Director: Cathrine Hopkins
Concept by: Cathrine Hopkins, Tineke van der Merwe, Lize Conradie and Graham Howes
Choreographer: Tineke van der Merwe
Musical direction: Graham Howes and Lize Conradie
Cast: Students from Tshwane University of Technology musical theatre department
Venue: Breytenbach Theatre
Times: Until Saturday at 7.30pm
Rating: ***
It all started with the numbers specifically chosen from the musical theatre repertoire to introduce the students (and audience) to unfamiliar songs around which a story was developed.
But the most important thing about this production is that it is one mounted by students. Smartly directed by Cathrine Hopkins, who finished her studies last year, the rest of the production team are all fourth-year Tut students.
The huge cast are students from different years who all auditioned for the roles. And this is where the value lies.
The best students were chosen for specific parts, regardless of their year of study.
For the audience, it's all about future talent and for the students, it's the experience to stage and star in their own show.
They show off their talents well. Hats off to Johann Swart and Joseph du Preez, who year after year produce students with strong musical theatre skills. In a time when musicals are flourishing in this country, Tut has arguably the best musical theatre department and the way these young stars perform is proof of that.
The musical Bohemia might not survive: It's young and full of youthful angst and dreams. But the importance is the choice of songs and the performances these encouraged. There are too many to mention but know that if you watch this one, you will be watching future stars. With two new musical theatres set to open as we speak, stars are waiting in the wings - and this cast will produce quite a few.
Already, former students from Tut are starring in musicals around the country. And that's why it has always been fun to watch these Pretoria shows. Not only do they produce the best student musicals around, the performances are hot, the musicals they choose to perform are unusual and the students learn from the best.
And when it is their turn to show their teachers what they can do, they step out.
Apart from the talent, the show is a result of blood, sweat and tears and right to the end, they even know how to stage a curtain call!
- Watch out for the annual musical later this year. Former student Timothy Walton, who is performing in Wicked on the West End, will be back to direct the South African premiere of Ragtime, The Musical - and if anyone has a Model T Ford they can offer for the production, please contact the music theatre department.