More than 50 years since the original production, the Fugard Theatre’s new production of the musical King Kong is fully cast and rehearsals are under way.
Eric Abraham produces and presents the Cape Town-staged high-energy show from July 25 to September 2 and then at the Mandela Theatre in Joburg from September 12 to October 8.
The official opening night is August 2, after a week of previews.
It tells the story of 1950s heavyweight boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini (whose self-appointed ring name was King Kong) to the sounds of Todd Matshikiza’s music.
When the production went on stage in 1959, South Africa’s first black musical was set in Sophiatown, Joburg.
It toured the country and was seen by 200000 people, playing to record breaking multi-racial audiences at a time when audiences were segregated under apartheid.
In 1961 King Kong travelled to London’s West End for a 200-performance run.
There it launched the international careers of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, among many others.
Daniel Galloway, executive director of the Fugard Theatre, says: “We are excited to be recreating the world of the Back of the Moon shebeen with an all-South African cast .
“While remaining true to the original production the current production will refresh the musical for the 21st century.”
Andile Gumbi plays the title role of King Kong. The actor, singer and dancer made his Broadway debut as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King and has starred in productions of this musical in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and South Africa.
He was voted by The Sowetan as one of South Africa’s Sexiest Top 12 celebrities in 2015 and plays Zweli in the Mzansi Magic’s isiBaya, which was voted most popular TV soap at the 2017 Safta Awards.
Multiple award-winning actress and singer-songwriter Nondumiso Tembe will recreate the role of Joyce, which years ago propelled Makeba to international fame.
Tembe’s extensive list of credits include HBO’s Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning True Blood, the SABC’s Generations, and Zulu Wedding opposite Darrin Dewitt Henson.
She won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role Naledi Theatre Award in 2014 for her portrayal of Susan in David Mamet’s Race, which toured nationally, and was staged at the Edinburgh Festival.
Her debut album Izwi Lami - My Voice was widely acclaimed and also scooped a Metro FM Music Award for Best Music Video.
Sanda Shandu stars as Lucky (Orpheus in Africa); Tshamano Sebe as Jack (Athol Fugard’s Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek; Master Harold and the Boys; Noem my Skollie); Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam (Menopause the Musical); Sne Dladla as Pop (District Six: Kanala; Orpheus in Africa; Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek); Lerato Mvelase as Petal (Isibaya; Play Me) and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell (West Side Story; Peter Pan).
Included in the ensemble are Joel Zuma, Ben Kgosimore, Athenkozi Mfamela, Shalom Sibusiso Mxosana, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Dolly Louw and Given Mkhize.
A nine-piece band under the direction of Sipumzo Lucwaba will provide the music.
Born in the then Orange Free State, boxer Ezekiel Dlamini became an unwitting symbol for freedom and the wasted power of his people under apartheid.
After a meteoric rise to stardom, Dlamini’s life degenerated into drunkenness and gang violence.
In 1957, in a fit of jealousy, he killed his girlfriend and at his trial asked for the death sentence to serve as a warning to others.
Instead the white judge, refusing to take instruction from a black defendant, sentenced Dlamini to 12 years hard labour.
Three months later, he was found drowned in a dam on a prison farm. At 36 he had taken his destiny into his own hands and, inadvertently, become a legend, thus providing material for a timeless stage classic.
The new production will be directed by Jonathan Munby. The revised book (with additional lyrics) is by Academy award nominated screenwriter and playwright William Nicholson (Shadowlands, Gladiator, Les Miserables, Sarafina, Long Walk to Freedom). Recent French Legion D’Honneur recipient Gregory Maqoma will choreograph.
Musical direction is by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Sipumzo Lucwaba with arrangements and additional music by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.
Some of the rave reviews of the original production:
A big event in theatrical history.” - Time Magazine
“King Kong triumphs by its bursting, smoking glowing life.” - Daily Express
“The greatest thrill in 20 years of South African theatre.” - The Star
“ Magnificent, spectacular a resounding success” - Rand Daily Mail
“ The theatrical sensation of the (Union of) South Africa” - The New York Tim
* King Kong will run at the Fugard Theatre from July 25 until September 2, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a 4pm matinee performance on Saturdays. The Fugard Theatre is on the corner of Harrington and Caledon streets, Cape Town. Tickets range from R130 to R280.
* Bookings can be made through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. Bookings can also be made at the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. There is a 15% discount available for the Friends of the Fugard members.