What do Pieter-Dirk Uys, Marc Lottering, Amanda Strydom, Tina Schouw, Casper De Vries and Elsabe Zietsman have in
common?
They all played at On Broadway at some stage of their careers and, given half a chance, will return to the venue for another season.
To many a folk in Cape Town, a guaranteed evening's worth of good entertainment often include four words, Café Manhattan and On Broadway. I would like to take this opportunity to add two more, Russell Shapiro. He is the person behind the concepts and the one who brings us the shows, the food and the hospitality.
Café Manhattan in De Waterkant Village was his first vision in 1994 when all Shapiro wanted to do was to open a small 48-seater with a petite adjoining bar. The then 10-item menu has long since been replaced with an extensive a la carte one.
"The concept of Café Manhattan has been self-created. I believe this has been part of the success of the restaurant," Says Shapiro.
On Broadway's concept was a different one to the restaurant. It is a cabaret venue that has played host not only to some of South Africa's biggest names in showbiz but also to varying genres.
Shapiro has a great eye for a good show and more particularly for good talent. And this part of his establishment is especially worth mentioning because the On Broadway stages have not only given birth to many of Cape Town's young artists but have also given unknown or lesser known individuals a chance.
Shapiro is unwavering in his quest to develop new talent.
"The developmental aspect...is vital to me. I am constantly searching for young individuals to work on our new shows and perhaps be discovered by other producers."
In this way Shapiro hopes to keep the entertainment industry alive with fresh capacity and to create jobs for (especially) youngsters who have not had the feel of semi-professional productions, many of which he produces himself.
"Funding is still a big problem so I often lose money. To put up shows of this calibre doesn't come cheaply."
He employs top-flight directors and choreographers who are more than willing to share their skills with and impart their knowledge to youngsters.
With audiences in Cape Town often fickle and hard to please, On Broadway and Café Manhattan have stood the test of time and with the reins confidently in the hands of a creative thinker who believes in his concepts like Russell Shapiro, he and his vision are well on their way to becoming legendary.