(Rory Rootenberg)All new Rory Rootenberg show at the Rhumbelow Theatre but the same versatile baritone to coloratura singing showcased in a varied programme. (Review by Maurice Kort)
Expertly accompanied by Anne Duthie on piano, the show opens with Rory Rootenberg's strong baritone extolling You'll Never Walk Alone from Carousel, as well as Summertime from Porgy & Bess in coloratura mode- almost as a duet and in full costume, too - followed by Barcelona performed also as a duet. Rory Rootenberg then reprises On the Street Where You Live, from My Fair Lady, which was his debut in musicals in Geoffrey Sutherland's production at the Playhouse in 1987.
Rory Rootenberg’s long-standing partnership with his Durban pianist Anne Duthie includes a recent stint on a cruise ship. It serves as a springboard for a couple of anecdotes on the people he met on the cruise and songs from the ports of call on their trip, including Italy, Spain and Ireland, viz. Anema e core, Besame Mucho and The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha, A Little Bit of Heaven, Too ra loo ra loo ra and Galway Bay. The interpretation of the Irish ballads alone is worth the price of admission. Included are some Jewish favourites and L'Chaim to Life from Fiddler on the Roof is an obvious choice. In addition to Rory Rootenberg’s superb voice and well-compiled programme, one cannot help but be won over by his endearing stage presence. This all new programme is indeed an additional plus.
After interval, the audience is treated to a medley of show tunes superbly played by Anne Duthie before Rory Rootenberg enthrals with a few songs from various shows including Something Wonderful (The King and I) and This is my Beloved (Kismet), You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel) and Marieke (Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris) and Worlds Apart (Big River), but all superbly performed. Other highlights were Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold) and the oft-requested song from The Phantom of the Opera in which he was a huge hit All I Ask of You and Jerusalem - performed as an encore to a standing ovation.
Book for the remaining performances of High Notes & Highlights on Friday and Saturday March 18 and 19 at 20h00 and March 20 at 14h00 and 18h30. Tickets R100 booked through Computicket or email roland@stansell.za.net or phone Roland on 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636.
The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for picnic dinners so bring food picnic baskets and braai facilities will be available should you wish to cook some meat but no alcohol is to be brought on to the premises as there is a full bar available. There is also limited secure parking at the Rhumbelow Theatre which is situated in Cunningham Road, off Bartle Road, Umbilo. For more information: www.rhumbelow.za.net - Maurice Kort
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