Young performers ready to kick off Footloose
The Young Performers Project are set to wow the Durban audience this year with their production of the Broadway musical Footloose.
FOOTLOOSE, this year's annual PANSA Young Performers Production, comes to the UKZN Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 1 to 13 July .
Footloose tells the story of a tenacious and rebellious city teenager, Ren played by Rendani Mufamadi, who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned by the conservative Rev Shaw Moore, played by Bradley Marshall and the town council. Ren leads the young people of the town, including Rev Moore’s rebellious daughter Ariel, in a protest against the town’s banning of the annual dance.
Footloose, the musical was adapted for the stage from the film and became a Broadway and West End hit. Footloose boasts some now-iconic musical numbers including the theme song, Footloose, Holding out for a Hero, and Let’s Hear it for the Boy.
The 2014 Young Performers Project sees Themi Venturas at the helm once more as director in a production which re-unites him with choreographer Daisy Spencer and vocal coach Des Govender. Joining them for the first time as musical director is Luke Holder.
Spearheaded by PANSA KZN, the Performing Arts Network of South Africa, the project ensures that the learners get a taste of working in the professional musical theatre arena. The entertaining young cast of 40 were chosen at auditions on 26 April. Rehearsals begun with the cast meeting every weekend until the opening night. The project promotes discipline, develops confidence, and gives an opportunity to make life-long friendships, and to learn a huge amount from the professionals.
The show will run at the UKZN Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 1 – 13 July. There are low price previews on Friday, 27 at 7.30; Saturday 28 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and Sunday 29 at 2pm.
Over the years the show has grown to be very popular with Durban audiences so early booking is recommended. Booking is through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.
Contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places for block bookings of 10 or more, sold performances, and fundraisers / charity bookings on 0832502690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com
For further enquiries please call PANSA KZN Regional Coordinator: Nelisa Mzimela on 031 2014750 or email: kzn@pansa.org.za.
