At the moment, pantomimes are ruling the theatre roost with Janice Honeyman’s “Beauty and the Beast” running at Joburg Theatre and “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” at People’s Theatre.
Meanwhile, another production is having its full circle moment. At the start of this year, I had a tête-à-tête with Garth Field, who was helming “The Michael Jackson HIStory” show at Joburg Theatre.
Several months later, the show is back from successful international runs in New Zealand, Australia and Canada to tour Mzansi.
Born in Elsie’s River, Cape Town, he said: “I’m a professional dancer, singer, actor and choreographer. I’ve been performing all my life since the tender age of 5. I’ve been doing shows in Florence as well.
“I love Michael Jackson. I’ve been listening to him since I was a kid. I’ve been influenced by my family, my dad was a Michael Jackson fan when he was a teenager, too.”
Those who caught the initial Joburg run will concur that Field channels MJ with his look, dance moves, wardrobe and singing.
It’s no surprise why Showtime Australia producer Johnny Van Grinsven was sold on Field when he auditioned in 2023.
At the time, Field shared: “I got a call from the boss Johnny, he scouted me online and messaged to see me at GrandWest Casino. I prepared three songs and had to wait for like five days before I got the answer from Showtime.
“Johnny is amazing. I like the fact that he tries to guide everyone to put on the greatest show. He’s also the producer behind ‘The Greatest Love of All Show’ with Belinda Davids.”
Now that he has become more comfortable imbuing the King of Pop, he is ready to entertain the audience at home.
Van Grinsven added: “We are thrilled to bring this extraordinary tribute to Michael Jackson back to South Africa, especially with Garth Field leading the charge.
“Our cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into recreating the essence of Michael’s performances, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the energy and excitement of his music live on stage.”
What can the audience anticipate? As with music tributes of this nature, a live concert experience albeit in an intimate setting.
It celebrates Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent from his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued domination of pop culture into the 21st century.
The hit songs include “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Bad”, “Beat It”, “ABC”, “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough”, “Human Nature”, “PYT”, “They Don’t Really Care About Us” and many more.
Field encapsulated it best when he said: “Come have an amazing experience with us, performing the greatest hits of Michael Jackson with the best live band and dancers as well. It’s a live concert, where we will be giving you the Michael Jackson experience. It is a crowd-pleasing show.”
If a mind-blowing, state-of-the-art stage production is on your wish list this festive season, this show is not to be missed.
Where: Gold Reef City.
When: Runs until December 22
Cost: Ticket prices vary from R195 to R395 and can be purchased through iTickets.
A Swingin’ Christmas
For those planning their social calendar for this month, make sure this musical is in your diary.
For one weekend only, Joburg audiences will be entertained by the acclaimed 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band alongside musical legends Kurt Darren, Zwai Bala, Harry Sideropoulos and Monique Steyn.
Oh, and just for that extra something, the internationally acclaimed Mzansi Youth Choir is in the mix, too.
According to the press release, fans can expect an energetic fusion of swinging jazz, classic big band sounds and festive cheer - with a distinctly South African flavour
Tracks to get those toes tapping include “Little Drummer Boy”, “Santa Baby”, “Christmas in SA”, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Somer Kersfees”.
This family-friendly show is by the same producers who gave us “Swingle Bells” and “Swingin’ Las Vegas”.
Where: The Big Top Arena, Carnival City.
When: December 14 - 15 at noon and 4pm on both days.
Cost: Tickets range from R280 – R550 and bookings can be made through Webtickets or at Pick ‘n Pay outlets.
The Possible Grave
This production centres on Themba and Thembani Dlamini, who are identical twins.
After a decade of being estranged, they reunite at their family grave, where pent-up emotions spill over. Thembani demands answers from Themba, who abandoned him and their family, leaving them penniless.
As the two gain closure, flashbacks to their childhood revisit memories of their father and his sage advice to them.
Where: Sibusiso Khwinana at SA State Theatre, Pretoria.
When: December 7 to 8 at 1pm.
Cost: R40 from Webtickets.