(Photo by Stavros Anthias)
… an outstanding production in its own right. (Review by Keith Millar)
I suppose that the reason most of us head for a night out at the Barnyard Theatre is for the jol.
Plenty of good music played with aplomb, plenty of volume, plenty of good company, plenty of dancing in the aisles and a few suitable refreshments - and then we can head for home thoroughly entertained and satisfied.
Well, the current show at the Barnyard Theatre at the Suncoast Casino in Durban, Simply the Best, certainly meets all these criteria. But it goes a step further. It is simply an outstanding production in its own right.
I am sure this is due not only to the obvious talent of the performers on show but also due to the respect and appreciation they show for the great artists they represent.
The artists represented are Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Sir Elton John, Cher and Meatloaf, and in each case the impersonations are of the best I have seen at a Barnyard Theatre.
But let us start with the band. Most of them have been together for several productions now and they have formed a tight unit that gels together excellently. They consist of Callie Thomson, the musical director for the show, who handles the keyboards and backing vocals; Bongani Sokhela on bas;, Paul Cassels on drums, and Jason Kylen on guitar.
Joining them on this occasion is Siya Duma on saxophone who adds more than a little spice to the overall sound. If I had my way, no band would go onto a stage without a sax.
This band provides the superb backing for the vocalists to do their thing - and that they do with great skill and style.
Let’s start with Joanne Cellan, a pocket rocket from Cape Town who is really good as Tina Turner. She has all the eccentric moves off pat and has power-house voice to back it up. Among other songs, she sings Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary, Simply the Best, and What’s Love Got to Do with it.
I think that we probably all have seen many Michael Jackson impersonators over time. Well, for me, Cole Adams is undoubtedly the best. Absolutely authentic in look and performance, this young man had me mesmerised as he sang songs such as Can You Feel It, Billie Jean, Beat It and Black or White. And not once did he revert to saying “I love You” in a girly voice, which is a staple for most Michael Jackson impersonators – and rather irritating.
Kyle Mathews performs Meatloaf. Kyle is a regular at the Barnyard and he sings a variety of songs. But he and Meatloaf are a match made in heaven. He is excellent performing songs such as Bat Out of Hell, You Took the Words Right Out of my Mouth and I’d Do Anything for Love.
Evan Cullum just seems to get better and better with his renditions of Sir Elton John’s iconic music. He had the venue rocking with songs such as Crocodile Rock, Sad Songs, I'm Still Standing, Rocket Man and Candle in The Wind.
Gemma Badenhorst, a Barnyard stalwart was standing in for Savanah De Beer as Cher on the night we saw the show. And she certainly did not let the side down with songs such as Shoop Shoop Song, Walking to Memphis and Believe.
The Barnyard production Simply The Best certainly lives up to its name. Not only is it a serious jol, but is pretty classy along with it.
It will be on at the Barnyard Theatre at the Suncoast Casino until June 4, 2023.
Bookings on https://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/show.aspx?sid=1221&vid=24
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