A show with f low
RORY Booth, a Durban actor and musician, performs as one of the lead singers in Nite Fever that celebrates the music of the ’70s.
The revue production started running at the Barnyard Theatre at Suncoast Casino last month and it has performed to packed audiences since. Its season will wrap up in May.
Booth is one of the lead singers alongside Kerry Cherry, Savannah de Beer, Themba January and Kyle Matthews. He believes one of the reasons for the show’s success is that Nite Fever
is the ultimate throwback to some of the greatest songs of the ’70s.
“The show pays tribute to some of the greatest disco, funk, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, soul music and punk rock that the ’70s is critically acclaimed for.
“Nite Fever is backed by a powerhouse five-piece band and audiences can look forward to a celebration of the music that is so relevant today. I know you have to book a seat to see us, but you won’t need your seat because you’ll be dancing all through the night,” he joked.
Booth said being cast in a show like this was a walk down memory lane for him.
“I’m really grateful that my parents’ love for music always filled the house. The music of the ’70s is a prominent era in their lives. My dad is the biggest Bee Gees fan and he always sang to us or played their music in the house. The Bee Gees hits that turned the John Travolta cult classic Saturday Night Fever
into an overnight success, are one of the main highlights of the show. The show is called Nite Fever after all.
“We watched the musical Grease
while growing up, and it’s one of the musicals that inspired me to pursue a career in musical theatre.
“The show has been brilliantly curated to include the most loved songs of the leading genres of the time. There are some theatrics that form part of the production – especially in the Grease
musical segment. I get to play Danny Zuko, one of my dream musical theatre roles, where I sing You’re the one that I want.
“I also love singing John Paul Young’s Love is in the air. This song hits different when you’re the one performing it. Hitting the high notes of Earth, Wind and Fire and the Bee Gees is exciting and keeps my vocal chords on their feet.”
There’s a total of 10 cast members in Nite Fever, which was written and directed by Duck Chowles.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with such consummate professionals. The turnaround time between Barnyard productions is short and the amount of songs, choreography, harmonies, placing and costume changes that need to be mastered in that short time frame is an impressive feat. I have great respect for my fellow cast members, who are able to pull this off effortlessly.
“The Barnyard stage is a space that allows you to bring your own magic to the party. You have the freedom to explore and bring out your individual performance techniques that compliment each other and enhance the show.
“I love Barnyard audiences. They are all about the music and they are there to have a good time with you. They really ignite the magic within us. Performing at the Barnyard also gives us performers, singers and actors a platform where we can hone in on our performance skills, grow and ultimately be the best at what we do.”
With the live entertainment scene largely picking up since the beginning of the year, after almost two years of having to shut down due to the Covid19 pandemic, Booth said he felt alive again being back on stage.
“My roots are growing stronger and digging deeper into the ground. I’m able to stand tall and the flowers are blooming again. I’m grateful that we are able to work again and do what we were born to do. There’s nothing like live entertainment and even though many of us thought out of the box during the pandemic, we are overwhelmed and ever so happy to be back performing to live audiences.
“It is important that the public supports the arts and I must thank Durban audiences because the support has been great so far. As some of you would be able to relate, the pandemic has led to many artists finding alternate employment to survive. I can’t stress this more – please support us. All venues honour strict Covid-19 rules and policies as per government instruction. We can’t wait to entertain you.”
Off stage, Booth is working on a single and an EP.
“I hope for the single to release this year. On the collaboration front, I’m excited to announce a long overdue collaboration with Durban’s most definitive diva, Kerry Cherry. There are a few stage productions still being confirmed, but Empatheatre’s Lalela Ulwandle will make a long-awaited return and go on tour around South Africa.
“I’m not allowed to talk about the films I’m working on yet, but I can tell you that I’m currently working on a documentary about women currently living with cancer. We are in the research phases and would like to chat to females over the age 18 in KwaZulu-Natal. Anyone interested in participating can message me on Facebook or Instagram (@ Rory Booth),” said Booth.