AS DROME VLERKE KRY Takes Flight at Atterbury Theatre and Roodepoort Theatre

AS DROME VLERKE KRY teams up well-known actor and stage personality Hennie Smit with popular singer and actress Arina de Witt in a new production presented with the proud support of Christo Strydom Nutrition, Stuttaford Van Lines, RSG, Sounds Good and McCarthy Volkswagen Arcadia.

Set in a retirement village, AS DROME VLERKE KRY sees two world-renowned entertainers relish memories of the good times they have had in days gone by. It is showtime at Huis Silwerjare and everyone is keen to get the show on the road. Firstly, there is Aria Von Waltzleben (De Witt), alias Fanny Galore, born at Ariamsvlei, a star from the sixties in Las Vegas and "soul mate" of Maria Callas and Edith Piaf. Then there is Egbertus Wolmarans (Smit), who hails from the Swartland and was a teacher at Ariamsvlei, as well as a famous entertainment star and actor who has been in love with Aria all these years. With its comical and nostalgic take on getting older and the lives of entertainers, AS DROME VLERKE KRY sees the two come together for the concert of a lifetime. Familiar Piaf and Callas songs, as well as classics by Nana Mouskouri and Judy Garland, appear in the show alongside a few treasured Afrikaans originals.

Smit studied drama at the Goudstad Teachers' Training College and sang during his student days for the then Performance Arts Council of the Transvaal (PACT). He played various roles in radio productions for Springbok Radio and the SABC end made his onscreen debut in the film PRETORIA, O PRETORIA!in 1979. Smit went on to star in 33 other films, of which six were international productions, and played the role of Bertie in the soapie EGOLI - PLEK VAN GOUD for almost two decades. Most recently, he returned to the stage in the role of Dêda in the popular Lefra Productions farce, MY BOETIE SE SUSSIE SE OU in 2014.

De Witt made her stage debut at the age of five and performed in various stage productions during her school years, after which she studied drama (and singing under Professor George van der Spuy) at the University of Stellenbosch. After living in Namibia for a number of years, where she became widely known for various music and drama productions for television and the then SWAPAC, De Witt made her television debut on TV on SPIES EN PLESSIS with her and Jan Spies's song "Rietjiesfluit". Her debut CD was released in 1992. De Witt's wide vocal range, diversity in various genres and timeless repertoire in various languages remain her unique stamp.

Director Frans Swart is very excited about the production. He explains:

This show was written especially for Hennie and Arina. It is a touching show about aging while still performing your role in life. I am privileged to be working with two of the most talented actors and singers in South Africa. Hennie is an iconic figure in South Africa, and Arina is a formidable actress, but also one of our country's top sopranos. Together they form an incredible team. The story is unique, and I am thrilled about it - with so much talent on stage, this show is undoubtedly going to be one of the great hits of 2016. This storytelling and music theatre show will leave you laughing and shedding a tear with the realisation that you are who you were born to be when - as the Afrikaans title puts it - your dreams take flight. AS DROME VLERKE KRYis a nostalgic journey and a must on everyone's calendar!

The set design for AS DROME VLERKE KRY is by Hugo Hewitt en Shaun van Eck, while the sound and lighting are by Gustav van Rooyen. Graphic design work for the show is by Mornè Prinsloo.

Bookings for AS DROME VLERKE KRY, which will be performed at the Atterbury Theatre on 27 February and then at the Roodepoort Theatre on 29-30 April can be made through Computicket (0861 915-8000). For groups of more than ten, call Lefra Productions on 011 815 3000. Groups wishing to book the show for your city or town should email Lefra Productions for further details.

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