Star-studded all SA cast to rock Montecasino
“Rock of Ages Is 2½ Hours Of Pure Joy”. MarksReviewBlogUK
“Come on feel the noize!” Broadway’s smash hit musical, Rock of Ages is set to rock Montecasino’s Teatro for the first time from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 20 October 2019. This jukebox musical features 28 classic rock songs from the 1980s including hits “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “The Final Countdown”, “Here I Go Again” and many more. As the humorous high-energy storyline unfolds, the audience takes a journey back to a colourful era while singing-a-long to rock anthems that come alive on stage. Rock of Ages is a feel-good stage production where audiences are rocking in their seats at every performance. Tickets on sale at Montecasino.co.za and Computicket.
“Any way you want it.” The extraordinary characters and roller-coaster story that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon are brought to life by a dynamic all-South Africa cast, band and production team. The star-studded Rock of Ages cast features this country’s finest talent across the entertainment spectrum including musical theatre, television shows, concerts, movies and recording artists.
Vocalist, producer and “WONDERboom” band front man, “Cito” (Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess – The Musical, Black Sails) is cast as the male lead playing ‘Stacee Jaxx’ with The Voice SA 2017 runner up, Josh Ansley (Jesus Christ Superstar) in the role of ‘Drew’ and singer, actor, director and producer Zak Hendrikz (Mr Bones 2, Rocky Horror Show) is ‘Lonny’. Popular actor, writer and award-winning director, Neels Clasen (Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Annie) is cast as ‘Hertz’ and actor and drama lecturer, Matt Counihan (Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever), plays the role of ‘Franz’. Twenty-one-year-old female lead Jessica Driver (Born to Perform, Night with the Stars) plays ‘Sherrie’ and Lois du Plessis (We Will Rock You, Backstage, Jozi Streets) in the role of ‘Justice’ returns to South Africa after living in the USA for almost twelve years.
Returning from the highly successful CHICAGO The Musical world tour sees former West End and SA performer Craig Urbani (Sound of Music, West Side Story, Grease), Natasha van der Merwe (Mamma Mia!, Sister Act) and Raquel Munn (Singin’ in the Rain, Saturday Night Fever) in principal roles with fellow CHICAGO cast members Alex Girard and Stefania du Toit joining Lara Kleynhans, and Chantel Stanfield to complete the female ensemble. Lebohang Toko (Mamma Mia!, The Colour Purple) and Adam Benefeld perform alongside the male ensemble members Thokozani Jiyane, JP Rossouw, Ryan Flynn.
“Hit me with your best shot.” Produced by Montecasino in association with VR Theatrical, Rock of Ages combines the highly talented production team of Executive Producer, Jaco Van Rensburg (I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Here’s to You Simon & Garfunkel Songbook); Director and Choreographer, Timothy Le Roux (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Colour Purple, Showboat) and Musical Director/Associate Producer, Wessel Odendaal (Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof) who leads the five-piece live band.
“We are delighted to be co-producing this revamped production of Rock of Ages with Jaco van Rensburg and his expert team,” says Gareth Kaschula, Montecasino’s Marketing Manager. “With South Africa’s finest talent on and off stage, this production is a feast of comedy, glamour rock, outrageous hairstyles and never-ending guitar solos to bring the 1980’s back to life in the most entertaining way.”
“Here I go again.” Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. The nostalgic rock anthems include the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Twisted Sister, Styx, Poison, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and many other great rock bands – this musical truly is larger than life!
“We built this city.” After six years on Broadway, followed by a Las Vegas season and a nation-wide tour of the USA and productions in London, Tokyo, Toronto, Sydney, Mexico City, Panama City, Manila, Malta, Singapore and other territories this smash hit musical guarantees patrons an evening of “High energy feel-good nostalgia” (Sunday Express) and a show that’s “Impossible to resist” (New York Times).
“Rock of Ages epitomises Tsogo Sun’s Gaming ethos of providing world class entertainment while investing in the growth and development of local talent, says Helen Stewart, Director of Marketing, Tsogo Sun Gaming who added, “We are proud to share this production’s milestone, a ten year Broadway anniversary by bringing nostalgia, memorable hits and a rocking night out at The Teatro.”
“I wanna Rock!” Rock of Ages is a rock ‘n roll romance set on the Sunset Strip in The Bourbon Room, the last epic venue where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality – celebrating a time.
“Nothin but a good time!” Rock of Ages is a seriously mindless, ridiculously enjoyable glamour-rock musical that is not to be missed! It’s the hilarious book by Chris D’Arienzo that drives the piece. There’s great comedy, stellar performances and great music – all the ingredients of a great night out! Get your tickets at www.montecasino.co.za, by calling Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com Owing to adult themes, a PG13 is recommended. ENDS
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ROCK OF AGES ON LINE #MonteRocks
www.montecasino.co.za
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Facebook: @Montecasino
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Media Information
Images, info, posts, biogs, etc
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ztvfrjrglhvam7/AABFETRcbdEZXqfT_zFRLC0Wa?dl=0
Media queries:
Deb de Souza, Publicist, 082 822 9478, debranne@icon.co.za
Vanessa Naude, Strategic Public Relations, 011-6722037, 083 271 6000, vanessa@stratpr.co.za
Dallace Jolly, Strategic Public Relations, 011-6722037, dallace@stratpr.co.za
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Show Information
Montecasino’s Teatro. Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 20 October 2019
Show Times:
- No Monday performances
- Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 20h00
- Weekends: Fridays, 20h00; Saturdays 15h00 & 20h00; Sundays 14h00 & 18h00
- Performance: 2 hours 30 minutes including 20-minute intermission
Ticket Prices including VAT
- Midweek (Tuesdays to Thursdays and Sundays 18h00): R150, R200, R250, R300
- Weekend (Fridays & Saturdays 20h00, Saturdays 15h00 and Sundays 14h00): R200, R250, R300, R350,
Student and Pensioners Discounts
- One ticket per person
- Only available at Computicket outlets upon presentation of valid SA ID/Student Card:
- Tuesdays to Thursdays at 20h00 and Sundays, 18h00 ONLY: R160, R200, R240
Bookings:
- Visit Montecasino.co.za or visit the Montecasino Box Office
- Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or visit your nearest Computicket outlet
Group Bookings (10+ Tickets)
Tuesday to Thursday at 8pm and Sunday 6pm ONLY
Computicket Corporate Bookings Department 011 340 8139 /011 340 8475
(Monday to Friday from 09h00 until 17h00) or email corporatesales@computicket.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: No children under 3 years.
PG 13 years and under recommended owing to adult themes
MONTECASINO GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES: (10+ Tickets)
montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or 011 367 4250
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Rock Of Ages Company
Cast:
- Jessica Driver SHERRIE
- Josh Ansley DREW
- Zak Hendrikz LONNY
- Craig Urbani DENNIS
- Lois du Plessis JUSTICE
- Cito Martin Otto STACEE JAXX
- Natasha van der Merwe REGINA (Dance Captain)
- Neels Clasen HERTZ
- Matt Counihan FRANZ
- Lebo Toko MAYOR
- Adam Benefeld JOEY
- Raquel Munn CONSTANCE
- Chantal Stanfield WAITRESS
- Thokozani Jiyane MALE ENSEMBLE
- JP Rossouw MALE ENSEMBLE
- Ryan Flynn MALE ENSEMBLE
- Alex Girard FEMALE ENSEMBLE
- Lara Kleynhans FEMALE ENSEMBLE
- Stefania du Toit FEMALE ENSEMBLE
Production Team
- Jaco van Rensburg EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
- Timothy Le Roux DIRECTOR
- Wessel Odendaal MUSICAL DIRECTOR/ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
- Neels Clasen RESIDENT DIRECTOR
- Nadine Minaar SCENIC DESIGN
- Pierre du Plessis WARDROBE DESIGN
- Oliver Hauser LIGHTING DESIGN
- Fried Wilsenach (Splitbeam) SOUND DESIGN
Band
- Wessel Odendaal Music Director + Keyboard
- Wian Joubert Drums (substituted by Rob Watson on occasion)
- Stephen Maycock Bass
- Kuba Silkiewicz Guitar 1
- Christiaan Lombard Guitar 2
