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Jock of the Bushveld - The MusicalBehind the Scenes Communications07/28/2010 17:38:26 
An original South African musical, Jock of the Bushveld, opens on 4 September at The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre Complex. The Masters of Musicals, Packed House Productions, producers of the classic hits The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I and the original South African hits, Dis Hoe Dit Was - Die Steve Hofmeyr Storie, Knypie Oppie Kant, African Queens, Ons Vir Jou and Shaka Zulu - The Musical, in proud association with Absa, now brings you Jock of the Bushveld - The Musical. Jock of the Bushveld - The Musical will be presented at The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre Complex and opens on 4 September 2010. For the first time in history an original South African family musical based on the classic story Jock of the Bushveld by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick is coming to the stage. Jock of the Bushveld - The Musical has been two years in the making and faithfully tells the beloved South African story of the dog with the heart of a lion. The story that millions around the world loved as a child, and whose children will love too, comes alive on stage through a most special application of the magic of musical theatre yet seen in South Africa: from the breathtaking music, to the spectacular costume, set and lighting designs, this is a musical theatre experience not to be missed. Jock of the Bushveld - The Musical is written by Deon Opperman and Sean Else. Original music is composed by Johan Vorster. The show is directed by Deon Opperman, with musical direction by Eddie Clayton and original choreography by Esther Nasser (Jozi Dance Co., State Theatre Ballet Company). The musical will feature unique and exciting costume designs by Sarah Roberts (My Fair Lady, The King and I, Bravo Africa!), the African bushveld will be brought to life on the stage by set designer Stan Knight (My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, the Magic Flute) and spectacular lighting effects will be provided by innovative lighting designer Gerda Kruger (Ons Vir Jou, Cirque du Soleil). This award winning creative team will ensure that Jock of the Bushveld - The Musical is a truly breathtaking visual experience. Every single performer was hand picked for their exceptional vocal and acting talent to create the animals they will portray and the illustrious cast includes Judy Page, the grand dame of South African theatre who needs no introduction, Cobus Venter (Ons Vir Jou, My Fair Lady), David James (My Fair Lady, District 9), Lawrence Joffe (The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady), Michelle Botha (The King and I, Ons Vir Jou), Mark Richardson (The Bee Gees, The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Ruth Brown (Saturday Night Fever, Hairspray) and introduces the spectacular talent of Vaughan Gardiner as Jock, the dog with the heart of a lion. They are supported by an ensemble cast who bring the myriad creatures from this heart-warming and legendary story, to life. This production has been made possible by the generous support of Absa. Don't miss this exceptional original musical on stage from 4 September at the Mandela, Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg. Tickets can be booked at Computicket on 083 915 8000 or www.computicket.com. Ticket prices range from R145 to R345 with performances from Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and Sundays at 2pm and 6pm. For information visit: www.packedhouse.co.za and www.showbusiness.co.za Note to Editors Packed House Productions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tanstaafl Holdings, founded in 2003 by Deon Opperman, who was joined in 2004 by producer Paul Berning, specialises in producing quality live entertainment and is committed to bringing to audiences well-known favourites, as well as groundbreaking new and daring entertainment. Past productions have included the smash hit classic musicals The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Fiddler On The Roof and The King and I, originally created musicals such as Soweto Story, OperaMania and African Queens as well as Afrikaans productions like the enormously successful Dis Hoe Dit Was - Die Steve Hofmeyr Storie, Knypie Oppie Kant and Ons Vir Jou. The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Soweto Story, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, Dis Hoe dit Was, Knypie Oppie Kant and African Queens have all been produced in proud association with ABSA and ABSA remains part of this winning partnership for 2010. Packed House Productions is a company that showcases the talents of local stars and whose work contains all the elements that Absa looks for in its cultural sponsorship programme. Absa - With the success of Shaka Zulu - The Musical behind them, Absa is once again committed to nurturing and growing the arts and culture sector of South Africa by sponsoring a second Packed House Productions' musical in 2010, Jock of the Bushveld - The Musical. Absa has been investing in South Africa for over a quarter of a century, with the Absa Currie Cup and Absa L'Atelier both celebrating their 25th birthdays in 2010. Absa's support of local arts and culture is longstanding and has been shown in their sponsorship of many different arts and cultural events such as Absa KKNK and Aardklop. Absa L'Atelier is also celebrating being South Africa's longest running national arts competition. The competition focuses on creating opportunities for young emerging artists to establish themselves within the arts community in SA and abroad. As a result, Absa has become the largest corporate sponsor of the visual arts in South Africa and is able to lay claim to the largest corporate art collection in the southern hemisphere and the second largest in the world, with more than 20 000 works dating back from the 1900's to the present day. Earlier this year, Absa extended their partnership with the KKNK for another five years. Last year alone saw the town of Oudtshoorn generate over R112 million during the week of Absa KKNK. Other cultural festivals that Absa are proud sponsors of are the Aardklop festival which takes place in Potchefstroom in September These festivals give many artists the platform to showcase their work to the South African consumer and it brings Absa into the hearts of the people. Absa is also well aware that the arts is not just about music and painting and next year will see them investing, for the fifth year, as one of the main sponsors of the award winning Design Indaba. They have specifically planned their involvement in this sponsorship to showcase their contribution to finding creative solutions which can benefit South Africans as a whole. "Absa subscribes to the philosophy of a sound mind in a healthy body as a recipe for a balanced society, which is why the bank invests in the arts, as well as in sport. Developing talented young people in both areas raises the level of our national sporting and artistic achievements and creates role models who inspire others." says Happy Ntshingila, Absa Chief Marketing and Communication Officer. Packed House Productions - Media queries - Di Sparks, Behind the Scenes Communications 011 648 7385 / 073 208 8483 / disparks@artslink.co.za Absa - EXP Sponsorship Agency (on behalf of Absa) - Carrie Greenstone 011 549 5340 / 083 262 3798. For more information: Georg Knoke, Absa PR Manager / 011 350 4251 / 082 453 0394. Artslink.co.za Account: Di Sparks Behind the Scenes Communications disparks@artslink.co.za 011 648 7385 073 208 8483 Packed House Productions www.packedhouse.co.za and www.showbusiness.co.za |
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Comments
Lovely show. Clever, funny, brilliant. Kids of all ages will love this. Romantics too. The story, while not quite the book, is refreshing and well adapted for theatre. Worth every sent of the ticket, and dont sell it short, you want the best seat for this one! I'll be going to see it again
Posted by Satin on Thursday, 9th September 2010 at 10:34:26 AM
when will it come to cape town?
Posted by nikki on Thursday, 26th August 2010 at 08:50:19 PM
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