Escape to Artscape for best of theatrical fun
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
ONE of the most artistically challenging ice shows ever created, Cinderella on Ice started at the Artscape yesterday.
A dramatic new interpretation of the classic tale, it’s conceived and choreographed by Tony Mercer, the award-winning ice director, along with three top ice coaches – Evgeny Platov, dual Olympic gold medallist, and fourtime World Champion, and the 2006 and 2007 ice dancing World Champions Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski.
The acclaimed Imperial Ice Stars specialise in theatrical ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre.
They are renowned for their daring acts on the ice and in this story-telling of Cinderella on Ice, their third production, they continue to break new ground in the genre of ice dancing.
Expect some stunning skating feats, often only seen in Olympic arenas and also some never attempted before, performed within the confines of a frozen theatre stage. You’ll see, according to organisers, breathtaking high speed throws and incredible lifts and lift sequences.
On the specially-created stage is frozen at -15ºC, stunning special effects will include fire and rain, flying, magnificent projected scenery depicting a Siberian town square and a black and silver art deco theatre, and glorious costumes from Albina Gabueva, head designer at Moscow’s famed Stanislavsky Theatre.
Starting on February 8, Cape Town Opera, in association with Artscape, presents Tsotsi The Musical, a gripping story full of suspense, drama, harshness and introspection of a hardened South African gang leader.
In 2015, Cape Town Opera was awarded the rights to produce Tsotsi The Musical, a kwaito-music stage production based on Athol Fugard’s novel about a South African gangster’s life, which gained global renown following the award-winning 2005 film adaptation.
This production presents a gritty and moving portrait of a young man named David, who after a life of gangsterism, is forced into a new role of responsibility that leads to both his redemption and subsequent demise.
Music is composed and directed by multi-award winning singer, songwriter, producer and composer, Zwai Bala; book and lyrics by Mkhululi Mabija and directed by Neil Coppen and Khayelihle Dominique Gumede while choreography is provided by Standard Bank Young Artist, Sonia Radebe.
Hip-hop artist Mxolisi “Zuluboy” Majozi stars at Tsotsi, with a supporting cast including Msizi Njapha, Busisiwe Ngejane, Bianca Le Grange, Kgomotso Matsunyane, Katlego Letsholonyana, Thembisile Ntaka, Royston Stoffels and Lindani Nkosi.
If you’re a fan of Snoopy, don’t miss Snoopy!!! The Musical , starting on February 9.
The tuneful and charming the musical sequel to You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown is based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, and the show is said to sparkle with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz’s characters.
Musical numbers include Just One Person, Poor Sweet Baby, Don’t Be Anything Less (Than Everything You Can Be), Edgar Allen Poe and Daisy Hill.
The London version of Snoopy!!! includes the songs from the original version, plus Hurry Up, Face, Mother’s Day, Dime A Dozen, and When Do The Good Things Start?
Expect nothing less than spectacular with West Side Story on March 7, the Fugard Theatre’s smash hit musical, which returns to the Artscape Opera House following previous sold out seasons.
This Eric Abraham and Fugard Theatre production is presented by the creatives who brought you the run-away Fugard Theatre smash hits like The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret and Funny Girl, seen at The Fugard last year, mid-year.
The award-winning musical – based on the conception of Jerome Robbins with the book by Arthur Laurents, with music by Leonard Bernstein and fabulous lyrics by Stephen Sondheim – will feature a full orchestra.
Come and enjoy arguably the most famous, legendary musical hits of all time which include The Jet Song, Maria, America, I Feel Pretty and Tonight as the creative team and local cast breathe new life into this highly acclaimed show.
Finally, pop-opera sensation, Selim Kagee returns to the Artscape stage from March 23 with his new show, Love Story.
Kagee is well-known for his suave, romantic style and brand of music and audiences can expect to hear re-imagined renditions of some of the world’s most beautiful love songs.
They will be arranged by award-winning music producer Camillo Lombard with musical direction by Trevor Fischer. Be enthralled by evergreen classics made famous by artists such as Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck and Perry Como, brought to life by Selim and his 18-piece orchestra.
Visit www.artscape.co.za or book through Computicket or call 021 410 9800 or email artscape@ artscape.co.za for more information.