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Pieter Toerien is delighted to announce that Grease, the international hit musical, will be opening in Cape Town in March and will feature an outstanding all South African cast. The production is packed with raw energy and moves at a fast, furious and thrilling pace with an irresistible mix of adolescent angst, vibrant physicality and 1950s pop culture that resonates with audiences throughout the world.
Toerien has selected the perfect South African Musical Theatre stars to bring this classic to life. Jonathan Roxmouth, who burst onto the theatre scene in the ever-popular A Handful of Keys and wowed audiences as Gaston in The Beauty and the Beast and as Munkustrap in CATS, will play the smooth-talking Danny. As Sandy, the beautiful Bethany Dickson has a charming stage presence that will have the audience falling in love with the female lead all over again. Dickson was one of the stars of High School Musical - Live on Stage, who also toured to China with the production. Dane Paarman as Knickie and Genna Galloway as Rizzo keep in step with the high-octane rock 'n' roll vibe as they showcase their dance and musical theatre experience from CATS and Beauty and the Beast. Anton Luitingh, well known to Capetonians as the lead in Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar, will play the role of Vince Fontaine and is also the Resident Director on the show. The remainder of the Grease cast is made up of artists with equally impressive resumes namely Darren Vercuiel as Roger, Matt Counihan as Doody, Charles Bouguenon as Sonny, David Schlachter as Eugene, Cherise Roberts as Jan, Sharon Spiegel as Frenchy, Kirsten Murphy as Marty, Bronwen Reddy as Patty, Thembeka Mnguni as Ms Lynch and Michele La Trobe as Cha Cha. The ensemble features Cat Lane, Tamryn Pelser, Zac Hendricks, Jerome Julies, Melisande October, Jaco van Rensburg, Jenna Robinson, Louisa Talbot, Duane Alexander and Malan Le Roux.
Grease was co-created by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The show had its Broadway première in 1972 and since then has played consistently all over the globe. In 1979 the show took over the record as the longest-running show in Broadway’s history and the hit film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John proved to be the highest-grossing movie musical ever. Interestingly, Travolta first appeared in Grease as Doody, the nerdy kid who idolises Danny, when he was just 17 years old, and when the show opened in London it was an unknown Richard Gere who played the cool Danny with Elaine Paige taking a turn as the female lead.
In January 2004 Grease embarked on another UK tour and has been back in the West End since 2005 and shows no sign of stopping. Talking of the show's appeal and purpose, the director David Gilmore explains that Grease doesn't have a message but gives a flavour of being a teenager in the 50s when rock 'n roll and putting grease on one’s hair were the most important things in life and this is the level that audiences should take it on. Grease is the ultimate party musical and has maintained its everlasting popularity, proving that teenage angst and love’s young dream remain timeless and its universal themes create an unforgettable show experience.
Grease runs from the 6th March and runs till 11 April 2010. Tickets cost from R100 to R350 via Computicket or the Artscape Box Office 021 421 7695. Visit www.greasethemusical.co.za for more information.
Presented by Pieter Toerien, Paul Nicholas and David Ian
Directed by Jason Capewell
Resident Director Anton Luitingh
Choreography recreated by Stori James
Artscape Opera House
6 March to 11 April, 2010
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