BRAVO David Kramer! The reworked Orpheus in Africa opened last night at the Fugard Theatre to a roaring, standing ovation.
The original production of Orpheus in Africa has been substantially tweaked, which has resulted in a stronger narrative thread and a vocal score that zings.
Orpheus in Africa is based on the little known story of Orpheus McAdoo and the Virginia Jubilee Singers’ tour of Queen Victoria’s colonies in the last decade of the 19th Century.
Orpheus in Africa is an opportunity to step into the Victorian era and experience the powerful singing style of the Virginia Jubilee Concert Company as they recreate well known classics such as Roll Jordan Roll, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Hush and Deliver Daniel, and debut David Kramer’s specially written songs.
Orpheus McAdoo was a free born son of a slave and a graduate from The Hampton Institute in Virginia. He was the first African American impresario to perform in the British colony of South Africa where he and his group achieved unprecedented success.
David Kramer directs the production, and the creative team includes set designer Saul Radomsky (Kat and the Kings, The Shadow of the Hummingbird, Bad Jews), costume designer Birrie le Roux (Showboat, West Side Story) musical director and arranger Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (West Side Story, Cabaret, The Rocky Horror Show) and lighting designers Daniel Galloway and Benjamin du Plessis (The Rocky Horror Show).
Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre have brought this brand new South African musical back to the Fugard main stage for the summer season. Virtually the whole original company returns to reprise their characters. And it’s a really strong cast!
MapMyWay puts this on their Do-Not-Miss List!
WHAT, WHERE & WHEN: Orpheus in Africa will open at The Fugard Theatre, Caledon Street, Cape Town 8001 through to January 2016.
TICKETS: from R110 (slightly restricted view) to R220 are available through the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or via Computicket.
INFO: The Fugard Theatre offers excellent discounts and packages for block bookings, school groups and charities. Contact Lamees Albertus on 021 461 4554 for more details and information.
