(Pic
by Val Bottomley)
It may be clichéd to say don’t miss this
one, but if ever there was one not to miss, this is it. (Review by Keith
Millar)
The Reals, Durban’s accomplished show band,
have over the years presented many wonderful productions paying tribute to some
of the greatest rock music acts of all time.
However, I would venture to suggest that
their best production of all is their fabulous
tribute to the legendry music festival, Woodstock, which in August 1969
saw half a million young people get together for three days of peace, love and
music.
This year marks the 50th year since the
Woodstock festival took place and the good news is that, to celebrate this
milestone, The Reals have revived their superb tribute to this iconic event and
will be performing it at both the Durban Rhumbelow Theatre and Tina’s Rhumbelow
Theatre in Kloof until September 8, 2019. This is the 10th time they will be
performing this popular tribute show.
The Reals, as ever, are made up of their
musical director Dawn Selby on keyboards. the incredible Barry Thompson on
guitar, bass master Jason Andrews and the legendary God of Thunder, Mali Sewell,
on drums. All contribute to the vocals.
At the opening night last Thursday they
showed that they are at the top of their game. They may have done this show
many times before, but they don’t rest on their laurels. Their performance is
as fresh, dynamic and as sensational as it ever was.
Guest vocalist for this production is the
vivacious Marion Loudon, a seasoned performer who never disappoints. However,
in this show she is on fire and raises her performance to a new level. She
exudes energy and exuberance that needs to be seen to be believed. Her delivery
of Janis Joplin’s stirring hit, Me and
Bobby McGee, is one of the highlights of a show that is jam-packed with
great music. Her versions of I Shall Be
Released, Lay Down, San Francisco and The Who’s See Me are not far behind.
Bass man Jason Andrews, despite carrying a
bad bout of flu, impressed with I-Feel-Like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die
(Country Joe), Coming Into Los Angeles
(Arlo Guthrie) and, The Weight (The
Band). Mali Sewell contributed The
Letter, and Joni Mitchel’s 1970 tribute to the festival Woodstock, while
Dawn Selby did huge justice to Janis Joplin’s Piece Of My Heart.
(Left: Barry
Thomson. Pic by Val Bottomley)
Guitar guru Barry Thomson as the frontman
of the band makes considerable contribution to the show. His vocal contribution
includes Richie Haven’s Freedom, If I
Were a Carpenter (Tim Hardin), Fortunate
Son (CCR), On The Road Again
(Canned Heat), See Me and My Generation from The Who and Feelin’ Alright and With a Little Help From My Friends (Joe Cocker).
But it was his phenomenal performance on
the guitar of Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child
and Star Spangled Banner which
brought the house down. It was a brilliant and moving performance which
confirmed his position as one of the leading guitarists in the country.
Another absolute cracker was Santana’s Soul Sacrifice where all the members of
the band get to take the lead in turn and show off their considerable skills on
their instruments.
It may be clichéd to say don’t miss this
one, but if ever there was one not to miss, this is it. Excellent music
performed by a very skilled and talented group of Musicians.
Woodstock can be seen at Rhumbelow Durban until August 25, on Fridays and
Saturday at 20h00 and Sundays at 14h00. (Shows on August 17 and 24 are sold
out). (Venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnics & drinks)
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners, students
with a valid student card and tables of eight or more.
Take along food picnic baskets. Braais will
be available, and food is available to purchase at the venue. There is limited
secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol
may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42
Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo.
Booking is through Computicket or contact
Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net (also for group booking
discounts of 20 or more) or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com – Keith Millar
"Woodstock" runs at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof from August 30 to September 8, 2019.
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