South Africa Theater Reviews Page 2

Review: DIE FEL OMSTREDE KROON VAN EDWARD II & GAVESTON at the Baxter Flipside Explores the Fine Line between Monarchy and Anarchy
by Jaime Uranovsky - January 19, 2024

At the outset, I beg potential patrons of this production not to avoid this play just because they cannot understand Afrikaans – this would be a grave error. The subtitles are comprehensive and, if you choose seats with a little height, you will have the perfect spot from which to observe the action...

Review: RAPUNZEL - UNTANGLING THE TRUTH is a Colourful Romp at The Masque Theatre
by Klara van Rooyen - January 01, 2024

RAPUNZEL - UNTANGLING THE TRUTH is the Masque Theatre’s latest offering for holiday entertainment. Directed by Matthew Kingwill, this festive season fairy tale is colourful and wacky, with lots of heart. It reimagines the classic Rapunzel fairy tale and incorporates its modern iterations, such as th...

Review: SPRING AWAKENING at Theatre on the Bay Is a Masterpiece: Mesmerising, Menacing, and Moving
by Jaime Uranovsky - November 28, 2023

If you have read any of my LAMTA show reviews before, you’ll know that I’m an avid fangirl of their productions. And while I always rave because the raving is deserved, SPRING AWAKENING, as LAMTA’s first performance of a full-scale musical, is extra special and extra rave-worthy. As always, with LAM...

Review: KING GEORGE at the Baxter Theatre Centre Is a Tense Game of Strategy and Power
by Jaime Uranovsky - November 27, 2023

KING GEORGE, a new play set in the heart of Cape Town, is a battle for domination between development mogul Shane Wyntock (played by Clyde Berning) and long-time, local strip club owner, George Megalos, ‘the Godfather of Lower Woodstock’ (played by Brent Palmer)....

Review: EVERY BRILLIANT THING at Theatre On The Bay is Life-Affirming and Tender
by Klara van Rooyen - November 26, 2023

What did our critic think of EVERY BRILLIANT THING at Theatre On The Bay?...

Review: THE MURDER OF THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD is a Charming Whodunnit at The Masque
by Klara van Rooyen - November 15, 2023

The Masque and Cape Town Theatre Company joined forces to bring their adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd to the stage, aptly titled THE MURDER OF THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD. The production is adapted by Stephan Fourie and Faeron Wheeler, and Stephan helmed its direction. St...

Review: THE QUEEN SHOW Dazzled at Theatre On The Bay
by Klara van Rooyen - November 12, 2023

The music of Queen is timeless. Their hit songs are emotional and memory markers (and makers!) that withstand the test of time. Introduce ballet into the mix, and you might get some eyebrow raises. But Mzansi Ballet’s recent production, THE QUEEN SHOW, exemplifies the versatility of the medium and h...

Review: CONSTELLATIONS: THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL at Spier Wine Farm Provides a Unique Experience Among the Stars
by Jaime Uranovsky - November 06, 2023

What did our critic think of CONSTELLATIONS: THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL at Spier Wine Farm?...

Review: BUCKET BOY at Baxter Theatre Centre Is a Thrilling Exploration of the Banalities and Absurdities of Ordinary Existence
by Jaime Uranovsky - November 02, 2023

Is there anything more epitomic of the 1990s and early 2000s than the video store? In slightly more recent history, is there anything more epitomic of decay, decline, and dead dreams than the last of the DVD stores of the late 2010s? – dying prolonged, understated deaths: not with a bang but a whimp...

Review: LA TRAVIATA at Artscape Is a Visual and Audial Masterpiece
by Jaime Uranovsky - October 28, 2023

LA TRAVIATA needs little introduction. As one of Verdi’s most famous operas, it has moved audiences since the mid-1800s. This production, presented by Cape Town Opera and UCT Opera is no different. Indeed, the show is best described as a sensory overload (in the best way) from start to finish....

Review: OF LOSS: HANDLE WITH CARE at Baxter Theatre Centre Is Experimental, Jarring, and Powerful
by Jaime Uranovsky - October 21, 2023

OF LOSS: HANDLE WITH CARE interrogates the ramifications of the continued exhibition of stolen African artefacts in museums around the globe. What consequences does this have on the collective and individual psyches of African people and communities? What would restitution look like? Is it even poss...

Review: ORPHANS at Baxter Theatre Centre Is Powerful, Hilarious, and Heartbreaking
by Jaime Uranovsky - October 21, 2023

ORPHANS, while originally set in North Philadelphia, is seamlessly transplanted to Woodstock in Cape Town. This production tells the tale of brothers Treat and Phillip, two adult orphans who have lived alone in their house on Gympie Street, since their mother died in their early childhood....

Review: UP ON THE ROOF – THE CAROLE KING SONGBOOK at Theatre On The Bay Is a Mellow, Melodic Celebration of Sisterhood
by Jaime Uranovsky - October 15, 2023

When I slumped into the Theatre on the Bay on last week, I admit that I was not in the highest of spirits. The heaviness of the world just felt like a bit too much and, in all honesty, I wasn’t particularly in the mood to leave the comfort of home. But I’m so, so grateful that I did: This show feels...

Review: WHEN THE DEAD ARRIVED at the Milnerton Playhouse Poses Dark Questions about Humanity
by Jaime Uranovsky - October 07, 2023

All I knew when I stepped into the theatre to see WHEN THE DEAD ARRIVED was that it included a warning that the show contained blood – a lot of blood. As a rule, I’m a sensitive viewer and I stay away from anything even slightly horror related. Suffice to say, I went in knowing that this production ...

Review: THE PROMISE at The Homecoming Centre Will Satiate and Haunt Audiences
by Klara van Rooyen - September 28, 2023

Now and then, the stars align in theatre. The funding meets the vision, the performers meet the text, and the text resonates with its audience. THE PROMISE is an example of such a monumental moment in South African theatre....

Review: COSI at Theatre On The Bay is This Year's Production from LAMTA
by Faeron Wheeler - September 26, 2023

I'm always excited to see the LAMTA yearly productions - you get a glimpse into who will be hitting the industry in the not-too-distant future. This year's play was COSI, written by Louis Nowra and directed by Chris Weare....

Review: A VEGAN KILLED MY MARRIAGE is Hilarious and Punchy at The Baxter Golden Arrow Studio
by Faeron Wheeler - September 26, 2023

I'll admit, the title A VEGAN KILLED MY MARRIAGE had me immediately. I also know I love to watch Aaron McIlroy on stage - he is hilarious. I then discovered that writer director Craig Freimond was responsible for some films that I really enjoyed - and I could not wait to see this one at the Baxter. ...

Review: Cape Town Opera's TOSCA is Lush and Transportive
by Klara van Rooyen - September 17, 2023

What did our critic think of TOSCA at Cape Town Opera?...

Review: DELELA is Cheeky and Disrespectful in The Best Way
by Faeron Wheeler - September 12, 2023

The word 'delela' means cheeky, rude, disrespectful or out of line - and I couldn't think of a more fitting title for this production and the subject matter. It's a brilliant piece of satire that points the finger and pokes fun at the world of vanity philanthropy....

Review: SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR is a joyous romp at Theatre On The Bay
by Faeron Wheeler - September 07, 2023

What did our critic think of SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR at Theatre On The Bay? Sometimes you just need a really good laugh - and that's exactly what SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR delivers. It's a joyous production with excellent comic timing from the two actors and some beautiful nuances layered in by director Chr...

Review: THE WAITING GAME Is on at The Masque Theatre
by Jaime Uranovsky - August 28, 2023

THE WAITING GAME, a new show set to music and dance, is currently showing at the Masque Theatre, after its debut at the Wave Theatre in Cape Town. The production, which has a large cast (18 people), tells a new story while using songs from existing musicals (and changing the lyrics where necessary)...

Review: ROUND OF APPLAUSE: SOUTH AFRICA STILL STANDING WITH MARIANNE THAMM at the Baxter Theatre Centre Traces Current Affairs with Wit, Intelligence, and Optimism
by Jaime Uranovsky - August 21, 2023

There are few who can claim to know South African goings-on like veteran investigative journalist, columnist, author, satirist, stand-up comedian, and Associate Editor of the Daily Maverick, Marianne Thamm does. There are even fewer who can remain optimistic while knowing what they know....

Review: Jonathan Roxmouth Nails Perfect Pitch in KEY CHANGE
by Klara van Rooyen - August 19, 2023

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Review: THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE is deliciously wicked at The Baxter
by Faeron Wheeler - August 08, 2023

What did our critic think of THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE at Pam Golding Theatre At The Baxter?...

Review: ON THE TABLE Is a Tantalising Smorgasbord of Talent, Comedy, and Pathos
by Jaime Uranovsky - August 05, 2023

“If music be the food of love, play on” –  and Bonny White does: her beautiful soiree of songs, involving nine knock-out performers and a fabulous accompanist, is a feast to experience. What makes ON THE TABLE so great is that most of the songs are not well known – they are not the ‘before-interval’...