(Gary McKenzie and Marion Loudon)
Hot, sultry, sexy, smoldering, provocative, energetic, cheeky,
uninhibited. (Review by Keith Millar)
Back at The Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest by public demand is the highly
acclaimed and multi- award winning extravaganza of song and dance, Burlesque. Hot, sultry, sexy,
smoldering, provocative, energetic, cheeky, uninhibited. These are all words
which describe this fabulous production.
It is a kaleidoscope of feathers, glitter. bright lights and skimpy
costumes. On offer is all the drama, bawdy comedy, fantasy, and razzle dazzle
one would expect at a Burlesque venue of the 1930’s and it features some of the
cream of Durban’s musical theatre talent.
The club hostess is the lovely, leggy Marion Loudon, while Liesl Coppin
plays an exotic and feline singer/dancer from Sweden. This is the role for
which she received the Mercury Theatre Award for Best Performer last year.
The star of the show is the beautiful and sizzling Lauren Laing (wow! - what
happened to the sweet little girl next door?)
All the girls were in excellent voice as was Gary McKenzie who is
delightfully sleazy and arrogant as the Master of the House. That is until he
gets all vulnerable in a poignant performance of Mr. Cellophane from
Chicago.
Adding even more class and glamour to the proceedings are four smoking
hot and very energetic dancers, Cathy Barry, Maxine Muir, Geezo Peterson and
Danny Guselli.
Songs performed in the show include My
Heart Belongs to Daddy, Hey Big
Spender, Patricia The Stripper, When You’re Good To Mama, Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle, and Diamonds
Are Girls Best Friend along with more modern tunes such as Let Me Entertain You, When I grow Up, and the rap song Hit ‘Em Up.
Burlesque was conceived by
Janine Bennewith. She received a Mercury Durban Theatre Award for her direction
and choreography of this production in 2012. Another award winner was Gary
McKenzie as the Producer of the show. In charge of the sound on the night was
Guru Glen Turrell. So it goes without saying that balances were perfect.
The set design by Dean Bennewith is dominated by two huge burlesque
masks on the sides of the stage and a painting at the back which creates the
perfect atmosphere for the production.
A night out at the Heritage Theatre is always an elegant affair. Our
waitress, Michelle, was charming and attentive. She served us with a very good
“1000 Hills” Chicken Salad for starters. With cucumber, pepper dews and tomato
it proved to be light and refreshing and was perfect for a hot Durban night. Other
starters on the menu are Beetrave Salad and a Soup of the Day, while the chef’s
special (extra R25) of Escargot looked excellent and was marked down for future
notice.
For main course, I thoroughly enjoyed the Oven Baked Hake Fillet with a
creamy garlic and herb sauce. My wife had the Veal La Boutarde which was tender
and tasty with a mild spicy flavours. She also indulged in Chocolate Overdose
pudding which, judging from my sample tasting, was delectable. Other main
courses on offer are a Thai Green Vegetable Curry (highly recommended by the
Food and Beverage Manager) and Mexican Chicken Dish.
Burlesque is one of the best
productions ever staged at the Heritage Theatre. It is magical and enchanting
feast for the senses. Don’t miss it.
Burlesque runs until March 24. Doors open at 18h30 for diner
and the show starts at 20h30. Ticket price is R195 pp Wednesdays to Saturdays (R165
pp Tuesday evenings and Sunday lunchtime.)
All prices include a two course meal. A non-dining “show only” option is
available at R120 pp.
This show is rated PG 13
Bookings can be made by phoning 031 7654197 or online at www.heritagetheatre.co.za
– Keith Millar
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