(Lisa Bobbert & Aaron Mcilroy at
their energetic best!)
This crazy collaboration works. The
seamless integration between performers and musicians (especially the Concerto
for Typewriter) made for a great evening out. (Review by Romi Schumann)
The Christmas season is racing in, almost catching us unawares, so if you need to find a way to get into the festive flow, pop along to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre for a dose of light-hearted holiday fun. Classic Comedy featuring Lisa Bobbert (Mcilroy), Aaron Mcilroy and the Durban City Orchestra allows you to ‘leave your troubles outside’ and laugh and sing yourself into a merry mood.
This husband-and-wife team literally gambol through the scenes and costume changes, with musical interludes, and very entertaining AV clips, proving that they have the lungs for the long and high notes and the legs for Daisy Spencer’s high-kicking choreography.
A highlight for me was our ‘favourite car guard’ singing a very South African version of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables. ‘Pavarotti’ also made an hilarious appearance and demonstrated that ageing is not for sissies and that the show must go on. With some familiar characters and some new, this duo plays any age, any social status, and gives it stick with a range of accents. The costumes also cover every character profile and I would have loved to have seen Bobbert spend longer in her Act 2 opening frock; it was magnificent.
Adding to the production with their talents and multitasking skills - the beautiful Fiona and Kaylee Mcilroy danced, sang, and moved props and equipment with the aplomb of experienced performers and stage hands. If there was a theme, family and marriage was it and the audience was invited along to celebrate.
This crazy collaboration works. The seamless integration between performers and musicians (especially the Concerto for Typewriter) made for a great evening out. Watch out for Mcilroy playing in the orchestra! The energy of the performers is enormous and filters into the orchestra who rose to the occasion and showed some acting chops, especially the conductor, Charl van der Merwe, who clearly enjoys being the showman. The music was marvellous! Familiar, crowd-pleasing choices, across a range of genres had the audience clapping their hands and at times, up on their feet and dancing. Once again, the audience did not escape inclusion! The carol sing-a-long at the end left us with a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.
A lighted hearted look at orchestras, a party atmosphere, and lots of music and laughs, such a Christmas season treat.
The show runs the rest of this weekend and next weekend till December 3, 2023,at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the UKZN campus.
Tickets: R205.00 - R220.00. Booking at Computicket - Romi Schumann
Posts
