Burlesque! at the Heritage Theatre last year proved to be a small show that made a big mark when it scooped four Mercury Durban Theatre Awards.
The show makes a comeback by popular demand at the venue from March 5, with plans already afoot for a sequel.
Produced by Gary McKenzie and choreographed by Janine Bennewith, Burlesque! is a sultry song and dance offering that centres on a host of characters who work, live and play together.
They include Fantasia (Marion Loudon), the club hostess; master of the house (McKenzie, powerhouse singer and main attraction); Louise (Lauren Laing); and the exotic and erotic Swedish dancer, Delicia (Liesl Coppin).
In an interview with Tonight, Bennewith said it had been a dream to do a burlesque show for some years.
“It had been on my mind to do a burlesque show from a couple of years ago,” she said.
“We discussed it with Gary last year and when a slot opened at The Heritage we just ran with it and it took off from there.
“Burlesque and cabaret were popular back in the day, and then when the movie with Cher and Christina Aguilera came out it kind of rekindled an interest in burlesque.
“So I thought, with the movie’s effect, let’s just get it (the show) out there now.”
Having a small cast and coming up against much bigger shows at the awards, Bennewith said their wins came as a surprise.
“Our production only had a cast of eight, but it was a show that the entire team enjoyed doing, and this showed on stage. So we were all happily surprised by the awards.”
The team were so happy with the show that a sequel was in the pipeline.
“I have already come up with the first quarter of the show. It is definitely in the creative stages at the moment.
“I’d like to use the same cast for the sequel because we had an amazing synergy on stage and all put so much heart and effort into it,” she said.
Conceptualised and directed by Bennewith, and written and co-compiled by McKenzie, the music moves from old-time burlesque to comedy burlesque to the more modern style.
There are preview shows tomorrow and Thursday, when a limited number of tickets will be available on a R195 buy-one-get-one-free basis, first come, first served.
Normal ticket prices are R195, Wednesdays to Saturdays, and R165 for Tuesday evening and Sunday matinee shows. All prices include a two-course meal.
A show-only option is offered at R120. Bookings can be made by calling 031 765 4197.