(Above: Nathan Johannisen & Alison
Hillstead. Pic by Bev Millar)
If you’re a fan of Dame Julie Andrews – or even if you aren’t, you will thoroughly enjoy what is a great performance. It is a beautiful, honest and sincere tribute to Julie Andrews with the songs for which she is so famous, and also revealing a fascinating history of her life. All in all, the show is 60 minutes of a splendid tribute. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Julie Andrews – Uncut is currently running at Rhumbelow Theatre this weekend.
Direct from the Grahamstown Festival and the Wela Kapela Cabaret Festival 2022 at The Baxter in Cape Town. The show is the latest offering from Wela Kapela, an East London-based production company. Roland Stansell, who runs Rhumbelow Theatre, is hoping to create a strong association with them to bring more shows like this one, to Durban.
Julie Andrews – Uncut is written and directed by Amanda Bothma featuring Alison Hillstead accompanied by musical director and pianist Nathan Johannisen.
One of the delights of the show is its simplicity. Hillstead is elegantly dressed in black tight-fitting trousers and an-off the-shoulder top. No flashy hairdo, sparkling jewellery or fancy costumes. The show is beautifully sincere with compelling sensitivity presented with respect and admiration for the star. Gentleness when needed, with cheekiness, exuberance and humour in others.
The song list resounds with many of Julie Andrews’ top numbers including Do-Re-Mi and Something Good (The Sound of Music); London Pride (written by Noel Coward); Feed the Birds and A Spoonful of Sugar (Mary Poppins); The Boy Friend (from The Boy Friend); Wouldn’t It Be Luverly (My Fair Lady); and Send in the Clowns (A Little Night Music).
She has a good vocal range, reaching the high notes (Climb Every Mountain) with clarity and ease. Also handling opera with confidence, singing Puccini’s aria O mio babbino caro. She is excellently partnered by Nathan Johannisen, who has a brief comedy moment of his own!
Hillstead takes us through Julie Andrews’ history and to many it will come as a surprise to learn that she came from a low-class background with a father who was a violent drunk. Her parents performed in Vaudeville and the little girl made her stage debut appearing with them, having to stand on a crate to sing a duet with her father.
Julie Andrews - Uncut tells of the trials and tribulations – and major achievements - that shaped Andrews into a shining star of stage and screen. In 2000, she was made a Dame by the late Queen Elizabeth for her services to the performing arts.
This story goes through the war years, and her personal relationships. At 13, she became Britain’s “youngest prima donna”, being the youngest solo performer ever to be seen in a Royal Variety Performance on November 1, 1948.
Things got very difficult for her as the later years went on and, as an introduction to Andrews’ history, we see her seeking therapy from a doctor who is surprised to see “Mary Poppins” in his waiting room.
Later, she met and married American film director Blake Edwards who took her to “pastures new” such as The King and I and Victor Victoria.
As her story progresses, Hillstead presents it as herself and as Julie Andrews, perfectly imitating her clear and distinct speech.
All in all, the show is 60 minutes of a splendid tribute.
If you’re a fan of Dame Julie Andrews – or even if you aren’t, you will thoroughly enjoy what is a great performance. It is a beautiful, honest and sincere tribute to Julie Andrews with the songs for which she is so famous, and also revealing a fascinating history of her life.
Don’t miss it! There are only two more performances: tonight (Saturday December 10) at 19h30 and tomorrow (Sunday, December 11) at 14h00. Venue opens 90 minutes before show for snacks/drinks)
Tickets R180. Bring food picnic baskets or buy at the venue. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Limited secure parking available.
Booking is essential via email: roland@stansell.co.za or through Computicket.
For more information, contact Roland Stansell on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban – Caroline Smart
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