Cursed by the evil witch, Hellisent, Princess Aurora and Prince Perrault are taking to the stage this festive season to enchant and enthrall audiences, young and old in the African premier of Sleeping Beauty The Musical.

Produced by Peoples Productions in collaboration with Joburg Theatre and directed by Jill Girard, curtains go up from November 3 to December 24, as these royal sweethearts embark on a mystical journey to overcome evil in pursuit of claiming their place on the throne.

With rehearsals already in full swing, Benoni City Times caught up with Northmead’s Luciano Zuppa, who plays the conniving horned Hellisent. Alongside him are Gabrielle de Gama as Princess Aurora and Tumelo Mogashoa as Prince Perrault.

Sipping a steaming cappuccino, the thespian reflects on his career, which began in the early 1980s at an artsy club in the heart of Hillbrow.

Shortly after completing his two-year military conscription at the South African Air Force, the metal worker found himself at the club daily, listening to smooth jazz while waiting for a friend to finish his shift.

“One evening, the restaurant floor was packed and a shortage of waiters prompted the owner, a brawly Austrian woman, to commandeer me into action,” he said with a laugh.

“I was absolutely terrible at even asking patrons whether they wanted their chicken medium rare! I was a train wreck but somehow became a regular addition to the staff rotation.”

With Amanda Strydom and Judy Page becoming frequent cabaret headliners, the owners moved toward presenting musical variety shows.

Wearing oversized sunglasses to mask his sheer terror, Luciano stowed his tray and traded it for mannequin-like performances.

“Not only was I a questionable waiter, but I was a terrible performer as well.

“Despite my painful performances, they kept casting me, coaxing the little performing talent I had out of me.”

The threat of being deployed to Angola during the Border War was briefly averted when Luciano, a first-generation Zuppa born in South Africa, contracted pink eye.

“I have never been so happy to contract a viral infection, but continuous call-ups to training camps were a pain, so I started moving around between the northern Johannesburg suburbs, dodging notices until I ran away to join the Playhouse in Durban, securing roles in The Pirates of Penzance, Singing in the Rain and Hello Dolly.

Despite his life in the limelight and his work with travelling theatrical companies, Luciano often returned to Benoni to spend downtime with family.

In May, he permanently changed his address, making the city his home.

“My mother is 90 and between my sisters and I we manage her care, ensuring that her loved ones surround her,” he said.

“Benoni is such a jewel. It has a unique vibe, people are friendly and they take full advantage of being outdoors and enjoying everything the city has to offer.”

For the upcoming production, he says his role extends beyond the stage, with duties including set and costume management.

“Performing, however, is in my bones. Children’s theatre is magnificent as it encourages the audience to become part of the performance.

“Hearing their cheers and boos adds a different dynamic to each show.

“South Africa is blessed with a pool of amazing young talent, which I believe will ensure the longevity of theatre for generations to come.”

Already getting Hellisent’s can-can boots ready to tap across the planks, Luciano confesses retirement hasn’t made it onto his priority list yet.

“I cannot imagine my life behind the curtain. Waiting around is not something I do graciously, unless it is for a divine slice of cake.”

With long rehearsal days and seven weeks of back-to-back performances ahead, Luciano may miss out on some scrumptious baked delicacies.

Still, if you keep your eyes open, you may spot the versatile actor at a local coffee shop near you.

Book your seats

Sleeping Beauty The Musical will take to the stage at People’s Theatre, Braamfontein, Tuesday to Friday at 09:00 and 11:00, and Saturday and Sunday during the school holidays at 10:30 and 14:30.

Tickets are available from Webtickets and school bookings are filling up fast.

Cursed by the evil witch Hellisent, they’re taking to the stage this festive season to enchant and enthral audiences young and old.

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