Courtesy of the Phantom of the Opera Programme 2012 (Pieter Toerien Monte Casino)

A few weeks ago a guest staying at Liz at Lancaster & who is a musical-aholic, told me he had seen ‘Phantom of the Opera’ SEVENTEEN times – in NY, London and now the night before at Monte Casino, his 2nd time in SA. And he thought it was the best performance he had ever seen. I had never seen Phantom so on his recommendation and with high expectations, I went with a friend (also a Phantom novice). We were completely bowled over. Apart from that wonderful music, the stage sets and costumes were just amazing, but most gut wrenching of all was Johnathan Roxmouth’s rendition of the Phantom. Just an extraordinary performance. Really don’t miss it if you can help it. It’s been extended until 3rd June.

As the accompanying press release says: ‘One of only two Jewish boys to have been born in a stable, Nik Rabinowitz always wanted to be an accountant.’   I always love hi sweekly slot on 702 – The week that was, which is achingly funny with nobody being spared Nik’s biting satire. So am really looking forward to Stand and Deliver where ’Nik, a Xhosa-speaking Jew, explores the reasons that have led coloured people to believe that he is coloured, why Afrikaners have settled in Israel, and how a grown man can end up saying things like, ‘daddy make hot for sossy’. ’  Showing at Monte Casino.

Dates: From 29 Feb to 11 March ONLY!   Times: Wed to Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm
Price: R150 & R100 BOOK BY PHONE:  Computicket (011) 340 8000 OR  Theatre Box Office: (011) 511 181 OR book on-line at Computicket

Shwele Bawo looks at the juxtaposition of old traditions fighting for survival against modern ways in South Africa and the effect this has on society. Through the story of the protagonist, Dikeledi Nkabinde, told retrospectively from Dikeledi’s place of imprisonment, many themes create multiple layers for thought: identity crises among men and women; the disintegration of family structures; women and child abuse; relationships; incest; the power of the media and the inequalities in our justice system. The play reveals how these issues, ignored for far too long, have created a social time bomb of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy our society.
Tues – Sat @ 20h15, Sun @ 15h15
Ticket prices: Tues – R66, Wed & Thurs – R90, Fri & Sat – R140, Sun – R100

Andrew Lyndsay of the Spaza Gallery is hosting a fab Valentine’s event.    Starting at 4 pm at 19 Wilhelmina St Troyeville there is a Valentine’s exhibition followed by a show by Venus Mercedes. Book via email emp@intekon.co.za or on 082 494 3275/ 082 957 0052. Cost R150 per head.

From Gingko’s newsletter: 

With February being the month of love, we thought we’d put together a programme that would celebrate some of the world’s greatest love songs. Michèle Corbin (soprano) and Donato Somma (tenor) will perform a wonderful selection of operatic, traditional Napolitan and more contemporary works to the accompaniment of pianist Susan Harrop-Allin.

Works include (among others) the beautiful Libiamo from Verdi’s La Traviata, Morrcone’s Nella Fantasiamade famous by Sarah Brightmanand more recently by Il Divo, the fabulous-for-singing-in-the-shower-on-your-own O Sole Mio,

We’ll be serving a special array of typical Italian street food, including antipasto platters, bagnacauda with grissini & raw veg for dipping, loads of different but equally delicious bruschetta, polenta fritta croccante otherwise know as polenta chips with muffaletta to dunk them in, popcorn w garlic & parmigiano and then luscious strawberries with balsamic glaze and tiramisu for dessert!

The concert is R100.00 per person. Book your table soonest as seats are limited as you know! Email Catherine@gingko.co.za. You’re welcome to come earlier for lunch and simply stay on, or plan on a late lunch accompanied by some of the world’s most delightful music.