99 HITS
DIRECTOR: Duck Chowles
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Jason Guile
CAST: Andrew Webster, Marvin Nethononda, Lee Paver, Caelee Vercueil, Jean Juliet, Joe du Toit Calli Thomson (keyboards and backing vocals), Kelly Joubert , Neil Du Plessis, Angelita Horsch, Jade Farhangi
VENUE: The Barnyard Theatre, Gateway
UNTIL: October 12
RATING: ***
EVER thought it was possible to enjoy 99 awesome hits in a two-hour production?
Well, as impressive as it sounds, that’s what the Barnyard Theatre has in store for audiences in their latest production of 99 Hits.
Here, audiences should get ready to be taken on a roller-coaster ride through more than 60 years of hits.
Featuring an 11-member cast, this music marathon features some of the greatest hits by Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Cher, Mick Jagger, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, Neil Diamond, The Supremes, Lady Gaga, Toto, Bon Jovi and many more.
In the first act, you can expect to hear songs like A Little Less Conversation, Don’t Stop Believing (Journey) and Let Me Entertain You (Robbie Williams), while the second act includes tracks such as It’s All Coming Back to Me (Céline Dion ), No Woman, No Cry (Bob Marley) and Weekend Special (Brenda Fassie).
It’s impressive to watch as the talented vocalists perform 20 songs from 20 different artists, in one six-minute medley. Kudos to them as they pull it off magnificently and have fun doing it.
Male vocalist Webster is charming and his charismatic qualities come across. He is a natural on stage and the crowd love him. His good looks don’t hurt either.
The same can be said of Nethononda.
He is probably the most talented of all the vocalists in this production. He has an amazing set of pipes and on the night I attended, he stole the show with his performance of Con Te Partiro which received a standing ovation from the audience.
Then there are the female vocalists, Juliet and Vercueil.
Juliet is the better vocalist, while Vercueil came across a bit pitchy and screechy at times. However, she has enough energy to keep the audience entertained and it was duly noted.
The dancers and choreography also add to what is a great show and should be complimented on a job well done.
In terms of the costumes, it seems the Barnyard never disappoints in this area. From glitzy Elvis attire to biker jackets and white Tees, they nailed it.
Scenes that stood out include a medley of Drove All Night (Dion) and Greased Lightning (Grease, the musical) as well as the medley of From This Moment (Shania Twain) and It’s All Coming Back to Me which stirred an uproar of applause from the audience.
And let’s not forget the guys’ take on Barbie Girl (Aqua) where the male vocalists were dressed as girls, strutting their stuff on stage. We, the audience, were left in stitches once they were through with us.
From the stage design to the sound and costumes, the Barnyard Theatre has managed to pull off an enjoyable jam-packed show yet again.
99 Hits has something for everyone.
• 99 Hits runs until October 12. Tickets are R145 from Wednesday to Saturday, with discounted specials of R110 every Tuesday night and R100 for the Sunday matinee. Book at www.barnyardtheatres.co.za. Call The Barnyard: 031 566 3045.