RHUMBELOW THEATRE, UMBILO: Cat Simoni does Barbra Streisand her way in the production, The Way We Were. Written and directed by Paul Spence, Cat’s solo Streisand show tells the entertaining story of the young Barbra in Brooklyn and the chutzpa that took her to stardom on Broadway. Featuring the music of some of the world’s greatest songwriters: Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Sondheim, Bernstein, Rogers & Hart and Lerner & Lowe. Friday to Sunday. Then, it’s Gcina Mhlophe’s show, My Travelling Bag. From a young age, Mhlophe got to travel all over her home province, KZN, telling stories. But her gogo sounded a word of warning: “There is a bigger world out there.” Those were wise and prophetic words. In this show, she reflects on 33 years of suitcases bought, stamps in her passports, friendships, missed flights, mementos and memories. August 10. Both shows are R100 to R120 at Computicket or e-mail Roland on [email protected].
ELIZABETH SNEDDON THEATRE: Durban’s KickstArt Productions’ mini-musical-comedy, Snoopy: The Musical, based on the Peanuts comic strips, runs from Friday to August 23. With direction by Steven Stead and Charon Williams-Ros, musical direction by Justin Southey, and design by Greg King, Snoopy features all the familiar cartoon characters. Carol Trench plays the headstrong and outspoken Lucy; Bryan Hiles is the cartoon’s protagonist, the melancholic, thoughtful and misunderstood Charlie Brown; Stead plays Charlie Brown’s eccentric pet dog, Snoopy; Caitlin Kilburn is the upbeat tomboy Peppermint Patty; Graeme Wicks is Lucy’s brother, the insecure Linus, Katy Moore as the ditzy Sally Brown and Evashnee Pillay is Snoopy’s silent sidekick, the small yellow bird, Woodstock. Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm; Saturday at 1.30pm; Sunday at 1.30pm. R200, R150, R130 and R180, R130, R110 (under-12s and pensioners) at Computicket. Age restriction is PG6.
SIBIYA IZULU THEATRE: With August being Women’s Month, The Dingalings bring their production, A Woman’s Place, to Sibaya. The show is a tongue-in-cheek look at the battle of the sexes in the 21st century. Friday to Sunday. PG 18. R120 at the box office, Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers.
STABLE THEATRE: Ebonygypsy Arts has partnered with The Bat Centre, Stable Theatre and the Ethekwini Municipality to bring to you A Woman, A Hat, A Bag, And Her Belly. The fest will take a four-day stretch from Thursday to Sunday, with a programme of fun, laughter, and reflection. We’ve been able to sketch out and capture the beauty, essence and relevance of women through the use of the hat which in this production symbolises her crown of mind and responsibility, the bag which symbolises her load, the concentration on the beauty of her structure as she is with child, ultimately wrapping her stomach with a fabric to give the allegory of the belly holding a gift. Info: 071 240 3591 or 078 860 3168
MOZAMBIK, HILLCREST: Comedy Night tonight with local Jem Atkins as the host. The show also features three acts on tour from Joburg: Glen Bo, Werner Cloete and NqobaNgcobo. 8.30pm.R70. Call 031 765 6556 or e-mail [email protected].
HILTON COLLEGE THEATRE: Pieter-DirkUys returns with Adapt or Fly on Friday and An Evening With Evita Bezuidenhout on Saturday, both at 7.30pm. Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout, Kidi Amin, Pik Botha, Nowell Fine, Mrs Petersen, the old Krokodil, Madiba and the dancing DA are coming to the rescue! In a time of depression, recession, fear and anger, what is better and more healing than a good laugh at the expense of those who depress, recess, frighten and annoy us? R175 to R195 at www.hiltontheatre.co.za. For school or group bookings: [email protected].
CATALINA THEATRE: A multi-faceted three-hander using storytelling, live music and physical theatre, The Working Man depicts the life story of Sipho who dreams of becoming a dancer, but is pressured by this community and his father to work in the mines because that’s what a “real man” does. A Wordplay Company production written by Sboniso Msimango and directed by Brandon Moulder, it stars Nqobile Mthembu, Sboniso Msimango and Mfundiseni Ndwalane. Ends Sunday. 7pm Thursday to Saturday and 2pm Sunday. R80 adults, R50 students at Computicket or the door.
PLAYHOUSE COMPANY: August is Women’s Month and there’s no better way than feasting on the drama, dance, dialogue, music and entertainment on offer at the annual Playhouse Company’s SA Women’s Festival (SAWAF). This year’s festival takes on added significance as 2015 has been named the African Union’s year on women empowerment and The Playhouse is proud to be playing its role in the campaign. Runs from August 14 to 22. See playhousecompany.com.
COMING UP
SIBAYA IZULU THEATRE: Pagla Comedy Nite is a stand-up comedy show featuring Mervyn Pillay, Rahul Brijnath, Arnott Payne, Anesh Dusrath and Vee Ganie. Get ready for laughter with loads of comedy featuring the “Famous Five”. This show will take you on a hilarious trip showcasing culture, politics, sport and all the things that make South Africa funny. A 16 age restriction. Runs August 28 and 29. R120 at Computicket.
l To be listed in Boardwalk, e-mail all theatre-related information to [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday.