(Jenny & André
Hattingh)
(Review from the 2015 Hilton Arts Festival
from Keith Millar)
Nostalgia is alive and well! It certainly was readily available at the 23rd
Hilton Arts Festival this year. There were several musical productions on show
which delved into the musical treasure chest of the past for their material.
One such production was the intimate and charming Forever Young. This show featured sisters André and Jenny Hattingh
who took their appreciative audience on a wonderful trip down memory lane with
a extensive selection of music from the 1960’s and 70’s.
André and Jenny Hattingh, originally from Ladysmith in KZN, first
performed professionally as the Hattingh
Susters when they were still teenagers. They appeared as a supporting act
for the well-known Afrikaans group called Group Twee.
Now, fifty years later, they are together again and delighting audiences
with their dazzling performances. Their playlist is extensive. They perform the
music of Simon and Garfunkel, The Seekers, Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver,
Bob Dylan, The Mamas and Papas, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchel amongst many others.
The iconic songs heard include There’s
a New World Somewhere, I’ll Never
Find Another You, Country Road, Killing Me Softly With His Song, Bye Bye Love, Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Forever
Young, Both Sides Now, Homeward Bound, California Dreaming, Blowin’ In The Wind, Blue Bayou - and so the
list goes on. Every song a sing-along and guaranteed to invoke memories of the
past.
The Hattingh sisters have excellent voices and harmonise beautifully
together. They accompany themselves on acoustic guitars which they play with
considerable skill and panache. Between the songs they keep the audience
entertained and amused with anecdotes about themselves and insights into the
various artists and their music.
Forever Young is a classy show
performed by two quality musicians, and while it certainly is a nostalgic trip
down memory lane, it has far more entertainment value than just that. One thing
is certain. The Hattingh Susters are
back! - Keith Millar
(Married to
playwright and director Anthony Akerman, André Hattingh
is well known for her contribution to the entertainment and fashion world. She
hosted SABC TV’s first children show “Bangalory Time”.)
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