ELVIS FOREVER

(Pic: Shaky Russell heads the cast of the Presley tribute)

It’s definitely a case of “long live The King” at The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway with Elvis Forever, a tribute to the king of rock ‘n roll, Elvis Presley.

He may be dead but his spirit is very much alive in the hip-swinging, velvet-voiced Shaky Russell. An Elvis award-winning performer, he had audiences all shook up in Walking In Memphis at the venue in 2005 and 2007 … so much so that he is making a comeback (not unlike the King himself) for two weeks only.

This charismatic singer has wowed audiences both nationally and internationally, and taking Memphis itself by storm was the ultimate accolade. Shaky is one of today’s supreme Elvis Presley tribute performers with a style and energy that resonates of The King himself. He doesn’t impersonate, nor does he imitate. "What I do is not a 'rip off' but a spectacular tribute. I don't talk to the audiences as Elvis, but about Elvis. I was bouncing to the tunes of Elvis before I could walk,” quips Shaky and with his very apt name, it seems pre-determined that his life was going to be intertwined with one of the world’s greatest musical legends. The Barnyard is geared to shake, rattle and roll!

Elvis Presley was one of the greatest singers and entertainers the world has ever known, and shook up the music industry for three decades before his untimely death at the age of 42 in 1977. His death created a void in the hearts of music lovers the world over, and Elvis Forever aims to fill that gap by paying tribute to the legend that was Elvis - both the man and the performer.

The tribute show takes audiences back to an age of discovery, when people enjoyed life and rocked like there was no tomorrow. The show captures the onstage excitement of Elvis's greatest performances and energetically reproduces hits spanning the 50s, 60s and Vegas 70s.

Audiences can expect to hear all their Elvis favourites including Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel, Don’t Be Cruel, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender, It’s Now Or Never, Return To Sender, Suspicious Minds, Can’t Help Falling In Love and the American Trilogy.

Joining Shaky on male vocals will be SK, and they are joined by powerhouse Felicity Kiran and Kerry-Lee McGibbin on female vocals. The band will be made up of Rowan Stuart (guitar), Calli Thomson (keyboards), Bongani Sokhele (bass guitar), Brian Fraser (drums), Colin Mairs (saxophone) and Stephanie Pais (trumpet).

Elvis Forever runs from April 7 to 19. Tickets R105 pp Wednesday to Saturday (R70 discounted specials of R70 pp Tuesday nights and Sunday matinees). For bookings and enquiries, phone The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.

JOHNNY CLEGG IN OZ

Give loved ones Down Under the chance to see Johnny Clegg live.

South Africans with friends and relatives living in Australia and New Zealand now have the opportunity to give them the ultimate gift – tickets to concerts by our very own Johnny Clegg, who is touring Down Under in May and June 2009.

Clegg is one of SA’s most famous sons, and his music, rooted in the African soil, resonates strongly with locals, expatriates and new converts alike. Four years after he last toured Australia, he is returning for a series of performances.

Clegg and his band will be performing at the PCEC Riverside Theatre in Perth on May 21; at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on May 25; at the Sydney State Theatre on May 26; at the QPAC in Brisbane on May 28; at the St James Opera Hall in Wellington on May 30; and in the Auckland Town Hall on June 1.

Collectively, these venues can seat more than 10,000 people and it is hoped that crowds will turn out in their numbers to see “the White Zulu” at full throttle.

Clegg enjoyed great success during his previous tour of the Antipodes in 2005. This time around, he will be supported by as yet an unnamed opening act during his performances, and audiences can expect a full 90 minutes of this iconic singer-songwriter and his knockout live band.

High-energy Zulu dance routines and classic Clegg, Juluka and Savuka hits such as Impi, Scatterlings of Africa and Asimbonanga will be interspersed with newer material, resulting in a show that’s distinctly South African and immensely entertaining.

During a career spanning more than 30 years, Clegg has had an indelible impact on not only South African music but world music in general, through his efforts to foster an awareness and appreciation of indigenous sounds on the global stage. He defied the segregation laws of the time to forge a hybrid of Western pop and Zulu musical structures that, to this day, strikes a chord with audiences of all hues.

Having penned several hits and received numerous awards – including being named a Knight of Arts and Letters by the Government of France – Clegg continues to make music and tour extensively, playing to rapturous crowds locally and abroad.

South Africans who are living in South Africa will be pleased to hear that exchange control rules enable them to purchase tickets on the internet as a gift for their loved ones and friends, for Clegg’s performances in Australia and New Zealand, using their South African credit card.

The process is simple: log onto www.cleggdownunder.com and follow the link for any of the performances. Follow an easy login process and proceed to book the required tickets. Don’t miss out on this chance to give friends and family the extra-special treat of seeing this national treasure live Down Under, sponsored by Nando’s.

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS

(Pic: A capacity audience enjoys “Last Night of the Proms”)

(Review by Estelle Sinkins, courtesy of The Witness)

Maritzburg music fans are in for some real treats this year, the first of which was the recent hugely successful Last Night of the Proms at the City Hall.

The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO), under the baton of maestro Naum Rousine, were in scintillating form and the audience had the rare pleasure of hearing a remarkable tenor sing live.

Stefan Louw is considered one of the country's best opera singers and having heard him perform La Donna e Mobile> from Rigoletto, Nessun Dorma from Turandot and Denza's Funiculi Funicula, I can't help agreeing with a Sunday Times reviewer who declared that his voice should be declared a national treasure.

Louw, whose powerful voice seemed to fill every inch of the City Hall, will be back in 'Maritzburg later this year to perform at the Concert in the Park.

Other highlights included Durban soprano, Lauren Dasappa’s rendition of the beautiful O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianna Schicci and Pietermaritzburg-born organist, Christopher Cockburn’s performance on the pipe organ in Saint-Saens' "Symphony No 3 ‘Organ Symphony’ (4th movement)". The sound of the organ was truly incredible and the performance a tour de force.

The massed choir, with singers from the Durban Symphonic Choir, the Maritzburg Singers, Maritzburg College and Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School, was also in fine voice, as were members of the audience who had a ball singing Rule Britannia!, Jerusalem and country songs from the UK.

The KZNPO will be back in the City on April 17 for "The Witness/Eastern Mosaic Indian Music Spectacular". Organiser of the event, Chris Hodgkins said: "Given the enormity of the Indian community in Pietermaritzburg, coupled to their historical significance to the City and the ongoing contribution of this community to the economic infrastructure, it is only right and fitting that the City Hall be used to host the inaugural Eastern Mosaic Concert.

"The concert will be a fulfilling experience not only for the Indian attendees but for attendees of all groups of the population and, an occasion to experience the vibrance and excitement of Indian music in the splendid surroundings of the City Hall."

On the night, the orchestra will be accompanied by Indian soloists and dancers. The first half will feature traditional Indian classical pieces, while the second half will have a more upbeat tempo featuring traditional North and South Indian dances and vibrant Bhangra dance. Tickets for the show range from R125 to R135.

Before that, residents can enjoy an evening of dinner and music at The Ultimate Supper Theatre in the Olympia Hall at the Royal Showgrounds on Friday, March 27 at 7.30pm. Platform Jazz and The Brass O's will perform songs like Quando Quando, Fly Me To The Moon, Sway and In The Mood and the three course meal will be provided by CHC Catering. Tickets cost R185.

Other events to look forward to include an Afrikaans music spectacular featuring The Campbells, Nadine, Freddie Nest and Vaughn Lee from on May 31. The Juanita du Plessis Show at Voortrekker Hoerskool on June 5 at 19h30. Concert In The Park on June 21 at the Botanical Gardens featuring the cast of the Nashville Show, the Pietermaritzburg Girls High Orchestra, the Caledonian Pipe Band, the full KZNPO and solo artists. The inaugural The Witness Pietermaritzburg Festival and Cultural Week from August 27 to September 5, which will include a jazz concert, opera and ballet, Indian Bhangra, a symphony concert, a mass choir concert, an Afrikaans show, an African extravaganza and a philharmonic rock show.

Then there’s Symphony in the City at the City Hall on October 2 Simply Frank – the Music of Sinatra at the Royal Show Grounds on November 20; and Christmas Crackers at the City Hall on December 4.

Those wishing to book for The Ultimate Supper Theatre or The Witness/Eastern Mosaic Indian Music Spectacular should contact Pearl on 033 342 4512 or visit the tourism office at Liberty Midlands Mall. - Estelle Sinkins

WESTBROOK BEACH FESTIVAL

North Coast destination set to sizzle in explosive Easter festival.

The popular, relaxed North Coast destination of Westbrook is set to sizzle in an Explosive Easter Family Festival, in the form of the Westbrook Beach Festival in association with Durban Tourism and Coca Cola on April 11 and 12. This unique two-day event is packed with entertainment for the entire family.

Inland visitors can soak up the sun, while adrenalin junkies catch a wave or two and food fanatics follow their taste buds to the array of easy to eat, popular fast food available.

The highlight of the Festival is a dynamic line up of popular local artists ranging from musicians, dancers, singers and DJs guaranteed to get audiences moving. Join the party on Saturday and dance the night away to the pulsating sounds of Trevor Williams and his troupe amongst many others.

Hosted by Calypso Event Management, the Festival offers two days of fun and entertainment for both adults and children in a safe and secure environment. Children will be treated to bumper programme including face painting, puppet shows, magic shows, jumping castles and a whole lot more. Great prizes are up for grabs with an Easter Egg Hunt for youngsters and various other fun competitions for adults.

Entry to this vibey, fun-filled weekend is free to the public and takes place on April 11 from 10h00 to midnight and on April 12 from 10h00 to 17h00.

Westbrook Beach Festival is presented in association with Ethekwini Municipality and Coca Cola.

NUTCRACKER

M-Net Stars to screen film of famous Tchaikovsky ballet.

On April 20 at 1930, M-Net Stars will screen Nutcracker directed in 1993 by Emile Ardolino and starring MacCauley Culkin and Darcy Krisler.

A little girl finds herself in a magical world where toys walk and talk, and aren’t all friendly. Luckily, a prince comes to her rescue.

From the director of Dirty Dancing and Sister Act comes this beautifully filmed screen version of the famous Tchaikovsky ballet, Nutcracker. The story revolves around a little girl who, on Christmas Eve, finds herself in a wondrous, dreamlike world where toys are lifesize, lifelike - and very much alive. When Marie gets into trouble with the Mouse King, the Nutcracker Prince comes to her rescue. Her adventures eventually culminate at a grand ball in the spectacular Hall of the Sugarplum Fairy.

FOR GENERATIONS

Kurt Egelhof returns to Durban with highly acclaimed one-hander.

Kurt Egelhof returns to Durban with a highly acclaimed one-hander entitled For Generations, which examines the complex relationship between father and son.

Egelhof cut his teeth on the Durban stages more than a decade ago prior to pursuing a career in movies, TV and national theatre. He returns to his home town to share his long awaited triumphant return to the Durban stage.

Written and performed by Kurt Egelhof under the skilful direction of Nic Fine, this production has received rave reviews throughout its tour. For Generations is an exploration into the state of mind that exists in every single one of us. It is tempered by the ancient rhetoric: Who Am I, Where Do I Come From, and Where Am I Going?

By presenting the work in a dramatic narrative style, the piece attempts to engage its audience enough to invoke their own personal narrative, to embrace a version of their own stories.

“The men from our lives, our fathers before us who through their own very real hopes and dreams, opened the universe in preparation for our arrival, may have passed on too early, with too much information unshared before we were able to receive it,” explains Kurt Egelhof. “And in this time, when the image of men as role models for their sons on how to become a good, decent upright person seems to be at an all-time low, comes a wave of inexplicable insight from what must be an inexplicable source: the sound of our forefathers' voices coming up from deep inside of us.”

This is how the piece was made, as Kurt tried to listen to his ancestral voices from beyond the grave. For Generations, is also the story of Everyman and Everywoman. A story worth telling.

Egelhof has appeared in a myriad of movies and TV programmes including Zulu Love Letter, Traitor’s Heart, The Ghost and the Darkness, Human Timebomb, Cyborg Cop, Sweet ‘n Short, African Skies, Kwagga Strikes Back, Windprints, The Native Who Caused all the Trouble, Back to Freedom and Night of the Cyclone.

For Generations is presented in association with TheatreBIZ and will run at the Catalina Theatre in Wilson’s Wharf from April 9 to 25. Tickets R75 (R45 pensioners and students). Shows are Thursdays to Saturday at 20h00 with an early performance on Saturday at 17h00 (Sundays 14h00 and 18h00). There is a Buy 1 get 1 free offer for the Saturday 17h00 and Sunday 14h00 shows.

For more info call Thandeka on 031 305 6889 or 031 305 7612 or e-mail tsibisi@mweb.co.za

The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to the generosity and support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality.

CHAKRAVIEW

Pic: Kajal Bagwandeen; Varsha Sharma and Kymmona Maharajh. Pic by Val Adamson)

Danc piece inspired by everyday happenings that have affected the world deeply.

The introductory dance work from SiddhArts, in association with the Consulate General of India, is a compelling piece entitled ChakraView which will have one performance only in the Playhouse Opera on April 18.

Performed by a vibrant cast of local dancers, many of whom have had training in India, the piece is inspired by everyday happenings that have affected the world deeply. Exploring the theme through dance and movement, internationally-trained dance choreographer Varsha Sharma has married both contemporary and Indian classical dance creating different movement and styles that makes for a visually stunning dance work.

"ChakraView is a young and fresh approach to Indian classical dance. It works off the precepts of a classical medium in a contemporary manner,” says Varsha Sharma excitedly. “It offers us a view into the duality of the mind and works off a basic theory that, if our actions are dependent on our thoughts, then our experiences are a result of these thoughts.”

The production will be explored through an exciting music score, bringing together world music and combining them with live orchestration by talented and versatile local percussionist Vishen Kemraj on an array of instruments. It also features music from the award-winning soundtrack - Slumdog Millionaire, Rahul Sharma, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan and a host of other world renowned musicians.

"By changing the nature of our thoughts we can liberate ourselves from this illusionary ChakraView of the mind,” Sharma continues. “I believe this will be an utterly thought-provoking journey as pieces were inspired by the Mumbai attacks, 9/11 and, closer to home, the xenophobic attacks. The work looks toward religion as a unifying factor and embracing each other in all our diversity. It celebrates life and pays tribute to the human spirit.”

The dancers are Kajal Bagwandeen and Varsha Sharma (choreographer) as well as Kymmona Maharajh and dancers from the Nateshwar Dance Academy and others.

ChakraView takes place in the Playhouse Opera on April 18 – audiences are urged to book early as there is only one chance to catch this vibrant and entertaining dance work.

Tickets R50 and R75 booked through Computicket on www.computicket.co.za or phone 083 915 8000.

THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING EASTER EGGS

(Pic: Nomonde Matiwane as the Queen of Farts)

Ideal interactive show to entertain children over the holidays. (Review by Maurice Kort)

Very timeously for the Easter school holidays, Dhaveshan Govender has produced and directed The Mystery of the Missing Easter Eggs at the Catalina Theatre, in association with TheatrBIZ. This is an ideal interactive show to entertain children under the age of 12 and, incidentally, their parents and grandparents. The children responded most enthusiastically at the opening performance and of course the adults enjoy the show seeing it through their children's eyes.

Mtho Zulu as Sureluck Hare, the Easter Bunny, puts himself heart and soul into the role, bouncing around the stage – maybe he sampled some of his eggs, hence the hyperactivity - and stirring up the audience to keep on eye on his eggs. He tends to shout a little in his enthusiasm. Also featured in the romp is Thandeka Mkhiza as a most energetic Pepperoni Pizza, instantly recognisable as such in her costume, Nomonde Matiwane as the Queen of Farts, nicely costumed as a chicken, and Chloe Perling as the ditzy cellphone Juanita J900 - I loved her costume and impersonation of a cellphone.

Predictably, the Easter eggs are stolen. But who did the dastardly deed? Taking a leaf from the huge Catalina Theatre hit Shear Madness earlier this year and which will be brought back in May by popular demand, the audience is invited to help solve the mystery of the missing eggs. They entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of the show. As with the earlier play, there is an audience vote to decide on who stole the eggs and the play proceeds based on the vote. This is probably the first time this concept has been extended to children's theatre and it is great fun.

The pre-publicity of the show stated that if the eggs are found each child will receive an Easter egg. This did not take place in the opening performance, but it might have occurred in the subsequent boat cruise around Durban bay on the Sarie Marais which is an optional extra associated with the show.

The Mystery of the Missing Easter Eggs runs at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson's Wharf, from April 7 to 14 at 11h00. Tickets for the show are R30 and for an additional R15 pp one can have a boat cruise round the harbour. Booking is through Fiona Prins on 082 414 1543 and more information can be obtained from the Catalina Theatre on 031 305 6998. – Maurice Kort

HORNY GOATS GIG

Classical jazz group in beautiful Meander surroundings.

A classical jazz group will perform in the beautiful Midlands Meander surroundings at Swissland Cheese on April 12 (Easter Sunday).

A variety of exclusive goats cheese and other delicious homemade goodies can be purchased. Boerewors and pizza rolls, Notties Road Breweries will all be there to suit patrons’ gourmet requirements.

The event runs from 14h00 to 17h00 and the gates open from 12h30. Tickets R30pp. R20pp surcharge for picnic baskets brought in. Children under 12 free. Bring family and friends to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

More information from Fran on 082 418 3440 or 033 234 4042 or Aisalee on 071 318 5206 or visit www.goatsgigs.co.za Directions: Swissland Cheese, R103, between Lidgetton and Balgowan.

FOM CONCERT: JENNY STERN AND EMMANUEL BACH

English mother and son duo prove that they are technically accomplished and artistically sensitive. (Review by Michael Green)

The English mother and son duo of Jenny Stern (piano) and Emmanuel Bach (violin) are well known in Durban because of their concert appearances here and because Jenny Stern comes from this part of the world and is a graduate of the University of Natal.

Predictably, there was a good-sized audience for this recital for the Friends of Music at the Durban Jewish Centre. The listeners were not disappointed. In a programme ranging from Mozart to Stravinsky, both players showed that they are technically accomplished and artistically sensitive - and of course they have a strong accord in their musical partnership.

Emmanuel Bach is only 16 years old and since his last appearance here, he has clearly matured musically and personally. He is still a slight, boyish figure on the platform, but he often showed an interpretative insight remarkable in one so young and of course he had the support of a pianist of great skill and experience.

Cesar Franck’s Violin Sonata provided the big moments of the evening. I think it fair to say that in spite of his piety and worthy aspirations, Cesar Franck was a gifted composer rather than a truly great one, but this violin sonata is his finest achievement and is indeed one of the high points of 19th century music.

It is a long and taxing work, and Jenny Stern and Emmanuel Bach gave a full-blooded performance, extracting full value from Franck’s rich contrapuntal themes. The music is turbulent at times (and difficult) but the prevailing mood is romantic, as befits a work that was written for the wedding of the celebrated violinist Eugene Ysaye who, like Franck, was born in Liege in Belgium.

The players were rewarded with prolonged applause at the end.

Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne provided music of a very different kind. This is an arrangement by Albert Spalding of extracts from Stravinsky’s ballet Pulcinella, written in 1920 and based on music by the 18th century composer Pergolesi. Pulcinella is a wonderful work, but I was not greatly impressed by this arrangement, which seemed rather thin and spare when compared with the orchestration of the original. Be that as it may, the playing was first-rate, with admirable balancer between the two performers.

One of Mozart’s 37 sonatas for violin and piano (K454 in B flat major) and some lighter works by Wieniawski, Debussy, Falla and Sarasate completed a varied and attractive programme.

The prelude performer of the evening funded by the National Lottery, was Edward Phiri, a baritone studying opera at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In songs by Schubert, Mozart and Donizetti he displayed a good powerful voice with accurate intonation and a sense of the dramatic. And he had the assistance of an expert accompanist, the concert pianist Andrew Warburton. - Michael Green

CLASSICAL NOTES

‘Messiah’ a must for music lovers and dance enthusiasts alike. (by William Charlton-Perkins)

Durban’s Friends of Music promise a fine listening experience at the Jewish Club on April 7 at 19h45, courtesy of the UK based Bach-Stern Duo. Violinist Emanuel Bach and pianist Jenny Stern will perform a generous programme of chamber music, featuring Stravinsky’s Suite Italienne, Franck’s Violin Sonata, Mozart’s Violin Sonata K454, Wieniawski’s Variations on an Original Theme, Debussy’s La Plus Que Lent, de Falla’s Danse Espagnole from La Vida Breve, and Satasate’s Caprice Basque.

South African-born pianist Jenny Stern is a visiting teacher at both Eton and the Royal College of Music. Her master-classes and concert accomplishments, as both soloist and chamber musician in the UK and abroad, include Dartington Summer School of Music and the London School of Economics Shaw Library Series. She has a special love of chamber music and is dedicated to bringing music to a wide cross section of people in the form of workshops and master-classes.

Emmanuel Bach, Stern’s son, has already distinguished himself as a solo violinist of note and shown a dedicated commitment and passion beyond his 16 years of age. He has won numerous awards for his playing. His Russian teacher Natasha Boyarski (Head of Strings at the Yehudi Menuhin School) has described him as a "musician with a unique individual gift that is a sign of true artistry". Not to be missed. Tickets cost R60 (FOM members) and R70 (non-members). Booking is through Computicket.

On a seasonal note, be sure to catch one of the Playhouse Company’s two performances of Messiah, either April 9 at 19h30 or on Easter Sunday, April 13, at 15h00. Soprano Hanli Stapela, mezzo soprano Violina Anguelov, tenor Bongani Tembe and bass-baritone Thami Zungu will head the distinguished vocal line-up for this big scale, semi-staged presentation of Handel’s choral masterpiece in the Opera Theatre. The Durban Symphonic Choir and the Playhouse Company Choral join forces with the KZN Philharmonic under the baton of Naum Rousine.

An unusual feature of this year’s staging is the participation of Durban’s Flatfoot Dance Company, who will interpret choreography workshopped by the dancers themselves with Lliane Loots. I called Loots to hear her take on her company’s participation. Loots concedes that Handel's music is so big and grand it posses some difficulties for a choreographer, adding that this is not music often associated with dance.

That said, she says Handel's music has long been part of her great love of Baroque music, “feeding a fascination with the spaces between the rhythms and melodies; the spaces that a choreographer likes best to inhabit. It offers an opportunity to create dance that rises up to the patterning of the music and that is, like Messiah, a great and glorious celebration of triumph over despair.” Loots has worked alongside six of her dancers who have all fed into the choreography, exploring the freedom accorded them by the production’s director Mark Hawkins, in twelve items from famous score.

This bold excursion into cultural ‘cross over’ is in keeping with Playhouse CEO Linda Bukhosini’s policy of encouraging cultural groups of different backgrounds to explore beyond each other’s artistic boundaries. Last year saw the Playhouse Company’s ground-breaking New Classics dance fusion commission, melding choreography by Desiré Davids that featured classically trained dancers alongside Zulu traditionalist guest performers, Omama Boxolo.

However, Bukhosini says that the music remains paramount in the forthcoming production of Messiah. She cites the work’s uplifting New Testament texts and Handel’s sublime music as an incentive for people of all persuasions to bond with each other, to put aside the aggressions that are prevalent right now, particularly with regard to political mud-slinging during the run-up to the imminent political elections. Messiah, says Bukhosini, creates a unique bridge over and above all this. “We encourage as many people who can do so to be part of this wonderful experience with us at The Playhouse next week.”

Booking for Messiah is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or call Playhouse Box Office on0 31-369 9540 during office hours.