(Joe
Zacheus, Liza Louw, Jae, Clinton Philander & Gavin Esterhuizen)
"Surf's Up ... and Away!" (Review
by John Harley)
Most appropriately, the Barn Yard opens its
season with a wild, vibrant and wacky beach party called Surf's Up!
Expect to find a beach hut, stocked to
capacity with exotic cocktails to get the tails wagging; and a show that
features a rocking ten piece cast that will take you on a warm, wet and wild
musical journey which will include the sounds of Bob Marley, UB 40, the Beach Boys,
Kate Perry, Sheryl Crow and Mango Grove!
Let me warn you from the outset, however,
that if you are picky, sophisticated and a bit of an intellectual musical snob,
u have come to the wrong show! This is a beach party in every sense of the word -it is loose, loud, fun and frenetic and
verging on the manic at times - ie, it is one, big, gi-normous
"JOL!"!!!
When I mentioned "Up, UP...and
AWaY!", I meant it in a very literal sense. Within minutes the whole
audience was out of their seats dancing, waving, swaying, jigging and, of
course, doing the Macarena, and every other "ena" you could possibly
imagine! Absolutely crazy!
Yet, for the true music lover and connoisseur,
there were definitely musical moments that were quite sublime. Regard de Bruin
was breathtaking on the guitar, bringing the house down with solo moments that
made one's head spin with exhilaration - what a talent! Kirsty Madgin (as
usual) was my absolute favourite; she literally becomes one with the sax, it
becomes part of her - and then she still looks stunning to boot! Dylan van der
Linde (drums), Calli Thomson (keyboards) and Kelley Joubert (bass) completed the
band that was quite flawless.
Vocally, Jae and Liza Louw stood out head
and shoulders, although each and every performer had their moment in the
beautiful beach sunshine! The rest of the cast includes the show’s director Clinton
Philander as well as Joe Zacheus and Gavin Esterhuizen.
Having given all the "good
stuff", I feel indebted to comment on the nature of this kind of "concert-format"
type of production which seems to have become rather predictable and somewhat
boring to those of us who just expect a little more; who are crying out for
something DIFFERENT, something a little more challenging and innovative .... allowing
us to leave the theatre with more than a mere good feeling, but also making us
leave the theatre....THINKING, having been challenged to some degree. That
would really be the ultimate prize! We have the talent and I believe we have
the audiences who deserve it.
All in all, Surf's Up is the perfect way to celebrate "All Summer
Long"! So, keep up those loving "Good Vibrations", slip into
your baggies and slip-slops, grab granny and the kids and get yourself to the
ultimate beach party.
Tickets R140pp (R65 on Tuesdays and R95 Sunday
matinees). Bookings on 031 566 3045 or visit wwwbarnyardtheatres.co.za – John
Harley
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