Oy Vey, its Ida Levin

Paul and I were invited to see Ida Levin last week at The Carvery in Sea Point. It was a captivating journey through the highs and lows of this kugel's life. I must really congratulate Ida on the gracious way that she coped with the technical problems, the flu and static hair. It was done so well that it could have been part of the script. The first half was great, ending with the her left with nothing, and horror of horrors, living in Brakenfell (local Cape Town joke). It was a good combination of story telling with songs where the audience was invited to sing along.
I personally hate participative theatre as I feel such a twit - especially when it comes to singing - and so hide at the back. There was someone in the front who obviously didn't know that anyone who responds is fair game. I cringed on her behalf even though it was very funny.
The second half seemed to lose steam. Our friend George commented that Ida didn't come across as strongly kugel as in the first half - maybe the 'flu got to her. During the evening George and I had a debate as to whether Ida was a woman or a man. I was convinced that she is a man as the build is not quite right, eventhough she has a stunning figure and I love the fabulous clothes. Despite the technical hitches it was a good night out, and I must admit that I am a sucker for sing-alongs, must be the Brit in me.

Cabaret revisited

I have been thinking about the production all weekend. The first part is light and fun showing the decadence of the Kit Kat Club and all its characters. What has got me thinking is the second half which is darker and reflects the growing influence of the Nazi party. The introduction is quite subtle in the beginning and then becomes more and more prominent like the dancers in one scene that turn their hats around to look like the German helmet, and songs ending with a salute. There is also the song "If you could see her through my eyes" which is funny until the last line which hits you in the face. It made me realise how easily such changes can happen and that we need to be aware of what is happening around us. Cabaret provided a lot of food for thought. Angela

Cabaret

Life is a cabaret old chum, so come to the ... Cabaret

We went to see the Cape Town performance of Cabaret last night at the Artscape Arena. We really enjoyed the show and were so impressed at the proffessional standard of the show considering that the cast were all amateur actors and were not gettting paid for performing. Brian Winter took the leading role of Emcee and really held the show together.

The show is quite relevant at the time when there is an uprising of xenophobia against refugees in our townships. The show help's to highlight the problems.

The venue was really intimate and really allowed the show to work well. We must congratulate Teddy Davies and his cast for pulling such a magnificent show together.

The show runs until the 31st of May, so you better try and get tickets.

Paul

Kissed by Brel Too

What a great show. I didn't know Jacques Brel music before, but am a fan now. It was a wonderful combination of light and funny songs with the tragic and angry - all full of emotion. Brian Hydenrych and Claire Watling are fantastic and had the audience spellbound. As with any great show time flew and it was all over too soon. Here's hoping to a sell out season for a great show. Angela