(Above: Ensemble of nuns)
After 47 years of
directing and producing musicals for Northcliff High and 26 years of touring
those productions to Durban, this will be the last offering from Nick Jourdan,
who will take a final curtain and be calling it a day. The tradition will
continue however, in the hands of Northcliff old boy and participant in five
Northcliff musicals, Tumelo Kope-Baloyi.
For this, the 26th touring production, it was decided to revive the previously highly successful Sister Act The Musical. It seemed fitting to end on a high note as this show enjoyed huge popularity with its previous airing and has just completed a highly successful run in Johannesburg.
The cast features a great ensemble and some really outstanding performers among the lead roles. Palesa Taule, newcomer to Northcliff, gives a notable performance as the lead while there are some real surprises, the likes of Adam Ahmed as gangster Curtis Jackson and Peyton Bala as the postulant Mary Robert. Jaimee Lamont impresses as the Mother Superior. Audiences have come out of performances beaming and raving. This is the level of entertainment that one has come to expect from this school and the show is highly recommended.
This “divine” musical is based on the original film starring Whoopi Goldberg, who played the lead role, Deloris, a nightclub singer who witnesses her gangland boyfriend, Curtis Jackson, bump off one of his goons for snitching to the police. She makes a quick get-away with gangsters in pursuit. She appeals to the Philadelphia Police Department for help and they make an arrangement for her to hide in a convent with a bunch of nuns until she can testify against Curtis and have him put away.
Her wayward lifestyle clashes with the austere regimens of the convent, leading to hilarious situations. Following a transgression on her part, she is tasked with training the nuns’ choir who are in serious need of reform. This leads to more hilarity but also some astonishing results with, ultimately, a request being made for the choir to perform before His Holiness the Pope! Lasting and meaningful relationships are formed with ultimate fulfilment in the mix. This is feel-good theatre of the highest order.
Some of the previous productions to tour from Northcliff High have been Chicago (the first), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Guys and Dolls, ANNIE, Hello Dolly!, The Adams Family, Spamalot, The Pirates of Penzance, Crazy for You, Anything Goes, High School Musical, Footloose, ‘Me and My Girl, Matilda The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors.
Again, for Sister Act, there is a live orchestra of eleven skilled-professional musicians, led by accomplished musical director, Matthew Vlok, previously from Durban. The music is top notch!
Likely and potential theatregoers should not miss the opportunity to see this fun musical performed by an outstanding cast. Live theatre such as this, is not often on offer and it should be supported and enjoyed when it happens along.
For so many years Northcliff High Johannesburg has trundled a busload of youngsters into the Durban city centre to perform their hearts out in what many will vouch, is first-rate entertainment.
“Here’s hoping Durban supporters will come and see them!!” says Nick Jourdan.
Performances are from July 1 to 5 with evening performances at 19h30 and matinees on the Saturday at 14h00 and Sunday at 15h00. Tickets are R120 throughout and R80 for seniors.
Booking for all shows is through Webtickets.
There is secure parking available at the Royal Hotel Parking Garage with security marshals along the street from the Royal to the Playhouse Theatre.
Parking is at a reduced rate when getting your parking ticket validated in the theatre foyer.
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