Andre Schwartz – ANY DREAM WILL DO – My pad met Webber – JO’Burg Season 2024
Pieter Toerien Main Theatre at Montecasino
30 Oct – 3 Nov ONLY!

Any Dream will do – My Pad met Webber
Andre Schwartz

In this production, Schwartz explores his relationship with all that is Andrew Lloyd Webber. A relationship that started when he encountered Andrew’s work for the first time at the age of 12 upon seeing Joseph and his amazing technicolor Dreamcoat. He utilizes this connection with Webber as well as further interactions as a platform from which to tell his own life story. Stripped. Raw. Vulnerable.

Schwartz’ Mother, who had a substantial influence on his life is quoted as saying: “Weave your coat and create a tapestry of colors, let it shine as brightly as you want it to, dream whatever you want, even if dreams and reality become indistinguishable. You decide your own truth, but always remember your way home.”

Home is where the truth lies for Andre. Varying between moments when his coat shone vividly becoming the first Phantom in South Africa with Webber’s seal of approval, to moments where every hint of colour faded from his coat, upon receiving a diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease.

The narrative as well as songs, such as Any Dream will Do, You must love Me, Music of the Night, No Matter What, Memory and Send in the Clowns, weave together forming a unit that places this piece firmly in the genre of pure theatre. If you are expecting a “lounge music” version of any of these favorites, then you are coming to the wrong show.

Send in the Clowns is the only song in the production that is not written by Webber. “I marvel at the insolence of young artists who think they have owned the right to interpret this song. Their waltz with time is brimming with life. Whereas we, from whom youth has deserted, realize the ultimate clown” says Schwartz.

The songs are presented unguarded, stripped and shamelessly honest – as is Schwartz’s life story.

The show moves between moments of immense pain experienced by the artist, to exalted moments of hope and inspiration – the key message of the show.

Humour is omnipresent and razor-sharp – very often self-demeaning.

Packed houses, standing ovations, rave reviews and theatre nominations around the country are testament to the success of this production.

Director: Matt Counihan
Musical Directors: Bryan Schimmel- Andrè Schwartz
Piano: Bryann Schimmel
Ghitaar: Mauritz Lotz

Conrad Koch – Despicable He He

2 – 6 October

Deadly funny and monstrous laughs, this roller coaster ride of puppets and comedy will have you LOLing in the aisles. Conrad Koch, South Africa’s multiple award-winning comedy ventriloquist, and Chester Missing, that rabble rousing puppet you’ve seen on TV, bring their newest hour of hilarity. Including old favourites, Mr Dixon, high school teacher, and Hilton, party ostrich, you’ll also meet Gunter the German tourist Mosquito; the world’s most dangerous dummy, Vladimir Putin, Vampire; and DJ Hoodie, the musical maniac. They will even turn your friend into a talking chicken live on stage. With over 130 million views on TikTok alone, this is not to be missed.

“Frenzied hilarity” The List UK,

“Brings the roof down” The Independent UK,

“Hilarious” Mail & Guardian,

“Ventriloquism at its very best” The Star

MARC EUGENE LOTTERING

Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 6 September to 22 September

MARC EUGENE LOTTERING is Lottering’s newest stand-up show.  And yes, that really is his second name.

In this show, Lottering shares his findings on where he thinks his colourful family tree stems from.  As is to be expected, his viewpoints are hilariously outrageous after his mom, when he was little, promised him that they were all originally “blonde German-Caribbeans”.

Lottering is one of South Africa’s top comedians, having written 20 one-man shows and 3 smash hit musicals.  He has been nominated for, and received several prestigious theatre awards along the way.

This year, Lottering has been inducted into the Comics Choice Hall of Fame.

MARC EUGENE LOTTERING is not suitable for children.

Tickets at WEBTICKETS

Coppélia:

 

Mzansi Ballet’s Junior Company presents this enchanting and comedic ballet which tells the story of a young couple, Swanilda and Franz, whose love is tested by the mysterious and lifelike Coppélia doll created by the eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppélius. Mistaken identities, lively village scenes, and charming character dances unfold as the ballet explores themes of love, jealousy, and the blurring line between reality and fantasy. With its delightful score and expressive choreography, “Coppélia” continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the beauty of classical ballet and the enduring appeal of this timeless tale.