Archive for March, 2009
VICKY FRIEDMAN TIES THE KNOT!
Following on a busy and productive year last year, VICKY FRIEDMAN, the acclaimed stage performer, actress, singer and choreographer has begun 2009 with a bang – and in a different area of her life than you would expect; having married her soul mate and long time boyfriend, Idan Segal, in a truly memorable wedding ceremony, set in the picture book surroundings of Webersberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch in February.
With last year having been such a busy year work-wise for Vicky, her free time was limited to plan the most important day of her life, one which she had been dreaming since starting her relationship with Idan 6 years ago. But those in Vicky’s immediate circles knew she would pull off the event with aplomb!
Says Vicky; “I approached the task of organizing my wedding much like producing a large stage show; choreography of the first dance with a strict rehearsal schedule to the horror of my fiancé, a chorus line of groomsmen and bridesmaids and meticulous planning and scheduling to bring together all the elements of music, dance and drama to create a perfect wedding day.”
Vicky continues; “It took quite a while for me to come to terms with the fact that I wasn’t playing the part of a bride, I was the bride!!
It was a magical day surrounded by friends and family from all over the world but what I am most grateful for is that I get to spend forever with my soul mate and best friend. I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect opening night and I am so excited to always have my leading man by my side. It was an idyllic day set in majestic surroundings, and the perfect start to my life as a married woman.”
But taking on this new role in life hasn’t slowed her down, in fact, it’s given her even more energy to continually strive in stamping her indelible mark on South Africa’s entertainment industry.
Rehearsals begin this week for the return of Ed Jordan and Alan Glass’s delightful concert version of Beautiful Creatures, which will be taking to the stage at the Joburg Easter Festival at NASREC during the April holidays. Vicky will reprise her role of choreographer and director for the show, which features the hit songs from the Beautiful Creatures CD’s and is being produced in association with Showtime Management. For more information, log onto www.beautifulcreatures.co.za.
Recently, details were announced to the media and public of the inaugural ACT/DALRO Performing Arts Scholarship Programme whereby Vicky has received the prodigious honour of having been asked to be one of the judges. Other luminary judges include Yvonne Chaka Chaka, David Dennis, Hazel Feldman, Warren Nebe, Gregory Maqoma and Kate Normington
The ACT/DALRO Performing Arts Scholarship programme is a R75 000 scholarship for a 3 year undergraduate performing arts degree commencing in 2010 to study acting, dancing, singing or musical theatre at an accredited South African tertiary institution of the winner’s choice.
Vicky has also been asked to work with the contestants on choreography for the final round which will take place in September.
Along with her business partner, Lauren Wallett, Vicky continues with her successful Fame Academy Workshops that are staged in the school holidays. The theme for the upcoming workshop in April is “Teen Idol Workshop – be the next Hannah Montana or Nick Jonas”. These upcoming workshops are for Grades 1 – 7 and will be taking place at the Sandhurst Centre from 6-10 April, and again from 13-17 April. Children are trained in singing, dancing and acting and learn about stage make-up and costumes from professionals in the entertainment industry.
For more information, email Vicky at vicky@hixnet.co.za.
Fame Academy will be staging a number of interactive performances at the Joburg Easter Festival from 3rd – 13th April at the Black Eagle Kiddies Theatre. Log onto www.easterfestival.co.za for further information.
Vicky has also joined forces with acclaimed Musical Director, Clifford Cooper to put together a one act show “The Supremes”, where 3 gorgeous women sing songs from the Motown era and the 60’s. The show is already making waves on the corporate entertainment scene and promises to delight all who watch it.
When asked where she finds the time to be wife and performer, Vicky replies with a smile; I am as excited as ever to tackle new projects, perform and choreograph. I think marriage just enhances your support system to be creative and pursue your passion.”
Vicky continues, “I am positive about the entertainment industry at the moment. Of course, an economic recession does affect shows and productions but I think it also forces producers and performers to be creative and find ways of branching out, creating work and tapping into new markets.”
With this attitude, and having her life partner by her side, the entertainment world is certainly Vicky’s oyster, and she continuously enjoys striving for the magic that the industry provides.
Vicky Friedman is represented in the industry by her Agent, Jurgie Wagener at Artist Connection. For television, film, commercial or other audition possibilities, arrangements can be made directly with her at 011 791 6846 or jurgie@artistconnection.co.za
For any interview requests, Vicky is represented by Freelance Publicist, Collett Dawson of CMS. To make interview arrangements, please contact Collett on 011 432 3298 or 082 653 1338 or collett.dawson@absamail.co.za
Additional photos, and photos in higher resolution available on request. Contact Collett Dawson on collett.dawson@absamail.co.za to make arrangements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:
Vicky Friedman – Biography
Vicky began her career at the age of five, performing in the Brickhill and Burke production of The King and I. She graduated from Technikon Pretoria with a National Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Her theatre credits include : Cinders and her Fella; Sleeping Beauty’ The Best of Girl Talk; Annie; Boogie Nights and Chicago – The Musical. In 2007 she performed in Stepping Out and understudied the role of Millie in Thouroughly Modern Millie. Her performance as Penny Pingelton in Hairspray assured her a Naledi Nomination in 2008.
Other experience includes appearing in Egoli, and choreography for SABC 3′s Popstars, Isidingo in Concert, La Traviata for Opera Africa, Ladies Night, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Menopause – The Musical. Recent choreography accolades include Mile High with Cathy Specific,The Rocky Horror Show at the Victory Theatre and Beautiful Creatures.
Vicky is a qualified dance teacher, voice-over artist and choreographer of corporate events and theatre. She also holds a B.A. Honours Degree in Communications from UNISA.
ENDS.
Press Release issued on behalf of Vicky Friedman by :
Media Contact :
Collett Dawson
CMS
Specialists in Entertainment Publicity and Artist Management
011 432 3298 or 082 653 1338
ABOVE AVERAGE HOME SCHOOLING CENTRE
Above Average has been assisting with extra lessons in the child’s home since 2003. We have achieved and maintained an exceptionally high success rate, with many students making remarkable improvement.
The Tuition Centre opened in 2008, offering the identical service of extra lessons with individual attention, at a more affordable rate.
In addition to this service, Above Average Home Schooling Centre now offers a full time opportunity for children to attend the centre in the Bergbron/Newlands area in Johannesburg, in a supervised and safe environment. Many parents are opting to home school their children, for reasons ranging from emotional, peer pressure, or large numbers in a classroom. Qualified teachers and tutors come in on a regular basis to assist the children with all subjects being covered through the correspondence course – either in English or Afrikaans. The children are registered with a variety of different institutions. We follow the Gauteng school term dates, and children attend from Monday to Friday from 8:00 – 14:00.
For further enquiries contact: 011 – 678 5377 / 083 425 0227
Regards
Jenni
_______________________________________
ABOVE AVERAGE TUTORING – JOHANNESBURG
Branches: Cape town Pretoria
Cell: 083 425 0227
Office: 011 – 678 5377
Fax: 086 500 1340
Email: jhb@aboveaverage.za.net
Website: www.aboveaverage.za.net
COLOURFUL FAMILY FUN AT MONTECASINO THIS EASTER
Easter is a time for chocolate bunnies, marshmallows, and coloured eggs! It’s also a time for family fun, and Montecasino has a jam-packed schedule of the events lined up over Easter weekend – with lots to see and do for all ages.
From Friday 10 April to Sunday 12 April the Easter Bunny will be visiting Montecasino from 10:00 to 16:00 each day to hand out yummy Easter eggs to all guests. His friends, a face painter, balloon sculptor and magician will also be adding their own special touch of magic to the festivities.
A jumping castle will be situated on the grassy area alongside the Piazza for all to enjoy, and with regular appearances from the Easter Bunny and his friends to keep the children entertained, parents will be free to enjoy Montecasino’s numerous restaurants and entertainment options, including various live bands on the Piazza stage, and around complex.
On Sunday, 12 April at 11:45 and again at 13:45, bring the children down for an Easter egg hunt in the Montecasino Bird Gardens – Joburg’s best kept secret. The Easter Bunny will be there handing out all the eggs that he didn’t manage to hide away in time, leaving children with lots of fun to be had as they run around the Gardens hoping to discover their share of the assortment of chocolates and sweets to be found. And while you’re there, don’t miss out on the magical Flight of Fantasy Bird Show – it takes place three times a day at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00, with special spot prize giveaways!
What better place to bring the family over the Easter weekend than Montecasino – Gauteng’s premier entertainment destination. For further information on activities happening at Montecasino please visit www.montecasino.co.za.
Montecasino – WE’VE GOT IT!
THE SECRET GARDEN
Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by Joyce Levinsohn
Playing March 9 – April 25
National Children’s Theatre (NCT) is delighted to stage a rare and enchanting theatrical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved and timeless Victorian classic of The Secret Garden. This exciting production will run during the Easter school holidays from Monday 9 March 2009.
The Secret Garden is a heart-warming story about an orphan girl and her sickly cousin, and how they are helped by a boy who understands the language of birds, animals and flowers to coax a long-forgotten garden back to life… and, miraculously, as the garden comes back to life, so, too, do the lives of the children blossom and grow at last. This classic story has enchanted children since its publication in 1911.
Award-winning director Joyce Levinsohn’s exceptional production is perfect for younger audiences whose minds will be deeply enriched, as the theatre becomes a garden in which their own imaginations can grow and blossom. This is an interactive musical of the most engaging kind.
The Secret Garden is a spellbinding musical featuring an excellent cast including Surika Green as Mary; Kieran Harriman as Colin; Megan Reeks as Martha; Lebogang Mpahlele as Dickon; Motlatji Ditodi as Mrs. Medlock and Quinton Sutton as Ben.
Beautiful period costumes, Imaginative décor, Delightful songs, Audience participation, Mystery, Suspense, Humour, Fascinating characters, Beautiful dialogue …and a happy ending! An enchanting tale filled with splendid music, will delight children and grown-ups alike.
This is a family show not to be missed.
The Secret Garden will run at The National Children’s Theatre (NCT), 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, from 9 March until 25 April 2009. During the government school term, performances are weekdays at 9.00am and 10.30am. During school holidays, performances are Mondays to Saturdays at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Ticket prices: R60 (children) and R70 (adults). Block bookings and specials are available for schools, groups and birthday parties. Enquiries please phone Sue. Bookings can be made through Computicket: 083-915-8000 or the theatre: 011 484-1584. Booking is essential.
There is ample parking available within the grounds of the complex.
This production has been made possible by the generous support of NAC, Department of Arts and Culture and National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Johannesburg
Tuesday, 03 March 2009
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Visit our website on www.jyt.co.za or Contact Sydwell Koopedi: Sydwell@jyt.co.za
SINBAD’S STUNT SHOW SETS COURSE FOR GOLD REEF CITY THEME PARK
Sinbad: In Search of the Golden Pineapple, a high-dive stunt show from the United States, is set to amaze visitors to Gold Reef City Theme Park this Easter with incredible feats of dexterity and courage.
This breathtaking show, conceptualised by Brown Entertainment, is an acrobatic show that tells the tale of Sinbad’s quest to win the hand of the Caliph’s daughter by embarking on a perilous search for the fabled Golden Pineapple.
The audience joins the crew on a journey packed with adventure, slapstick comedy and amazing feats of physical prowess as it heads for the island. The show features a number of amazing high dives, culminating in a plunge from an 80 foot (24,384mm) platform to the depths of the ocean where the treasure is spotted.
This show will be presented daily at 10h30, 12h30 and 14h30 from 28 March to 14 April. Admission is included in the standard entrance fee to the Park of R120 per adult and R70 per child.
Sinbad is not the only reason to visit Gold Reef City Theme Park this Easter. You can get your heart pumping with a scary adventure ride like the Giant Wheel, Anaconda or Tower of Terror, be enthralled by the larger-than-life illusions created in The 4D theatre, and enjoy a range of street entertainment (like gumboot dancing), a free-flight bird show, magic shows, farmyard, and so much more.
For more information contact Gold Reef City Theme Park on 011 248 6800 or visit www.goldreefcity.co.za.
DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
The Joburg Promusica Kidz team is launching 2009 with a vengeance! Roald Dahl’s popular classic “Danny, the Champion of the World” will be staged at the Joburg Promusica Theatre from 02 March – 28 March 2009. This version of “Danny the Champion of the World” has been adapted for the stage by internationally acclaimed children’s writer, David Wood.
Wood’s adaptation of Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach” played to sold out houses in February this year, and due to popular demand it was only fitting to bring yet another of Roald Dahl’s most famous and well-loved books to our stage.
“Danny, the Champion of the World” tells the story of Danny, who lives happily and peacefully in a gypsy caravan with his devoted father and works his spare time in their small village petrol station. However, when Danny turns nine his world is turned upside down when he learns of his father’s secret passion for pheasant poaching in the estate of the nasty, greedy Victor Hazell, the local wealthy landowner. In the early hours, Danny awakes to find that his father has failed to return after a night of poaching. Fearing that his father may be in grave danger, Danny leaves the caravan and sets off on a courageous journey to rescue him. Soon, with a little help from the village, Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible and exciting plot ever attempted against Victor Hazell.”
David Wood writes: “The play attempts to enhance the community atmosphere. Danny and his father are popular villagers, whose unfair eviction notice prompts the other villagers (helped by the audience) to take action on their behalf. This Dahl classic is unusual, in that it does not involve fantasy – or, at least, everything in the book seems entirely plausible and “real”. Perhaps it is this element, along with the movingly drawn father/son relationship, that endears it to children, who listen to the arguments for and against poaching with rapt attention.”
The themes explored in this piece revolve around adolescence and childhood innocence, freedom of choice, the choice between doing what’s right or wrong and the wonderful bond that exists between parent and child.
The cast of “Danny the Champion of the World” consists of some extremely talented young actors and also some very experienced older actors who will undoubtedly add to the subtle and intimate beauty of this play.
Reviews on “Danny the Champion of the World”:
“David Wood’s ingenious adaptation … the rapture shown by Dad and Danny when they succeed is lovely to behold.” Jeremy Kingston, The Times
“… as fine a piece of theatre for young people as one could hope to see … moving, uplifting, funny and fast-moving … captures the spirit of Dahl’s work in a highly persuasive and heartwarming manner.” Wales Theatre
“… theatrical colour, real emotional depth and good old-fashioned fun … watching an audience of young people respond positively to a piece of live theatre is always a joy.” South Wales Evening Post
“… a fine celebration of one of our finest storytellers … justice is triumphant in the end, and we are left with the warm glow that the master of storytellers intended.” South Wales Argus
Dates: 02 – 28 March 2009
Venue: Joburg Promusica Theatre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Rd, Florida Park, Roodepoort
Times: 09:00 and 11:00 weekdays
10:30 on Saturdays and Public Holidays
Tickets R65 – adults & children
Bookings at Computicket
Please visit our website www.promusica.co.za for more details
MARCH 09
Another issue jampacked with fun activities and events. Whether its art or cooking classes, open air markets, shows or Easter holiday camps, you’ll find them here. We also have loads of new Easter specials on our Special Offers page, check them out.
Don’t forget to enter our competition . There are 40 fabulous book titles to be won. The books were donated by Exclusive Books on the eve of their Children’s Book Festival in Johannesburg and Pretoria during March and April.
MARCH / APRIL EVENTS|
ACTION |
1st Greenside Scout Group, activities for boys & girls, Emmarentia, Fridays. |
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ANIMALS |
Shumbashaba ,Self awareness through horses for teenagers, Diepsloot, March. |
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ARTS/CRAFTS |
Art Classes for teens & pre-teens w/Yda Walt, Auckland Park, Fridays. 1 free trial lesson. |
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BOOKS |
Exclusive Books Children’s Book Festival for kids u/12yrs Jhb & Pta, Mar-Apri. |
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COOKING |
Little Cooks Club , Rivonia, Kyalami, Fourways, Bryanston, Kids cooking wkshps in Feb & Mar. |
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DANCE |
Kim Field Winter Dance Workshops, breakdancing & hip hop lessons, Fourways, Mar 27-Apr 15. |
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DRAMA |
Theatre Workshops , National Childrens Theatre, Jan 24-Mar 14. |
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EASTER |
Ludwigs Rose Farm Easter Weekend w/egg hunt, pony rides & more kids fun, Pretoria N, Apr 10-13. |
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FOOD |
Koljander Pancake sale, Melville, Mar 7. |
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FRANCHISEES |
Equal Zeal® Franchisee Training, Life Coaching Studio for Kids, Chartwell North, Mar 27-30. |
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FUN |
Sinbad’s Stunt Show Gold Reef City Theme Park Mar 28-Apr 14. |
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GENIUS |
KidsLab & TeenLab Workshops, an intro to Genius Mind!, Jhb, Mar 21 |
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MARKETS |
Rosemary Hill Market w/ quality produce & kids activities, Pta East, 2nd & last Sun of mnth. |
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MUSIC |
Old Mutual Blues, Jazz and Roots Festival Festival @ Emmarentia Dam, Apr 4. |
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NATURE |
Paranthropus Exhib w/ fossils from about 2 millions yrs ago, at Maropeng, Dec 6-Mar 6. |
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PARENTING |
Bright Ideas,wkshps by Nikki Bush for parents & anyone raising kid, Bryanston, Edenvale, Mar-May. |
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SHOWS |
Planetarium, shows & lectures, Braamfontein, Thur, Fri & Sat. |
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STORYTIME |
Dibuka and Alliance Française story telling by Izindaba, music, theatre, Zulu, French, English, listen, relax, sing & enjoy, Parkview, every 1st Sat of the mnth. |
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THEATRE |
SA Ballet Theatre Studios Cinderella, Braamfontein, Mar 20-Apr 5. |
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TRAINS |
Friends of the Rail, Steam train trip in and around Pretoria, Pretoria, Mar 29 . |
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WALKS/HIKES |
Check the calender every weekend for a list of regular walks or hikes in Gauteng. |
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WEEKEND RETREAT |
One Breath Celebration Kung San people take us on guided journeys, wkshps, drum circle etc. Mar 27-29. |
EASTER HOLIDAY EVENTS
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ANIMALS (daily) |
Namirembe Holiday Day Camp, Muldersdrift, W Rand, Mar 24,25,31; Apr 1,7,8 |
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ARTS/CRAFTS |
O’Summit Montessori Holiday Club, lots of fun activities, Bryanston, Apr 16-30. |
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CAMPS (sleepover) |
Esperanza Riding School Holiday Camp, fun and educational, Pretoria East, Mar 30-Apr 3. |
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FAMILY HOLIDAYS |
We have listed programs for later in the year, that need to be booked well in advance. |
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SPORTS |
International Tennis Academy Holiday Clinics, Lonehill & Greenside, Mar 30-24 Apr, excl w/ends. |
Here are links to past Jozikid’s Newsletters that focussed on:
Extra-Murals 1 or Extra-Murals 2
Please be sure to check the expiry date of any special deals mentioned in these newsletters on the site. If they no longer appear, they are no longer valid.
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