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Thursday, February 14, 2019

THE CARPENTERS – VALENTINE CELEBRATION - REVIEW


(Samantha Landers, Shylo Pereira & Evan Roberts )

Be sure not to miss this highly entertaining and charming show. (Review by Keith Millar)

In November last year, I was fortunate enough to see the fabulous singers Samantha Landers and Shylo Pereira, backed by maestro Evan Roberts on the piano, in a show titled That’s Life, at the Durban Rhumbelow Theatre.

In my review of the show, I commented that it was one of the best productions I have ever seen at a Rhumbelow Theatre (artSMart November 17, 2018)

So it was with a real sense of anticipation and excitement that I attended the trio’s latest show, The Carpenters, at the Rhumbelow at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof.

I mean what more could one ask for? These supremely talented musicians on stage again and - to make it all more exciting - performing the timeless music of one of the greatest duos of all time, the Carpenters.

Was I disappointed? Not at all. While the production may not have been as sophisticated and as glamorous as That’s Life, its gentle, uncomplicated presentation was perfectly in keeping with the beautifully melodic, easy listening and pure music of the Carpenters.

Seated on bar stools, the two gorgeous gals (as Evan Roberts referred to them) - and with Roberts himself alongside at the piano - deliver wonderful interpretations of many of the songs made famous by the iconic Carpenters duo. In the process, they proved once again that they are blessed with two of the most exquisite, passionate  and soulful voices in the Durban music scene.

The show kicks off with Shylo Pereira singing We’ve Only Just Begun. And that is only the beginning as she and Landers then take it in turns to perform the likes of There’s a Kind Of Hush, Superstar, For All We Know, It’s Going To Take Some Time, I Won’t Last A Day Without You, The Masquerade, The Rainbow Connection and Can’t Smile without You.

All these were delivered with consummate skill and elegance and with, at times, spine-tingling harmonies.

Evan Roberts had his turn with an emotional version of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do while a humorous version of Close to You was sung with an attempt to use more realistic lyrics and then a Durban Indian version before Pereira delivered the original with panache.

The second half included hits such as Only Yesterday, Rainy Days and Mondays, Yesterday Once More, Goodbye To Love (Evan Roberts once more), A Ticket To Ride (a Carpenters cover of the Beatles song) and Sweet Sweet Smile.

A highlight of the show for me was Landers singing the Carpenters version of the Eagles’ song Desperado and Pereira delivering Neil Sedaka’s Solitaire, both from their 1975 album Horizon. These songs were presented back to back performed with huge passion, emotion and soul. A memorable performance.

As an encore the trio sang a medley which included Mr Postman, Jambalaya, Top of the World and Sing a Song.

While The Carpenters show is mostly about the music, there are light-hearted moments when the trio offer amusing quips and observations based on Valentine’s Day (Ho-Hum) and the introspective lyrics of the songs focused mostly around relationships - as well as the fact that February is supposedly the month of love.

The Carpenters is a fresh, very well presented, and professional production. The trio of Evan Roberts, Samantha Landers and Shylo Pereira have a good thing going and let’s hope that this is not the last production we will see from these talented performers.

In the meantime be sure not to miss this highly entertaining and charming show at the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof.

The Carpenters - Valentine Celebration runs at Tina’s Hotel until February 24, 2019, with shows from Wednesdays to Sundays. Performance times: Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20h00 and Sundays at 14h00. (The theatre venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks)

Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners and students with a valid student card) 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. – Keith Millar