The musical shows and theatre in Johannesburg give a platform for unique entertainment, from blockbuster musicals to cutting-edge performances and indie productions. Benn Ndzoyiya breaks down some of the best shows to see this month in Joburg.
Expelled
Can a few minutes of bad judgment online ruin a life? Expelled is a play about social media’s power to connect and its power to destroy.
This new family drama by Rosalind Butler focuses on the largely ungoverned world of social media. Alex Bolton is a Matric pupil at an elite school who gets caught up in a viral scandal and is suspended. Once shared, lives alter in seconds, what’s seen cannot be unseen and the ramifications for his family are profound.
‘It is a pertinent play for our social media obsessed world, and we believe its critical impact will resonate loudly for years to come,’ explains Julie-Anne McDowell, founder of and producer at How Now Brown Cow who realised the play. ‘We all need to witness this valuable story.’
Cost: Tickets range from R230pp, and bookings are at Webtickets or at Pick ‘n Pay outlets. Discounts for school outings and groups of 10 or more apply. See here for more details
When: Running from 7 to 31 March. Wednesday to Saturday at 7pm, and matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm
Where: Mannie Manim Theatre at The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Read our full feature on Expelled
Sophiatown
Sophiatown is a lively and memorable musical theatre in Johannesburg that is being revived with a full band and a new, young cast under the experienced eye of award-winning director, Aubrey Sekhabi.
This play, based on the life history of Sophiatown, opened at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in February 1986 to great acclaim. It now returns in 2024 to share timeless music for a limited season.
Sophiatown centres on the arrival of a Jewish girl who responds to an advertisement in ‘Drum’ magazine to come and stay in Mamariti’s Sophiatown shebeen. The play deals with the dynamics of this household which are representative of the Sophiatown community of the 1950s as a whole.
Cost: R100-R250pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until 24 March, Tuesday to Wednesday, 11am. Thursday, 11am & 7pm. Friday, 3pm & 7pm. Saturday, 3pm
Where: The Market Theatre, 138 Lillian Ngoyi, Newtown, Johannesburg
Joburg Ballet’s Scar|city
Joburg Ballet presents an exhilarating trio of works showcasing one South African premiere and two world premieres in a programme that explores concepts of scarcity, absence and loss.
Scar|city is something many South Africans have become accustomed to, whether through a lack of service delivery within the urban context or a loss of dignity and this ballet aims to represent this experience through movement.
For the production, German-based choreographer Hannah Ma choreographs a piece entitled ‘The Void’, while iconic South African dancemaker, Dada Masilo, choreographs his first-ever work for Joburg Ballet, called ‘Salome’. The third ballet is the first South African staging of Dutch-based choreographer Jorge Pérez Martínez’s ‘Azul’.
Cost: R110pp to R525pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 15 to 24 March. Wednesday & Thursday, at 11am. Friday, at 9pm. Saturday & Sunday, at 2pm
Where: Joburg Theatre, Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The Cry of Winnie Mandela
The Cry of Winnie Mandela is a compelling journey through history, emotion, and the enduring strength of the female South African spirit. Based on the popular novel by poet, novelist, and essayist Njabulo Ndebele, The Cry of Winnie Mandela is a poignant theatrical production that is coming to The Market Theatre from 30 March to 21 April.
A series of intimate and powerful conversations unfold as the characters reveal the profound impact of this period of their life, delving into the depths of their longing and uncertainty as they forge their stories to that of the life and times of Winnie Mandela.
The universal theme of waiting is a central motif with this independent theatre in Johannesburg, allowing the audience to reflect on the historical struggles of women while drawing parallels to their own contemporary lives.
Cost: Tickets range from R100pp to R2500pp, and book via Webtickets
When: Running from 30 March to 21 April. On selected days, shows at 7pm and 3pm
Where: Barney Simon stage at The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Website: markettheatre.co.za | Email: [email protected]| Tel: 011 832 164
Amadeus
This thrilling drama, presented by Gloucester Productions, has all the elements: Suspense, comedy, rousing music and great characters. In the court of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, Antonio Salieri is the established composer.
Enter, the greatest musical symphonist of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition, to be a great melodist. Mozart, however, is a foul-mouthed, graceless oaf who has that which is beyond Salieri’s envious grasp: Genius. This is Salieri’s passionate telling of his act of vengeance in response to Mozart’s success.
Award-winning director – Geoff Hyland – takes the helm of Amadeus with two-time Fleur du Cap Best Actor winner and seasoned comedian, Alan Committie as Antonio Salieri.
Cost: R150pp to R300pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 8 to 31 March. Wednesday to Friday, 7.30pm. Saturday, 3pm and 7.30pm. Sunday, 3pm
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Magaliessig, Johannesburg
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr features the beloved classic songs ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ and ‘I’ve Got No Strings’, alongside a host of songs by Oscar and Grammy award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz, tackling timely issues about what it means to be ‘the perfect child’ – and what it means to be ‘a real father.’
This family theatre in Johannesburg is filled with a mixture of magic, suspense, fun and excitement. Pinocchio, the little wooden puppet who after a series of adventures is magically brought to life by The Blue Fairy, must show that he is BRAVE, HONEST and UNSELFISH before he can become a real boy.
My Son Pinocchio Jr is a perfect, dynamic, and magical mix of a heart-warming fairy tale and action-packed adventure. Audiences will love following Pinocchio’s journey from an awkward wooden puppet to being turned into a real live boy by The Blue Fairy.
Cost: R165pp | R130pp (Kids Club members) | R140pp (Kids Club guardians), book via Webtickets
When: Running from 12 March to 21 April 2024. Tuesday to Friday, from 9am to 11am
Where: Joburg Theatre, Cnr Hoofd St & Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
S.O.N.D.A. (State of the National DisAster)
Philangezwi Nxumalo’s powerful one-person play, State of the National DisAster (SONDA), could not have come at a more relevant time ahead of our national election.
Working alongside director Aalliyah Matintela, SONDA is a contemporary take on protest theatre, blending satire, physical comedy, and poignant storytelling to shed light on the post-Apartheid State, 30 years into South Africa’s democracy.
You can expect a high-energy 70-minute performance where Nxumalo fearlessly confronts pressing issues such as unemployment, poor service delivery, high crime rates, an ailing education system, widespread poverty, the prevalence of incompetent public servants, and unfulfilled promises.
Cost: Tickets range from R100pp to R2500pp, and book via Webtickets
When: Running from 13 to 17 March. On selected days, shows at 7:30pm and 3:30pm
Where: Kippies Fringe stage at The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Desperately Seeking Souvlaki
Joburg’s most popular comedian Costa Carastavrakis is back with another South African Hellenic stand-up comedy feast. This time around the scene is set for an intimate evening of comedy with cocktails and scrumptious Greek Gyros.
Desperately Seeking Souvlaki is a 75-minute show that takes the audience on a journey on what it’s like to be Costa in this world. From hilarious gags about his upbringing to his dating escapades, Costa gets vulnerable showing not only the flaws in himself but in his community and South Africa.
Ticket price covers entrance and comedy – food and cocktails are not included.
Cost: R225pp, book via Quicket
When: Sunday, 17 March from 5:30pm to 7:45pm
Where: Villa Simone Boutique Hotel, 16 West St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Île
Île is the highly acclaimed solo theatre in Johannesburg by Sophie Joans that won the Gold Standard Bank Ovation Awards at NAF 2022 and earned her a Best Actress nomination at Woordfees 2022.
This coming-of-age tale unfolds as an 18-year-old embarks on a trip to her ancestral home, the Island of Mauritius. ‘Île’ is a captivating journey that explores family, dark histories, and the comedic chaos that arises when people linger in one place for too long, all beneath the surface of a tropical paradise.
Cost: R150pp, book via Computicket
When: Running from 26 March to 6 April. Daily at 7:30pm to 9pm
Where: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road and 5th Street, Sandown, Sandton
Aunty Rumba Rocks
Comedian Jailoshini Naidoo takes centre stage at The Lyric Theatre for a 1-night-only stand up performance on Saturday, 30 March. Her colourful, insanely hilarious alter ego Aunty Rumba (everyone’s favourite Aunty) are set to rock the crowds with a rip-roaring comedy that’s guaranteed to make you laugh till you cry. Grab your tissues and book your seats.
Cost: R350pp, book via Webtickets
When: Saturday, 30 March at 8pm
Where: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Johannesburg
Mad About the Boys
Relive the bygone era of English charm and gentlemanliness with this stylish homage to Noel Coward, the suave American playboy Cole Porter, and the debonair Welshman, Ivor Novello. Mad About the Boys unfolds through a series of vignettes, each dedicated to these iconic ‘Boys,’ accompanied by the timeless songs that immortalised their legacies.
Actor Daniel Anderson, (who recently starred in the sold-out seasons of Vincent) takes the lead for a blissful hour of enjoyment, laughter, intrigue and song, taking you on an elegant romp through the music and memories of these greats from the 1920s and 1930s.
Cost: R150pp, book via Computicket
When: Running from 12 to 23 March. Selected days at 5pm, 7:30pm and 8pm
Where: Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Rivonia Road and 5th Street, Sandown, Sandton
David Kau LIVE in Menlyn
David Kau is a household name that needs no introduction. Clear your diary for an evening with one of the pioneers of comedy in South Africa. David will be bringing fresh, new work with his live stand-up comedy performance in Pretoria. Grab a seat, buckle up and enjoy a night of laughter.
Cost: R150pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 9 March from 8pm to 10pm
Where: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Menlyn, 213 Thys Street Summit Place Precinct (corner of North and Garsfontein Off ramp), N1, Pretoria
Specifically Cathy
All aboard a night of non-stop in-flight entertainment with SA’s Queen of the Skies! From Boston to Bloemfontein, as a fashionista or full-on leading lady, it’s First Class all the way.
In Specifically Cathy, multi-award-winning performer Brendan van Rhyn, gives audiences a sneak peak and backstage pass into the life of his deliciously decadent alter-ego, Cathy Specific.
Brendan takes you back to 1984, the year he put on a dress for the very first time. It was to change his life forever. Instantly intimidating and ridiculously regal, Miss Specific is an undisputed drag icon and has been stealing hearts since she made her debut in 2007.
Cost: R350pp, book via Quicket
When: Running from 14 to 17 March. Various times at 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Where: Die Centurion Teater, 123 Amkor Rd, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion
