Prepare yourself for a light and breezy comedy when Miracle on South Division Street, written by Tom Dudzick and directed by award-winning Judith Herbig for Milnerton Players, opens on July 27 at the Milnerton Playhouse. It runs until 11 August 2018.
Simple stereotypes about religion and ethnicity are the basis of this touching comedy and offer insight into what could happen when a family’s identity is challenged, and when long held beliefs may not be exactly what they appear.
A strong cast
Herbig has drawn together a strong cast with award-winning Petra Baker, who has appeared in several Playhouse productions and is a versatile actress originally from Germany. Newcomers to the Playhouse, Thomas van Niekerk (Jimmy) and Robin Botha (Beverly) are no strangers to the stage, with Thomas teaching Drama at ADK and a local school and a veteran of one-man shows, while UCT-trained Robin has been in several professional productions. Tania Lemme (Ruth) made her debut on The Playhouse stage last year to critical acclaim, and as a trained nurse in her own business has found that acting is another passion.
The Miracle on South Division Street is cause for hilarious entertainment while also allowing for some contemplation on what we may consider the most important things in our lives.
Miracle on South Division Street story
Meet the Nowaks of Buffalo, New York. Living in a run-down working class area, the Nowaks have a very special claim to fame. Clara and her three grown kids have always known they were special, ever since the miraculous night in 1942 when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop! Since then, the neighborhood has looked upon the Nowaks’ 20-foot commemorative shrine as a beacon of hope and faith amidst the urban rubble.
Fast forward, and the now deceased barber’s daughter Clara (Petra Baker) believes strongly that the shrine should be maintained: “We were selected!”
Her smartass son, Jimmy (Thomas van Niekerk), is in love, but he hesitates to tell his mother he is about to propose to a woman who is not a devout Catholic.
Beverly (Robin Botha) the middle daughter, is an avid supporter of mom’s mission, but when the youngest daughter Ruth (Tania Lemme) an aspiring actress, unveils her plan to write and star in a one-woman show about the family miracle based on Grandma’s deathbed confessions – “so the whole world will know”, things start to unravel. The results are heartfelt and hilarious.
What: Miracle on South Division Street
Where: Milnerton Playhouse, Pienaar Road, Milnerton, Cape Town
Book tickets: 082 267 1061, bookings@milnertonplayers.com
Ticket prices: R80 matinees, R90 evening. Member concessions for members
Performances: 27July, 3, 4, 10, 11 August at 8pm; July 28, 4, 11 August at 2.30pm
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