Nocturnal Wenchy

I am a fan of musical theatre. Okay, that doesn’t sound right. When *I* say it there is projection of voice, vast hand movements and what my sister Rentia calls, “a million dollar smile” on my face. I launch ships….and divorces.

Musicals, the theatre, performing, artists… and me believing I am the reincarnation of Judy Garland, never made Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work a hard sell for me.

I sang along to “Phantom of the Opera” when my Aunty Denise bought the tape when I was 14. Yes, a music cassette. Yes, I am that old.

I have had the privilege and joy to join the #newmedia team at @joburgtheatre and loving it is an understatement. I am in my personal heaven!

So at the moment, I am watching the little train that could, the #StarlightExpressSA, come to life!! My enjoyment is from the pit of my stomach, the curling of my toes!!

I have been to the publicity recording, sharing lunch with staff of the @joburgtheatre and the #newmedia team, while interacting with the CEO of @joburgtheatre, the energetic and easy as Sunday morning, Mr Bernard Jay. I could listen to his chatter all day. He is sincere, passionate, quick witted and just a darling of a man. I l♡ve his laughter.

I was surprised, VERY happily so, when THE Janice Honeyman joined us. I was telling my eldest son Kevin who will be 20 in August, explaining who Janice is, and he was like “Mom, everyone knows who Janice Honeyman is!”. Whoop! The most gifted stage director in South Africa I say and the nicest person! Such a great afternoon I had that day!

The first day of rehearsals was alive with tangible emotion. I will soon make another round of applause to just sit in and listen to the cast do their magic in rehearsals. It is like hot chocolate on a cold day to my soul. A theatre is perhaps as sacred to me as a cathedral is to some. It holds history, magic, escape and tenderness.

Next week is the set building and I have both read and heard the set itself is reason enough to buy a ticket!…. I can’t wait – seeing the birth of this production from its South African conception has been captivating, fascinating and electrifying!

One of my favourite performers, is Bongi who plays a very important part. I don’t want to give too much away, but he literally sang two lines in rehearsal and I was wiping tears. Huge career awaiting this young man – I am a HUGE fan!

I wish you a ride on a steam train,
Wεทchƴ¸.¸. ҉¨

poѕтed ғroм тнe ѕecond cloυd on yoυr leғт