(Marion Loudon, Mali Sewell, Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby & Jason Andrew)
Woodstock is another ‘not to be missed’ musical spectacular at Rhumbelow
Theatre. (Review by Keith Millar)
The hair may be sparser, the beard a little better
trimmed, the moustache decidedly grey and the clothing far more conservative,
but I am sure, that at heart, many of us still strongly relate to the 1960’s
flower children who were so strongly moved by the events of the greatest
musical festival of all times, Woodstock. Four days of fantastic music,
performed by some of the leading international artists of the day and all
delivered in a wonderful vibe of Peace, Love and Harmony.
I will repeat that Peace, Love and Harmony. How our
poor world could do with a little of that now.
For a rousing trip down memory lane, back to those
carefree days, the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo is the place to be as Durban’s
finest showband, The Reals, performs the best of the best in their exciting
tribute to Woodstock.
To help tell the story The Reals make excellent use
of audio visuals projected onto the Rhumbelow’s overhead screens and compiled,
from the Woodstock documentary movie, by the band’s Musical Director, Dawn
Selby.
Woodstock kicked off with a three-hour set by
American singer/songwriter Richie Havens and ended four days later with an
inspirational performance by the late great Jimmi Hendrix.
The tribute follows the same route with The Reals’
frontman, the brilliant Barry Thomson starting proceedings off on his acoustic
guitar while belting out Haven’s Freedom,
and then ending the show with an extraordinary rendition of Hendrix’s Voodoo Child and Star Spangled Banner.
In between, the audience is treated to fabulous,
high energy performances of songs such as Janis Joplin’s Me and Bobby McGee and Piece of My Heart, See Me, Feel Me, Summertime Blues and
My Generation by the Who, I Shall Be Released by The Band, What
Are We Fighting for by Country Joe and the Fish, Marrakesh Express
from Crosby Stills and Nash and Joe Cocker’s version of With a Little Help
from My Friends.
A highlight is Santana’s Soul
Sacrifice with Mali Sewell showing that he is still the best rock drummer
in Durban and still the God of Thunder.
And this is only a sample
from the jam-packed show which certainly serves as a worthy tribute to the Woodstock
festival and the wonderful musicians who performed there.
The Reals, joined by the
fabulous Marion Loudon for this show, is certainly on top of their form. They
performed with considerable skill and aplomb and once again demonstrated why
they are considered as Durban’s leading rock group.
Marion Loudon carried on
from where she left off in the recent Gotta Lotta Soul show and gives it
her all. She performed with considerable flamboyance, energy and élan.
Woodstock is another ‘not to be missed’ musical spectacular presented by the
Rhumbelow Theatre group. It is an apt celebration of the 48th
anniversary of an occasion where over 400,000 young people gathered for a music
celebration in a setting of Peace, Love and Harmony.
Woodstock will be on at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road, Umbilo until
September 3 with shows as follows: tomorrow (August 27) at 14h00;
September 1 and 2 at 20h00 and September 3 at 14h00 and 18h30.
The venue will open 90 minutes before the show for
picnic diner. Braai fires will be available. A cash bar is available (No
alcohol may be brought onto the premises). Tickets R150 booked through Computicket
or contact Roland (also for large group booking discounts – 20 or more) on
082499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net
or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Limited secure parking available. Booking is essential.
– Keith Millar
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