(Grant Bell)
Fourth time round, this show proves its return by popular demand. (Review
by Keith Millar)
The Neil Diamond tribute, The Jazz
Singer, is back at the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest by
popular demand. It is the fourth time that this production has been staged at
the venue.
What more can be said about a show which has enjoyed such unprecedented
support and acclaim from the public?
Except to concur that it really is that good!
Of course, the material used for the show is of the very best. Musical
genius Neil Diamond has sold over 125 million records worldwide, and is
regarded to be the third most successful adult contemporary artist ever on the
Billboard charts. His brand of music has transcended generations and appeals to
all age groups.
Among his many hits which can be heard at this show are Sweet Caroline, Song Sung Blue, Red Red
Wine, Beautiful Noise, America, Cracklin’ Rosie, Holly Holy, I am I Said, Love
On The Rocks, Porcupine Pie, Forever
in Blue Jeans, Longfellow Serenade and Hello Again along with a host of
others.
Performing these memorable songs are the members of the impressive Heritage
Theatre band. This outfit must certainly rate as one of the best in Durban, if
not the country, at the moment. They have oodles of experience and talent and
never fail to produce a scintillating and professional performance.
For The Jazz Singer, they are
fronted by the popular Grant Bell of Gee Jays fame. He gives his usual
competent singing performance and also provides the biographical anecdotes
about Neil Diamond life. Sharing the vocals and playing lead guitar is the
incomparable Barry Thompson while Shaun Draght is on acoustic guitar, Jason Andrew
on bass and Mali Sewell on drums. Musical director and on keyboards is Dawn
Selby. She also reminds the audience of her fine singing talents in a memorable
duo with Bell of You Don’t Bring Me
Flowers.
The third element which makes a visit to the Heritage Theatre an
unforgettable night out is the food.
There is a new menu available and the offerings are as good as ever. For
starters there is a choice of three dishes. A Lentil Salad with butternut,
beetroot and roasted sunflower seeds, a Bruschetta with olives, peppadews, feta
cheese, and cherry tomatoes, and Chicken Livers Peri Peri. My wife enjoyed the
Bruschetta and found it very refreshing while I had the Chicken Livers which
were creamy, mildly spiced and delicious.
There are four main courses on the menu. Roasted Vegetable Stack for the
vegetarians, foil baked Hake Fillet, Pan-Fried Chicken Fillets and Veal
Bourguignon. We both opted for the Veal which was slow braised with mushrooms,
onions and carrots, and served with Parsley Parmigiano Penne. This proved to be
a good choice as the dish was tender, tasty and very satisfying. Also available
at a extra charge is Snails as a starter and the Heritage Theatre’s famous Lamb
Shank as a main.
The Jazz Singer has been one of the
Heritage Theatre’s most popular productions and a usually enjoys “sold out”
audiences. It is highly recommended so book early to avoid disappointment.
The Jazz Singer runs at the Heritage Theatre in the Heritage Market
at Hillcrest until February 24. Tickets, which include a two-course meal, are R195pp Wednesdays to Saturday (R165
pp Sunday lunch. Bookings and more information on 031 765 4197 or www.heritagetheatre.co.za – Keith Millar
Posts
