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Friday, May 1, 2015

YOU RAISE ME UP



(Rory McLaren)

Rhumbelow Theatre Pietermaritzburg and Durban will present You Raise Me Up, a tribute to Josh Groban featuring Rory McLaren.

McLaren is back in South Africa and back in town, after five years of show-stopping performances internationally and sold out performances on three continents!

This talented local (as in, from East London!) artist started playing the piano and singing at the age of five. At 16 he received a distinction from the Royal School of Music and was 18 when he wrote a song called Treasure Your Love, which went on to become a number 1 hit in the Eastern Cape for six consecutive weeks. This led to a recording contract with EMI Records. He relocated to Johannesburg in 1997, where he performed extensively for several years. This was followed by several show contracts in the Middle East and Europe.

Those who caught his Josh Groban tribute back in 2008 will not have forgotten what was his most popular and critically acclaimed show.

McLaren returns this month with his new tribute to Josh Groban, one of the most accomplished and talented singers of our time. Now with seven multi-platinum albums, he aims to cover the best of Groban's 107 award winning songs. This makes the choice of songs quite tricky!

However McLaren's confident stage presence, his three-octave range voice and virtuoso piano-playing makes capturing the essence of Josh Groban well within his ability. He has the ability to move effortlessly from the biggest hits such as The Prayer, To Where You Are, You Raise Me Up, Remember When It Rained and Believe to all-time operatic anthems

Shows take place at Rhumbelow Durban on May 8 (20h00); May 9 (13h30 and 20h00) and May 10 (13h30 and 18h30) - Durban Umbilo.

Two further performances take place at the Allan Wilson Shellhole in Pietermaritzburg on May 17 at 14h00 and 18h30.

Venues open 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Tickets R120 (R100 pensioners). Bring food picnic baskets. Braais will be available at the Durban venue only. Bar available (no alcohol may not be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure parking.

Booking is essential through Computicket or phone or email Roland on 082 499 8636 or email : roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com