A soulful treat for the entire family is what awaits theatre lovers of all ages as the PE Gilbert and Sullivan Society open its 2024 theatre production diary with the annual holiday theatre project, Music! Movies! Magic!
Now on stage at the Savoy Theatre in Parsons Hill, Music! Movies! Magic! brings much-loved songs from an array of animated films to life, culminating in a production which keeps the audience entertained while showcasing some of the best young talent Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer.
With only 12 rehearsal days at their disposal, the society put together a toe-tapping, singalong production, spearheaded by theatre stalwart Rose Cowpar, who co-directed the show along with Leandi Fontini and mentee Hannah Stiglingh.
The 46 cast members, aged from seven to 17, bring the show to life with high energy dance moves, choreographed by Abigail Ranwell and mentees Brooklyn Plaatjies, Vernon van der Merwe, Amy-Leigh Ward and Kaylee van Eck, combined with bright and colourful stage lighting and swift costume changes.
Vocal director Amanda Engelbrecht, with mentee Jesse Barth, must be commended for instilling in the young cast the confidence and composure required for a live performance.
Music! Movies! Magic! includes four sets of siblings in the cast; sisters Lucy and Alice Bigge, Isabelle and Gabrielle Kramer, Alayna and Mika Leander and Olivia and Rebecca van der Merwe while parents, Melissa Leander takes of the role of production secretary and Annaline Stiglingh takes the role of production manager.
In a fitting tribute to all Disney princesses, Music! Movies! Magic! includes songs from Snow White to Moana, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Aladdin, Shrek, Tangled, Frozen and more.
Stand out performances include Hannah Stiglingh belting out Arabian Nights mixed with Prince Ali from Aladdin, along with Joshua MacConrad and the ensemble.
Stiglingh, who captivated audiences with her breakthrough role as Tracy Turnblad in last year’s hit musical Hairspray has also been announced as the 2024 G&S youth ambassador.
Cowpar said Stiglingh was a multitalented performer who was hungry to learn all aspects of theatre.
“I am so incredibly excited for the year ahead, to be working with G&S as well as with these amazing children is such a wonderful opportunity,” Stiglingh said.
Some of the younger cast members, including Callen Coetzee, Mika Leander and Amakha Kala, steal the spotlight in their varying roles.
Music! Movies! Magic! runs until Sunday January 14, with daily shows at 2pm and 6pm except for Sunday which is only at 6pm.
Tickets are R80 for both matinee and evening shows and can be purchased on Webtickets or at any Pick n Pay.
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