FANTAZEE

Not up to the usual very high standard, but nevertheless slick and professional. (Review by Maurice Kort)

The time has rolled around once again for the Westville Theatre Club's annual Civic Centre production offering their evening of fun song and dance. This year's show is Fantazee and, although not up to the usual very high standard we have come to expect from the club, it is nevertheless as slick and professional as ever with the singing of a very high standard. They put full effort into their dancing so there is never a dull moment. The magnificent sets and very colourful costumes offer visual splendour although the latter tended to be rather hodge-podge with no central theme or reason. They did live up to the title of Fantazee, though. The wigs were truly colourful (literally and figuratively) and made the usual familiar club member faces completely new and unrecognisable. There are several new faces which is a good sign to keep the club vibrant and alive with great promise for its continuity, to the benefit of the members and the theatre going public, especially those on the highway.

Living up to the promise of the publicity blurbs, the evening offers an entertaining escape from life’s busy rat race. As a departure from their usual shows, and there are several deviations, the very professional and accomplished band: Heather Dixon (piano, vocals and keyboard - and Musical Director), Aaron Nel (guitar and vocals), Paul Prydderch (bass guitar), Helena Joubert (keyboard) and John Divine (drums) has been placed at the back of the stage which in no way detracts from their performance. The opening overture, however, was performed behind closed curtains and this was a waste of their talent - it might just as well have been a recording. The "orchestra pit" was therefore available for good use as an extension of the stage.

Not all the innovations were necessarily successful, the opening number with the full cast singing in silhouette created a rather dark effect and more lighting would have improved the scene. This subdued lighting unfortunately continued in the following number.

The songs chosen are very different from the club's usual repertoire, several being rather less well known but nevertheless very popular with the small opening night audience. Each of the singers, Alex Dawson, Carl Parsonage, Dani Cook, Devin Moller, Jerryn Fosteras, Kirsten Holder, Lisa Venediger, Nicole Hoskins, Scott McConnell, Simmi Areff and Terri-Lyn Hurkens are given solos, as well as duets and there are several songs performed by the full cast such as Pressure, Hard Days Night, Flash and Voules Vouz to name a few.

The show is directed by Andrea Zorab assisted by Devin Moller. They have moulded the large cast of 21 into an enjoyable show which can be seen at the Westville Civic Centre until October 10 at 19h00 for 19h30, the show starting at 20h00 sharp and there is a matinee on October 10 at 14h00 for 14h30 start of the show. Seats R65 pp or book a table of 10 at R600. There are specials of R40 pp at the matinee and two tickets for R100 on the October 6 student/pensioner night. Bring your own snacks/food but no drinks are allowed into the venue as there is a cash bar available. Bookings through Barbara at Haircraft on 031 266 5239. – Maurice Kort