Hey Now! Hey Now Now! – time to rock
On September 22, audiences are in for a 80s treat at the Barnyard Theatre in Boksburg, with the ultimate musical performance, Hey Now! Hey Now, Now!
The show is musically directed by Jean-Pierre Mathews of Boksburg, who is formerly the lead guitarist for Die Mavericks and who has shared the stage with One Day Remains and Prime Circle.
He is winged by former Wonderboom guitarist, Danny de Wet, and other big names which encompass the ensemble.
“This show is my first experience as a musical director of a cast of 13 people, and the best moments are to see everyone working together as a team. The cast has made my job very easy by using their own initiative and inputs.
“They have all worked very hard without me really having to keep steering the ‘ship’, so to speak. And they are all awesome people to work with,” says Jean-Pierre.
He adds that Hey Now! Hey Now Now! is a show based on 80s, alternative gothic rock.
They will be playing songs from great bands like Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, The Cure, The Crying Spell, Depeche Mode and more.
“It’s a first of its kind for the Barnyard, and as such that I am very confident it will be a huge success. Much more than just playing the songs, the show is visually very theatrical. We have about five vocalists doing various songs, so it keeps the vibe fresh throughout.”
Jean-Pierre plays rhythm guitarist in the show alongside his task as musical director.
As such, his task is to ensure that all the musicians learn the songs and play them well within a given time as scheduled. He further has to ensure everyone is up to date with rehearsal times and to manage the structures.
He also assists Danny when he is unavailable to maintain leadership.
He notes that show-goers can expect a never experienced before night of theatrical, 80s and modern alternative rock music, and an energy from the stage that will keep them wanting more.
“There were many great bands in the 80s, and we want to keep the spirit of the genre alive by adding our own modern feel to it to give it a new, fresh sound, but at the same time remember and honour the great bands of our time.
“Bookings have shown that whilst this is perceived as a niché market, it’s a pretty sizeable one.”
The blend of the very talented cast and their musical influences are all similar. From the start of preparations, Jean-Pierre says they all got along very well musically.
“I don’t want to give too much away, but I can assure you that the public will know why this show will be special when they see this amazing show,” he teases.
Visit the Barnyard Theatre for pure adrenaline rock and theatrical performances that would last in the hearts and spirits of all the viewers, and feel part of the era and current alternative movement.
