Stage: Wela Kapela cabarets at Drama Factory, Sep 2024

Wêla Kapela Productions is presenting three musical/cabarets at The Drama Factory, the Strand in September, 2024. The multi award winning Vincent – his quest to love and be loved, starring Daniel Anderson is on September 12-15. Anderson also stars in Mad about the Boys, September 19-22- a homage to Noel Coward, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello. This is a revamped version of Mad About the Boys (first staged in 2021) and “delves deeper into the antics of the entertainment giants while peeling back the layers of the social masks they wore”. The third cabaret in this Drama Factory season is Julie Andrews Uncut, September 27-29. It stars Alison Hillstead. Direction of the cabarets is by Amanda Bothma. Read on for more. Info as supplied:

About Wêla Kapela Productions

Wêla Kapela Productions “is fun, frivolous, provocative, daring and, perhaps, even a little boastful. Founded in 2018 by Amanda Bothma the East London company has become one of the major cabaret producers in South Africa. 

Vincent – his quest to love and be loved – Drama Factory – September 12-15, 2024

Musical/cabaret
Starring DANIEL ANDERSON with PAUL FERREIRA on piano. Directed by AMANDA BOTHMA
Duration: 75mins

About Vincent – his quest to love and be loved

Back By Popular Demand!

VINCENT, the three time Naledi award winning musical starring Daniel Anderson accompanied by Paul Ferreira returns to the Drama Factory.  

In VINCENT – Anderson delves deep into the enigmatic life of Vincent Van Gogh, exploring the complexities of his relentless pursuit of artistic fulfilment and genuine human connection. Through reimagined renditions of popular musical theatre, pop, rock, and jazz numbers, this unique multimedia musical cabaret offers a fresh perspective on Van Gogh’s unwavering desire for love and acceptance. Daniel Anderson’s commanding performance takes the audience on an emotional journey through the turbulent existence of the iconic artist. From the very first note to the final chord, VINCENT immerses the spectators in a world of passion and creativity, sparking a profound connection with Van Gogh’s timeless struggles and triumphs. 

VINCENT- HIS QUEST TO LOVE AND BE LOVED, a multimedia cabaret, tells of a complex man with a ruthless drive to create and a deep-seated desire to love and be loved. 

Vincent had sold out seasons in all the major centres in South Africa, Daniel Anderson was nominated for a Fleur du Cap Theatre award and the production received a Bronze Standard Bank Ovation Award at National Arts Festival in Makhanda and played to 5 stars revues in Edinburgh at the Fringe. 

“(Anderson’s) performance was flawless… his ability to bring the sad tale to life… has left a lasting impression.” 

Elaine Chapman, Theatre and Arts Reviews Edinburgh

 “This entrancing cabaret musical …has the heart and soul of a West End spectacular!”  – RICHARD STAMP THE WEE REVIEW EDINBUGH

“The true essence of cabaret-style theatre leaves you wanting more” – Devon Koen, THE HERALD

“He had me hooked from the first note right until the last” – Rod Amer, GROCOTT’S MAIL

Thurs Sep 12 at 7:30pm

Fri Sep 13 at 7:30pm

Sat Sep 14 at 4pm

Sun Sep 15 at 4pm

Tickets for Vincent: R200

Direct booking link:www.thedramafactory.co.za/whatson#Vincent24

Mad About the Boys – Drama Factory – September 19-22

Musical/cabaret
Daniel Anderson (vocals) and Paul Ferreira (piano). Directed by Amanda Bothma
Duration: 75mins

About Mad About the Boys

Join The Drama factory for “A Marvellous Party” with the best of iconic music by the legendary composers Noel Coward, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello. The talented Daniel Anderson, known for his mesmerising stage presence and tour de force performance in the recent musical review VINCENT, will return to Drama factory MAD ABOUT THE BOYS. Directed by acclaimed theatre director Amanda Bothma, MAD ABOUT THE BOYS promises to be a visual and vocal spectacle that will leave audiences spellbound.

Join Daniel Anderson (vocals) and Paul Ferreira (piano), in an exhilarating revamped version of MAD ABOUT THE BOYS, one that delves deeper into the antics of the entertainment giants while peeling back the layers of the social masks they wore. What to expect from MAD ABOUT THE BOYS? Audiences will be swept away by classic tunes such as “I Get a Kick Out of You”, “Mad About the Boy”, “We’ll Gather Lilacs” and “Anything Goes” among others. It’s the roaring 20s! But not all is as carefree as it may seem… indulgent hedonism and lavish parties, where the glitz and glamour of the 1920s are juxtaposed by the haunting pains of the post-World War I era. MAD ABOUT THE BOYS invites you to immerse yourself in the opulence and extravagance of a bygone era, where every party was a spectacle of decadence amidst the lingering shadows of the war’s aftermath. This show is told through a series of enchanting vignettes, each showcasing the captivating personas of Novello, Coward, and Porter, alongside the timeless melodies that made them immortal.

From heartfelt ballads to lively show tunes, MAD ABOUT THE BOYS (Broadway World Award for Best Solo Performance 2023) promises an unforgettable journey through the lives and music of three iconic figures who defined an era of theatrical elegance and allure. Photo Credits: JP PHOTOGRAPHY 

Performance schedule for Mad About the Boys

Thurs Sep 19 at 7:30pm

Fri Sep 20 at 7:30pm

Sat Sep 21 at 4pm

Sun Sep 22 at 4pm

Tickets: R180

Direct booking link for Mad About the Boys: www.thedramafactory.co.za/whatson#MADABOUTTHEBOYS

Julie Andrews Uncut – Drama Factory – September 27-29

Cabaret
Starring: Alison Hillstead. Musical Director and pianist: Nathan Johannisen. Written and directed: Amanda Bothma
Duration: 70 mins

About Julie Andrews Uncut

Hold your tea cups and scones as Julie Andrews- Uncut will introduce you to the fascinating history of one of the last icons from the golden age of Hollywood. Vaudeville was her training ground, Broadway made her, Hollywood immortalised her – Dame Julie Andrews.  Starring Alison Hillstead; accompanied by Nathan Johannisen and written and directed by Amanda Bothma 

Julie Andrews – composed, elegant, well-spoken… a typical English lady? A lady, yes, but not born of noble blood. Julie Andrews is a self-made woman. Her life in reality it was pretty seedy. She spent her childhood performing on the Vaudeville circuit, singing and dancing, two shows a day, six days a week, alongside Pops and Barbara Andrews. Judy had a difficult childhood, but no matter the hard knocks, Julie’s talent could not be dimmed. If you’re a fan of Dame Julie Andrews – or even if you aren’t, you will thoroughly enjoy what is a great performance. It is a beautiful, honest and sincere tribute to Julie Andrews with the songs for which she is so famous, and also revealing a fascinating history of her life. All in all, the show is 60 minutes of a splendid tribute. (Review by Caroline Smart).

Creative Team: Amanda Bothma Nathan Johannisen Bios: Nathan Johannisen graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Stellenbosch University. His main instrument is piano, under the tutelage of Mr. Luis Magalhães, He also specialised in Music Education and is currently employed full-time at Merrifield Preparatory School and College in East London. Nathan was the musical director on several Wela Kapela production including Cinderella, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Once on this Island. Alison Hillstead was only 11 years old when her angelic voice landed her a part in Sound of Music. She has developed into a multi-faceted performer who is comfortable both on stage and in front of the camera. Performing in America, London and South Africa, Alison has featured as the ugly Step Mother in Cinderella, Potiphar wife in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Papa Ge the demon of Death in Once on this Island. This award-winning cabaret artist is no stranger to the stage.

Performance schedule for Julie Andrews Uncut

Fri Sep 17 at 7:30pm

Sat Sep 28 at 4pm

Sun Sep 29 at 4pm

Tickets: R170-180

Direct booking link for Julie Andrews Uncut: www.thedramafactory.co.za/whatson#Julie24

✳ Featured image: Daniel Anderson in the award winning, Vincent – his quest to love and be loved, which will be on at The Drama Factory, September 12-15, 2024. Sponsored content.