FEW performances have captured my imagination and delighted me as much as the Young Performers Project (YPP)’s reboot of the very first production it ever put on in 2001.
According to Publicity Matter’s Illa Thompson, the show is a complete reworking of the original 2001 script penned by multi-award winning Charon Williams-Ros and has been updated and re-written by Williams-Ros.
“The first Curtain Up! and many subsequent YPP productions were directed by the late Themi Venturas – an integral part of the YPP family over the years. This time it will be directed by multi-award-winning, Johannesburg-based actor, producer/director and choreographer, Jaco van Rensburg, a newcomer to YPP,” said Thompson.
ALSO READ: Hillcrest’s Simoné breaks barriers for the deaf
“As always, YPP boasts a fully professional production and creative team. This year the two professional actors who will work together with the youthful cast will be Mthokozisi Zulu and Sbongiseni Shezi.”
The three youngsters that accompanied me to the performance on the opening night were enthralled by the entire show, two of them immediately recognising DUT Alumnus, Zulu who played the role of Siyanda in Curtain Up! from his performance as their favourite character, Buttons, in the Cinderella Pantomime.
As can be seen from this versatile actor’s own facebook page below, his work with this exciting project was a natural progression from the early start in the performing arts he had with the YPP 12 years ago.
One of my three young companions, who at the age of 10, already has plans to become a performer, spent the entire interval dancing.
In fact, many of the audience that night were up on their feet dancing at times, and even broke out in a sing-along with Abba favourite, Mama Mia, showing just how infectiously uplifting the production was for audience members even when the curtains were down.
“Curtain Up! features show-stopping musical theatre numbers woven into a script about a diverse group of talented young performers who take shelter from the rain in a derelict theatre where, to their delight, they discover the evocative remnants of past productions. Inspired by the idea of bringing the old theatre back to life, the performers appeal to the new owner, Siyanda, to re-open as a community theatre, only to learn that the theatre is to be knocked down to make way for a casino. The passion with which the young performers fight to save the theatre leads Siyanda to the realisation of where his true values lie,” explained Thompson.
Some of the featured songs include numbers from The Wiz; Little Shop of Horrors; Cats; Cabaret; Fiddler on the Roof; Oliver!; Rent; Les Mis; Into the Woods and a medley of South African numbers.
Previous productions undertaken by YPP over the years have included the following: Curtain Up; One Voice; Grease; Oliver; Fiddler on the Roof; The Wiz; Annie; School of Rock SA; Big River; Hairspray; Seussical; Legally Blonde; Can You Feel It Footloose; Soldiers in the City; Buddy Holly; and Footloose (reprise).
YPP’s founder and current Production Manager, on behalf of the YPP trust, Linda van der Veen, had a dream in 2001 to help talented youth get a taste of the world of musical theatre, and help them decide if this was a possible career choice for them. This project has been actively changing talented lives for over 18 years.
ALSO READ: Start-up your motors! Highway’s MAHLE Behr teams up with city for Mini-F1 school challenge
“The Young Performers Project’s goal is to groom talented high school youth in the art of musical theatre, under the guidance of professional directors, musical directors, vocal director and choreographers, whilst promoting cross-cultural friendships, strong interpersonal skills and developing a talent pool of young performers for the future of arts and culture in South Africa. Only through personal experience in a professional environment can talented youth learn about commitment, disciple and achievement that will carry them through to adulthood with a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said van der Veen, MD of a production company, Snazzi Solutions.
“The Young Performers Project has also been re-branded and revitalised with one of the key focus areas being about collaboration and working closely with all local schools and singing, drama; dancing academies. The Young Performers Project has partnered with eThekwini Transport Authority through the launch of three Road Safety Musical Theatre Academies this year: “Movement through the Performing Arts is another form of active mobility and we are thrilled to be adding the Road Safety Musical Theatre Academy to our CSI portfolio, alongside the Go! Durban Cycle Academy.” says Thami Manyathi, Head of the eThekwini Transport Authority,” explained Thompson.
The production will be staged at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from 15 May – 2 June.
Booking is through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
