I AM WOMAN – YOU ARE MAN

Show by Mariette Heenop at Port Natal School Hall on May 7.

Durban-based vocalist, Mariette Heenop is back on stage in her hometown on May 7, performing a new show entitled I Am Woman – You Are Man at the Port Natal School Hall.

Taking time out from her highly popular Barbra Streisand Tribute show, which she has been performing with notable success the past few years from Durban to Pretoria and, even, Port Elizabeth, Heenop this time around employs Streisand’s ’64 classic, I Am Woman as a departure point for a journey through a selection of songs, by some of the greatest singers of all time, which have, over the years, defined women, and womanhood.

Through her singing, Heenop takes a heartfelt look at the emotional stages of womanhood, and relationships – from lover (The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face) to mother (Song For My Young Ones) to companion (You’ve Got A Friend) to victim (The Winner Takes It All). This celebration of being woman features a feel-good and nostalgic mix of music, classic and contemporary, made famous by legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Norah Jones, Linda Ronstadt and Vaya Con Dios, as well as South Africa’s very own Dozi and Laurika Rauch.

Mariette Heenop returns to the Port Natal stage for the first time since 2005, when she was invited to perform her Streisand Tribute to an audience of VIP guests in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the annual Kolligkunstefees. Classically trained – she has performed with the likes of Jannie Moolman – Heenop's voice has been described by critics as “rich” and “wide-ranging”, while Steve Hofmeyr dubbed her “Streisand” on the back of her memorable vocal performances in Beautiful Noise, Hofmeyr’s highly popular tribute to the music of Neil Diamond at Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng, in 2006.

Heenop will again be accompanied by her long-time friend and pianist, Melvin Peters. A protégé of American guru, Darius Brubeck, Peters’ advanced technique, dexterity and ability to swing at any tempo need no introduction in local jazz circles, and he is widely-travelled.

Being a supper theatre show, patrons are invited to take along their own food, refreshments etc. Doors open at 18h30 and the show starts at 19h30.

Tickets on sale at Port Natal, as well as Gelofte High School in Pinetown, at R80 (R50 scholars).

For more information contact Port Natal (031 205 6369), Gelofte (031 702 7201), Koos Kruger (082 463 8517) or, in the case of direct bank deposits, 084 966 2718.