TIME WARP
DIRECTOR: Duck Chowles
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Connie Friedman
CAST: Kyle Matthews, Marvin Nethononda, Josh Ansley, Nadine Sisam, Londiwe Dhlomo, Nic Rush, Calli Thomson, Bongani Sokhela, Dylan van der Linde, Drew Mathie and Twitch
VENUE: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway
UNTIL: July 20
RATING: ***
FANCY going back in time to revisit some of your favourite hits? If you do, then the Barnyard Theatre’s latest production, Time Warp, is something you should definitely add to your to-do list.
The production combines the music of the world’s iconic rock stars with the theatrical drama of Broadway and the glamour of Hollywood to take the audience on a heady journey through the best musicals and movies in history.
It follows Dotty (Nadine Sisam) landing on The Barnyard stage after being caught in a whirlwind time warp, and being faced with new opportunities, hopes and dreams.
The show features an 11-member cast, and as the narrator and one of the male vocalists of the show, Kyle Matthews does a brilliant job and the audience simply love his comical wit and humour. He also sends the crowd into a fit of giggles when he makes jokes about Nkandla.
In the first act, expect to hear songs like Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, (I’ve) Had the Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing, and the James Bond Theme, while the second act includes tracks such as Greased Lightning, Madonna’s Like a Virgin and Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing.
Things pick up in the second half, and it is more upbeat largely because of a better selection of songs. On the night I attended, the audience seemed to come alive once the second act began.
The cast have great synergy with each other and the crowd. But kudos must be given to Londiwe Dhlomo for her incredible vocals that will send shivers down your spine.
Dhlomo is a powerhouse songstress and did justice to the signature Shirley Bassey song, Diamonds are Forever, from the Bond film of the same name.
Sisam also does a fine job as a female vocalist and her impersonation of Dotty keeps the crowd entertained.
Male vocalist Josh Ansley is also a hit when he flaunts his abs, which made the women go wild with applause.
And then there are the dancers who should be complimented on a job well done. They keep everyone captivated and cannot be faulted. Big ups to Drew Mathie for the choreography.
Scenes that stood out include the performance of Welcome to Burlesque as things heated up when the girls were dressed in provocative costumes which caused someone from the crowd to fling a thong on stage.
The scene between dancers Drew Mathie and Twitch also received much applause from the audience for their climactic lift from Dirty Dancing, which they pulled off magnificently.
From the stage design to the sound, the Barnyard Theatre did a fine job. Time Warp is an enjoyable production with a bit of raunchiness for a more mature audience.
• Time Warp ends on July 20. Tickets are R145 from Wed to Sat, with discounts of R110 on Tuesday night and R100 for the Sunday matinee. Call 031 566 3045.