…..SoSuterBill…..

Stage: Forever Legends – Durban’s Barnyard Theatre, Suncoast Casino
(until February 2)
REVIEW BY BILLY SUTER

HARD to believe how fast this year has whizzed by! And, of course, the ever-popular Barnyard Theatre at Durban’s Suncoast Casino has cranked up the party-time vibes for Forever Legends, their latest musical showband entertainment, which runs until early 2025.

Yes, there are expected favourites in this new production – Tina Turner, Meatloaf, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson remain firm staples – but there are also some nice, unexpected surprises that include nods to The Cranberries, Johnny Clegg and fab, late Swedish DJ and remixer Avicii.

Among others in the merry mix are chart-toppers by Mandoza, Barry White, Bob Marley, Dusty Springfield, Donna Summer, Roxette, Queen, James Brown, George Michael and Amy Winehouse. Heck, there are even sections highlighting the swing favourite In the Mood and Chubby Checker’s Let’s Twist Again.

It goes without saying, then, that there is virtually something for everyone in this colourful, unpretentious package of entertainment which, when enjoyed with a few drinks and good company, is guaranteed to result in a fun night or afternoon out.

The Barnyard’s resident musical director, Calli Thomson, is again on keyboards but when I reviewed at the weekend versatile Evan Cullum was her stand-in on keyboards, a role he will also fill for a week in December when Calli takes another short, well-earned break.

With some good costuming and the venue’s usual high standard of lighting, Forever Legends makes for the perfect year-end celebration, so it comes as no surprise that management is having to arrange extra shows to meet demand, particularly from companies arranging year-end functions for staff.

Besides Calli/Evan on keyboards, the show has Andy Makins on drums, Bongani Sokehla on bass, Kirsty van der Linde on sax (alternating with Jude Miller) and bearded Jason Kylen on lead guitar.

For the first time, Jason opens the show, appearing in glasses and a jacket to play guitar and lead the vocals in That’ll Be the Day and Oh Boy. This tribute to Buddy Holly morphs into amiable singer Kyle Matthews saluting Ritchie Valens with Come On Let’s Go and the other male vocalists, Josh Philander and Zahn Reece, then deliver La Bamba. The female singers – versatile blonde Jayda Kelly and pint-sized powerhouse Jo-Ann Chellan – then arrive to complete the cast, all the singers contributing to a good rendition of Don McLean’s classic, American Pie.

Thereafter, the hits just keep coming, highlights in the first half including the amusing appearance of three Elvis Presleys – each with a rhinestoned outfit and flamboyant cape – for delivery of Heartbreak Hotel (Josh), All Shook Up (Zahn) and Hound Dog (Kyle).

Josh, who has turned into a confident charmer as a show host, also excels, in leopard skin jacket, with Barry White’s You’re the First, the Last, My Everything, but the first half showstoppers are definitely Jo-Ann’s two Whitney Houston songs and strong-voiced and nimble Zahn on top form with James Brown’s It’s a Man’s World and I Feel Good. The closing Roxette medley highlighting Jayda, Zahn and Kyle is also a crowd-pleaser.

After interval, we get the three male singers opening, in dark shades and suits, with Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love, after which Jayda delights with Amy Winehouse’s Valerie and, soon after, The Cranberries’ Zombie. Also of note is Kyle and Jo-Ann’s duet, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).

Josh and Kyle do a great delivery of Queen and David Bowie’s Under Pressure before Jo-Ann wows with two popular Tina Turner songs. Zahn then draws the loudest applause of the show for his high-camp but very strong tributes to Michael Jackson and Prince.

The show’s later moments get most in the audience on their feet – the mix including Johnny Clegg’s The Crossing and Great Heart as well as the Avicci stompers, Hey Brother and Wake Me Up.

Forever Legends is certainly designed to let your hair down. It runs until February 2 and booking is by calling the theatre at (031) 940 0500.