SISTER ACT comes to Jozi

Bernard Jay, Executive Producer for Joburg Theatre of Sister Act - the biggest musical in Joburg this year - is proud to announce the stellar South African cast of the country’s première production of the feel-amazing musical comedy.

 

Sister Act will open on the stage of The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on July 10th and runs until August 16th 2015.

 

Leading the cast will be Candida Mosoma as disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the top grossing 1992 movie comedy of the same name.

 

“The role of Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act is – arguably – the flashiest and most challenging written for a black female in recent musical theatre history,” says Bernard Jay.  “It’s a star role for a star personality with star attitude.  When Candida Mosoma walked into the audition room and started being Deloris from the first moment, we all knew we had found our star.”

Upon hearing the news of her lead casting, Mosoma excitingly stated; “It’s a little daunting stepping into Whoopi Goldberg’s shoes, but what an opportunity! I intend to grab it with both hands and can’t wait to make the role my own.”

 

This brand new ‘non-replica’ production of the musical Sister Act will be directed by Janice Honeyman, with musical direction by Rowan Bakker, choreography by Nicol Sheraton, production design by Declan Randall, costume design by Sarah Roberts and sound design by Trevor Peters. 

 

Joining Candida Mosoma, South African stage star Kate Normington will play Mother Superior (legendarily portrayed by Maggie Smith in the movie) and Keith Smith will play the pivotal role of Monsignor O’Hara.

 

Also cast are (in alphabetical order) Bjorn Blignaut, Caroline Borole, Vanessa Brierley, Caitlin Clerk, Anne-Marie Clulow, Elizca Coetzer, Judy Ditchfield, Toni Jean Erasmus, Trudy Fredericks, Germandt Geldenhuys, Zane Gillion, Clive Gilson, Themba January, Dolly Louw, Mervin Marvey, Noni Mkhonto, Phumi Mncayi, Dean Roberts, Brenda Sakellarides, Andrea Shine, Shelly Simon, Nqobile Sipamla, Lebo Toko, Carmen Tromp, L J Urbani, Natasha Van Der Merwe and Zano.

 

Sister Act in Joburg will be a creative collaboration and celebration of South African talent. Multi-award-winning South African director and writer Janice Honeyman is on board to direct.  “No-one in South Africa has proven herself to be in finer creative control of ‘non-replica’ mega-musical productions than Janice.  No-one knows the magic possibilities of The Mandela stage like Janice,” says Bernard Jay.  “I’m just so thrilled that she loves the show too and said yes!”

 

Bernard Jay produces Sister Act for Joburg Theatre, with Simon James and Claire Pacariz as associate producers.  Timothy Le Roux will serve as resident director.

 

The wittilly infectious musical is written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane, lyrics by Glenn Slater and music by Oscar and Tony winning composer Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, etc).

 

The stage production premièred at the Pasadena Playhouse in California in 2006 and was produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment in London in 2009 - then on Broadway in 2011.  The musical was nominated for four Olivier Awards in London, including Best New Musical, and five Tony Awards in New York, including Best Musical.

 

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent!  Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior.  Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover.  Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

 

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act leaves audiences breathless.  A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to rejoice!

 

The New York Times said of Sister Act: “When the wimples start quivering, the pinched mouths break into sunbeam smiles, and the nuns start rocking to raise the Gothic rafters, all’s right in the kingdom of musical comedy.”

 

The UK Telegraph said: “The cheers and standing ovation at the end were both genuine and deserved.  The book is strong, funny and touching.  The disco-inspired score by Disney favourite Alan Menken is a cracker.  Frankly, what’s not to like, especially when you’ve got a chorus line of jiving nuns singing their hearts out ecstatically?”

 

Sister Act is brought to South Africa by the City of Joburg in association with MNet and is on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from July 10th to August 16th.

 

The show will run from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. 

 

Tickets range from R200 – R350 and are exclusively available from www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670. 

Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6853/6815.

MORE TOP LOCAL ACTS CONFIRMED FOR MAIN STAGE AT ROCKING THE DAISIES 2015

Five of South Africa’s biggest artists have been added to the already stellar line-up for the Main Stage at the 10th annual Rocking the Daisies Festival this year! Jack Parow, aKING, Al Bairre, Majozi and Bed on Bricks will be joining Fokofpolisiekar and Bongeziwe Mabandla to compliment the international acts that so far include The Kooks, Milky Chance and The Cat Empire - with more acts to be announced soon.

Seed Experiences are delighted to introduce our very own Seed Experiences App for both iOS and Android users. As an exclusive launch special – Seed Experiences are offering Phase Three Rocking the Daisies tickets for R850*, if purchased directly through the Seed Experiences app only! Search for 'Seed Experiences’ in your app store, download the app, and get priority and exclusive access to artists releases, event updates, ticket and merchandise specials, competitions, meet and greets and much more!

Download the app here:

iOS: http://bit.ly/SeedExpAppiOS

Android: http://bit.ly/SeedExpAppAndroid

*App deal ends 3 July or while stocks last.

Otherwise ‪#‎RTD2015 Phase Three tickets are on sale from today for R950 at www.seedtickets.co.za

Huawei Culture Club presents The Rocking the Daisies’ Electronic Dome, the second-largest stage at Rocking the Daisies that will host some of the festival’s biggest local and international artists. PHFAT, the massively popular SA rap duo and the first of many incredible artists to be announced, has risen in popularity and demand for their energetic and engaging live performance continues to grow. Rocking the Daisies and Huawei Culture Club will be announcing more electronic acts very soon so stay tuned!

Campers who are interested in buying tickets for a more exclusive camping experience, can still get the Daisies Plus tickets at R1800 (excl. booking fee) or upgrade their normal festival tickets at http://nue.so/e5emy5.

Walking the Daisies and Cycling the Daisies submissions will be opening next week. Keep up to date with all announcements and news by visiting our website www.rockingthedaisies.co.za or follow us on Facebook.

Facebook:           /rockingthedaisiesfestival

Twitter:                @RockingtheDaisy

Instagram:          /rockingthedaisies

YouTube:             /RockingTheDaisiesTV

#RTD2015

#DECADEOFDAISIES

All ticket phases are valid for the full festival experience from 1 – 4 October 2015 at the epic Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. *Prices exclude booking fees, which include charges for the IT services, credit card/ bank related charges, fraud prevention, security control and other administrative fees related to the advanced festival ticketing management system. This only applies to online sales and does not apply to the cash sale tickets. Get your festival tickets today at www.seedtickets.co.za

For any ticketing queries and support please contact tickets@weareseed.co.za.

Cazz returns Stronger

Stronger follows the release of Cazz’s debut single Tipsy which launched her as an incredible new female talent in the SA music scene. Just like Tipsy, the new single Stronger was also co-written, produced and recorded by 2015 SAMA-nominee, Howie Combrink at his studio The Hit Lab.
 
Listening to the lyrics, Stronger celebrates a power that’s in all of us. “Stronger is about letting go of what others tell you to be and how to live your life, as well as what they think of you. It’s about moving forward from that and becoming a stronger person, a person who stands for what they believe in and lives their life to the fullest regardless of what others say. It’s about being free,” explains Cazz.
 
Here’s the SoundCloud link to listen to Stronger: www.soundcloud.com/cazzofficial/stronger
 
Stronger is also available for download on SA iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/stronger/id1002861795?i=1002861800
 
When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Cazz responds by saying “I was inspired by the current movement for women's empowerment, so this is essentially my girl power song!”
 
Cazz is not looking to be compared to anyone. Her funky-jazzy-pop singles places her in a league of her own.
 
22 year old Cazz has been working hard at perfecting her art over the past 7 years. She’s realised that success is not possible without hard work. Constantly performing at shows and making time to be in studio to write and record with Combrink, she’s working towards releasing her debut album in September of this year.
 
Cazz is also excited to make her debut at Oppikoppi this year! “It's been a dream come true for my band and myself. We absolutely cannot wait to shake it in the dust!” exclaims an excited Cazz.
 
Quickly cementing herself as one of the top new female artists in SA music, Cazz is excited for all the great success still to come.
 
Follow Cazz online!
 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CazzOfficial
Twitter - @CazzOfficial
Instagram - http://instagram.com/cazzofficial
http://www.cazzofficial.com/

Samsung Expands ‘Level’ Series of Wireless Smart Audio Products

Samsung Electronics South Africa, announced two new additions to its Level series of smart Bluetooth audio products: Samsung Level On Wireless and Samsung Level Link. Designed for music lovers seeking to pair excellent audio quality with sleek design, Samsung Level On Wireless headphones incorporate the latest technology to offer top quality sound in an impeccable package. On the other hand, the Samsung Level Link seamlessly transforms traditional audio products into wireless solutions, using Bluetooth technology. These new devices will be available in South Africa at the end of May 2015 and offer easy access through a customisable mobile application.

 

“With the Samsung Level series, we have combined our industry-leading technology and design expertise to offer users the best possible audio experience,” said Craige Fleischer, Director of Integrated Mobility at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “The Samsung Level On Wireless and Level Link is built on Samsung’s longstanding heritage of innovation and a dedication to expand our range of audio accessories that deliver organic sound quality, superior comfort, portability and style.”

 

Level On Wireless

Samsung Level On Wireless headphones feature circular ear pads producing a sleek, sophisticated look and feel. Equipped with six built-in microphones, the headphones feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to accurately map surrounding sounds for a clearer and uninterrupted audio experience. A dual-layered diaphragm system helps to suppress excessive vibration, reducing noise and enabling the headphones to reproduce rich, balanced sound across a wide range of frequencies.

 

Level On Wireless supports an easy-to-use touch pad that allows users to activate and adjust a variety of features such as S Voice, volume, as well as play, pause or skip tracks – all without touching the controls of the paired device. The headphones are also equipped with a unique Sound Sharing function, so users can seamlessly share their favorite tunes with other Level On Wireless users.

 

Level Link

Samsung Level Link uses Bluetooth connectivity to render a range of traditional audio devices completely wireless. Users simply connect Level Link to earphones, headphones, a TV, a set of speakers or hi-fi system with aux-in cable and then pair it to a Bluetooth-enabled device to enjoy the same high-quality sound they get from traditional audio devices. Level Link provides wireless connectivity in both Send and Receive modes with a simple switch button. Users can also stream audio to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at once, making it possible to instantly share tunes with friends. The Level Link’s aptX Low Latency codec provides fast audio conversion, enabling users to watch videos without encountering sound lags. 

 

The Samsung Level On Wireless and Level Link are available through Samsung Experience stores, leading retailers and local operators. Full details and product images are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com

 

RRP:

Level On Wireless: R2899

Level Link: R899

BRITISH ROCKERS THE KOOKS ADDED TO ROCKING THE DAISIES 2015 LINE-UP

One of this year’s most requested acts by festival fans, The Kooks, return to South Africa to perform their first public performance on the Main Stage at the 10th annual Rocking the Daisies Festival this year!

The celebrated group graced our beautiful shores in 2013 as part of an exclusive brand campaign to a select few who were lucky enough to get tickets – and they were met with rave reviews – but left many fans distraught about missing out.

The British indie rockers are the latest international group confirmed as part of a stellar line-up at South Africa’s premiere eco-friendly Music and Lifestyle Festival happening from the 1st to the 4th of October this year at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling.

In the months following the release of their latest critically acclaimed album, ‘Listen’, The Kooks have been enjoying a string of sold-out tour dates, confirming their status as one of the best live bands around.

‘Listen’ comes after a three-year hiatus and represents a bold change from their very distinct alternative, indie-rock sound.  Grounded in African funk and produced by young hip-hop pioneer Inflo, it has been labelled as the ‘album of their lives’.

Speaking about the album, frontman Pritchard says: "To me this album is about pure expression. Even the way we made the album felt fresh. We were really listening to what was going on around us, picking up ideas. The whole thing was much more natural."

The Kooks are: Luke Pritchard - vocals and guitar; guitarist Hugh Harris; bassist Pete Denton and drummer Alexis Nunez.

The Kooks compliment an international line-up that so far also includes German duo Milky Chance and Australian darlings, The Cat Empire. Local support acts Bongeziwe Mabandla, Fokofpolisiekar and PHAT have also been confirmed, with many more acts to be announced soon.

Phase Two of Rocking the Daisies ticket sales are still available to the public at R850* a ticket. Phase Three of ticket sales will open on 10 June with tickets on sale for R950*; however if Phase Two tickets sell out before this date then Phase Three will automatically kick in. Click here to get your festival tickets now:  http://nue.so/e5emy5

Rocking the Daisies is proud to introduce Mobicred – a new payment option and an industry first that will allow festival goers to buy their tickets from R83 per month. The exclusive initiative by Seed Experiences and Nutickets does not require fans to have a credit card, just a simple sign-up procedure with a 24hour approval period followed by easy, minimum monthly instalments via debit order. To buy Rocking the Daisies tickets on the Mobicred payment plan, go to  http://mobicred.co.za/nutickets/

There is also good news for Glampers who have missed out on the sold-out Heartbreak Motel accommodation option: Based on popular demand, the festival has created a (limited) Daisies Plus exclusive camping area that includes:

•             A festival ticket

•             A separate and convenient festival entrance, right by the camping zone

•             A separate parking area, right by the camping zone

•             Access controlled private camping

•             An exclusive bar facility in the campsite

•             An exclusive lounge/chill area in the campsite

•             Exclusive premium ablutions

Campers will still be required to bring their own tents and camping equipment, as this is not included. The total cost is R1800 (excl. booking fee). Festival ticket holders who would like to upgrade to Daisies Plus can do so via http://nue.so/e5emy5.

More international and local artist announcements, Campervan, Walking the Daisies and Cycling the Daisies ticketing information will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

All ticket phases are valid for the full festival experience from 1 – 4 October 2015 at the epic Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. *Prices exclude booking fees, which include charges for the IT services, credit card/ bank related charges, fraud prevention, security control and other administrative fees related to the advanced festival ticketing management system. This only applies to online sales and does not apply to the cash sale tickets. 

For any ticketing queries and support please contact tickets@weareseed.co.za.

Submissions for local artists will close on Saturday, 30 May. Artist and Media submissions at www.rockingthedaisies.com

Facebook:           /rockingthedaisiesfestival

Twitter:                @RockingtheDaisy

Instagram:          /rockingthedaisies

YouTube:             /RockingTheDaisiesTV

#RTD2015

Johannesburg fans can catch The Kooks, Milky Chance and The Cat Empire Live at the Vodacom In the City festival at the iconic Zoo Lake on Sunday, 4 October. Visit www.vitc.co.za for more information.

Vodacom In the City

www.vitc.co.za

Facebook: /IntheCityJHB 



Twitter: @IntheCityJHB


Instagram: /IntheCityJHB

Email: media@vitc.co.za

 

Yvonne Chaka Chaka with JYO in “A Night with the Stars”

The incomparable Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be starring alongside the talented Johannesburg Youth Orchestra for two shows only in “A Night with the Stars” at The Joburg Theatre on Saturday 27 June at 7:30pm and Sunday 28 June at 3pm.

Performing a selection of her unforgettable hits that made her the music icon she is today, audiences will delight in the orchestral interpretations of Motherland, Umquombothi, Natural Woman, Let the children live to name but a few.

Yvonne will be joined on stage by South African X-Factor winners FOUR who have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their win, the soulful Monde Msutwana, Annemarie Steenkamp and Mzansi Youth Choir to ensure a 2-hour musical experience not to be missed.

Says Susan Rendall, Chief Executive Officer of Johannesburg Youth Orchestra; “It is such a privilege to work with a lady such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka who has achieved so much in her musical career, but has not forgotten he roots and where she started. What a role model for our students and an honour for them to be able to learn from her.”

 

Chaka Chaka responds; “There’s so much we can learn from young blood if only we were to nurture their talents and not calculate wisdom using their age. I am thrilled to be sharing the stage with this young talent,  as we celebrate youth month.  I have no doubt the orchestra and performers will blow our minds as they perform their interpretation of hits made in the 80’s performed by youngsters born in the 80s and 90s.”

 

Operating in Soweto, Johannesburg, Evaton and Sebokeng, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) is a centre of musical excellence in instrumental tuition. Responding to the needs of the youth in all communities, the JYOC is a meeting place for over 600 young people with musical aspirations. Almost 300 of the students are members of one of 10 graded ensembles and orchestras which cater for all levels of competence.

Rendall adds; “The JYO, under the direction of Eddie Clayton, has risen to extraordinary heights and continues to amaze all who hear them.”

For more information, please contact the JYOC office at

Phone:                        011-484 1257

Email:                      info@orchestracompany.org.za

Board of Directors: Craig Barendsen, James Bassingthwaighte, Susan Harrop-Allin, Yusuf Justin Holcroft, Pops Mohamed, Bryan Schimmel, Dale Smith and Susan Rendall

 

A Night with the Stars with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the JYO is being staged for 2 shows only on Saturday,  27 June at 7:30pm and Sunday, 28 June at 3pm.

 

Tickets range from R150 – R300 and can be booked online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the Joburg Theatre Box Office on 0861 670 670. 

 

For group bookings of 10 or more tickets, contact the Theatre's ticketing office on (011) 877 6815 / 6853.

The Geneva Ballet debuts at Joburg Theatre

The Geneva Ballet (Grand Théâtre de Genève) debuts in Johannesburg in June at the Mandela, Joburg Theatre.  

After recent visits to Cape Town and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the world-renowned Geneva Ballet, under the direction of Philippe Cohen, opens on Wednesday June 17 with Roméo & Juliette at The Mandela, Joburg Theatre and runs to Sunday June 21, 2015 for a limited season of 6 shows only.

During its Johannesburg season the company will celebrate the anniversary of the 100^th performance of this production of Roméo & Juliette.

Established in Switzerland at the start of the 19th Century, the Geneva Ballet is known for its rich repertoire of neo-classical and contemporary dance styles featuring highly skilled classically trained dancers and top choreographers.  

Joëlle Bouvier, one of several guest choreographers invited by the Geneva Ballet to enrich its repertoire, has with this production of Roméo & Juliette, re-imagined Shakespeare’s classic tragedy as a contemporary piece, re-visiting the ballet in an inventive way.  She has taken the essence of the story, its fundamental characteristics and choreographed around that rather than sticking strictly to the details of the play.  She turns the sequence of the traditional classic upside down - conversely beginning with the funeral ceremony and working retrospectively back to the beginning. It is driven musically by the strong, stirring music of the composer Prokofiev.

“Together, we unite our bodies into the gentleness and fury of this music; we let ourselves be inspired by the rhythm and its poetic nature to compose body movements, lifts, motions and fractures. All describe the passionate adventure of the two lovers”, says Bouvier.

 

The elegance of the costumes and the stage decor is offset by the vitality of the fight scenes, as the 22-dancer strong company creates a dynamic energy and an eye-catching aesthetic.

“Bouvier has stripped everything down, creating movement which, while technically challenging, innovative, and incredibly beautiful, never feels forced, and a plot consisting of only the most integral events.  It is as if she were leaving it up to the viewer to decide the specifics of who these two people are, what defines them, and what draws them simultaneously together and apart; and, of course, these are the questions which make this story timelessly relevant.”     Ann Rogovoy, The Rogovoy Report (USA)

 

The company is considered one of the most original dance companies in Europe, excelling in variations of the classical ballet vernacular through innovative artistic collaborations. With an average age of 25, Geneva Ballet is a company that features youthful dancers from around the world and includes the South African Angela Rebelo, niece of well-known South African actors Nicky Rebelo and Jennifer Steyn Rebelo.

 

As a major component of its two-week long visit to Johannesburg, the Geneva Ballet company, with a focus on choreography in a variety of forms and expression, will be involved in a collaborative project with South African choreographers and dancers. This unique project will involve four local choreographers, Gregory Maqoma, Mamela Nyamza, PJ Sabbagha and Fana Tshabalala with Nathanaël Marie from the Geneva Ballet and will take place at the Soweto Theatre, the Dance Space in Newtown, University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture and at the Hillbrow Theatre from June 8 - 14. The creative result of this collaboration will be showcased in partnership at the Soweto and Wits Theatres on June 13 and 14 respectively.

 

The Geneva Ballet Johannesburg 2015 visit has been made possible thanks to the support of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia. The Johannesburg season is as a result of the close collaboration between the Joburg Theatre, Geneva Ballet and Zelda Productions and with further support from the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa and the collaborative effort of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in South Africa.

 

Roméo & Juliette performances are from Wednesday 17 June - Friday 19 June at 8pm, Saturday 20 June at 3pm & 8pm and Sunday 21 June at 2pm.

Tickets  range from R180 to R350 and are on sale via the Joburg Theatre website www.joburgtheatre.com  or by calling the theatre’s direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.  

Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling 011 877 6853.