Curtains up! Experience these Jozi theatre gems with heart, humour and a splash of colour

Debashine Thangevelo|Published

A scene from the infectious musical, 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'.

Image: Supplied

If you gravitate towards musicals, you don’t want to miss "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". 

Presented by Pieter Toerien and the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA), this production exudes the vibrancy and infectious ambience of the beloved musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

What can you expect?

High energy performances to timeless tracks like “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door”, “There’s One More Angel in Heaven” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph”.

In this timeless tale, underpinned by uplifting themes of hope, resilience and destiny, Dylan Janse Van Rensburg plays the titular role. He is joined by powerhouse vocalist Lelo Ramasimong as the narrator and Chris Jaftha as Pharaoh. 

The rest of the ensemble cast comprises LAMTA graduates. 

This show is fun for the entire family looking for an exhilarating outing. 

Where: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre. 

When: Runs until September 28, 730pm. Weekend showtimes vary. 

The Dumb Waiter

However, if you are looking for something less bustling and more thought-provoking, this production fits the bill. 

Dubbed a masterclass in tension, dark humour and theatrical precision, Harold Pinter’s “The Dumb Waiter” stars Brent Palmer as Ben and Jock Kleynhans as Gus, both hitmen. 

The play explores Gus’s unravelling curiosity and emotional fragility alongside his much more confident senior partner. 

The show is helmed by Aidan Scott, who said, “Pinter’s world is a whisper away from reality - but once you’re in, you’re caught in the undertow. 

Where: Theatre on the Square.

When: Runs until August 24, 7.30pm. No under 12s allowed.

Kurt Schoonraad is a riot in his latest one-man show, 'Funny Side Up'.

Image: Supplied

Funny Side Up

For a more uproarious time, there are only a few more days to catch this show. 

Kurt Schoonraad’s one-man show unpacks the absurdities of modern life, using humour to balance the unfolding chaos and change.

After all, you can either just wallow in despair or simply laugh off the frustrations.

Schoonraad said: “‘Funny Side Up' is just a metaphor for keeping your sense of humour intact. Things have been tough for a lot of us in recent years, but laughter really is one of the best tools we have to get through it.”

His skills of observation, combined with his energetic stage performance and razor-sharp delivery, are guaranteed to leave audiences in stitches as he flits from parenting fails, pop culture and cosmetic surgery to queue hopping. 

He said, “This show isn’t just punchlines, it’s therapy with a twist.”

Where: Montecasino Studio Theatre. 

When: Runs until August 17, 7.30pm.