The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway is spanning back three decades to a time best remembered for its music icons and forgotten for its fashion, with Icons Of The 80’s opening on June 26.Audiences can get ready to experience the explosive music scene from the decade that produced the most significant, the most daring, and the most controversial icons. Featuring an 11-piece cast, this funky production revisits those pop stars that made their mark on musical history with outrageous fashion statements, catchy hit songs and some saucy dance moves.
This is a decade in which Michael Jackson launched his Thriller album; Madonna performed Pappa Don’t Preach on MTV; Cyndi Lauper knew that Girls Just Wanna Have Fun; the Eurythmics wanted Sweet Dreams; and Brit Pop ruled the airwaves with boy band Wham!
The 80’s also had its fair share of rock from iconic groups like Guns n Roses, Bon Jovi, Dire Straits and INXS. We were spoilt with the gritty talents of Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bonnie Tyler and Bryan Adams; and also were treated to the silky smooth voices of Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross with the epic ballad Endless Love. Janet Jackson and Prince added the funk and soul with songs like When Doves Cry and What Have You Done To Me Lately.
In the 80’s we were also entertained by the romantic rock era with bands such as Duran Duran, and were bombarded with love songs by Phil Collins such as Separate Lives. The 70’s icons who lived on into the 80’s and beyond also made an appearance as Queen and David Bowie felt Under Pressure, Elton John said I’m Still Standing, and Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick knew That’s What Friends Are For.
These icons were no ordinary performers and all made their mark in rock history with music, image and fashion. Relive the 80’s with the icons that will bring back the memories of songs that created the best days of our lives! So, dust off your neon garb, your legwarmers and your Madonna sandals, and get ready for an awesome 80’s party!
Icons of the 80’s is hosted by Bronwyn Evans, while the vocals are handled by Jonothan Didlick, Danny Goodman, Ray Oberholzer, Yvette Barnard and Chrystal Worship, while Marcus Thatcher is on vocals and guitar. The band is made up of Rainer Jadischke on keyboards, Nico Badenhorst on bass guitar, Alan Lloyd on drums and Jo Dazeley on saxophone.
Icons of the 80’s runs from June 26 to August 19. Tickets R135 per person from Wednesday to Saturday (R100pp discounted specials Tuesday night and Sunday matinee). Bookings and enquiries to The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.
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