Local producer and Northcliff resident, Brett de Groot has taken on the legacy of Walt Disney in his new play entitled, The Man & The Mouse, showing at Joburg Theatre. The performance tells the story of the life and death of Walt Disney to the rise of the Disney empire. The play is set to provide an intimate showcase of the real events. Adorned with Disney music from films such as The Lion King and Frozen, De Groot intends to mesh timeless classics with modern hits to appeal to audiences of all ages.
“The biggest pressure is to do the material justice,” De Groot explained, “A lot of people have certain expectations and this is our own interpretation of it.” De Groot has allowed his small talented cast the freedom to make the well-known music their own and is excited to see the result.
“Everyone has come into contact with Disney at some point. It appeals to all audiences and all ages in every generation of life.” The first full-length Disney film featured in 1937, placing Disney as a tradition held by children, parents and grandparents alike.
In addition to performing in the play, De Groot is the writer, director and producer. After producing and directing Simply Broadway in a sold-out run at the Joburg Theatre he became the youngest professional theatre producer and director in South Africa at the age of 21. Two years later and De Groot is moving on to the next big thing as The Man & The Mouse already boasts a sold-out performance with tickets moving fast.
The Man & The Mouse will run from 9 – 11 October at The Fringe in Joburg Theatre.
