Trying to merge South African history and theatre into an entertaining musical that appeals to a wide range of audience members is no easy feat, and unfortunately the creators of the current Shaka Zulu musical were not up to it. Whilst the narrator, Lindani Nkosi, and actresses Candida Mosoma and Nobunthu Mpahlaza, who play Nandi and Mkhabayi respectively, gave outstanding performances, other characters fell flat during the show that lasts over two hours.

The production, performed in English, shows the life of Shaka Zulu from birth to death and the set design and costumes are excellent. However, the story which includes Shaka’s brutal battles, family feuds and ongoing turmoil has lost a lot of historic value and impact in its now simplified form.

The first half  is fast-paced and exciting to watch whilst the second half drags on a bit as Shaka’s life draws to a close. There are a few funny lines that helped lighten the mood.

The music is original work composed by Johan Voster and has breathtaking moments as the cast harmonise. The solos by Mosoma and Mpahlaza are definitely worth going to the production and hopefully as the cast get more settled into their roles they will be able to give a performance worth remembering.

I don’t recommend this play for children below 12 years of age if you’re wary of introducing your child to the concept of violence too young. However, high school students may find the musical interesting especially if they are studying Shaka Zulu in their history lessons. As for adults, this isn’t the ideal date night production but if you’re keen on watching something different give it a try.

What: Shaka Zulu – The Musical
Where: State Theatre – Pretoria
When: From 26 June 2010
Cost: R145 – R245 (Computicket)

by Philippa Cross who would rather be outdoors than in, alone than in a crowd. She prefers dogs to cats, with a major leaning towards bulldogs. She hopes to win the Pulitzer prize for her yet unpublished novel. She started Thumb Media with a partner in June 2009. Visit her blog

The Jungle Book is on at the Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein until April 17th

The Jungle Book for me is as much about the fantastic soundtrack as it is about the story. What may have started as Rudyard Kipling’s tale is now, in my mind, firmly the property of Disney, and with that comes the wonderful Disney soundtrack.

The latest production at the People’s Theatre obviously encountered music usage rights issues when planning the production, because none of the music from the Disney version of the Jungle Book was included in the Show. The production staged at the People’s Theatre is based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling and not on the movie by Walt Disney. Big Big difference.

Jungle book without the music is like spaghetti without the bolognaise or vanilla ice-cream without chocolate sauce. It’s still Jungle Book, but not quite as delicious, not nearly as satisfying.

In keeping with the jungle theme, we went armed with banana leaves to wave at the stage at appropriate times. The excitement amongst the children in the audience was tangible, and my children have been talking about it for 3 days since we saw the show. For me it is always less about what is showing, and more about the whole experience. Usually, the show is brilliant. This time I am falling back on the experience.

Perhaps it’s a bit of an unfair criticism, but it’s based on the fact that my expectations were not met. I was expecting to sing along to the old favourites, and nothing suggested that the music from this wonderful production was not part of the show.

For my family, The Jungle Book story is undoubtedly the Jungle Book of Walt Disney Studios, music and all. Disney’s soundtrack has made Rudyard Kipling’s novel magical, beautiful and memorable. Doing a Jungle Book musical without it just didn’t work for me.

There were many good points. The cast were great. The music that was used wasn’t bad. The audience did enjoy themselves.  I remain a fan of the theatre, especially the children’s theatre. Going to a live production is an experience in itself, regardless of what you see. The atmosphere is wonderful. It is, in my opinion, a perfect family outing.  The Jungle Book experience is no difference. It’s worth going purely for the pleasure of watching a live production with your children.

But overall, as much as I hate to say it, the show fell short for this disappointed Disney Fan.

You’ve probably heard all about the shows on at the People’s Theatre at the Civic from time to time. If what you need is a push to just book the tickets and make the effort to go along these school holidays– I hope this will do it. It’s the perfect underwater adventure for land-based moms and dads who slave away all day.

It’s perfect for littlies (6 and under). I am just so delighted I discovered it. I feel like the best mom on earth (which I am).

Actually, I’m not. I’m usually too busy to even look into these things, let alone find a weekend that suits, and then book. If your family is anything like mine, trying to get it all together to attend a show is almost impossible, especially at this time of year. This is one experience that deserves the effort. The fact that there are two shows on a Sunday, a morning and an afternoon one, appeals tremendously.

We navigated our way through the road-works (a subject for a whole other day) in Joburg city centre, and arrived at the People’s Theatre to see The Little Mermaid.

An unforgettable experience awaited us. The theatre is special not only because of the magnificent shows it produces, but because of the world it introduces to children. It’s a delightful alternative to TV, to play station. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate talent, and a chance to be transported.

Our precious little people can enjoy the entire theatrical experience from beginning to end. It’s all about them. But the joy I saw in them made my cup runneth over.

They get dressed up for the occasion (we had a number of mermaids in the audience), and have to wait in the foyer before the show starts. This involves excited mingling among friends and strangers, and buying and sharing of refreshments. Our party of 3 year olds made friends with some other littlies, and they all shared their jelly tots. (Except the pink ones. My son refused to share the pink ones.)

The bell rings, and the doors open, at which point they (with mom and dad’s help of course) have to find their own, pre-booked little chair.

The curtain is down, the lights dim, the theatre goes quiet. The excitement is tangible. The music starts, the curtain is raised, and an entire world is revealed.

I was so impressed with the quality of the production – something I’m sure didn’t occur to my 3 year old. But I noticed. Not an expense was spared. The costumes were so beautifully designed and made. The stage design and décor was world class. The performances were world class. I enjoyed The Little Mermaid at the People’s Theatre as much as I enjoyed the Phantom of the Opera at the State Theatre a few years ago. I even cried.

For the dads – I have to tell you, my husband (who is very manly, and not obsessed with pink jelly tots) enjoyed it thoroughly. I have no doubt he’ll come with us next time we go, which will be in March 2010 to see The Jungle Book.

Join the Kids Club.

Among other great benefits, For R70 a year, you can enjoy a free ticket on your birthday, and get called up onto stage.

For more information visit The Peoples Theatre on Jozikids.