Press: Aunty Merle is back and this time she has her own musical

Marc Lottering is back to entertain audiences with his famous character, Aunty Merle in Aunty Merle, the Musical at the Baxter Theatre from 30 November 2017 to 13 January 2018

Cape Town’s beloved comedian Marc Lottering’s darling character Aunty Merle goes mainstream in the world premiere of Marc Lottering’s musical-comedy Aunty Merle, the Musical on at the Baxter Theatre Centre from 30 November 2017 to 13 January 2018 for what is set to be one of the highlights of the festive season.

High drama unfolds as Merle’s daughter Abigail (Tarryn Lamb) announces her engagement to Alan (Stephen Jubber) and, as Merle (played by Marc Lottering) puts it “he’s a good-looking white chap!” It’s never smooth sailing in the world of musicals though as Abigail’s twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse, (Loukmaan Adams)- who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC- is determined to get her back, failing which, he threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.

There’s also Merle’s son Carl (Roberto Kyle), who spends lots of time with his varsity friend Siya (Sizwesandile Mnisi). The boys are obsessed with Beyonce and Merle’s neighbour Soraya Samsodien (Carmen Maarman) definitely has an opinion on this.

Last but certainly not least there’s Lydia Majola (Tankiso Mamabolo) from Khayelitsha. She has been on a 20-year journey with Merle as her helper, but focusing on housekeeping takes a back seat when she finds out that her husband is a ‘blesser’ and her feisty daughter Nambitha (Zandile Madliwa), fresh from Oxford University, has a venomous political apple to peel with Abigail.

Aunty Merle has her work cut out for her, keeping everyone happy while trying hard to pull off what surely has to be the wedding of the year.

The role of Merle’s long suffering husband Dennis is played by veteran actor Royston Stoffels while Alan’s parents, Claire and David White are played by two other veterans of musicals and the stage, Kate Normington and Adrian Galley. Anray Amansure plays Liezel and Daniel Richards plays Jakes, two of Abigail and Alan’s best friends.

Aunty Merle, the Musical is written by Marc Lottering, directed by Lara Foot and musical direction by Alistair Izobell and choreography by Grant van der Ster.

“Alistair has an impressive CV as long as the River Nile”, says Marc. “We have been friends for many years, but only first performed together in David Kramer’s Some Like it Vrot at the Baxter in 2011. We are usually on the same page, and every working session includes at least one segment of undisciplined laughter”.

Aunty Merle, the Musical promises to take audiences on a terrific trip with its cast of 14 and a 6-piece live band.

Performances are Monday to Friday at 8pm and Saturdays 4pm and 8pm. Ticket prices range from R100 to R160 with Matinees at 4pm for R135. Upper Dress Circle R100 (Mon & Tues) and R135 (Fri & Sat). New Year’s Eve R260 (Sunday 31 December).

Aunty Merle, the Musical is the perfect, festive segue into the Baxter’s hugely popular New Year’s Eve bash which will take place in the foyer of the Baxter after the performances on Sunday, 31 December 2017. The show will start later on the night and ticket prices include entrance to the spectacular party where guests can sip on a complimentary bubbly or orange juice, a DJ on the decks playing all the best songs and a revelry that will have you ringing in the New Year with a skip in your step. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Booking for Aunty Merle, the Musical is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted school or group block bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Sharon Ward on 021 680 3962 or email sharon.ward@uct.ac.za or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or email her at carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

PERFORMANCES

30 NOV - 13 JAN at 8pm

Additional Performances:

2 Dec - 4:00 pm

2 Dec - 8:30 pm

9 Dec - 4:00 pm

9 Dec - 8:30 pm

16 Dec - 4:00 pm

16 Dec - 8:30 pm

31 Dec - 9:30 pm

6 Jan - 4:00 pm

6 Jan - 8:30 pm

13 Jan - 4:00 pm

13 Jan - 8:30 pm

TICKET PRICES

R160 Throughout

Previews R135

Matinees (4pm) R135

Upper Dress Circle (Fri & Sat) R135

Upper Dress Circle (Mon - Tues) R100

New Year's Eve R260