Full stretch of Heritage Theatre space revealed to good effect in showbiz tribute. (Review by Caroline Smart)First created two years ago when it ran at the now defunct Kwasuka Theatre in Greyville, Eeny Meeny Miny Mo Entertainment Company’s 24 Hrs on Broadway is now revived in an extended supper theatre format in association with Gary McKenzie of the Heritage Theatre at this popular venue in Hillcrest.
Directed by Dean Bennewith who has choreographed the show with his wife, Janine Bennewith who also appears in the show, 24 Hours on Broadway is based on a situation where an English stage director and choreographer (Darren King) finds himself in New York with time to spare. So he decides to spend this time seeing what’s happening in the world of musical theatre.
While this storyline is clearly placed at the beginning of the show, we never come back to it which does leave the story hanging. However, this is a minor quibble as what follows is a fast-paced and energetic journey through some of the greatest song and dance showbiz numbers to have been associated with the Broadway scene. There’s a quantum leap around periods and styles – from Cole Porter’s You're The Top (from the 1934 musical Anything Goes and the more recent film De-Lovely) and I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair from Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific first produced in 1949 through the 60’s hippie era with I got Life from Hair to Kander and Ebb’s Chicago (1975), On This Night of a Thousand Stars from Evita (1978) and The Heat is On in Saigon from Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s Miss Saigon (1989) and … but never mind the historical leaps – you get to hear some of the best musical numbers ever written.
A fine dancer, Darren King shares the vocals with Jacqui Majoor. They are supported by a strong dance troupe comprising Janine Bennewith, Maxine Muir, Carrie Ann Williams, Jacqueline Bowles and Junaid Rudhwan.
Tina le Roux’s lighting design is very effective and I couldn’t fault Colin Peddie’s sound or the rich orchestral backing tracks. The full stretch of the Heritage Theatre, something we’ve only seen three or four times in its existence, is revealed to good effect with Dean Bennewith’s silvery-aluminium chunky set design. Janine Bennewith has created a wide ranging set of attractive costumes and Brad Woodland is to be congratulated for his audiovisuals which run throughout the show. There are also some surprising effects as well, so be prepared!
24 Hours on Broadway runs at the Heritage Theatre from May 4 to 30. Tickets for all shows include a two-course meal: R190 Wednesday to Saturday at 19h00 (R165 Tuesday dinner and Sunday lunch at 12h30). The menu offers Peri-Peri Chicken Livers (my companions’ choice but way too large a portion for a starter), Butternut Soup and a crisp Greek Salad which was my choice. For main course, we all opted for the Braised Lamb Shank, the Heritage’s long-standing favourite because it is always succulent and delicious but the rest of the options look good with Grilled Chicken Breast, Grilled Line Fish or Vegetarian Lasagne. Desserts are an optional extra.
For more information or to book contact 031 765 4197 or visit www.heritagetheatre.co.za - Caroline Smart
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