TWICE AS NICE
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Helene Joseph, Luciano Zuppa
CAST: Helene Joseph, Luciano Zuppa
VENUE: The Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Ave off Bartle Road
UNTIL: May 27
RATING: ***
Taking you down memory lane of some of the most loved musicals of generations passed, Twice as Nice is a collection of familiar duets and solo songs including hits from Broadway, film and the top of the charts.
Featuring performers Helene Joseph and Luciano Zuppa, the show includes songs such as Mack the Knife, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I Will Survive and many more classics.
The two-act production runs for about 80 minutes.
The costume design was duly noted and should be highly praised, with one word coming to mind – remarkable.
Showcasing glitzy evening wear, the costumes were elegant and suited the theme of the production.
Throughout the show, Joseph engaged in multiple costume changes, which kept the audience guessing about what she would wear next.
Also very much worth noting was the amazing synergy that both of the performers had with each other on stage as well as with the audience.
In a few songs, Joseph and Zuppa mingled with the audience, interacting with them and creating a great atmosphere that lit up the cosy and intimate venue.
As for the solo performances, both entertainers displayed tremendous talent, showcasing their vocal and theatrical abilities.
They sure can hit those notes and have amazing vocal range.
Zuppa really blew me away with his solo performance of Elton John’s Your Song, which was delivered beautifully from start to finish.
Showing a deep level of emotion, he really connected with the song and he truly shone on stage for this one.
However, the one glitch, in my opinion, was the overall stage presentation/set design.
I felt this was too simplistic with just a plain black backdrop and main stage lights; it did not live up to the production itself, which flaunts the glitz and glam of the industry.
Overall, the show is worth watching and is great for an evening out where you can just sit back, relax and enjoy some of the old-time tunes that we all know and love.
* Tickets are R100 and the production will be staged from Friday to Sunday. Guests are welcome to bring picnic baskets. The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for picnic dinners. Book at Computicket or phone Roland for bookings on 031 205 7602 or e-mail [email protected]