For the last 14 years, DuPreez Strauss has been Associate Music Director and Orchestra Conductor of Disney’s The Lion King musical in eight countries – and counting. For the first time, he now brings his Dreamland show to the Western Cape following his return to South Africa after his most recent international tour.
Dreamland is an invitation to the whole family to experience your happiest Disney childhood animation feature film music memories, like you’ve never heard them before, with world-class piano interpretations of these much-loved classics. DuPreez captivates his audience in retelling of his personal experiences with these musical works of art. The show will be performed at The Drama Factory from 31 August until 10 September, 2023.
More about DuPreez
DuPreez Strauss completed his High School career with seven distinctions in Bloemfontein. He was classically trained on the piano and holds Final Grades (Grade 8) in piano, cum laude, from both the University of South Africa and the Royal Schools of Music (London).
He learned orchestra conducting at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City from Maestro Vincent LaSelva, resident conductor at Carnegie Hall, who was knighted in Italy for his lifetime contribution to Italian Opera. DuPreez holds two cum laude Bachelor of the Arts University Degrees in subjects ranging from Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Psychology, Art and History of Art to Communications and various Languages.
He is a member of Mensa, the international organization for the top 2% most intelligent people worldwide. He has lived, and worked on five continents as TV, Theatre, Music and Radio Producer, Presenter and Director, Production Manager, Music Director, Composer, Writer and Orchestra Conductor. His TV show My Vreemde Vriende was nominated for best lifestyle show in South Africa in 2021. In this show he meets his most incredible social media friends in real life to learn about their lives, subcultures and skills.
Family show
“We are so thrilled to be giving Western Cape audiences the first chance to witness the musical magic of DuPreez’s show Dreamland, which is guaranteed to bring joy to all the family,” says Sue Diepeveen, founder of The Drama Factory. “DuPreez’s dazzling musical talent, skilful story-telling and personal experience of our childhood favourites makes for an evening of world-class entertainment.”
“Did you know that all Disney stories are based on the same recipe called “The Hero’s Journey”? It states that a hero must first leave their home, to go through tough times, in order to finally come back home wiser and stronger,” says DuPreez Strauss.
“In Dreamland I tell seven different Disney storylines simultaneously, because all the heroes in these stories go through the same process. I have realized after years abroad that I have been on my very own Hero’s Journey – which has taken me around the world for decades and has now brought me back to my motherland. It is an absolute joy to be able to bring my very own take on the best Disney music to my own people.”
Dreamland show dates:
31 August, 1, 7 and 8 September at 7.30pm
2 and 9 September at 3pm
3 and 10 September at 4pm
Tickets cost R180 / R160. Bookings here or 073 215 2290.
Make a staycation of a visit to The Drama Factory, booking in with one of their accommodation partners. Spend the night at The Views Guesthouse, 185 on Beach or Majorca House to enjoy the beauty and many other activities on offer in the surrounding Helderberg region. Visit the website for further details.
What: Dreamland
When: 31 August – 10 September 2023
Where: The Drama Factory, 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand, Western Cape
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