This two-hour long showcase of tunes will
have music lovers from all generations singing, swaying and sashaying along.
(Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)
Smash
Hits Radio is a musical review that captures 60
years of radio hits in one night of thorough entertainment. Barnyard Theatre at
Suncoast is playing host to this toe-tapping show before they migrate to Cape
Town for the next leg of their tour. This rock and roll hits wonder establishes
itself in a radio station, where all the magic unfolds.
The live band is sensational with the saxophonist
Ola Aina from Nigeria stealing the show. His smooth tunes have the audience
mesmerised but this does not divert attention from some of the vocals that were
simply off the charts.
The four lead vocalists, from all parts of
South Africa, including local-born Yvette Barnard, are exquisite in rendering
numbers from Louis Armstrong and Cher to Lady Gaga and even some popular local
tunes.
I particularly enjoyed Percy Smith and Asia
D, both of whom displayed remarked local range and skill as well as stage
presence. Gavin Hayze does well to play DJ and sing on vocals. The second half
was more energetic and vibrant, and saw the individual vocalists shine in some
numbers but did not diminish the quality of the first half.
The list of hits spans decades and included
favourites like September, What a
Wonderful World, Shallow Waters, UB40, Baker Street, I Will Always Love You and
even I will Survive. The medleys were
cased in lighting that was bold and bright and costumes that were dazzling.
Projections of cities at night filled the background. I would have liked to see
some dancers fill the space, too, but the vocalists do a fair job at
choreography.
If you missed out on a concert recently
then this is your chance to catch up. This two-hour long showcase of tunes will
have music lovers from all generations singing, swaying and sashaying along.
Smash
Hits Radio runs until September 1, 2019, with shows
from Tuesdays to Thursdays at 19h30, Fridays and Saturdays at 20h00 and Sundays
at 14h00.
The Barnyard Theatre Suncoast is situated
at Suncoast Casino, Suncoast Boulevard, O R Tambo Parade in Durban. Book online
at https://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/show.aspx?sid=1045&vid=24
For more information contact 031 940 0500.
- Verne Rowin Munsamy
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