Barnyard Theatre Presents SIX OF THE BEST, et al. 2/12-4/29

The Barnyard Theatre presents three varied shows this month, beginning with "Six of the Best" tribute show and concluding with "Sultans of Swing," another tribute show.

"Six of the Best: A Tribute to Freddie Mercury, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Cher & Pink" presented at The Barnyard Theatre Productions as they celebrate the music of the 6 greatest pop icons of all time. Imagine a concert featuring Freddie Mercury, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Pink and Cher all on one stage in one show singing number one hits from the last four decades of pop music. These artists have dominated the charts to such a degree and made such an impact on the music industry that they warrant a special tribute. The show features an 11- piece cast who make their way through a repertoire that was made in Rock and Roll Heaven. "Six of the Best" is about showmanship and charisma and the music all comes together in one big amazing concert. The show runs in Willowbridge from January 12-March 11, and Rivonia from March 20-April 29. Visit http://barnyardtheatres.co.za/show.aspx?sid=232 to purchase tickets.

"The South Zealand New Africa Comedy Show" - Starring Barry Hilton (SA) and Mike King (NZ) plays on February 12 only, in Willowbridge. Household names in their respective countries, these two international comedians and friends, will perform together on stage in a side-splitting, no-holds barred comedy show at The Barnyard Theatre.

Barry Hilton’s unrehearsed performances, quick wit, animated physical antics and hilarious facial expressions leave audiences gasping for air. Internationally renowned, Barry has packed audiences in and around the world. He is as well-known for his humorous TV adverts and for the well-received movie Finding Lenny as he is for his hilarious stand-up comedy.

On stage with South Africa’s best-loved ‘cousin’ and comedian is Mike King, from New Zealand. Known for his entertaining, candid and thought-provoking brand of comedy, Mike King is one of New Zealand's most popular comedians. Mike has performed at more international festivals than any other comedian from his country. A familiar face of New Zealand television, he has hosted numerous comedy series and specials. Visit http://barnyardtheatres.co.za/show.aspx?sid=2 to buy tickets.

For the past three years, multi-talented musician and master guitarist Mel Botes, has tantalized audiences all over the country with his critically acclaimed musical performance, Crazy Diamond: A Tribute to Pink Floyd. Audiences and critics agreed that he mastered the complexity and density of the Floyd in a way that none of the other tribute shows have achieved. He then followed this with David’s Confession: About time, an original composition of his own, featuring various other acclaimed musicians with him. Now, by popular demand, he is presenting the next chapter in this remarkable series of stage productions with the long awaited “Sultans of Swing: A Tribute to Dire Straits”. Featuring the same pin point accuracy in his playing, the same acclaimed band and the same delightful Botes touch, this show promises everything audiences have come to expect from the virtuoso. Like in the case of his previous shows, this show features an overview of the complete anthology of the band and its enigmatic front man, Mark Knopfler. The title is derived from their definitive song with the same name, which has of course become a standard in serious guitar playing repertoire. The show premiered on 31 October 2011 and again on 9 November 2011 to packed audiences in Pretoria. A promotional tour started in December 2011 at various venues along the picturesque Western and Eastern Cape coastlines.

The well known Dire Straits songs include “Money for nothing”; “Walk of life”; “Calling Elvis”; “Telegraph Road”; “Private investigations”; “Romeo and Juliet”, and more. The show follows the careers of Knopfler and the band and portrays it in an original and entertaining way to the backdrop of visual material and the spectacular use of lights on stage. The now familiar band consists of the same accomplished group of musicians that played in “Crazy Diamond: A tribute to Pink Floyd”. They are MD Greyling (who is also an accomplished solo artist) on backing vocals, rhythm guitar and keyboard; Simon Orange (who is also a member of the “Blues Broers”; “The Simon Orange trio” and a member of Singer Valiant Swart’s band) on backing vocals and keyboard; Barry Steenkamp (who is a member of the “Radio Kalahari Orkes”) on bass; and Theuns Botha (a respected session player) on drums. The show is produced by Botes himself, and Mellet Moll, a familiar collaborator on various Botes projects.

This show performs at Menlyn on February 13, and at Willowbridge on February 27. Visit http://barnyardtheatres.co.za/show.aspx?sid=300 for tickets.

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