(Dawn
Selby; Colin Peddie; Barry Thomson; Jason Andrew;
Samantha Landers & Mali
Sewell)
The Reals have raised the bar and produced
a seriously classy piece supper theatre. (Review by Keith Millar)
There is little doubt that The Reals is
Durban’s foremost tribute band. So, you can be confident that any show
featuring them will be pretty good. However, with their latest show, Poetry in Music, which is currently on
at the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof, they have raised the bar and
produced a seriously classy piece supper theatre.
The Reals are made up Barry Thomson
(guitar), Dawn Selby (keyboards), Jason Andrew (bass) and Mali Sewell (drums).
All four contribute to the vocals in this show as well.
On this occasion, the group is enhanced by
the inclusion of guitarist/vocalist Colin Peddie, who also devised the show,
and the vivacious vocalist Samantha Landers.
Together they put in a superb performance
and deliver a show of great atmosphere, drama, emotion, a good dollop of humour
and plenty of good music.
Poetry
in Music showcases material which is more lyrically
driven, but retains musical integrity and popular appeal. Artists which are
featured include Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, John Lennon, Leonard Cohen,
The Eagles, Pink Floyd, Rodriguez, Counting Crows, Mumford and Son and Don
Mclean. It is a fantastic line-up and delivers with many highlights.
Integrated into the production is the use
of purpose-made and very professional AV presentations and sound-bites. Here
they have made use of the big guns. Michael Gritten provides the moody voice-overs,
while in a well-made video production used for links between some of the songs,
an impressive Ben Voss plays an acerbic, cynical and very funny academic,
Professor Tobias Montgomery, who is presenting a TV programme called Poetry Hour.
Also very impressive in this production are
the technical aspects. The atmospheric lighting design is by Mike Broderick,
while Andre Norden’s sound is excellent throughout in an acoustically awkward
venue.
Musical Direction is, as ever by the
brilliant Dawn Selby. Her solo performance of Sarah Mclachlan’s Angel is a
spine-tingling moment in the show.
Colin Peddie also deserves special mention
for his innovative and well thought-out production. He took a year to develop
it and that shows in its quality.
With many music tribute shows, one can’t
help but get the impression that they are little more than a bunch of hit tunes
and a bit of google research thrown together and away we go. Poetry in Music is different. It is a
cut above the average and has substance, intelligence and inspiration. It is
highly recommended.
Poetry
In Music (and what better place for it to be to
make it more enjoyable and palatable) is on at Rhumbelow, Tina’s in Beryldene
Road in Kloof until Sunday (April 1, 2018). There are shows from Thursday to
Saturday at 20h00 and on Sunday at 14h00. (Venue opens 90 minutes before show
for drinks)
Tickets R150 pp (R130 Pensioners &
FHSSC Members). Loyalty Card Holders are R120. Tables seat 6. Secure parking
available. Booking is essential. Bar Available (no alcohol or food may be
brought on to the premises). Book at Computicket or contact Roland (also for
large group booking discounts of 20 or more) on 0824998636 or email roland@stansell.za.net or http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof. – Keith Millar
(Should
you wish to dine before the show at Tina’s, it is recommended that you arrive
no later than 90 min before show-time for the restaurant. An a-la-carte menu is
available and the Sunday buffet is R135 per head (R110 pensioners). Booking is
essential as seating is limited. Payment for restaurant is cash, credit card or
zapper. Contact 031 764 7843 or visit www.tinashotel.co.za/ Please indicate
that you are a theatre booking when making your reservation.)
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