VR Theatrical have put together an all-women cast showcasing the remarkable career of songwriter Carole King in a show titled Up on the Roof – The Carole King Songbook. Her Tapestry album is one of the best-selling albums in the world, having gone platinum 14 times, selling an estimated 30 million copies. She also wrote numerous songs for other artists that became international hits.
The ensemble is performing at the Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town from 5 to 21 October 2023, and in Gauteng at Montecasino from 1 to 26 November.
The cast includes Ashley Butcher, Louise Duhain, Angelica Hattingh, Sanli Jooste, Neo Motaung and Tiisetso Sefatsa. There is no age restriction. Running time is two hours, inclusive of a 20 minute interval.
Show info
For Cape Town
Date: 5 – 21 October.
Show times: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 8pm with matiness on Saturdays at 3pm.
Venue: Theatre On The Bay, 1 Link Street, Camps Bay.
Tickets: Webtickets, or Theatre On The Bay at (021) 438-3300/1.
For Johannesburg
Dates: 1 – 26 November.
Show times: Wednesdays – Saturdays, 8pm with matinees on Saturday at 4pm and Sundays at 3pm.
Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, Montecasino, Fourways.
Tickets: Webtickets or contact Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre at (011) 511-1988.
Ticket Prices range from R150 – R300 and are available through Webtickets.
Block bookings / ladies’ nights
The producers will gladly host your bachelorette party, ladies’ night or other event should you wish to turn your occasion into a theatrical event. Block booking rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, call Geraldine on 011 511 1988, or email geraldine@montetheatre.co.za
Greatest hits
Up On The Roof – The Carole King Songbook promises to capture the essence of Carole King’s incredible journey. Audiences can expect to hear all of King’s greatest hits, each song a testament to her life experiences, including those composed while her children were asleep.
“I did not grow up with Carole King, but discovered her music and lyrics in my late 20s,” says Wessel Odendaal, musical director of the production. “Her lyrics are meaningful and fragile and has a theatrical sensibility about them. I liked the idea of turning each song into an episodic musical moment which our cast could then impress their own life experience on.”
The cast comprises six multi-talented South African ladies who have appeared in touring productions around the world. They are Ashley Butcher (bass, guitar, ukelele), Louise Duhain (piano/keyboards), Angelica Hattingh (guitar), Sanli Jooste (cello), Neo Motaung (percussion) and Tiisetso Sefatsa (percussion).
Under direction of Elizma Badenhorst (A Christmas Carol, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Rock of Ages) and with music direction by Wessel Odendaal (Here’s To You – The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook, Star+Crossed, Forever Plaid) this production promises to be an enchanting evening filled with unforgettable melodies and heartfelt lyrics, whether you are a longtime fan or new to Carole King’s timeless music.
What: Up On The Roof – The Carole King Songbook
Web: www.vrtheatrical.com
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