Musical theatre: Annie on stage, Playhouse Theatre Somerset West, March-April 2021

Musical theatre: Annie – the musical -on stage at the Playhouse Theatre Somerset West, South Africa, March-April 2021

The Playhouse Theatre is open “under strict COVID-19 and lockdown regulations” with Annie- the musical, says Darryl Spijkers, Chairman and Director, The Hottentots Holland Dramatic Society. There are a host of activities happening at the 75 year old theatre which has survived Covid- with a lot of work and dedication from volunteers. This production of Annie, sold out in December, before the Covid variant, brought the curtain down. With a limit on amount of seats available due to Covid safety regulations, some houses have sold out, so bookings advisable. Mask wearing is mandatory for patrons. Put on your mask and enjoy this feel-good musical with its uplifting songs. Info as supplied:

PRESS RELEASE

A Ray of Sun from the Playhouse Theatre Somerset West

The 75 year old Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West has re-opened with repeats of its sold out December production of ANNIE The Musical -the story of the orphan Annie with all those hit numbers such as ‘Tomorrow’, ‘Hard Knock Life’, ‘NYC’, ‘Never Fully Dressed without a Smile’ and more.

Operating at 50% capacity with strict regulations in place, the theatre is glad to be “making up for lost time,” as director and chairperson Darryl Spijkers explains.

“The months of closure did not come without costs and losses but we are so proud of our theatre community of volunteers that has jumped in. Last year we were able to stage 5 (smaller than usual) productions under lockdown laws, one of which explored our first ever digital production. This year we have opened with 14 banger shows of Annie and the limited crowds are loving it – and we are able to pay our bills.”

Jenna Tennet takes on the leading role of the little orphan Annie who hopes to find her parents through a locket left with her on the doorsteps of the New York City Orphanage for girls. The sozzled villain, Miss Hannigan, is played by local director and drama teacher, the towering Gretel Schulze-le Roux with and equal amount of sass and silly. Other favourites include Paul Moolman as Daddy Warbucks, Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rooster and Danielle Marias as Grace Farrel. 

“Whilst professional spaces are sadly unable to operate under limited capacities, the future of theatre lies with passionate unpaid volunteers prepared to work hard and work long in community spaces, classrooms and street corners. This needs to be done to keep theatre going until we can again enjoy what all love and get dressed for a big production we have waited years to see. Until then – support your local spaces and theatre makers” says Spijkers.

The Playhouse Theatre is owned by the Somerset West community and operates entirely from income from its own productions and hires. From actor to operator, pianist to secretary – no person is paid for their duties and service at the theatre. As space available for hire, it is also home to a Ballet school and a Musical Theatre academy. The theatre looks forward to its second own production for 2021 opening 14 May: The 39 Steps. Before that the stage will light up with the beautiful sounds of Rocco de Villiers.

“If you love theatre and what it does for so many people, young and old, then put a mask and get out there to support the arts. We can’t just hope that the sun will come out tomorrow – we have to work hard at it.”

Annie the Musical runs until April 10^th and tickets are available on Computicket. Check out our Instagram page for regular updates.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayhouseSW

Playhouse website: https://www.theplayhouse.org.za/

Computicket: https://tickets.computicket.com/event/annie___the_musical/7153464

Contact: 0826789077

❇ Image credit: Paul Moolman and Danielle Marais from Annie The Musical performing ‘NYC’. Supplied. Promoted content.