Exclusive Sparky opening a success
PARKTOWN – While Sparky doesn't move anywhere too quickly, he knows how to move hearts... and on October 9, the lovable sloth touched the hearts and captured the attention of an entire audience.
An hour of singing, dancing and humour brought smiles to faces in the outdoor area of the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown on October 9 when the theatre’s new production, Sparky, was officially opened for viewing.
The stunning beauty of the garden outside of the theatre building, and the sunny Joburg weather, meant that picnic blankets could be laid out and good company and food enjoyed while the show commenced.
The children in the audience could relate to the longing to have their own special pet, and one of the most exciting moments in the play was when a box was delivered to character Libby (Alupheli Mzayidume-Maseko/Harmony Magodi) and her mom, Mrs Edwin (Neo Seoketsa)’s door, and inside was a fuzzy, huggable sloth.
Sparky (Thokozani Jiyane) came out of the box and made his way onto the stage to the delight of the children.
In the show, Libby is determined to train the sloth, as one might a puppy, to do all kinds of tricks to commands such as ‘fetch’ and ‘speak.’ However, the only one Sparky seems to listen to is the command, ‘stay’ (he sleeps most of the time).
She even tries to play tag with Sparky, but Sparky doesn’t move when she runs to him and touches him saying, ‘tag, you’re it’ – and so, the sloth remains ‘it’.
Libby comes to realise Sparky’s best trick is being her best friend. She realises she wouldn’t want Sparky any other way, and the cast sing a concluding song together, about how Sparky is ‘it’ and will remain ‘it’ for a long time to come – and how that’s a good thing.
The Gazette spotted the children of Hotel Hope Ministries in the audience, who were among the audience members serenading the cast with a triumphant round of applause at the show’s conclusion.
The performance runs at the National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown, until October 31 (Saturdays and Sundays, 09:30 and 16:00).
Book online at www.quicket.co.za
Details: 011 484 1584.
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