any of our animal family, especially our lions, unless it’s to a reputable accredited facility and/or licensed wildlife institution.
We will breed animals only if this serves a conservation purpose.

“To those of our visitors who are disappointed that they can no longer cuddle a lion cub at our reserve: this is the right thing to do,” says Khupe. “As animal lovers, we understand how charismatic African wildlife is. But the truth is that our love for our animals may inadvertently harm them, even though we don’t mean to.”

She adds that she’s excited about this new journey: “We take the opportunity to re-welcome the greater public, wildlife stakeholders, tour operators and travel agents to actively support our reserve as it evolves into a BIG, must-see destination, that provides an authentic and informative wild animal experience for generations to come. Our wildlife family now has a voice again.”

https://www.rhinolion.co.za/

We’ve been to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve on a few occasions AND we whole heartedly agree that cub petting IS.NOT.NECESSARY!

My boys, currently 9 years and 2 years, don’t understand why we won’t let them pet the cubs like the other grownups and kids do. BUT I hope that someday they will understand their parents’ MO behind saying NO to cub petting and interaction.

How do YOU feel about cub petting and interaction?

Spirited Mama

Spirited Mama

Living a SPIRITED life filled with wanderlust, emotions and everything in between