Drumstruck, the world's first interactive drum-theatre experience, which hit New York by storm last year when it arrived directly from sold-out engagements in Johannesburg, South Africa and Sydney, Australia, will celebrate its first anniversary at New World Stages (formerly Dodger Stages) Stage 2 (340 West 50th Street, NYC) on Friday, June 16.
Directed by
David Warren,
Drumstruck began preview performances on May 12, 2005 and officially opened on June 16, 2005. To celebrate the show's first year in New York, every audience member will receive a free gift at the show on Friday, June 16.
The cast includes Nicholas "Africa" Djanie, Nicollette Sabatane, Emmanuel Nathi Kumalo,
Enock Bafana Mahlangu,
Tiny Modise, Richard Carter, Simon Letsoela, Dikeledi Mathibela, John Tommy Moremogolo, Ronald Thabo Medupe, Molutsi Mogami, Molebeledi "Sponch" Mogapi,
Leeanet Noble, and Mpho Rasenyalo.
Drumstruck "provides a 2-foot-tall drum on every seat - and the entire audience gets the chance to make music together. Featuring 11 South and West African percussionists, they start the show with a pulse-racing bang: song, dance and eye blurring drum performances. Then they lead the audience in an exhilarating experience of exuberant African drumming," state press notes.
"Drumstruck is the brainchild of drum enthusiast
Warren Lieberman, who started the phenomenon in 1997 by inviting strangers into his Lieberman Drum Cafe in Johannesburg to join him in beating a drum. The fascination took hold and soon he couldn't contain the crowds. Lieberman's Drum Cafe has provided 25,000 drums for a drum circle at a South African rugby match, and audience members have included Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth and President George W. Bush."
The show is produced off-Broadway by Drum Café, Dodger Theatricals, and Visual Spirit in association with Amy J. Moore.
The design team is comprised of
Neil Patel (sets), Jeff Croiter (lighting), Tom Morse (sound), and Moving Into Dance (dance consultant). The show is recommended for ages 5+. The running time is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets to
Drumstruck are available at the New World Stages box office (340 West 50th Street) and by calling Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200, (800) 432-7250 outside the NY metro area, or online at telecharge.com.
Ticket prices are $61.00 (Tuesday-Friday evenings and Wednesday Matinee) and $66.00 (Saturday Matinee and Evening and Sunday Matinee). Performance times are Tuesday at 7:00pm, Wednesday at 2pm and 8pm, Thursday at 8:00pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm. A limited number of $25 student tickets will be available, day of show only at the New World Stages box office, with valid student I.D. Beginning in July, the Wednesday matinee will be replaced with a 7pm Sunday night performance.
Visit
www.drumstruckNY.com for more information.
