CHRISTMAS IN CAPE TOWN. Homemade musical written and directed by Sheila McCormick. Presented by Milnerton Players. At Milnerton Playhouse. On Fridays and Saturdays until 16 December 2023. SHEILA CHISHOLM attended final dress rehearsal.
A musical presented by seasoned thespian Sheila McCormick can always be relied upon to bring a smile. She knows the popular songs that audiences enjoy. She is also gifted with a way to alter lyrics to fit her storyline.
In McCormick’s latest musical, Christmas in Cape Town, she dresses up favourites such as Noel Coward’s Don’t put your Daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington, Charles Strouse’s Tomorrow, Harold Arlen’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and other sing-along songs to unfold her synopsis.
Musical theatre
McCormick’s storyline follows the ambitions of three friends Julie (Danielle Marx) Craig (George Nzuba) and Lisa (Nakita Allen) who dream about success in musical theatre. So far out of luck at any Joburg audition, the trio are thinking of packing up and heading home to Cape Town when they hear of yet another audition… and maybe this time they’ll make it.
Julie’s mother, Linda (Yvonne Smith), whose wedding boutique business is near collapse after the Covid disaster, is asking, well no, demanding Julie return home as she can no longer support her in Johannesburg. Down-in-the-dumps Linda is very negative about Julie and her friends’ chances of a position at this next audition. She does, however, eventually come round to wishing them good luck.
McCormick rightly understands that this is the Happily Ever After season, and rings down the curtain with a joyful cast singing David Watkyns Christmas in Cape Town.
McCormick’s set is simple. Uncluttered, black flats painted with psychedelic green holly leaves and red berries. Two tall psychedelic green windows are on either side of the band’s nook, and well-trained stage crew, move tables, chairs in and out to create numerous, easily identifiable scenes. However, it would improve the play’s flow, if a few of these scenes could be married together.
New talent
It’s always a pleasure to see new talent rising launching their theatrical careers. And I welcome Marx, Nzuba, Allen and Smith to Milnerton Players ranks. Once they learn to relax sufficiently to make as good use of their body language as they do of their voices, they will be an asset, either individually or as a trio or quartet.
The small chorus, Danalia Borman, Simon Nye, Jean-Marie Schoots and David Scales who also take on cameo roles are most highly commended for their energy and free-and-easy approach to their parts.
Of course, a musical has to have music. My compliments to musical director Tersia Harley and her fellow players for for their lively musical support of the performers.
Book for Christmas in Cape Town here. For the show and dinner package, also book on www.milnertonplayers.co.za for R200 per person.
What: Christmas in Cape Town
Who: Milnerton Players
When: 1 to 16 December 2023
Where: Milnerton Playhouse Cape Town
WS
