MADAM AND EVE Stage Musical Making its Way to South African Stages

After 21 years of making South Africans laugh, Stephen Francis and Rico Schacherl, the creators of MADAM & EVE are preparing something new. Following the cartoon strip, the books, the award-winning television sitcom comes MADAM & EVE, the stage musical.

The much loved daily satirical comic strip that is very much a part of South African life is being transformed into a "feel good" musical, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage that makes up this country's great "rainbow nation" as it captures the mood of society through an entertaining mix of music and laughter. Featuring a book and lyrics by Stephen Francis, with a score by Bryan Schimmel, MADAM & EVE will be directed by Alan Swerdlow, with musical direction by James Bassingthwaighte.

While the Minister of Arts and Culture has generously approved development funds to get the ball rolling, the creators of MADAM & EVE, as well as the acclaimed theatrical team assembled to provide original songs, music and choreography, are asking for the support of South Africans to bring the show to the stage, offering an opportunity to be a part of the first-ever crowd-funded musical in South Africa. The producers of MADAM & EVE have teamed up with Thundafund, South Africa's leading crowd-funding café, to raise R2 million to bring the project to the stage. For those unfamiliar with crowdfunding, it is a unique and successful way of raising money for important projects, with built-in incentives for all contributions. As well as playing a vital role in the process of the creation and staging of the musical, contributions will assist in development, community and relationship building, empowerment, job creation and special 'talent searches' to discover new theatrical talent.

."We've had sponsors in the corporate and theatrical communities that have contributed millions in order to bring shows like MAMMA MIA! to South Africa. Isn't it time that we begin exporting world-class musicals instead of 'importing' them?" says Stephen Francis. "Let's show what 'proudly South African' really means - and at the same time, you will take the credit for a bold step; of not just 'supporting' theatre, but encouraging the creation of a new South African musical - stacking the deck in our favour with the best talent, combined with the necessary funding for a real commitment - and a show based on characters we've loved for the last two decades - a love letter to our great rainbow nation."

Fans and contributors of MADAM & EVE can contribute to the campaign by visiting the MADAM & EVE Thundafund page. With funding options ranging from one hundred rand to a million rand, there are various opportunities to join in and make this musical happen, each with a special perk set according to pre-determined rand values. Contributions in varying denominations of R100, R250, R500, R1000 and R5000 are represented by one of the much-loved Madam & Eve characters, each with their own special reward. For Mother Anderson's R250 "Not for Gin!" pledge, donors will receive a special edition musical poster personally signed by the creators and the cast. Supporting Eve's "R1000 Increase" pledge earns the doner and hir or her guest complimentary tickets to MADAM & EVE: THE MUSICAL valued at R1000. The greater the contribution, the bigger the reward. It's a win-win for contributors and the musical, and any contribution from a few rand to a larger amount will be much appreciated.

If MADAM & EVE has made you laugh during the past 21 years, maybe it is time to give a little something back, for the arts - and for Madam, Eve and Mother Anderson. If all goes well, they'll be singing and dancing your way sometime soon, the best part having been the public's part in making it happen. Discussions are underway with Tsogo Sun to stage the Johannesburg run at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City later this year. Another of South Africa's most established theatres, the Port Elizabeth Opera House is enthusiastic about hosting this all South African musical. To become involved simply log on to the MADAM & EVE Thundafund page: Mother Anderson, Madam and Eve are waiting to welcome you to their musical!

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