LIZA WITH A "T"

(Tonya Koenderman)

Rhumbelow Theatre Durban will present Liza With A “T” starring Tonya Koenderman this weekend.

What better way to celebrate Liza Minnelli’s birthday on March 12, then to bring a Liza Minnelli Tribute show to Durban.

Tonya Koenderman is back in town with her one woman hit show, Liza with a "T”. It is a tribute to the great Liza Minnelli and has been performed to sell-out houses and critical acclaim in Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, Durban, Cape Town, Namibia, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.

The show tells the story of Liza's life - her close relationship with her father, her struggle to conquer drug and alcohol abuse, her many relationships, and of the influence her mother Judy Garland had over her. But mainly the show pays tribute to the songs Liza made famous: Cabaret, Mein Herr, Maybe this Time, Money Money, New York, New York, and many more.

Hours of careful study of Liza Minnelli's moves and music resulted in a show that has brought great success for Koenderman. Her impersonation has been so impressive that she was invited to star in the look-alike, sound-alike show, Stars in Your Eyes in 1996. This was such a success that she became the only local artist to perform in the international show, Beyond Belief which ran for 18 months at the Sun City Extravaganza.

Other cabarets to her credit are The Doo Wah Girls directed by Kevin Feather as well as We 3 with Gordon Mulholland and Paul Andrews. Her one-woman shows include Age of Aquarius, Divas to a T, Tonya Unwrapped, and Makin' Whoopee.

Koenderman has worked at Caesar's Casino as the guest artist in the dance extravaganza "Dazzle" directed by Bryan Bester, and "Celebrate" directed by Billy Hogg and Amber Baty. She most recently teamed up with fellow performer, Anne-Marie Clulow for the show, All of Woman and Shake Your Bootie.

She has done extensive corporate entertainment for companies such as Standard Bank, Nedbank, VW, Gillette, Appletizer, Coca Cola, SA Breweries, and Investec, to name but a few. She has worked extensively overseas, to places as far afield as Australia, Seychelles and Morocco.

Shows take place on March 31 and April 1 at 20h00 and on April 2 at 14h00 and 18h30. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic).

Take along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).

Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners and tables of eight or more). Rhumbelow Loyalty Card Holders R100 on March 31 only. Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo.