Rebooted dolphin show to make a splash

Published Dec 4, 2013

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uSHAKA Marine World’s annual Dolphins by Starlight show looks set to be bigger and better this year.

Following last year’s sell-out season, two more days have been added to this year’s run. The show boasts a 12-piece orchestra, the Bravo string quartet, and eight singers. And, as producer and director Wayne R Scott told Tonight in an interview last week, the show will also have an elaborate set, add to that uShaka’s aquatic superstars (the dolphins) and you’re looking at a super Dolphins by Starlight this year.

“Under the theme A Golden Christmas Celebration, we will take a journey through the No 1-selling songs from the 1930s all the way through, on a Christmas theme. So we start with Shirley Temple and work our way to Justin Bieber, for example,” explained Scott.

Scott said they chose musical icons who stood out in a respective period, but who were also linked to a Christmas hit – The Supremes, Elvis Presley, Shirley Temple, Nat King Cole and more; with a song list that includes Christmas Song, Jingle Bells, Ave Maria, Rocking Round the Christmas Tree, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Bieber’s Mistletoe. And, of course, traditional carols.

Without giving away too much Scott mentioned some highlights to look out for: “We have snow in the audience, we have a revolving set designed to look like a golden record, we have a hippo who does ballet,” he said.

“This is our ninth Dolphins by Starlight and it’s the biggest production we have done, not only in terms of the number of performers we have, but also in our design. It’s going to be absolutely phenomenal.”

After selling out all four shows last year, demand for these hot property tickets see a total of six days for this year’s show.

“We are extremely privileged to have the award-winning Charon Williams-Ros on board as assistant director. Lauren Laing, Clive Gumede, Samantha Landers, Marion Lounde, Lelo Zondi, as well as appearances by Jonathan Johansen (Top 16 Idols finalist this year), Reece van Schalkwyk and Julia Sutton can be expected. We have choreography by Shelley Haggard, music direction is by Shem Mahabeer. We’ve gone all out this year,” Scott said.

In partnership with East Coast Radio’s Toy Story drive, Dolphins by Starlight will also present an opportunity for those attending to make a donation.

“If you come along please bring a toy to donate to a needy child. There will be a box on site for the collection,” concluded Scott.

• Dolphins by Starlight: A Golden Christmas Celebration takes place at uShaka Marine World from Friday to December 15. R135 adults, R110 for children under 13 at Computicket or through uShaka ticketing at 031 328 8000.

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