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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

FOREVER YOUNG



(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”.)