(Chris Luke and Tonya Koenderman )Escape the heat and humidity to the (air-conditioned!) Stirling Theatre in Durban North for an entertaining evening of jazz classics where Tonya Koenderman and Chris Luke are presenting their new show, Makin’ Whoopee, over the next two weekends.
The bubbly Tonya is a standard favourite with local audiences and the laid-back Chris makes a welcome return to Durban after being based here for a number of years, appearing in numerous Barnyard productions. The last time we saw him here was in the critically-acclaimed Rouge Pulp with Amra Faye-Wright.
Tonya Koenderman has a very powerful voice – where it comes from in that slight frame, beats me! - which means she can give full justice to a number that requires vocal strength. I should think that performing in the Moses Mabhida Stadium wouldn’t daunt her in the least! Less overt, as most musicians are because they speak through their instruments, Chris Luke provides a good foil for Tonya. Good-natured and easygoing, he proves that he’s a master of many instruments from the sax to the penny whistle.
The Stirling Theatre stage is a fairly daunting space for performers in terms of its height. This is a supper theatre venue and this genre works best when the performers are fairly close to their audiences as most supper theatre shows are presented in the style of cabaret. However, the larger the performance space, the more structured a production needs to be.
Therefore, in its present format, Makin’ Whoopee tends to get a bit static at Stirling Theatre and I would like to see more “pictures” – as in performers using the stage area more, working at different heights as in sitting on bar stools, lower props or the edge of the stage as well as finding different spaces to present numbers that would benefit from a more casual presentation than standing at the mike. Their unusual rendition of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square with its simple bass guitar backing was a highlight for me.
In terms of the informal chat, this would work in a more intimate venue but for this stage it needs to be more specific, even scripted. I would also like to have seen more of the fun musical “chat” between voice and instrument that we saw in the encore (make sure you ask for one!), My Baby just Cares for Me.
That said, Makin’ Whoopee is the kind of show that should appeal to Durban audiences. The performers are top notch, sincere and generous and they wear an impressive and elegant array of outfits. The line-up of numbers will appeal to one and all – from Mack The Knife, Fever, In The Mood and Tequila to the title song Makin’ Whoopee as well as Summer Time, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, The Lady is a Tramp, Masquenada and All That Jazz.
Makin’ Whoopee runs from Thursdays to Saturdays at 20h00 from February 3 to 5 and again from February 10 to 12. Tickets R80pp. The Stirling Theatre is situated in the Italian Club along Fairway near the Beachwood Golf Course. Take your own picnic or snacks but the venue offers The Italian Club’s optional a la carte menu for patrons wishing to eat, and a fully stocked bar at affordable club prices. There is plenty of secure parking. Bookings 076 786 1127 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za (Regret no credit card facilities) – Caroline Smart
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