(The full cast of “Jukebox Hits”. Pic by
Barry Meehan)
A great
programme of top notch and highly enjoyable entertainment covering some of the
most requested songs of all time. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Well-known
director and producer Andrew Webster and his wife Cindy run the Rockwood
Theatre (formerly the Krakatoa Lounge) at Sibaya. Their latest show, Jukebox Hits, celebrates numbers that have
been played on Jukeboxes the world over.
According
to Wikipedia: “The term jukebox came into
use in the United States beginning in 1940, apparently derived from the
familiar usage "juke joint", derived from the Gullah word
"juke" or "joog" meaning disorderly, rowdy, or wicked. As
it applies to the 'use of a jukebox', the terms juking (v.) and juker (n.) are
the correct expressions.
These
coin-operated music-playing machines reigned supreme in bars, lounges, pool
halls and diners from the 1940s and supplied a valuable indication to the music
market of the demand for certain records. The machines’ popularity waned with
the introduction of portable radios and cassette tape decks.
Jukebox Hits opens with an audiovisual introduction to
the jukebox, focusing on the Wurlitzer model. From then on, it’s a great
programme of top notch and highly enjoyable entertainment to suit all pop music
tastes.
It’s an
impressive 10-member cast headed by vocalists Liesl Coppin; Janine Cupido;
Riyann Cornelius; Kyle Matthews and Percy Smith.
Also
appearing on vocals are lead guitarist Sheldon von Grimm and bassist Kelly
Joubert. They are supported by the inimitable Calli Thomson on keyboards; Paul
Cassells on drums and Johan van der Molen on sax who plays until the end of
this week when saxophonist Kirsty van der Linde will take over.
Highlights
for me were Coppin’s I Love Rock’n Roll
and Poker Face and her powerful and
passionate presentation of At Last. Matthews
gave a beautiful rendering of Ain’t That
a Kick in the Head. Smith was delightful in Louis Amstrong’s What a Wonderful World, complete with
the familiar smile and the use of Satchmo’s handkerchief and Say you say me.
Cupido’s
I have Nothing was extremely powerful
as was Joubert’s Titanium. Von Grimm also
came into his own as a vocalist with Sex
on Fire, demonstrating his dexterity on his instrument in the stunning solo
sequences of Thunder.
Matthews,
Cornelius and Smith provided much amusement with End of the Road where they approach a lady in the audience, vying
for her favours. The full cast excelled in Thriller,
Uptown Funk and Diamonds on the Soles
of her Shoes.
However,
top of the bill was Cupido and Cornelius’s splendid presentation of The Prayer.
I had a
problem with the handling of Time to say
Goodbye. While the audience seemed to enjoy it, it didn’t fit with the
style of the show. I was also disappointed with the Queen tribute which lacked
the distinctive Freddy Mercury “bite”.
(Liesl Coppin singing “At Last”. Pic by
Barry Meehan)
There’s
a veritable parade of costumes reflecting the various styles of music, my
favourite being Coppin’s midnight blue sequinned gown. Mthandazo Mofokeng
lighting is spectacular and Reinardt Misselhorn’s sound is well-controlled. Swirling
smoke adds to the atmosphere.
Moving
from jive, the twist, rock ‘n roll and swing and adding reggae, isicathamiya
and light classical, there’s something for everyone.
Jukebox Hits runs in the Rockwood Theatre at Sibaya
Casino until September 2 with shows at 20h00 from Thursday to Saturday and
Sundays at 14h00. Tickets: Thursday nights @ R99; Saturday and Friday nights @
R130 and Sundays with adults @ R130, children U12 free and pensioners with 50%
discount!
Booking
through 031 161 0000 or www.rockwoodtheatre.co.za or the booking office at
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom. – Caroline Smart
Posts
