SEABROOKE’S THEATRE (DHS): Jakob is a different boy and different isn’t good in the world in which he lives. But in this sensitive piece, actor Bryan Hiles portrays this unusual and endearing character and we find out just how “different” can be special. Follow this unusual boy’s journey from loathing and fear to one of light and unconditional love, and find your hearts being warmed, softened and lightened. Jakob is a modern fable, a story of light and darkness, love and hate and redemption, adapted from the short story written by Michael Broderick. It ends Sunday. Wednesday to Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 6pm. No show today. R100 or R90 for block bookings. Contact Ailsa at 083 250 2690 to book. Schools and charities can contact Stacey at 083 778 6090.
CATALINA THEATRE: Durban gets a taste of the National Arts Festival (NAF) with the Not the Grahamstown Festival. This year’s fest ends at the weekend with the stagings of Ex- Men (Glen Bo and Jem Atkins); Super Mokoena (The Actors Unemployed Company); SoundGaze: Moving Images of Marie in Woyzeck (South African/Zimbabwean collaboration). R60. A dinner special at R120. Pensioners, students and block bookings R40. Contact 031 837 5999 or [email protected].
THE BARNYARD THEATRE: Time Warp ends on July 20 and combines the music of iconic rock stars with the drama of Broadway and the glamour of Hollywood. It follows Dotty who, after being caught in a time warp, lands on the stage. This leads her down the musical yellow brick road in her search for fame. First, the time warp whisks her to the 1950s with music from The Buddy Holly Story. Then she gets ready for the soundtracks from Dirty Dancing, Saturday Night Fever and Grease before paying homage to rock stars with We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages and finally moving on to the sounds of Burlesque and Moulin Rouge. R145 Wednesday to Saturday, R110 Tuesday night and R100 Sunday matinee. Bookings and enquiries: 031 566 3045.
VARIOUS VENUES: Durban’s infamous Karou Charou continues touring his one-man show, Maha Dhir. Expect “a Bollywood movie, only shorter… and without subtitles”; and a show that is “not recommended for sensitive viewers, with no pulse”. A mix of comedy, music, dance and hypnosis. Runs Saturday at Richards Bay Casino, tickets at the casino. July 4 in Umzinto, July 13 at Emperors Palace in Joburg, July 18 in Port Shepstone and August 2 in Ladysmith. Tickets at Computicket. Rated PG18.
COMING UP
MOZAMBIK (BALLITO): Comedy Night! A comedy show by three incredible acts on tour from Joburg: Chris Forrest (host), Deep Fried Man (headline act) and Warren Robertson (supporting act). Tomorrow. 8pm. 4 Boulevard Centre, Compensation Rd. R90.
CATALINA THEATRE: Dingalings Productions presents Snow White. This children’s classic promises all the magic and romance of the fairy tales. Featuring Koobeshen Naidoo , Henry Ramkissoon, Senzo Mthethwa, Nirvana Naidoo, Katinga Buserelo, Nickiel Ramkissoon and Yuvaan Naidoo. The show is on at 11am daily from July 1 to 19. Tickets are R60 at Computicket. A perfect outing with the option of a boat ride around the harbour and a meal at one of the restaurants at the Wharf (at an additional cost). Call 031 837 5999.
ELIZABETH SNEDDON THEATRE: Directed by Themi Venturas, the 14th annual Pansa Young Performers production is Footloose, which runs from July 1 to 13. Venturas reunites with Daisy Spencer (choreographer) and Des Govender (vocal coach). Joining them as musical director is Luke Holder. There are low price previews on July 27 at 7.30pm; July 28 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm; and July 29 at 2pm. The show opens formally on July 1. Early booking is recommended at Computicket. For block bookings, sold performances and fund-raisers, contact Ailsa Windsor at 083 250 2690 or [email protected].
RHUMBELOW THEATRES (PMB and DBN): Christmas in July: join Marion Loudon and The Reals for a festive party show designed to knock the “stuff” out of “stuffiness” with a line-up of festive favourite rock and pop classics from yesteryear, including All I Want for Christmas, Santa Baby and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. ‘Tis Not the Season sees The Reals (Barry Thomson on guitar, with musical director Dawn Selby on keyboards, Mali Sewell on drums and Jason Andrew on bass guitar) and Loudon on vocals. July 6 at 2pm and 6.30pm at the Pietermaritzburg theatre; July 11 at 8pm; July 12 at 2pm and 8pm; July 13 at 2pm and 6.30pm at the theatre in Durban. R120, R100 pensioners and tables of eight or more. Bring picnic baskets.
Book at Computicket or e-mail [email protected].
SEABROOKE’S THEATRE: Fresh from last year’s National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, David Muller’s stage celebration of Herman Charles Bosman stories comes to Durban next month. Have you told your child a story today? If not, perhaps you should come and listen to Oom Schalk Lourens as he tells a few tales of his experiences in the Groot Marico in Oom Schalk, from The Heart, running from July 15 to 26. Five of Bosman’s most celebrated and entertaining tales feature: the whimsical Veld Maiden; the touching In the Withaak’s Shade; the hilarious A Bekkersdal Marathon; The Gramophone, a macabre tale centred around a hot-headed husband, and Willem Prinsloo’s Peach Brandy. Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7pm. R80 with discounts for block bookings, pensioners and students. To book, call Ailsa at 083 250 2690.
VARIOUS SCHOOLS: Imagining Einstein will tour KZN schools from July 28 to August 8. The Merry Scholar, alias Cape Town actor David Muller, returns to KZN with Imagining Einstein, a play about Albert Einstein covering his life, his science and the world during his time. The hour-long play is geared for grades 10 to 12. Performances cost R4 000. Discounts apply to performances that are confirmed, as a result of introduction by another school. To book for your school, or for further information, call Muller at 072 986 5311 or e-mail [email protected].
HILTON COLLEGE: The 22nd annual Witness Hilton Arts Festival offers a bumper Jongosi schools arts festival embedded in the main festival, for high schools and primary schools to have a tailor-made package ahead of the main event. It will take place on the grounds of the Hilton College from September 18 to 21, with Jongosi taking place over Thursday, September 18, for primary schools and the next day for high schools. The festival starts with a programme of age-specific arts events aimed at schools. Teachers are asked to book early: primary schools day is R198 a head; high schools is R330 a head. The business community is invited to sponsor a group of underprivileged pupils to attend the Jongosi days. Support this initiative and get on to the mailing list by contacting Sheryl: theatre@hiltoncollege. com so that you receive the programme by August 1. For more details visit www.hiltonfestival. co.za.
• To be listed in Boardwalk, e-mail all theatre-related information to [email protected]; subject line: boardwalk, by Thursday.