(Lyle Buxton takes the
role of the Prince. Pic by Val Adamson)
Following the local and national success of Sweeney
Todd, KickstArt opens their 2016 Durban programme with a brand new
production of another Stephen Sondheim classic, Into the Woods,
which runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from April 15 until May
1.
There are a few
tickets left for the two preview performances which have not been sold to group
bookings. Tickets are available for R120 each for performances on April 16 at
14h30 and 19h30. Book only through Going Places: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com
or 083 250 2690
This moody, magical, thought-provoking musical fairy tale
parable for grown-ups has long been on director Steven Stead’s wish-list, and
now he and his creative collaborator, Greg King are realising a dream –
to bring the first ever professional production to Durban!
Into the Woods is a modern twist on several of the beloved Brothers
Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the familiar plots of a few iconic stories and
exploring the possible consequences of the characters' wishes and dreams. It follows the trials and adventures
of a collection of well-known fairy-tale characters, including Cinderella,
Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood. They all go into
the deep, dark woods on separate quests, and their paths cross and intersect
with sometimes amusing, sometimes alarming results.
KickstArt has assembled an all-star cast for this important
production: Bryan Hiles and Jessica Sole play the central characters of the
Baker and his wife, who have to collect a series of magical objects over three
nights in order to dispel the curse of the eccentric next-door-neighbour witch
and have a child of their own. The Witch, a hugely challenging role first
created by Broadway musical theatre diva Bernadette Peters, and recently played
on screen by Meryl Streep, is played with relish and style by Durban’s own
delicious diva, Lisa Bobbert.
Frances Currie, now resident in the UK, has returned to
Durban to play the indecisive and under-confident Cinderella, with Liesl Coppin
as her wicked stepmother. Graeme Wicks plays hapless, dreamy Jack, with Marion
Loudon as his exasperated, ever-practical mother. Little Red Riding Hood is
played by Katy Moore, and her nemesis, the sweet-talking, always-lurking Wolf,
is played by Lyle Buxton, who also plays Cinderella’s handsome and
seemingly-charming Prince. Rapunzel is played by sweet-voiced Haylea Hounsom,
and her prince by Nathan Kruger.
Into the Woods is directed by
Steven Stead, with musical direction by American musical theatre expert, Drew
Rienstra, set design by Greg King, costume designs by Neil Stuart Harris, and
lighting by Tina le Roux.
It runs from April 15 to May 1, with performances from
Tuesday to Saturday at 19h30 and on Sundays at 18h00. There are matinee
performances on Saturdays at 14h30.
Book for all 2016 shows at Computicket: www.computicket.co.za. For block
bookings and Early Bird specials contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com,
or 083 250 2690.
Please note that despite its fairytale
characters, this musical is aimed at adult audiences, and is not suitable for
young children. PG eight years old.
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