Charming
and amiable production filled with much interaction. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Unfortunately,
with both main artSMart reviewers away in Grahamstown, the Dingalings’ holiday
show Sleeping Beauty lost out with a
review at the beginning of their run.
However,
I managed to catch it this morning and was glad I did - hopefully to persuade
families to catch it in its final performances. It’s a charming, amiable
production filled with much interaction.
There
is much humour to amuse the adults as well, delivered in inimitable form by
Koobeshen Naidoo (who also plays King Philip) and Henry Ramkisoon who play the
good fairies in knockabout comedy style. They also return later as an Oriental
prince (Naidoo) and a Bollywood-styled Rajah from Rajastan (Kissoon) – scenes that
also drew much laughter.
Katinga
Buserello is gracious as Queen Leah and suitably charming as Princess Phoebe
while Nirvana Naidoo makes a scary wicked witch, Malevicent, and Nickiel Ramkisoon doubles
as the Herald and Prince of Foreverland.
In
productions like these, it’s often just as delightful to listen to the
youngsters’ responses. After all – they are the target audience. When asked
what kind of dance the fairies should do, one youngster called out “Virgin
Active”. I’m still trying to work that out!
The
children are energetic in their vocal responses or going on to the stage to be “presented”
to the Royal Princess and later on to dance at the finale. Audience members –
young and older - are encouraged to dress for the Princess's banquet and bring
a gift-wrapped box to be part of the action on stage.
The
set has a brightly coloured backcloth with a magical castle climbing into the
clouds, mountains and red roses. Two impressive spangled chairs represent the
thrones of the royal couple and a shrouded image covers the spinning wheel until
it is time for it to makes its appearance. At this point this morning, one
little girl got extremely distressed, knowing what had been prophesied. Such
was her involvement in the storyline that she yelled at the wicked witch to go
away and loudly exclaimed that she wanted to go home!
I did
feel that the ending was too abrupt and could have done with another scene for
a more effective closure.
The
hour-long show is directed by award-winning Kumseela Naidoo and runs for three
more performances until July 18 at Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf above Zachs
restaurant. Tickets R80 booked through Computicket online or at Shoprite
Checkers.
Audiences
can opt to buy a value ticket for the show and lunch at Spur and pay a
discounted rate for a boat ride around the harbour making it a highly
entertaining holiday treat.
For
more information email: dingalingsproductions@gmail.com
or WhatsApp 083 793 9969. – Caroline Smart
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