The son of an Alabama preacher, this soft-spoken jazz pianist became a worldwide singing sensation. He was a beloved superstar whose appeal transcended the boundaries of race, culture and geography. In UNFORGETTABLE, the audience will get to know Cole from his piano-playing days in dives and honky-tonks to his breakthrough contract with Capital Records and his glory days in television and world tours. Interwoven in this incredible story of an extraordinary artist and person are the hit songs for which Cole is famous; Mona Lisa, Route 66, Straighten Up and Fly Right, Too Young, Besame Mucho and many more…

The Song List:
Straighten Up and Fly Right
Sweet Lorraine
Route 66
Stardust
Smile
Too Young
Mona Lisa
Almost Like Being In Love
Let There Be Love
Unforgettable
And many more…

Dates:
14 April 2010 to 1 May 2010

To Book:
Book at Computicket or visit the website at Theatre on The Bay.

Directed by its creator Ian von Memerty, Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth at two grand pianos, give a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonation.

A performance of constant surprise, intelligence and wit, with music that ranges from the great classic masters Bach and Beethoven; through the kings of soul Ray Charles and Fat Waller and via the queens of showbiz and pop, Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace. A HANDFUL OF KEYS is a completely South African product of international standard.

Dates: 3 Sep 2008 to 20 Sep 2008
To book visit: A Handful of Keys

Chess is used as a metaphor for romantic rivalries and the US-Soviet conflict during the Cold War. The main characters form a love triangle: the temperamental and arrogant American Grandmaster, Freddie Trumper; Anatoly Serievsky, the determined but gentle Russian champion who plans on defecting got the West, and Florence Vassy, the Hungarian-American chess second, to arrives at the international championships with Freddie, but falls in love with Anatoly.

From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies all struggle to gain the upper hand.

Although the protagonists were not intended to represent any specific individuals and Sir Tim Rice’s original concept was to write a musical about now the Cold War affected the lives of all it touched, the two central characters’ personalities are loosely based on those of Victor Korchnoi and Bobby Fisher.

Visit the Website to book: Theatre On The Bay

We bravely ventured into the uncharted territory of hot flushes,memory loss and weight gain with the hilarious smash hit Menopause The Musical and now we forge our way into unfamiliar turf with this season’s comic masterstroke, It’s a Dad Thing.

A roller coast ride of laughter, tears and songs (mainly laughter), which is chaotic, fun and truthful – pretty much like parenthood itself, except that it runs for two hours and has an interval! You’ll laugh out loud as the myth of the perfect parent is put soundly to rest when a group of battle-weary fathers come together and compare notes on child rearing from Dad’s point of view.

Pre-natal classes – when even the men are on their backs practicing pelvic exercises – give way to births (six hours of Enya can be quite terrifying); attempts to cross squeaky floorboards with the fear of producing siren screams stalking every step, and introducing The Child to sharp knives, beer and pizza (come on – you know someone has to!). You’re about to meet that most dreamed-of hero – the Superdad! … and that’s just the first half.

In the second half you get to meet Zombie Dad, who manages to loose his kid in Toys ‘R Us; Sneaky Dad who uses the same nappy twice (what!?) and Sad Dad, saying farewell to the last symbol of his youth – his powder blue V8 Chevy!

So ladies, come and be amazed and astounded, and guys – it’s ok – after this, you’ll know you’re not alone. And to all the Learner and Licensed SuperParents out there – drive, stagger or even crawl to Theatre on the Bay to see IT’S A DAD THING – it’ll get you laughing, cheering, back up on your feet and even giving yourself a well deserved pat on the back!

Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Tel: 021 799-8783 or 799-8620 or 799-8773
Venue is open from 15:00 – 20:00pm
Concerts Time 17:30 -18:30

Programme:
26 November – Goldfish:
This Electro-jazz duo features accomplished jazz musicians and multi-instrumentalists David Poole and Dominic Peters who combine samplers, a groove box, Vocoder, keyboards, saxophone, flute and upright Bass into a cutting-edge live remix performance.

3 December – McCully Workshop:
One of South Africa’s finest pop rock bands, whose hits ‘Buccaneer’ and ‘Chinese Junkman’ dominated the airwaves in the 70’s and 80’s, are back together after a 25 year absence from playing on stage.

10 December – Watershed (higher price):
Having sold over 100 000 albums in Europe, Watershed is one of South Africa ’s most successful international pop bands. They have also enjoyed more than a dozen South African radio hits, with their last two albums both winning the SAMA award for Best Pop Album in 2004 and 2006.

14/15/16/17 December – Carols by Candlelight:
Traditional Christmas Carols accompanied by the Cape Town Concert Brass Band and the Cape Town Male Voice Choir, organised by the Rotary Club of Kirstenbosch.
* Please note the Carols start at 20:00, gates open at 17:00. The entrance fee on 14 December is R35 for adults and R10 for children and R40 for adults and R15 for children on 15/16/17 December. (Regret no discount for Botanical Society members or students). Entrance fee includes a candle and song-sheet .

24 December – Glenn Miller Orchestra SA (higher price):
The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed here in South Africa by Jonny Cooper, will be performing a special Christmas Swing concert on Christmas Eve. Vocalist Cliff Benton and the
Moonlight Serenaders will join this renowned 19-piece Big Band for an evening of your favourite Miller tunes, Sinatra classics and festive favourites.

Kfm 94.5 NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT
Sunday, 31 December – Freshlyground & James Stewart:
Get into the New Year groove with Cape Town singer/songwriter James Stewart and Afro-popsters Freshlyground. (More info to come.)

1 January – Tucan Tucan:
This 8-piece African-Latin band, led by renowned percussionist and drummer Frank Paco, combines Latino rhythms such as Salsa, Samba and Bossa Nova with African elements such as Juju and Mozambican Marrabenta into a vibrant kaleidoscope of sound.

7 January – Arno Carstens (higher price):
Combining a unique voice and exceptional songwriting skills, and with nine Number #1 hit singles and five SAMA music awards for Best Album to his credit, Arno Carstens is ‘ The Godfather of SA Rock’.

14 January – The Parlotones:
Not only did indie rock band The Parlotones win the 2006 SAMA award for Best Rock Album but they also signed a world-wide deal with Universal Music, the first multi-territory deal to be signed by any band in SA rock history.

21 January – The Three Tenors:
Cape Town ’s well-loved Three Tenors: Matthew Overmeyer of ‘Phantom’ fame, Italian tenor Nikki Cencherle and Ronnie Theys will be performing a programme of great opera arias and duets as well as other popular songs. They will be joined by special guest artist Beverley Chiat and accompanied by the well-known Michaelis Players.

28 January – Shawn Phillips:
In a musical career spanning 40 years, this American folk legend and rock pioneer has recorded 18 albums and sold over 3 million records. Playing on electric and acoustic 6- and 12-string guitars, he crosses freely between folk-rock, jazz, progressive, pop and classical genres.

4 February – Max Vidima:
Zimbabwean Afro-jazz guitarist and composer Max Vidima has performed locally and abroad with guitar greats Simba Morri, Jimmy Dludlu and Selaelo Selota. His debut album, Sagiya, mixes the maskandi and mbaqanga music of his mother’s Zulu heritage with the electric mbira tradition of his father’s Zimbabwe.

11 February – The Cape Town Highlanders:
Following live appearances at the prestigious Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Isle of Mann, the Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders present a dynamic show which fuses African rhythm and Celtic tradition.

18 February – Fokofpolisiekar:
Afrikaans punk rock band Fokofpolisiekar have just returned from a tour of the UK, Netherlands and Belgium and are currently on a national tour to promote their latest album Die Swanesang.

25 February – Jimmy Dludlu:
Afro-jazz guitar great Jimmy Dludlu is a past winner of SAMA awards for Best Male Artist and Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He is particularly drawn to the sounds of west and central Africa, as well as Latin America, but says jazz remains his first love.

4 March – Ike Moriz :
International indie pop star and actor Ike Moriz’s songs are played in 17 countries worldwide and he has also recently appeared in the popular local TV series ‘Backstage’ performing his brand of edgy, yet melodic pop/rock.

11 March – Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (higher price):
Join guest conductor Richard Cock and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra as they celebrate the lives and works of the composers Glinka, Grieg, Sibelius and Coates in a commemorative concert entitled ‘A Garland of Memories’.

18 March – The Rudimentals:
Voted the country’s Best Reggae/Ska Act of the year in 2004, The Rudimentals combine the elements of Ska with both rural and urban African music to produce their unique blend of African ska.

25 March - Flat Stanley:
Acoustic rockers Flat Stanley will be performing songs off their new album, due for release in early 2007, as well as old favourites from their chart-topping debut album Of Secrets and Wine. The band’s lead singer, Andrew Mac, was recently voted the country’s best vocalist.

The original quick-change artist, Ennio Marchetto has revolutionised the art of origami to create pure theatrical magic. A gifted and dynamic physical comedian, he makes use of ingenious paper costumes, and seamlessly morphs into over 50 parodies of our favourite cultural icons. Backed by a vibrant and eclectic soundtrack, he takes a pop at popular culture, “not just impersonating the stars, but sending them up rotten.” (The Guardian).

Ennio studied Commedia Dell’arte at Scuola Dell’arte in Venice and his mask-making skill and wicked sense of humour are the inspiration behind this astounding and enthralling production. He has appeared at the European MTV Awards, the Royal Variety Show and Elton John’s fundraising “White Tie and Tiara Ball” among many other notable achievements.

Dates: Tuesday 25 September to Saturday 13 October 2007.
Times: Monday to Friday at 8pm · Saturday at 5.30pm and 8.15pm
(Saturday 29 September only at 8pm)
Book: Bookings at Computicket.

Reviews:

“In a league of his own.  Cape Town is notorious for its partial standing ovations, but for Marchetto, the audience shot to its feet, an undoubted measure of achievement in this picky neck of the woods.”  Derek Wilson – Cape Argus Tonight

“A class act.  The illusion is magical … we marvel and gasp aloud at the ingenuity, the skill; seamless transitions from one form to another … clever, witty and humorous … a gritty portrait about some of the iconic entertainment makers of our time.”  Robyn Cohen – Cape Times