(Andrew Gilder as The Fairy God Mother;
Mahlatse Sachane as the Prince; Kiana Prinsloo as Cinderella) (Photos Natasha
Bird Photography)
A modern retelling of the classic tale of
Cinderella… set to the timeless music of ABBA. (Review by Shannon Kenny)
There are many ways to enjoy dance and music - and Mzansi Ballet’s mash-up of a Grimm Brothers fairy tale and instantly recognisable ABBA pop hits, into a sweet comic romp replete with elements of pantomime and just a hint of classical ballet, works to wonderful effect as family entertainment.
The cast are rightfully the stars of the show, not least because of their artful embodiment of their characters.
Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother (former Playhouse Company dancer, Andrew Gilder in tights, tutu and perfectly perched fascinator atop a blonde wig) is an abiding, delightfully camp pantomime cheerleader for our embattled heroine. As narrator (yes, I’m serious about the pantomime element) our hilarious Fairy Godmother is disarming, engaging and firmly establishes that this show is about fun - and that the audience would not be passive observers. Ballet purists beware.
(Left: Ariel Mejica as The Prince, Angela Revie as Cinderella)
The audience immediately warmed to Cinderella, played by co-choreographer, Angela Revie who exudes her character’s innocence and generosity of spirit.
Fabulously costumed wicked stepsisters, Hilda (Carmi Landsberg) and Nora (Kiana Rose Prinsloo) provide wonderful comic relief alongside their self-absorbed and tragically hip Father (Mahatse Sachane).
Their constant plotting, scheming and upstaging of one another sustained all the way through to the curtain call. Very well played, ladies.
Ariel Mejica, who
hails from Cuba, makes for a suitably handsome and distinguished Prince. Prince
and Cinderella’s pas de deux in the
second half received the appropriate sighs and especially appreciative
applause.
A young dancer, I will certainly keep my eye on is Omogolo Gaorekwe - billed in the programme as MC – who plays our lovelorn Prince’s secretary and lost-love finder. Such fine character acting and exquisite lines. In the words of some young ones, “he was giving.”
The Corps de ballet of Zinnia Tongue, Tshenolo Tshoma, Almar Kalala and Kimani Hara were wonderfully consistent in their support of the leads, holding character, maintaining the energy and even thrilling the audience with some unexpected acrobatics, too.
Directed by Dirk Badenhorst, the suitably innovative and hip choreography by Angela Revie and Michael Revie; costumes by fashion designer David Hutt and soundtrack of original and orchestral ABBA favourites underscoring the story were a hit with young and old alike.
The bonkers encore – a first for me at a ballet – was the cherry on top of a delicious ABBA-Cinderella trifle!
Judging by the shrieks, sighs, squeals and uproarious applause of young audience members, especially one a few rows back, The ABBA show:a Cinderella Story, delivered joy and exuberance in spades. I know for certain that family – and many more like them - will be returning to the theatre!
Mzansi Ballet https://www.mzansiballet.com states that their mission is “to nurture artistic expression, foster cultural appreciation, and engage communities through the art of dance”. If last night’s show was anything to go by, I’d say they did just that. Long may they continue.
The Abba Show: A Cinderella Story is taking place at The Milkwood Theatre. Two more performances: 19h30 on Saturday, May 17; and 15h00 on Sunday, May 18.
Tickets R200 (R150 for pensioners and students). Booking through Webtickets.
There is safe parking on the school field, the entrance is via the gate next to Astro on Newport Avenue.
Milkwood Theatre is at Danville Park Girls’ High School, 21 Middlebrook Avenue, Durban North – Shannon Kenny