Mzansi Ballet presents CARMEN

11 Dec – 22 Dec

Experience the fiery passion of *Carmen* as Mzansi Ballet—The Nation’s Ballet—unveils an exciting new production from 11 to 22 December 2024 at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino. This dynamic production, featuring traditional flamenco, ballet, and Pantsula dancing, represents a fresh and inventive take on the classic tale. Spanish choreographer, teacher, and dancer José Manuel Buzón Ruiz from the University of Juan Carlos in Madrid is collaborating with Mzansi Ballet choreographer Angela Revie to bring this innovative work to life. Additionally, the company is engaging with the Spanish dance community in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria to enrich the performance. With the unforgettable music of Georges Bizet setting the stage, *Carmen* promises a powerful exploration of love, jealousy, and betrayal, showcasing Mzansi Ballet’s remarkable creativity and energy. Don’t miss this captivating reimagining from a team that consistently delivers exceptional performances.

VR Theatrical presents The JUNGLE BOOK!

22 Jan – 23 Feb

Main Theatre

Do you know what lies deep in the heart of the jungle? Come find out in VR Theatrical’s brand new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s the Jungle Book. Experience the magic of Kipling’s beloved classic like never before in an edgy and exciting new musical adaptation. Through the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, we invite you to follow a tale of survival, friendship, and the struggle between the wild and civilization. With unforgettable characters like the wise bear Baloo, the grumpy panther Bagheera and the menacing tiger, Shere Khan, this new musical explores themes of identity and belonging while celebrating the wonders of nature.

Adapted and written for the stage by Daniel Geddes, with original music by Wessel Odendaal, the Jungle Book promises to delight the whole family in a fresh, contemporary way, with all the magic of theatre, the heart of storytelling, and the joy of music. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

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