Following two successful seasons at Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town and Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre in Johannesburg,
Willy Russell's acclaimed West End musical BLOOD BROTHERS returns to the Mother City for a run at the Fugard Theatre, starting tonight, 12 February 2013. The production, adapted and directed by
David Kramer, is produced by Pieter Toerien and Eric Abraham.
BLOOD BROTHERS tells the story of a mother who agrees, through absolute financial desperation, to give away one of her twin boys at birth. Kramer's adaptation marks the first time that author Willy Russell (SHIRLEY VALENTINE, EDUCATING RITA) had granted permission for his musical to be adapted. Now set in Cape Town, BLOOD BROTHERS has a distinctly local flavour.
Playing the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, Bianca Le Grange's performance has been met with great acclaim and standing ovations, impressing significantly in her musical theatre debut. Joining her onstage are two new additions to the BLOOD BROTHERS family: singing sensation,
Alistair Izobell, and the UCT Opera School star graduate, Lynelle Kenned.
Izobell will be playing the role of the Narrator from 12 February to 22 March 2014, taking over from the reins from
Elton Landrew. Izobell started his professional theatre career as a 12 year old in the musical DISTRICT SIX, which was written by BLOOD BROTHERS adaptor Kramer with
Taliep Petersen. He followed that with the role of
Ritchie Valens in the South African production of THE
Buddy Holly STORY. Izobell performed the role of Magoo in the West End and Broadway productions of the Kramer-Petersen musical KAT AND THE KINGS, for which he received a much coveted Olivier Award. He has also produced several shows, the most recent being RADIO CLASSICS together with Heart 104.9's Clarence Ford, over the summer of 2012. The producers are proud to have this award-winning performer join the BLOOD BROTHERS production.
Kenned takes over the role of Mrs Lyons from Buhle Ngaba. A member of the award-winning South African Sopranos. Kenned became a popular TV personality as the runner-up in the TOP BILLING New Presenter Search. She subsequently joined PASELLA as a presenter. Kenned's career highlights include performing with
Katherine Jenkins, and participating in master classes with the Julliard's Brian Zeger.
The company is rounded out by a talented all-local cast including 2012 Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner Dean Balie (KAT AND THE KINGS) as Eddie, Ephraim Gordon as Mickey, Carlo Daniels as Sammy, Marlo Minnaar as Mr Lyons and Andrea Frankson as Linda. Shadley Schroeder,
Junaid Booysen, Sue Pyler and Monique Rockman complete the excellent line up. Video design is by Matthew and Paul Kalil. Denis Hutchinson is the lighting designer and costumes are by Penny Simpson, both multiple award-winning designers. The sound design is by the Red Hot Waves.
BLOOD BROTHERS has enjoyed phenomenal success in London, other parts of the world, and now in South Africa. The original production opened at the Lyric Theatre in 1983, and a 1987 revival of the show played for an astounding 24 years on the West End.
The South African production opens at the Fugard Theatre on 12 February 2014 for a run through 29 March 2014. Tickets, ranging from R90 to R160, are available via
Computicket or the theatre box office on 021 461 4554. Performances run Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, and at 4pm and 8pm on Saturdays. Advance booking is recommended.
Photo Credit: Jesse Kramer
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