First time ever in SA, Cirque Éloize’s iD to debut at Montecasino

It’s a thrilling spectacle of circus arts and urban dance never seen before in this country as Cirque Éloize’s iD heads to South Africa for the first time. Directed by Jeannot Painchaud, iD is a high-energy production, blending acrobatics, street dance and hip hop. The show opens at the Teatro at Montecasino on 14 August 2014 for a limited season. Tickets are on sale and there’s a special 20% early bird discount on the show’s top two price categories only valid until 31 January 2014 ...

Brought to South Africa by Hazel Feldman’s Showtime Management, Cirque Éloize’s iD has been enjoyed by more than 400 000 spectators in nearly 600 performances in 50 cities across the globe in 12 countries. In this show the contemporary circus world meets the world of urban dances. Set in an inner-city environment, iD explores the themes of identity, individuality and autonomy in a culture where omnipresent images cause us to lose our reference points, making us express the same values by way of different codes. The show’s energy and poetry will surpass the expectations of audiences and make iD the talk of “Jozi” in 2014. 

“The recent runaway success of the show in London says it all – this is a unique and massively exciting show for the whole family – kind of a TAP DOGS on steroids..!!!’ says Hazel Feldman.

Since the company was founded in 1993, Cirque Éloize has become a world leader in contemporary circus arts. Staging innovative productions, the company specializes in creating shows that combine circus arts with theater, dance and music in a path-breaking manner. Cirque Éloize recently partnered with Cirque du Soleil® based on a common creative vision and international entertainment appeal.

Get ready to be blown away by the mesmerizing, pulsating and captivating performances that make Cirque Éloize’s iD the not to be missed family entertainment happening of 2014. It’s like no other show ever seen before in South Africa. You don’t want to miss it!

Book now at Computicket. For further show information visit www.montecasino.co.za or www.showtime.co.za. Follow Cirque Éloize iD on Twitter @showtime_SA and Facebook /showtimemanagementsa

All images via Cirque Éloize

Monster Hit Musical Jersey Boys Extends Teatro Season

JERSEY BOYS EXTENDS TEATRO SEASON. The Four Seasons played by Kenneth Meyer, Grant Almirall, Emmanuel Castis and Daniel Buys in Jersey Boys.
Photo credit: Maye-E Wong.

Showtime Management, South African producers of Jersey Boys, the sensational Broadway hit musical that has taken Johannesburg by storm, today announced a 2-week extension of the show’s season at the Teatro at Montecasino owing to overwhelming public demand. Jersey Boys must close on Sunday, 9 June 2013 in time for its Cape Town season at Artscape that opens on 19 June ...

Brought to you by Investec in association with DSTV, Tsogo Sun and 702 Talk Radio, Jersey Boys is the newest Broadway musical to be staged in this country. Since the first curtain call on 3 April, audiences are responding with enough enthusiasm and loud cheering to lift the roof off the Teatro. So much so that some performances are momentarily halted as the performers wait for the lively crowd to settle. Critics are raving, hundreds of fans are posting accolades on-line and the cast receives a standing ovation at every performance! 

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The pace of the production is mind-blowing. The slick set changes, perfect performances and electrifying on stage energy combined with memorable music and angelic vocals that bring ‘goose bumps’ makes this true real-life story an absolute “must see”. There’s no doubt, Jersey Boys has lifted the bar significantly and taken South African theatre to greater heights while attracting new audiences. 

Enjoyed by more than 16 million people worldwide, the runaway worldwide smash hit musical, JERSEY BOYS is now on stage at the Teatro at Montecasino only until 9 June. Don’t miss the electrifying performances of the golden greats that took Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! It’s the hottest ticket in town so hurry and book now at Computicket service centers, visit www.computicket.com or call 0861 813 9000 

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To experience one of the great-value Show & Stay packages including accommodation and breakfast at the 3 Montecasino-based Tsogo Sun hotels or to enjoy a special night of great entertainment including theatre tickets, dining, gaming and added benefits, Montecasino offers a number of choice hospitality packages created for groups of twenty or more guests. All these packages can be booked through SunConnect on 011 367 4250, or at montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com, for more info visit www.montecasino.co.za

For further information visit www.jerseyboyssa.co.za or follow the incredible Jersey Boys journey on: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JerseyBoysSA

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/JerseyBoysSA/425649164133222

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkzRL7T4SH4

Oh What A Night!!

JERSEY BOYS Finale
Photo Credit: Maye-E Wong

Last Night I attended the Gala Premier of Jersey Boys in South Africa at the Teatro at Montecasino and this is definitely a multi-award winning worldwide smash hit musical that you don't want to miss out on!! ...

JERSEY BOYS performPhoto Credit: Maye-E Wong

This show with its all-South African 19 member cast, 10-piece band and crew were last seen performing for eleven-weeks in Singapore, where it received critical acclaim, rave reviews and standing ovations. The cast sang their way into the hearts of Singapore audiences, immediately establishing itself as one of the most critically-acclaimed productions in Singapore with The Straits Times raving "... tunes so infectious they should be classified as a health hazard. Jersey Boys is a class act … ".

KENNETH MEYER as Bob Gaudio and GRANT ALMIRALL as Frankie Valli in JERSEY BOYS
Photo Credit: Maye-E Wong

The ensemble features a host of multi-talented local performers who together with the band and crew worked closely during rehearsals with a joint South African and visiting top-notch New York based global creative team responsible for staging Jersey Boys throughout the world. The entire company spent invaluable time fine-tuning their roles with Jersey Boys Broadway director, Des McAnuff. 

EMMANUEL CASTIS as Nick Massi and DANIEL BUYS as Tommy de Vito in JERSEY BOYS
Photo Credit: Maye-E Wong

Jersey Boys is written by Academy Award-winner Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice with music by original member of the Four Seasons and Grammy Award winner, Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Des McAnuff and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo with music direction, vocal arrangements and incidental music by Ron Melrose. 

FOUR SEASONS in JERSEY BOYS sing, Walk like a man
Photo Credit: Maye-E Wong

"Jersey Boys is a powerful piece of theatre with extraordinary music – it runs at breath-taking pace. When the final curtain falls and you are on your feet – and EVERYONE is always on their feet – all you want to do is come back to see it a second time! This is a evening of exceptional entertainment…!!” says the show’s South African producer, Hazel Feldman. 

Don't miss the international phenomenon that's a Broadway triumph. Experience electrifying performances of the Golden Greats that took these guys all the way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! It’s the hottest ticket in town so hurry and book now at Computicket service centers, visit www.computicket.com or call 0861 813 9000. 

JERSEY BOYS: The Four Seasons in concert
Photo Credit: Maye-E Wong

SHOW INFORMATION: 

J O H A N N E S B U R G 

VENUE: Teatro at Montecasino 

DATES: Opens Wednesday, 03 April 2013 

SHOW TIMES: 

No Monday performances. 

Weekdays: Tuesdays – Fridays 20h00 

Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 15h00, 18h00 

PRICES: 

Tuesdays/Sunday Evenings: From R100 – R 350 inclusive 

Wednesday/Thursday/Fridays/Saturdays (matinee and evening) and Sunday matinee plus all extra matinees: From R100 – R400 inclusive 

FAMILY PACKAGES: 

Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays 20h00 and Sundays 18h00, top price only 

4 @ R 300 = R 1200 

5 @ R 300 = R 1500 

6 @ R300 = R 1800 

SENIOR CITIZENS:

Tuesdays 20h00 & Sundays 18h00 

R 150.00 – subject to presentation of valid proof of senior citizen status. 

Bookings only during office hours, Mondays to Fridays by calling the Teatro at Montecasino, 011 510 7472

STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS 

Tuesdays 20h00 & Sundays 18h00 

Scholar discounts only available as part of a school group booking. 

Bookings only during office hours, Mondays to Fridays by calling the Teatro at Montecasino, 011 510 7472

GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES: 

Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events, (011) 3674250 or montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com 

BOOKINGS: 

Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet 

GROUP BOOKINGS: 

Contact Computicket 0861 915 8000 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

Show is not recommended for children under the age of 12 due to strong authentic "profane Jersey language" and references to drugs and sexual situations. 

Electronic cigarettes are smoked on stage. 

Jersey Boys Opens at the Teatro on 3 April!

MEET THE JERSEY BOYS! EMMANUEL CASTIS (plays the role of Nick Massi), DANIEL BUYS (plays Tommy de Vito), GRANT ALMIRALL (is Frankie Valli) and KENNETH MEYER (as Bob Gaudio).
 Photo credit: Showtime Management

I am really looking forward to Jersey Boys and I cannot wait until 3 April 2013 when this multi-award winning worldwide smash hit musical makes its South African premiere at the Teatro at Montecasino!! ...

Currently on stage in major cities across the globe and enjoyed by over 16 million people worldwide, Jersey Boys is the newest Broadway musical to be staged in this country. 

Interestingly, Jersey Boys is frequently referred to as “a man’s musical” owing to its strong male fan-base who often return to see the show, bringing their sons, sons-in-law, golfing buddies and the like, usually with female company in tow to experience the real, true-life story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and their inspiring journey from the mean streets of Newark, New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that was built on ever-popular hits such as “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, “My Eyes Adored You” and many more. 

Although the names of these and other show songs aren’t easily recognised by many, the tunes become more and more familiar as the captivating tale of the four musicians unfolds and the audience can be heard singing along. 

The 19-member multi-talented cast introduces The Four Seasons played by Grant Almirall (Chicago, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Frankie Valli; Daniel Buys (Boys in the Photograph, Mamma Mia!) as Tommy DeVito; Kenneth Meyer (Boys in the Photograph, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Bob Gaudio and television star Emmanuel Castis (Scandal!, Isidingo, season 4 winner of Strictly Come Dancing) as Nick Massi with Jaco van Rensburg (Showboat, Chicago, Grease ) playing Frankie Valli at certain performances. 

Discover the secret of a 40-year friendship, the value of a handshake and an inspiring journey through the seasons of life as told by four poverty stricken musicians who sold over 175 million records before they turned 30!

Don't miss the international phenomenon that's a Broadway triumph. Experience electrifying performances of the golden greats that took these guys all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! It’s the hottest ticket in town so hurry and book now at Computicket service centers, visit www.computicket.com or call 0861 813 9000. 

Follow the incredible Jersey Boys journey:

Web: www.jerseyboyssa.co.za

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JerseyBoysSA

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/JerseyBoysSA/425649164133222

YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsibsqOsank&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H78l0ArPEiY

All images via: Jersey Boys SA Website unless otherwise stated.

'Tapper-ific' Tap Dogs

Last week Thursday I went to watch Tap Dogs at the Teatro at Montecasino and what starts out to be a 'normal' Tap Dancing Show turned out to be one of the most incredible and mind-blowing productions I had ever seen in my life! ...

The skills that the 6 Dancers display on stage is totally OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD and the synchronisation between them is so ridiculous you wonder wether the dancer's are human or machine's programmed to do moves at specific moments.

The use of the stage and the props were absolutely unique and the stage-transformations were all incorporated into the routine smoothly.

One of my (many) favourite moments in the show ♥

Without giving too much away, all I can is that this is definitely a show you don't want to miss out on! And Gents, don't think it's only for the ladies ... the show is rather 'macho', and can be easily enjoyed by anyone.

Some Facts about the Tap Dogs

Some History:

• Now more than 18 years since its conception, Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs is still taking the world by storm.  
• Australian-born creator and choreographer, Dein Perry, has come a long way from the garage behind his dance teacher’s house in Newcastle where, as a young boy, he and the “Dogs” learnt how to tap. 
• The Tap Dogs made their world premiere in January 1995 at the Sydney Theatre Festival where Back Row’s founders Peter Holmes à Court and Liz Koops first witnessed the revolutionary show. The success was infectious!
• The story of the Tap Dogs has even been immortalised by Hollywood in the movie BOOTMEN, directed by Dein Perry. 
• The show has since toured continuously throughout the world with performances in over 330 cities, across 37 countries, on 6 continents, with up to 4 companies touring at any one time, boasting an audience of 12 million people!!
• A worldwide television audience of 3.4 billion people saw 1,000 Tap Dog performers appear in the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 

About the Tap Dogs Show:

• Tap Dogs is set on a construction site in the steel work’s town of Newcastle just north of Sydney. 
• There are 8 members of the Tap Dogs team: 6 dancers and 2 musicians. 
• The show is part theatre, part rock concert, part construction site and it combines the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing. 
• Performing against all challenges – whether in water, upside-down or jumping through scaffolding – the Tap Dogs bring the steel works to life in a fast-paced, unstoppable spectacular that everybody will enjoy. 
• The show is fit for the whole family with an awe-inspiring mix of dance, music and performance in a full-scale stage show production. 
• The show is considered Australia’s most successful theatrical export. 
• Tap Dogs is an 80 minute show performed without an intermission. 

So, what are you waiting for? BOOK NOW at Computicket centers, visit www.computicket.com or call 0861 813 9000. Ticket prices range from R 100 to R300. 

All photos taken by Ralf-Brinkhoff

Jersey Boys Return Home

Jersey Boys, the smash hit musical making its South African premiere in April 2013!!

The all South African cast, band and crew of the multi award-winning Broadway smash hit Musical, Jersey Boys returns to South Africa this week to premiere in April 2013. They played a highly successful 11 week season to capacity crowds at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore ...

From the first curtain call when the show opened on 20 November 2012, the 19-member JERSEY BOYS SA cast sang their way into the hearts of Singapore audiences, immediately establishing itself as one of the most critically-acclaimed productions in Singapore with The Straits Times raving "... tunes so infectious they should be classified as a health hazard. Jersey Boys is a class act … " While TODAY Newspaper hailed the production as one which will “charm you with its generous heart, gentle wisdom and cheeky spunk” and AsiaOne.com reflected “… made me feel like I was watching Frankie Valli and Four Seasons performing live in shows like the American Bandstand. HerWorld Plus couldn’t get enough of JERSEY BOYS stating it was “Great entertainment, fantastic music and stellar performances.”

Proudly portraying this country’s exceptional talents both on and off stage, the Jersey Boys company proudly flew the flag as they placed South African performers among the world’s best, paving the way for future South African performers, musicians and crew in the East. Audiences clapped, cheered and sang along during performances and at the end of the show they gave the cast rapturous nightly standing ovations. Audience members also expressed their appreciation of this first-rate show on social media platforms that were ablaze with accolades, words of thanks and messages of congratulations. 

Soon you too could be experiencing the electrifying performances of this home-grown cast that got “Singapore singing” as they tell the captivating true story of how four poverty-line kids became Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, one of the greatest successes in pop music history selling 175 million records globally before they were thirty! 

The Four Seasons? Frankie Valli? These names may not be instantly recognisable but as Jersey Boys weaves its way into your heart you’ll be singing along and telling family and friends, “It’s too good to be true, I know that number … and so do you!”

Brought to you by Investec in association with 702 Talk Radio and DSTV, Jersey Boys makes its South African premiere at the Teatro at Montecasino on 3 April, thereafter opening at Artscape, Cape Town on 19 June for a limited season before possibly touring Hong Kong later this year. This world-wide musical phenomenon takes you up the charts, across the seasons of life and behind the music where you’ll discover the secret of a 40-year friendship; the value of a handshake and the inspiring journey from the streets of Newark to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that was built on ever-popular hits such as “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, “My Eyes Adored You” and many more.

Seen by over 16 million people and currently playing in major cities worldwide including New York, Las Vegas, London, Melbourne and soon in Johannesburg and Cape Town, JERSEY BOYS is the hottest ticket in town! Hurry, book now at Computicket! 

Follow the incredible Jersey Boys journey: 

Web: www.jerseyboyssa.co.za

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JerseyBoysSA

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/JerseyBoysSA/425649164133222

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H78l0ArPEiY

All images via: Jersey Boys SA Website