(From
back: Andy Turrell, David Knott, Evan Cullum and Nicky Knott with Kirsty van
der Linde, Ofentse Mokhuane and Dylan van der Linde)
Rock
n’ Roll Nerds is a wonderfully entertaining show
and a marvellous walk down the memory lane of some superb music. It is highly
recommended. (Review by Keith Millar)
Nicky Knott, the MC and vocalist for Rock n’ Roll Nerds, kicks off the show
by suggesting that guitarists and drummers in a band are the charismatic cool
guys that usually get the girl, and that the pianists are the nerds.
Well, after this foot-stomping, hand
clapping show which pays tribute to the greatest of the rock pianists, I think
it is safe to say: Nerds Rule!
Currently on at the Rhumbelow Theatre at
Tina’s Hotel in Kloof, Rock n’ Roll Nerds
is a cracker of a show which features some great music performed with skill
energy and enthusiasm by a group of very talented musicians.
The show gets under way with a terrific
rendition of the music of that greatest of all rockers, Jerry Lee Lewis, and
then keeps the action going with hits from the likes of Ray Charles, Billy
Joel, Carole King, Little Richard, Elton John, Burton Cummings, Stevie Wonder,
Bruce Hornsby and Alicia Keys. Nerds indeed.
Also featured in the show, and providing
some of the highlights, are Queen’s Somebody
To Love with Freddie Mercury’s memorable piano riff, and two songs, Moments Away and Special Star, by South African Super Group, Mango Groove.
Special
Star is performed by one of the lead singers in the
show, Ofentse Mokhuane. This young man has grown tremendously as a performer
since I last saw him on stage. His singing and dancing in this number was
nothing short of dazzling. He certainly didn’t let himself down either with his
other songs such as Ray Charles’ Hit the
Road Jack and Little Richards’ Good
Golly Miss Molly. He was a wonderfully ebullient presence on the stage.
The other lead vocalist in the show is
Nicky Knott who contributes a pair of Carole King numbers, Natural Women and I Feel The
Earth Move, She also impressed with Queen’s Somebody to Love and Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You.
The Piano Nerd in the show is the
self-effacing Evan Cullum who is also the musical director. He is a convincing
Jerry Lee Lewis with Great Balls Of Fire
and Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On. He
also provided Billy Joel’s Just The way
You Are and one of the highlights with Burton Cummings’ My Own Way to Rock.
The surprise package of the show is Kirsty van
der Linde. Well-known as a first-rate saxophone player, this multi-talented
performer also contributed penny whistle, harmonica and piano playing to this
show as well as vocals with Billy Joel’s Piano
Man.
The solid backbone for the band was
provided by Andy Turrell on bass guitar, Dylan van der Linde on drums and David
Knott on lead guitar.
Rock
n’ Roll Nerds is a wonderfully entertaining show
and a marvellous walk down the memory lane of some superb music. It is highly
recommended.
The show runs at Rhumbelow Theatre at
Tina’s Hotel in Beryldene Road, Kloof until Sunday (July 15) with shows at 20h00
and at 14h00 on Sunday. (The theatre venue opens 60 minutes before show for
drinks)
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners) and tables
seat 6. (No alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises). Tickets are
cash or EFT only. Secure parking is available. Booking is through Computicket
or contact Roland (also for large group booking discounts of 20 or more) on 082
499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit
http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof. – Keith Millar
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