(Jason Andrew,
Barry Thomson, Mali Sewell, Marion Loudon & Dawn Selby.
Pic by Barry Meehan)
This whole show is one big highlight … one you
cannot afford to miss. (Review by Keith Millar)
Woodstock, which
is back at the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel by popular demand for the next
two weeks, is certainly one of
Durban’s exceptional showband, The Reals’, most popular tribute shows.
There is a god reason for this. It is a damn good
show!
Celebrating the 49th anniversary of this
unique musical event The Reals, along with an outstanding array of audiovisual material,
bring to life all the spectacle, wonderment and exhilaration, that was
Woodstock.
Over 400,000 young people gathered together in love and
peace and harmony on a dairy farm near the small New York town of Bethel, to be
entertained by 32 acts over three days. Facilities were limited, food was in
short supply and the rain bucketed down, but nothing could stop this festival
from becoming an event which not only impacted on the musical world but also on
the politics of the day.
The Reals are joined for this tribute show by special
guest star, Marion Loudon.
The Reals themselves are never short of energy and
excitement on the stage, but when joined by this popular performer, the levels
go through the roof. She excels both as a backing singer and when taking the
lead. None more so than her heart-stirring rendition of Janis Joplin’s Me and Bobby McGee.
Barry Thomson, frontman and lead guitarist for The
Reals, replicates the festival by kicking off with Richie Havens’ Freedom. But he saves the best for last
by closing off the programme, as did Woodstock, with Jimmi Hendrix’s
extraordinary sound picture, Voodoo Child
and the Star Spangled Banner. There
is little doubt that Hendrix was something of a musical genius and with
Thomson’s quite brilliant replication of this work, one may say the same of
him.
Another highlight of the show is Dawn Selby’s
performance of Janis Joplin’s Piece of My
Heart, while the band’s execution of Santana’s Soul Sacrifice, featuring Mali Sewell on drums is simply stunning.
Also memorable is the rendition of a medley of songs
by The Who, See Me, Summertime Blues and My Generation, and Joe Cocker’s With a Little Help From My Friends and
Country Joe and the Fish’s Vietnam protest song, I Feel Like I’m Fixing To Die (One Two Three Four What Am I Fighting
For).
In fact, this whole show is one big highlight.
Memorable music played with all the usual flair, skill and pure musicality that
is the hallmark of The Reals performances.
This is one you cannot afford to miss.
Woodstock will
be on at the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel, 14 Beryldene Road, Kloof until
September 9 with shows at 20h00 (Wednesdays to Saturdays and 14h00 (Sundays). The
theatre venue opens 60 minutes before show for drinks.
Dress up in 'Woodstock'
style and stand a chance of winning the Best Dressed prize.
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/ -
Keith Millar
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