(Sam Marais)
The incomparable Sam Marais is back and singing as well as ever. (Review
by Keith Millar)
The Rhumbelow Theatre has another winner! The incomparable Sam Marais,
South Africa’s consummate entertainer, is back and singing as well as ever.
Marais has been in show business for 40 years and has vast experience to
go with his considerable skill and talent. He worked closely with the legendary
Geoffrey Sutherland in numerous memorable productions at the Playhouse such as The
Queen Shows: Queen at the Opera and Queen as well as Sutherland’s ground-breaking
season of three major musicals: A Musical Trilogy - Sweeny Todd, Candide
& Sweet Charity.
In Still Solo his first solo
show in several years, Marias sings a bit of disco, a bit of blues, a bit of
spiritual, and even some pop. But he is at his absolute best when he delivers
the jazz and swing standards made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and
Sammy Davis Junior.
In fact, Marais relates that
Sammy Davis Junior was one of the most important influences in his musical career.
His performances of songs such as Mr. Bojangles,
That Old Black Magic, That Lucky Old Sun and Mack the Knife are very special. Sinatra’s That’s Life and Luck be a Lady
Tonight were also delivered with style.
Marais uses very good back-tracks for most of his songs but for me the
intimacy he achieved when backing himself on piano for a few numbers was very
appealing. Of particular note in this regard was Lisa Minnelli’s New York, New York. Also on the bill,
amongst others, are Cole Porter’s Anything
Goes, Queen’s A Crazy Little Thing
called Love, Solitaire, and To Dream The Impossible Dream from Man Of La Mancha.
To link his songs, Marais reflects wistfully on his life and career with
warmth and humour. He is a charming performer with a ready smile and distinctive
chuckle. He had the audience eating out of his hand and shouting for more.
Sam Marais’ Still
Solo
is a relaxing, stress free and very entertaining show performed by an artist at
the top of his form. Get to the Rhumbelow Theatre for a great evening out.
Welcome back Sam! Please don’t wait so long before you do it again!
Still
Solo has three
more performances this weekend – tonight (October 27) at 20h00 and tomorrow (October
28) at 14h00 and 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic
dinner. Tickets R100 (R75 pensioners and tables of eight or more).
Take
along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure
parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be
brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue
off Bartle Road. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205
7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net
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