Durbanites are in for a musical treat this weekend

Misery Loves Company. Picture: Instagram

Misery Loves Company. Picture: Instagram

Published Jul 5, 2024

Share

Gather your family and friends and head down to the Rhumbelow Theatre Northlands to witness a feast of musical theatre this weekend.

Fleur du Cap nominee and powerhouse bass-playing vocalist, Kerry Hiles is gearing up to perform at the upcoming Northlands Musical Theatre Festival.

Hiles, who has rubbed shoulders with stars such as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder and has acted in the popular SABC3 soap “Isidingo” as Jacqui Kruger, will be joined by virtuoso blues guitarist Rob Thompson and chameleon-esque drummer, Kristo Zondagh.

Together, the East London trio are known as Misery Loves Company.

The trio will combine their talents and professional experience to impress Durbanites with three musical productions.

The shows include “My Story With The Blues”, which will play on Friday, July 12, followed by a full Afrikaans show, “Jou Ma Se Platespeler”, on Saturday, July 13.

Ending off the weekend is “American Sweethearts”, which will play on Sunday, July 14.

Their other productions include the award-winning Wela Kapela Productions’ “The Story Of Eva Cassidy” and “A Star Is Born – the rise and fall of Judy Garland”.

Where: Rhumbelow Theatre Northlands, Northlands Bowling Club.

When: Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14.

Cost: R180 a ticket. Club members pay R160. A festival season pass is available at R480. Tickets can be purchased at Webtickets or by emailing [email protected]. Food picnic baskets are permitted.

Dream On”

Get ready to be whisked away on a spectacular journey through the humorous and heart-warming biblical tale of Joseph. At the same time, join Mary Poppins and a cast of unforgettable characters in an event filled with fantastic family fun and musical magic.

Experience the joy of beloved songs from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat”, “The Prince of Egypt”, “Les Misérables”, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and many more timeless hits that will have you singing and dancing along.

The production is brought to you by the Young Performers Project, in association with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation and The Playhouse Company.

“Dream On” is directed by director and choreographer, Daisy Spencer. The production team includes musical direction by Des Govender, choreography by Simone Mann, set design by Chris Taylor, costume design by Kathy Singery, lighting by Dylan Heath, and sound by Anthony Govender.

Kyran Taylor, a first-year pupil at the International School of Performing Arts, will reprise his role of Joseph.

The rest of the cast represent virtually 50 schools across locations, demographics and languages, representing private, government, independent, rural, online and township schools as well as home-schooled individuals from Warner Beach to uMhlali – and everywhere in-between.

Where: Playhouse Opera Theatre.

When: Currently on until July 14.

Cost: From R150 to R200 at Webtickets.

Upcoming event:

Durban Dance Movement Festival

Celebrate diverse cultures and incredible talents this winter. Picture: Supplied.

Durban dancers are preparing to put on a sizzling performance this winter at the 11th annual Durban Dance Movement Festival.

Theatre-goers can enjoy a range of dance forms including hip hop, amapiano, break dance, contemporary, ballet, Bollywood, and disabled dancing from dance studios, dance crews and groups from all over KwaZulu-Natal.

“I’m so excited that the festival will return to theatre this year and promises to be bigger and better. The dancers are so eager to get back on stage to showcase their talents and skills, and audiences will be in for treat with what we have to offer,” said artistic director Jarryd Watson.

Previous years featured the likes of dance groups Dance Movement, Kwamashu School of Dance, Minette De Klerk Dance Academy, Shiksha Dance Academy and Chelsea Blair dance Academy.

Celebrate diverse cultures and incredible talents this winter. Don’t miss this dazzling celebration of movement and culture.

Where: Playhouse Opera Theatre.

When: July 26 and 27.