(Pic by Bev Millar)
This show is jam packed with great music presented with exuberance and fun. (Review by Keith Millar)
THE BARNYARD IS BACK!!!
Last night, the Barnyard Theatre at the Suncoast Casino re-opened, albeit to a limited audience, with a reprise of its Total 80’s Party Show, 80’s Rewind.
And it was all there. All the music, all the marvellous lighting, all the flash costumes, all the razzmatazz, all the sass, all the energy, all the dance moves and all the fantastic musicianship.
Live people playing live music. It was absolute bliss.
There have been a few changes to the cast. Rory Booth and Savanah de Beer have moved on while from the band, saxophonist Kirsty van der Linde is at home expecting a baby at any moment.
Still on board is the charismatic MC and lead male singer Kyle Matthews and powerhouse singer Kerry Cherry. Joining them are the experienced Jerryn Fosteros and a very pleasant surprise in Kaylee McIlroy. On debut, Kaylee is as cute as a button and possess a captivating smile. After only two weeks rehearsal for the role, she shows great promise for the future.
The band is anchored by the classy musical director Calli Thomson on keyboards, and includes Dylan van der Linde on drums, Bongani Sokhela on bass, and the impressive Jason Kylen on lead guitar.
The music as the title suggests is all from the 1980’s. It is presented chronologically and nicely illustrated by graphics displayed on a big screen behind the performers. Included are nostalgic icons such as ghetto blasters, a rubric cube, cassette players, a Sony Walkman, an analogue clock, and old-time computer games.
As is usual with Barnyard productions, there are plenty of opportunities for the audience to sing-along and dance in the aisles, and this show is no exception. The audience numbers may be limited but the enthusiasm certainly is not. With about two hours of hit music to choose from, the audience certainly had a blast.
Included on the playlist are hits such as Tears For Fears’ Shout and Everybody Wants To Rule the World, Kool & the Gang’s Get Down On It, The Bangles’ Walk Like an Egyptian, Irene Cara’s Had The Time Of My Life from Flashdance, Toto’s Rosanna, UB40’s Can’t Help Falling In Love and Red Red Wine, Queen’s I Want to Break Free, Kim Carnes’ Betty Davis Eyes and The Weather Girls’ Its Raining Men.
The highlights for me were Kerry Cherry’s blockbuster rendition of Jennifer Rush’s Power Of Love. This girl has a beautiful, powerful voice. A performance to savour.
I also particularly enjoyed the performance by guitar and keyboard of St Elmo’s Fire as well as guitarist Jason Kylen’s version of Dire Straits’ Money For Nothing.
The above is just a small sample of what is on offer in this show which is jam packed with great music presented with exuberance and fun. This show is worth a visit.
80’s Rewind is on until October 10, 2021, after which a new show titled Strictly No 1’s will take over.
Shows are scheduled to start at 18h30 on Friday and Saturday and at 14h00 on Sundays. Tickets are R220 pp and may be booked online at the Barnyard Suncoast at https://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za – Keith Millar
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