Air Guitar is an entertaining, uproarious,
and boisterous show which will get your feet stomping, head banging and your
air guitar going from beginning to end.
Written and
directed by Themi Venturas this popular mini musical returns to the Catalina
Theatre at Wilson’s Wharf after 10 years and features powerhouse performer
Clinton Philander and Durban’s’ premier show band, The Reals.
Together they tell
the story of Darren Julies who fast approaching 50 and, having recently been
dropped by his girlfriend, is desperately looking for something to bring
meaning to his life. While surfing the net he comes across the Air Guitar World
Championships which take place annually in Oulo, Finland and decides to enter. He
enlists the help of two of his friends who are guitarists to teach him the
moves and famous licks played by the great guitarists through the ages.
Philander who plays
the role of Darren Julies returns to Durban after spending the last six years
on the Barnyard Theatre Circuit. He is a pocket dynamo who is small in stature
but huge in talent. His singing voice is excellent and he has extraordinary
rapport with the audience.
Often the plots in
these “musicals” are pretty irrelevant, serving only as a vehicle to introduce
the music. Philander, however, does not allow that to happen. He has enormous
fun with the Julies character and displays all the moves that could in reality
make him a serious contender for the Air Guitar World Championships.
Julies’ two friends
are played by guitar maestro Barry Thompson and a new young talent Cuan Austin.
Thompson, as always, is superb as he works his way through the many exciting
guitar anthems in the show, while Cuan Austin gives a confident performance that
shows considerable promise.
Backing the front
three are the balance of The Reals. Their talented musical director Dawn Selby is
on keyboards and backing vocals, Ninja Jason Andrew on bass and God of Thunder
Mali Sewell on drums. As usual, their performance is out of the top drawer.
Colin Peddie, the
sound engineer for the show, also deserves a special mention for his excellent
sound balances in a venue which can offer a few challenges in this department
Clever use is made
of video projections during the show with a parody of South Africa’s vapid
Idols judges being particularly funny.
There is also an
Air Guitar completion for the audience every night. The winner over the run of
the show will win a top of the range guitar.
The music played in
the show is varied and features everything from cowboy themes to Jimmy Hendrix
with plenty of artists such as Chuck Berry, Queen, Garry Moore, Doobie
Brothers, Little Richard and Bob Seegar in between.
Air Guitar should not be missed by all lovers of rock guitar, or anyone for that
matter who just wants to have a rollicking good time. Just don’t forget to take
your air guitar with you.
The show runs until
September 12 with performances nightly from Thursdays to Sundays and matinees
on Saturday and Sunday. Bookings is at Computicket. – Keith Millar
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