Durban theatre-maker Daisy Spencer is directing 170 youngsters, aged from five to 19 years old, in this year’s Young Performers Project, Dream On, A Poppins Tale of Joseph, at the Playhouse Opera Theatre from July 6 to 14.
The performers have been selected from more than 50 schools throughout KZN in the specially-created jukebox production, which includes a host of fabulous musical theatre numbers.
Everybody loved Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat so much last year, that we wanted to include some of our favourite Joseph numbers such as Any Dream will Do, Close Every Door and Joseph’s Coat – but add some other great songs and dances too, especially for the girls,” said Spencer.
“The solution was to create a jukebox musical using numbers from Joseph, Prince of Egypt and Les Miserables, and tunes by Elvis, the Beatles, the Bangles, Ben Rector, and others.”
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Kyran Taylor (a first-year pupil at the International School of Performing Arts, who matriculated from Reddam House Umhlanga last year) reprises his role of Joseph, and the sensationals Georgie Mabbett Kelly plays the role of our favourite Mary Poppins.
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Beloved, multi-award winning actor, Rory Booth, will keep everyone in stitches as he plays a pivotal role in this wonderous tale of a dreamer whose dreams come true, and the children’s choir, featuring talent from over 50 schools around Durban, are set to melt hearts.
In addition to Spencer, Dream On’s production team includes musical director Des Govender (who has led the team since 2017), choreographer Simone Mann, set designer Chris Taylor, costume designer Kathy Singery, lighting designer Dylan Heath, and sound designer Anthony Govender.
Showtimes for Dream On, A Poppins Tale of Joseph are: 11.30am and 2.30pm on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6; 2.30pm on Sunday, July 7; 3.30pm from Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12; 11.30am and 2.30pm on Friday, July 13; and 2.30pm on Sunday, July 14.
The show runs at 90 minutes, with an interval and is suitable for theatre-goers aged four and above. Tickets, which range from R90 (previews) to R200, can be booked at www.webtickets.co.za. Parking is available at the Royal Hotel in Durban.
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