……BY BILLY SUTER……
HOT on the heels of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, one of its best musicals to date, Durban’s KickstArt theatre company is to present another South African premiere – the family musical, The Emperor’s New Clothes. It will be at Durban’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from June 15 to July 7.
Also great news is that SoSuterbill has four free tickets to the official opening – at 6pm on Sunday, June 16 – to be won by one lucky person. See the end of this post for details on how to enter the competition.
The Emperor’s New Clothes, a fun musical version of the famous Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, is by Broadway stalwarts Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the team responsible for the musicals Once on this Island, Seussical, Ragtime and Anastasia. The Durban production, directed by Steven Stead and with sets by Greg King, will feature musical direction by Roland Perold and fresh new orchestrations by Jaco Griessel.
The show tells of teenager Emperor Marcus the Third, who is nervous to take the throne. Deciding he can only gain confidence by dressing in the finest attire, Marcus commands his Royal Clothesmaker to fashion him in the most royal wardrobe.
Taking advantage of Marcus’s uncertainty and immaturity, a Swindler promises to make magic clothes that are “invisible to fools, liars and anyone you should ignore”, for a hefty price.
Only Arno, the simple-hearted mop boy, can help Marcus out of this royal mess and teach him an important lesson about outward appearance.”
The Washington Post said of the Broadway production of this musical: “A sweet and funny musical, quirky with a helium-light score… a memorable tribute to the power of friendship.”
Daniel Anderson – star of KickstArt’s Aladdin and the award-winning solo show, Vincent – has been cast as Emperor Marcus, with Roland Perold as The Swindler. Others in the cast are Marion Loudon, Lyle Buxton, Mthokozisi Zulu, Keryn Scott, Amahle Tembe and Roshanda Lewis. Roland, Lyle, Keryn and Roshanda were recently in Company.
Booking for all KickstArt’s 2024 shows is at Webtickets.
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WIN SHOW TICKETS… WIN SHOW TICKETS… WIN SHOW TICKETS
Care to put yourself in line to win FOUR TICKETS to the 6pm, Sunday, June 16 opening performance of KickstArt’s The Emperor’s New Clothes at Durban’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre?
You simply have to be a follower of the SoSuterBill site to win. At no cost.
If you are not already a follower, click on the word ‘…..SoSuterBill…..’ that appears under Billy Suter’s face on the red curtain at the top of this post. Next, scroll down a little and leave your email address in the blank space alongside the ‘Subscribe Free’ banner. You will then be a follower, and receive email notification whenever a new story is filed on the site.
Once you have subscribed (there is no cost), send your NAME and PHONE NUMBER via email (NOT THIS SITE’S CONTACT FORM) to sosuterbill@gmail.com and place the words ‘EMPEROR’S SHOW GIVEAWAY’ in the subject field.
Note that the competition closes at 6pm on Tuesday, June 4, and the lucky winner of the four tickets will be contacted soon after. His/her name will be posted in this spot thereafter. (The lucky winner is Sue Buter).
Also note that tickets may not be exchanged for another performance and that the prize is for tickets only (not travel and/or accommodation should this prove necessary).
NOTE: PLEASE READ ENTRY DETAILS CAREFULLY AS SOME PEOPLE ARE ENTERING COMPETITIONS INCORRECTLY.
ALSO NOTE THAT ONLY ONE ENTRY PER SUBSCRIBER WILL BE CONSIDERED.
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.....SoSuterBill..... 