MOONSHADOWS

(Percy Smith, Petro Liebenberg and Shaun V)

The Barnyard Theatre Productions’ newest show, Moonshadows, which runs from May 1 to June 24, is a perfect parody. Whimsical folk music gently fuses with soulful country and beautiful acoustic rock to create a seamless celebration of three genres of music.

It is by no means a niche market show as the instantly recognizable sounds of Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Kenny Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Adele, Carrie Underwood, The Eagles, Cat Stevens and Shania Twain are brought to life in glorious technicolour.

The show takes its name from the famous 1971 Cat Stevens hit Moonshadow, a song he considers the favourite of his old hits. When he appeared on The Chris Isaak Hour in 2009, he said of this song: "I was on a holiday in Spain. I was a kid from the West End (of London) – bright lights, etcetera. I never got to see the moon on its own in the dark, there were always streetlamps. So there I was on the edge of the water on a beautiful night with the moon glowing, and suddenly I looked down and saw my shadow. I thought that was so cool, I'd never seen it before."

The magical image and song inspired Duck Chowles of The Barnyard Theatre Productions to compile a soulful show incorporating the greatest sounds in acoustic rock which includes folk rock, Irish rock, The MTV Unplugged series and country rock which inevitably translates into some foot-stomping sing-alongs plus some of the most beautiful melodies and moments to savour.

Moonshadows features a nine-piece cast that introduces instruments like the banjo, mandolin and fiddle plus acoustic and electric guitars to bring to life songs including Whole Of The Moon, Sweet Home Alabama, Hurts So Good, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Hotel California, Ring Of Fire, Rhinestone Cowboy and From This Moment.

Adding to nocturnal magic is the stellar cast of Percy Smith, Shaun V, Petro Liebenberg and Samantha Tirivacho on vocals; along with dynamos Jason Guile and Johan Liebenberg on guitar and vocals. The band is made up of Raymond Verster on keyboards, Mark Freel on bass guitar, Chad Harbott and drums and Tagan Bailie on violin.

This trip down a Country Road is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day with the whole family on Sundays May 13 and June 24, with the usual matinee discounted shows.

Moonshadows runs from May 1 until June 24. Tickets R135 pp from Wednesday to Saturday, with discounted specials of R100 per person every Tuesday night and Sunday matinee show For bookings and enquiries, phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.