David Kramer’s hit musical, Danger in the Dark, nominated for five Fleur du Cap Awards and following its overwhelming success last year, returns to the Baxter Theatre from 9 to 28 March at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinees at 2pm and Sunday matinees at 3pm.
Based on the story of Shakespeare’s Othello and made possible by the City of Cape Town, the powerful production has been nominated in five categories for the 2020 Fleur du Cap. They are
- Lead Actress in a Musical (Rushney Ferguson);
- Lead Actor in a Musical (Elton Landrew);
- Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Eldon van der Merwe) and
- Tashreeq de Villiers and
- Best Newcomer (Chad Baai).
Winners will be announced on 22 March.
Danger in the Dark – Rave Reviews
The incredible cast and team wowed audiences when it premiered in October 2019.
Daily Maverick said, “This is a ‘big’ production on all fronts and this entire South African team has delivered a world-class experience” while The Cape Robyn described is as “an epic scale musical.” Broadway World wrote, “If a sold-out midweek standing ovation isn’t enough to convince you to see the last performances of this production at the Baxter, then the faultless cast and crew should.” The Cape Argus was equally encouraging calling it “powerful stuff” and “There’s good reason David Kramer’s Danger in the Dark has been so eagerly anticipated.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien who saw the production, said “The City has partnered with the Baxter Theatre to bring the production to the stage as we are invested in supporting South African theatre works aimed at connecting with real-life issues that impact on many of Cape Town’s communities. Our communities are plagued by gangs, domestic violence and drug abuse which makes the timing of this production perfect and necessary. It’s a production which resonates with us all, as these are the very issues the City is working hard to address.”
He continues, “Danger in the Dark reflects not only what communities and families are going through, but also shines a light on the hope of those who work in these areas and who are determined to make a difference. Theatre productions like these can only impact our lives positively.”
Danger in the Dark – a reworking of the hit musical Poison
Danger in the Dark, is a reworking of the hit musical Poison, which David Kramer and the legendary late Taliep Petersen wrote in the 1990s and which was originally produced by Renaye Kramer.
Poison was very well received in South Africa, Malaysia and London and with this reworked version, Kramer has decided to tell the story from the point of view of Pamela, a social worker who is writing her thesis on drug abuse in the Cape Flats.
Kramer has written a new book for Danger in the Dark but has retained many of the original songs. He has assembled a stellar creative team and cast of eight lead performers with a chorus of 14, who dance, sing and play a variety of roles, accompanied by a live band of five musicians.
The story is set in 1995 on the Cape Flats when Pamela meets up with Juanita, a friend from her school days. Soon she realises that Juanita is trapped in an abusive relationship with a drug lord and she is desperate to help her friend escape. Pamela is drawn into dark and dangerous places and situations, yet she perseveres against all odds, for the safety and survival of her friend.
WHAT: Danger in the Dark by David Kramer
WHERE: Baxter Theatre, Main Road, Rodebosch, Cape Town 7700
WHEN: 9 to 28 March, at 7.30pm nightly, with Saturday matinees at 2pm and Sunday matinees at 3pm. There is an age restriction of 12 years
TICKETS: Booking is through Webtickets on 086 111 0005, online or at Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block or schools’ bookings, fundraisers and charities, contact Leon van Zyl T021 680 3972 or E leon.vanzyl@uct.ac.za or Carmen Kearns T 021 680 3993 or E carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za.
PHOTO: Elton Landrew and Alexis Petersen with ensemble in Danger in the Dark pic by Jesse Kramer
Danger in the Dark – Team & Cast
Directed by David Kramer with assistant director Grant van Ster, the acclaimed creative team is made up of Camillo Lombard (musical director), Patrick Curtis (set and lighting designer), David Classen (sound designer), Widaad Albertus (costume designer), Kirsti Cummings (videographer) with choreography by Shaun Oelf and Grant van Ster.
The ensemble is led by Alexis Petersen (Langarm) as Pamela, Rushney Ferguson (Aunty Merle It’s a Girl) as Juanita, Loukmaan Adams (District Six – The Musical) as Michael, Elton Landrew (Kat and the Kings) as Poison, Eldon van der Merwe (Arendsvlei) as Chicco, Tashreeq de Villiers (Aunty Merle It’s a Girl) as Lucky, Edith Plaatjies (King Kong) as Mrs Joseph and Chad Baai (Spring Awakening) as Shawn.
The chorus comprises Luke Buys, Loreto Cabrera, Lewellyn Afrika, Luke de Kock, Anzio September, Lubabalo Pupu, Rori York Bingham, Alex Rodkin, Chamonay Anthony, Mekaila Mathys, Crystal Finck, Gabriela Dirkse and Tanzley Jooste.
Grandall Vlotman (conductor and keyboards), Shaun Francke (guitar), Jason Ward (drums and percussion), Yvan Potts (synthesizers) and Kurt Randall (bassist) make up the band.
