Search for SA’s Tony Manero
Producer is holding auditions on Monday
THE ICONIC musical Saturday Night Fever is getting a new look and upgrade for its run at the Pretoria State Theatre, and the executive producer wants to know if you have the moves to play Tony Manero.
If you think you’re South Africa’s John Travolta, Bernard Jay wants you to come to the auditions, which will be held from Monday.
“Saturday Night Fever has been described as ‘the quintessential disco musical’ in the past but I think it’s time to take a new look at it from a distance. There are iconic moments – created in the 1970s by the Bee Gees’ music and John Travolta in the movie – that must remain,” said Jay.
“But then we’re looking forward to splashing out with our own look at the Saturday nightlife in an energy-defining era.”
Saturday Night Fever, which will be staged in Sep- tember and October and will be a new, original production with a completely South African creative team and cast, all of whom “will need to be able to sing as well as recreate the iconic dance moves of the disco era”.
“We had to make a decision as to whether the songs were furthering the plot, just a performance piece, or commenting on the characters’ lives. Ultimately, the songs needed to further the plot or be sounds of the club,” Jay said.
“The songs need to carry the emotional journey, or else it’s not a musical. The biggest challenge right now is to discover a new, youthful, highly charismatic South African actor/singer/ dancer who will have the opportunity to become a dazzling theatre star by playing the demanding role of Tony Manero.”
The musical will be directed by award-winning Greg Homann, with choreography by the multi-talented Weslee Swain Lauder and musical direction by Naledi Award winner Rowan Bakker.
The screenplay has also had a makeover.
“We went back to the screenplay and edited it down,” said Sean Cercone, one of the writers who, along with David Abbinanti, is credited with the updated version of the show, which recently tried out in the US.
Those keen to audition can email their details to auditions@bernardjay.co.za