Top-class lineup for Playhouse to raise funds
FACE LIFT Giving the Alexander Playhouse a brush-up
THE Alexander Playhouse theatre is in need of a facelift – but fear not, the people’s little blue theatre has no plans of changing its brightlycoloured walls.
The playhouse, which has been around for decades, is launching a series of events this year in an effort to raise funds.
Speaking to the Dispatch, Dramsoc committee member and fundraiser organiser Jo Stemmet said the renovations would enhance the theatre’s look and feel, but still retain the warm space cherished by the community.
“We’ve got a busy year ahead of us, and we are hoping to have raised enough funds at the end of it to make significant improvements to our facilities, one small step at a time,” Stemmet said.
“The old lady [theatre] has been around for some time now, and since this is a community theatre, the best we can do is to make the theatre-going experience pleasurable for the audience and performers who showcase on this stage.”
Stemmet said the first event for the year was a rerun of the Spectacular Spectacular fundraiser show, which first took place over three nights in December. It will be staged this Friday and Saturday evening.
“The show will consist of some of our best previous hits.
“We’ve got well-known local and international acts performing on the two evenings for a great mixture of dance, musical numbers and drama, as well as some comedy, for a full-theatre experience for the audience.”
She invited theatre-lovers to bring their picnic baskets for the cabaret evenings, and enjoy a few hours of “spectacular escape”.
“We appeal to the public to support local theatre – without you, there’s no way we can keep doing what we do here. Community theatre is also a platform for performers to grow,” Stemmet said.
“We’ve got top-class entertainment lined up for this year.
“This theatre has an intimacy and character that isn’t found anywhere else. What keeps everyone coming back, performers and audience alike, is that the place grows on you and becomes like home.
“We hope to keep it open for many more memories.” Tickets for the Spectacular Spectacular are available from Lee Gold Music at R80 per person, and will be sold at the door.—