Theatre is back, baby! The highly-anticipated all South African production of We Will Rock Toy finally hit The Teatro at Montecasino this month after an incredible Asian tour and despite its late arrival as a result of the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the wait was certainly worth it.
However, despite its title, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a Queen tribute show. Like the popular production of Mamma Mia, this production uses the songs of the popular rock group to inspire a futuristic story which will 100% have your feet tapping.
We Will Rock You tells the story of a group of bohemians in a dystopian future and features 24 of Queen’s hit songs including ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, ‘Killer Queen’, and the worldwide favourites ‘We are the Champions’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and of course, ‘We Will Rock You’.
The production is, plainly put, a marvel. Everything from the sets to the costume design was so well thought out. The introduction of new technology also helped bring the story to life unlike ever before on stage. Tom Rogers created a whole new world with the futuristic sets which could have easily been something out of Star Wars. He does this while not overcomplicating the stage as well, giving the audience’s imagination space to run free in the process. Costume designer Sarah Mercade and costume supervisor, Megan Rarity did a phenomenal job with the costumes. This is always such an important element of a production and nailed it!
The musical is led by Nicolette Fernandes (The Producers, Spring Awakening, URINETOWN! Sister Act) who plays the leading role of the ‘sarcastic, cynical’ Scaramouche alongside Stuart Brown (How To Date Like A F*@#&%! Grownup – A Musical Comedy (Workshop Version), Defending The Gay Man) as Galileo, the dreamer who hears strange words in his head. Stage and screen actress, singer and dancer Londiwe Dhlomo plays the villain Killer Queen who rules Planet Mall with an iron fist, assisted by her second in command, Khashoggi, played by award-winning film, television and stage actor Craig Urbani (Chicago The Musical, Rocky Horror, Legacy, Blitzpatrolli).
Tiaan Rautenbach (Jesus Christ Superstar, Binnelanders, Aspoestertjie) plays the role of Buddy who tries to figure out the “exact date the music died”. International and local musical theatre performer as well as television and feature film actor, Richard Gau (Calling Us Home, Evita, PRIME – Netflix Original) plays Brit, alongside Danelle Cronje (Doringrosie: Die Slapende Skone, Seussical, Barely Legal Showtunes) in the role of Oz.
Each actor elevated their character with impeccable timing, acting skills and charisma, making this production such a joy to watch. Nicolette and Stuart have incredible chemistry on stage and can belt out some impressive notes. Nicolette’s sarcasm adds a cocky flair to her character while Stuart has the audience eating out of the palm of his hands thanks to his loveable on-stage persona and impressive vocal chops.
As with any role he takes on, Craig commands attention. He is so at ease on the stage and his perfect mix of confidence and talent makes him steal every scene he is in. Additionally, Londiwe really stands out as the Killer Queen, and not just because of her epic outfits. She’s a real boss bitch and plays the villain excellently.
The cast also features a large ensemble which makes the big scenes, like the opening ‘Radio Gaga’ number just a dream to watch.
We Will Rock You is local theatre talent at its very best – both on stage and behind the scenes, which means that this is one production you don’t want to miss. After years of empty stages, the cast and crew of We Will Rock You have certainly made it worth the wait and is one of the most impressive local productions audiences will have seen in a very long time.
We Will Rock You is on at The Teatro at Montecasino until 16 April before making its way to the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town from the 5th of May to the 4th of June. Tickets are available from Computicket.