9 May 2023
We noticed a comment by award-winning stage actor and director Steven Stead on the Kearsney College Facebook page, giving his thoughts on the school’s production of Kat and the Kings after he watched the final dress rehearsal. We thought it should be shared.
Kearsney has earned a deserved reputation of excellence for its outstanding arts and culture programme and we’re expecting a wonderful production to delight theatregoers in the Henderson Hall.
A first
Kearsney’s production of the award-winning show marks the first time that a school or an amateur theatre company has been granted permission by David Kramer, who co-wrote the musical with the late Taliep Petersen, to present it.
In fact, Kramer has personally assisted with the coaching and directing of the production. Daisy Spencer is the choreographer, and the musical direction is by the highly regarded Bernard Kruger, the Director of Music at Kearsney College.
The leading roles are performed by boys in grades 10 and 11, who study music and drama. They include Mohau Tladi (a young Kat Diamond), Sethu Magubane (Kat Diamond), Tjama Keta (Ballie), Khwezi Msimang (Bingo), and Mpande Luhlongwane (Magoo). The role of Lucy Dixon is performed by Nkanyezi Kunene of Westville Girls’ High.
Kat and the Kings is on from Tuesday, 9 May, to Friday, 12 May. You can purchase tickets at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/211643-kearsney-college-presents-kat-the-kings/
High praise
Steven Stead wrote:
“If you have an evening free this week and live in Durban, do your damndest to get to the Kearsney College production of David Kramer’s iconic South African musical “Kat and the Kings”, playing this week Tues-Fri only. It is an outstanding production, in every way.
“I was lucky enough to be allowed to watch their final dress rehearsal on Sunday because I couldn’t make any evening this week due to rehearsals for the CAB Festival showcase, and I could hardly believe it was a school production.
“Daisy Spencer has done an outstanding job of directing and choreographing this show, which is a whole lot of heart and on-point, slick, tight-turning moves. Her outstanding cast of six exhibits jaw-dropping stamina and talent, acing number after number of detailed, complicated routines.
“I cannot believe the amount of work that has gone into this production. The kids do not stop to draw breath: they are singing four-part harmonies while kicking up masses of dust, and when they aren’t on stage, they are changing costume. And they do it all without seeming to sweat or flag.
“Bernard Kruger has done a great job of coaching and balancing the vocals, and the live band under his direction is an absolute joy to listen to. Lovely lighting by Brandon Bunyan.
“Do yourself a favour and get up the hill to experience this rather extraordinary, not-very-school-show show! Congratulations to all concerned.”
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