TAKING a trip down memory lane to hear some of the finest tunes from three decades back, Don’t Tune Me (ek sê) is a production that pays tribute to the No 1 hit songs of the Seventies that we all remember.
Consisting of a seven-piece outfit with the Gee Jays (Gary McKenzie, John Didlick and Grant Bell), the talented cast also includes Andy Turrell (guitar), Jill Murraybrown (bass), Francois Hardy (drums) and Calli Thomson (keyboards).
The show is divided into two acts, taking you on a journey to the days when The Beatles and the Bee Gees ruled the air waves. The production also offers the very best tracks of the 1970s by legendary artists such as Paul McCartney, Niel Diamond, The Bats, Jeremy Taylor and more.
Kicking off to a humorous start which sets the tone for the rest of the evening, the show offers a bit of something for everyone.
Each of the crew (the Gee Jays), brings something special to the stage. Didlick has to be the most hilarious of the three. He has great stage presence and is extremely comfortable with the audience. His bubbly personality shines throughout the evening.
The same can be said about McKenzie who is very enter-taining as he whips out some super dance moves on stage and also gives the audience a brief history of 1970s music.
As for Bell, he has the best voice in the trio. With a deep and powerful tone, he sings each song with ease and should be commended for that.
The synergy the performers have with the audience is quite remarkable.
From allowing audience members to sing a few verses from the popular hits, the crew interact and engage with the crowd, creating a vibe that everyone can take pleasure in.
Some of the highlights include performances of Hey Jude, Ag Please Daddy, Tragedy and let’s not forget, the ever-popular track we all know and love…YMCA (which closes the show).
Throughout the evening I attended, the audience were engaged; clapping and cheering as they sang along to their favourite 1970s tunes and occasionally broke out in dance numbers.
The venue itself and the atmosphere contribute to the show’s success. The Heritage Theatre is beautifully set up with a candle-lit dinner setting that is quite cosy.
Also worth noting is the effort put into the costume and stage design, which kept within the Seventies theme – from country to the more glamorous evening sets, they were all on par.
The set design further complemented the theme of the show. Overall, Don’t Tune Me (ek sê) is definitely worth watch-ing and offers an evening of pure nostalgia.
• The production runs until November 11 at the Heritage Theatre, Hillcrest. Tickets are R165 for Tuesday dinner and Sunday lunch; and R195 from Wednesday to Saturday, including a two-course meal. For more information or to book call 031 765 4197 or see www.heritagetheatre.co.za