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Saturday, October 24, 2020

BILLY JOEL MEETS STING: REVIEW


(John Ellis, Andy Turrell & Evan Cullum. Pic by Caroline Smart)

The show offers excellent music for all moods as well as great energy and musicality from the superbly-talented cast. (Review by Keith Millar)

So, what happens when you let loose three of Durban’s most talented musicians on the music of two of the world’s best contemporary songwriters?

Well, in this case you get a touch of magic and a great deal of fun, and another triumph for Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre.

The musicians are:

-John Ellis who forged himself a considerable international career as the front man of the band Tree 63 before returning to his hometown to pursue a solo career. In this show he is on vocals, guitar, ukulele, and harmonica.

 -Evan Cullum, who has been seen at the Rhumbelow in recent times in productions such as Rock n Roll Nerds and Elton and Friends. Before lockdown he was the regular Musical Director and keyboardist at the Rockwood Theatre. He contributes on guitar and electric bass in addition to the keyboards and vocals in this show.

 -The ever popular and multi-talented Andy Turrell is the drummer for this production. He also shows his skills on the double bass.

And the music they play in the production is provided by two of the best contemporary songwriters, the wonderful Billy Joel and Sting.

All the favourites are there. From Billy Joel, there is the likes of You May Be Right, Just The Way You Are, My Life, The River Of Dreams, We Didn’t Start The Fire, She’s Always The Woman For Me, Piano Man. It’s still Rock n Roll To Me and Uptown Girl.

From Sting we hear (many of them from when he was still the lead singer for the group Police) Fields of Gold, Englishman in New York, Message In A Bottle, Shape Of My Heart, Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and If Ever I Lose My Faith In You.

Billy Joel and Sting are long-time friends and have on occasion joked about forming a group together. Wouldn’t that be something? However, we don’t get off too badly with this production. It offers excellent music for all moods as well as great energy and musicality from the superbly-talented cast. The audience on the night seemed to know all the songs and sang along with gusto.

It is a happy show which leaves a smile on your face.

There are two performances of Billy Joel Meets Sting left. Today (Saturday October 24) at 20h00 and tomorrow (Sunday, October 25) at 14h00. However, please note that the Sunday show is already sold out and there are limited tickets left for today.

So get onto it quick. This production is worth seeing. Tickets R160 (R140 pensioners and students with a valid student card). Loyalty Card Holders (R130) ALL SHOWS

Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road, Durban. Limited secure parking is available and there is a cash bar (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Bring food picnic baskets or buy from Kevin.

ALL SEATING WILL BE AT SEPARATE TABLES. WE WILL BE SEATING CO-HABITING COUPLES AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS.TOGETHER

50 % MAX CAPACITY PER SHOW

Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/ - Keith Millar

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND SAFETY COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR PATRONS

1.1  Patrons need to wear a face and nose covering at all times in the venue except when eating or drinking.

1.2  All patrons will have their temperatures taken on arrival at the venue.

1.3  All patrons will be required to complete documents relating to Travel and Covid-19 contacts.

1.4  All patrons will be required to complete an indemnity form.

1.5  All patrons will be required to complete an attendance register with all appropriate information including confirmation of co-habiting when couples attend.

1.6  All patrons will be hand sanitized on arrival and at interval.

1.7  All patrons will be requested to bring hand sanitizer with them to the venue.

1.8  Any patron who does not meet the required Health & Safety protocols and temperature check will be refused entry.

1.9  Patrons above the age of 60 or a person with co-morbidities will be discouraged from attending performances.