(Jemma
Kate Badenhorst, Camilla Rogers, Marion Loudon & Leigh Meyer)
If you’re looking for a foxy night out,
this show is for you! (Review by Barry Meehan)
A good friend of mine who, for the purposes
of this review, shall remain nameless, has been an ardent supporter of the
Rhumbelow Theatres over the years. It is to be expected that having seen so
many shows, he might have become a tad jaded, and has lately been of the
opinion that for a show to stand out from the others and really grab his
interest, it needs a certain amount of what he refers to as “eye-candy”. At the
risk of being called a male chauvinist, I must say I find myself in total
agreement. Fortunately, The Foxy Four
provides all the “eye-candy” that any red-blooded theatre-goer could desire,
and a whole lot more!
The show features four very spirited
performers – the evergreen and ultra-professional Marion Loudon, the
vivaciously appealing Leigh Meyer, the slim bundle of energy that is Jemma Kate
Badenhorst, and blonde newcomer Camilla Rogers. The four certainly bring a great
and at times almost manic energy to the stage with numbers that were instantly
recognisable and appealing to the opening night’s highly appreciative audience.
There is no point in listing all the song titles, but just to give potential
theatre-goers an idea of The Foxy Four
playlist, expect numbers such as I’m
Coming Out, which gets the show off to a great start, Shoop Shoop, Call Me, Manic Monday, Respect, Royal (Leigh and Kate
at their best), Chandelier
(beautifully done by Marion and Camilla), At
Last (a Kate solo), an Adele medley (standout performances by Leigh and
Kate) and a rap medley, very well handled by Kate and Marion.
The girls all have their moments as
soloists, and also perform in a variety of combinations, but for me they are at
their best when all four are on stage, notably in The Clapping Song and their ethnic sequence (Hamba Nawe and Hell Fire)
which, in my humble opinion, was the highlight of the show, featuring great
choreography and a simple ethnic costume.
Speaking of costumes, The Foxy Four is a non-stop parade of everything glitzy, glamorous
and even a tad risqué. For me, it felt that at times the girls were trying too
hard to showcase the costumes, with some of the changes so quick that it led to
performers being a beat or two late arriving on stage – a small quibble.
Interspersed with the parade of songs and
costumes are vocal clips from members of the local performer community,
describing their best “foxy” moments, most of which ended up in disaster of
some kind! Hats off to the ladies for trying to create something different for
their show, with much credit to them for the effort and creativity put into
staging The Foxy Four.
The show is very entertaining but could do
with a few “tweaks” introduced by asking a seasoned professional to cast a
beady eye over the proceedings. But the girls know what is needed, and will no
doubt introduce more (or less, whichever is needed) to the show as it
progresses. So if you’re looking for a foxy night out, this show is for you!
Performances take place from November 28 to
December 9 with shows Wednesday to Saturday at 20h00 and on Sunday at 14h00.
(The show on December 8 is sold out). The theatre venue opens 90 minutes before
show for drinks.
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners and FHSSC
Members 1st week only) and tables seat 6. Family Pack pricing R300 for two
adults and two children free. (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/
(For
Restaurant reservations, contact 031 764 7843)
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene
Road in Kloof. – Barry Meehan
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