THE PLAYHOUSE: Offers “a night in a 1950s shebeen” with Khwela Bafana, which has enjoyed sold-out performances at Joburg’s Victory Theatre and Market Theatre and runs in Durban from Thursday to December 22. The interactive musical pays homage to South African townships in the 1950s and the bands and musicians who kept these communities going through politically turbulent times. The cast features – among others – Bra “B” Ngwenya (King Kong), Boy Ngwenya (Woodywood Peckers and King Kong), and the award-winning actress Velephi Khumalo. This musical features, among others, songs from King Kong, Victor Ndlazilwane of the Woodywood Peckers and Dambuza Mdledle of the Manhattan Brothers. 7pm and matinees on Sundays at 2.30pm. R60 for the preview (Thursday) and R80 for subsequent performances. Book at Computicket or call 031 369 9456.
AND
The original Jerome Robbins production of West Side Story ends December 29, featuring music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Directed by Ralph Lawson with set and costume design by Sarah Roberts, choreography by Adele Blank and musical direction/repetiteur by Andrew Warburton. The production will have live accompaniment by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Lykele Temmingh (alternate Naum Rousine). Saturday and Sunday matinees. R100 to R150, with concessions for students and pensioners at Computicket. Block bookings at discounted rates. Call Dawn Haddon at 031 369 9456.
AND
Committed Artists Foundation presents Mbongeni Ngema’s The Zulu until December 29. Directed by Christopher John and designed by Sarah Roberts. Inspired by the tales Ngema first heard from his blind great-grandmother, Mkhulutshana Manqele, when he was growing up in rural Zululand, The Zulu celebrates his return to the stage as an actor for the first time in almost three decades. R150 Tuesdays to Thursdays and R200 Fridays to Sundays. Children, students, pensioners pay R80 at Computicket. 8pm Tuesdays to Saturdays and 3pm Sundays.
The Zone, Suncoast Casino: Romeo and Juliet – an East Coast Story runs until December 31. The tradition of the saucy adult panto continues – this time with the greatest love story ever told, Romeo and Juliet… except it’s not quite what William Shakespeare had in mind. Expect a well-known story with a grown-up twist, sing-alongs, saucy ensembles, boisterous fun and risqué one-liners. Scripted, directed and choreographed by Darren King. Stars Katy Moore, Anthony Stonier, Rowan Bartlett, Clinton Smal, Thomie Holthausen, Jacobus van Heerden.
7.30pm. R150 to R500 at Computicket. For block bookings and party groups, contact Ailsa at 083 250 2690 or ailswn@ mweb.co.za. No under-16s.
and
Criss Cross Christmas ends
December 24. Clare Mortimer has penned this charming play for the young ones. It promises loads of laughter, song and dance, and enthusiastic children even get to be a part of the play with audience participation. Joining Mortimer for this comic story are actors Bryan Hiles (Peter Pan, Cinderella, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin) and Marc Kay (Jungle Book, Robin Hood, Peter Pan). R50 at Computicket, the door or call Ailsa at 083 250 2690. Daily at 11am
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: KickstArt present Jack and the Beanstalk. Ends January 5. Written and directed by Steven Stead, it stars Rory Booth in the title role; Jessica Sole as his love interest, Princess Jillian; Darren King as his long-suffering, eccentric mother, Flora Flatbroke; Liesl Coppin as his evil nemesis, Lady Perfidia Beastly; Shelley McLean as the good fairy, Glissanda Goldenvox; and Peter Court and Bryan Hiles reprise their hilarious performances as the two incompetent crooks, Cecil and Claude, making a comeback after their demise in Robin Hood. Shows are 2.30pm Tuesdays to Sundays and 7pm on Saturdays. R100 to R200 at Computicket, and for block bookings or sold performances and early bird specials, contact Ailsa Windsor at 083 250 2690 or editor.goingplacessa@ gmail.com.
IZULU THEATRE AND WILD COAST SUN: Showtime Management is proud to present, direct from the US, The Greatest Love Of All – The Whitney Houston Show starring South Africa’s Belinda Davids, until January 5 and the Wild Coast Sun on December 30. A tribute to a woman who has long been an icon of pop music and vocal ability, The Greatest Love Of All will celebrate a catalogue of Houston’s most loved songs from her 29-year career. Book at Computicket for both venues.
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Strictly No 1s ends January 5. Six decades of Billboard chart-toppers. The show’s host, Jonathan Taylor, will take you back to the No 1 songs on Springbok Radio and LM Radio. Expect songs from Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Bruce Springsteen, Black Eyed Peas, Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Whitney Houston and more. R150 from Wednesday to Saturday, R115 Tuesday night and R100 Sunday matinee. New Year’s Eve will have additional lunchtime shows (starting at 1.30pm). Remember The Barnyard’s Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve shows, and an extra show on December 30. Book at 031 566 3045.
HERITAGE THEATRE: Don’t Tune Me Again – Ek Sê runs until December 31. The Gee Jays (Gary McKenzie, John Didlick and Grant Bell) present the sequel to Don’t Tune Me – Ek Sê. Expect the sounds of The Bee Gees, Credence Clearwater Revival, Mungo Jerry, Elton John, Three Dog Night and Elvis. Not to mention South African bands of the 1970s such as The Bats, Ballyhoo, Rabbit, Copperfield and McCully Workshop. R215 Wednesday to Saturdays and R185 Tuesday night and Sunday matinee. Prices include a two-course meal. Show only R120. Bookings: 031 765 4197.
BAT CENTRE: The Young Basadzi Women of Poetry meet every Thursday to share their thoughts, pain, frustration, aspirations and resolutions while putting it all down on paper and in the spoken word. 5.30pm. Free. Call 031 332 0451.
RIVETS BAR: Catch Thursday Live! every Thursday. The venue hosts comedians as well as live music acts at 8pm. To book a table or for more info, call 031 336 8100.
USHAKA MARINE WORLD: A Golden Christmas with Dolphins By Starlight. Friday to Sunday. Take a journey through time with golden oldies like the Christmas Song, Jingle Bells and Ave Maria, contemporary classics like Rocking Round the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Justin Bieber’s Mistletoe and carols like Silent Night, Oh Come All Ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Young and old can sit back and enjoy a 12-piece orchestra, the Bravo string quartet, Lauren Laing, Clive Gumede, Samantha Landers, Marion Lounden and one of South Africa’s favourite divas, Lelo Zondi, as well as appearances by Jonathan Johansen (top-16 Idols finalist 2013), Reece van Schalkwyk and Julia Sutton. R135 adults, R110 for children under 13 at Computicket or call 031 328 8000.
COMING UP
The Oyster Box: Curry and Comedy with Ben Voss takes place Friday, December 20. Relax as comedian Voss takes you on an hour-long journey of fun and laughter. The three-course menu includes an Indian snack starter platter, a gourmet prawn and chicken bunny chow with traditional accompaniments and creamed vermicelli for dessert. Booking is essential. 7pm to 10pm at The Pearl Room. R350.
• To be listed in Boardwalk, please e-mail all your theatre-related information to [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday afternoon.