A HANDFUL OF KEYS

Brilliant script and virtuoso performances by two accomplished pianists with remarkable acting, singing and impersonation abilities has lost none of its freshness and appeal in its return visit to the Sneddon Theatre. (Review by Maurice Kort)

A Handful of Keys which originated in June 1994 has become a phenomenon and long may it continue. Roland Stansell can be thanked for bringing the production, now starring Jonathan Roxmouth and Roelof Colyn, the same duo who appeared at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in May 2009, and again directed by Ian von Memerty. The cast may be the same but it has not lost an iota of its freshness, delight and audience appeal. No doubt many in the audience have seen it before and have taken great delight in seeing it again. The remarkable talent, comedic ability and synergism between the two are so great that one cannot have enough of them. These aspects are so good that one cannot stop being amazed at their piano playing virtuosity. They are really superb.

Roelof Colyn, in addition to much experience in many, many shows, has now starred in A Handful of Keys for the last nine years, having partnered Ian von Memerty and Jeremy Quickfall previously, his performance is as fresh as ever. The much younger Jonathan Roxmouth, only 24, first seen in Durban in the touring productions of the Johannesburg Northcliff High school, has won much critical and audience acclaim in his roles of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (Naledi Award winner), Danny in Grease and Munkustrap in Cats amongst other roles. Their antics in A Handful of Keys must surely continue to be the pinnacles of their careers. If you’ve seen them before, I need not preach to the converted. If you have not, don’t miss this opportunity of seeing this fabulous show.

From the opening numbers of each of the two acts, Ragtime (The Entertainer, Maple Leaf Rag and Root Beer Rag) and Rhapsody in Blue, the talent and virtuosity of Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth at the Yamaha “Grand” pianos are displayed. Continuing highlights of the show include the two illustrating how The Beatles song Yesterday would be played by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Bartok and finally The Beatles in an exaggerated style of each of the composers and "in character" with a very funny script.

Their piano playing continues in the style of various women (Alicia Keys, Blossom Dearie, and Nina Simone amongst others) and then various men with amazing spot-on impersonations. Amongst others, Victor Borge, Richard Clayderman, Fats Domino, Nat King Cole and Billy Joel are impersonated and parodied. Topping them all are Jonathan Roxmouth as Elton John and Roelof Colyn as Liberace and Stevie Wonder (his I just crawled to say where are you parody of I just called to say I love you is brilliant).

There is a patriotic South African medley (The Click Song, Pata Pata and Mama Tembu's Getting Married), the instrumental Funeral for a Friend and a Queen Rhapsody.

I cannot do no better than to quote from previous reviews I have written of this show. They work well together with great synergy leading to a very funny number Nothing Without You where Roelof Colyn accompanies Jonathan Roxmouth's singing and then their roles are reversed. Their enjoyment shows and is very infectious to the audience. A tour de force is their History of Broadway in which 100 years of Broadway are performed in 12 minutes with 139 shows being covered. Their energy is amazing, coming to a climax in the last number Rock 'n Roll (Great Balls of Fire and Tutti Frutti) before the finale, in which even the end of a show is parodied in a most amusing manner. The show is a laugh and supreme entertainment from beginning to end. It is no wonder it has enjoyed the success it has and the long and extended opening night ovation was well deserved.

The show is produced by Roland Stansell of the Rhumbelow Theatre in KwaZulu-Natal and runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre until April 17 with performances from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 19h30 and Sundays at 18h30 with additional matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 14h30. Booking is at Computicket. Tickets R130 (Discounts include two tickets for the price of one and R100 for students, pensioners and block bookings). Hurry and book, I suspect Durban audiences will leave their lethargy behind and flock to the theatre as word gets around on how good the show is. – Maurice Kort