They just can’t get enough
THE new production on at Gateway's Barnyard Theatre ticks all the boxes when it comes to wanting a party night out and, what's more, the younger generation will absolutely love it.
Entitled 80s vs 90s, the show pits these two decades against each other in a novel format which also entails plenty of audience participation, again great for children.
There are two engaging hosts, Luscious Lizzie (Elizca Coetzer) for the 80s and Zane (Zakariyah Toerien) for the 90s. The latter is a seasoned performer who made his professional debut at the age of nine in David Kramer’s District Six, and who was a clear audience favourite on opening night.
80s vs 90s has been segregated into eight categories to ensure a true test of the music. This proves to be entertaining, and is also a welcome change from the usual Barnyard format. It starts with the Guys And Girls Challenge, and then moves on to One Hit Wonders, the Ballad Challenge before the first half bows out with the Rock Duels.
After interval it’s on to the Musicals And Movies Challenge, the Has-Beens From The 70s Who Had Hits In The 80s, then the Girl And Boy Groups go head to head before culminating in the Has-Beens From The 80s Who Made It In The 90s.
In among the big hits spanning these 20 years, are numbers yet to be heard on The Barnyard stage, and this is another triumph for the show as it ensures a fresh and pleasurable two hours.
Local Durban boy, Ruan Geldenhuys get to take his shirt off in I’m Too Sexy (For My Shirt), much to the delight of all the females in the audience. He is supported by Ray Oberholzer, blonde and vivacious Chrystal Worship, and Elizca, who was the female lead in the musical, Hairspray.
Bald-headed Jason Guille is a guitar virtuoso who is equally adept on vocals. The balance of the band is made up of James Dobson on keyboards (also doing a vocal stint), Brian Fraser on drums and Romeo Maolusi on bass.
Kudos to the choreographer, Drew Mathie, for the energetic arrangements and moves and to the lighting designer for a clever interpretation of the numbers featured.
For bookings or enquiries call the theatre on 031 566 3045, or e-mail [email protected]
Tickets are R140 per person from Wednesday to Saturday, with discounted specials of R105 per person every Tuesday night. Sunday is Family Day, with tickets for the matinee show still available at just R95 per person.
