Blairgowrie resident and Mzansi Ballet director Dirk Badenhorst is bringing a fresh take on the life of Elvis Presley to local audiences with the year-end production Private Presley: The Ballet.

The show, a reimagining of Sean Bovim’s acclaimed ballet, will run at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino, and promises to be a powerful and emotional tribute to the King of Rock ’n Roll.

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“Doing Sean Bovim’s Private Presley has been a privilege. It is a wonderful addition to the Mzansi Ballet repertoire,” said Badenhorst. Badenhorst, who has played a key role in growing the local ballet scene, is proud to bring this production to Johannesburg.

The ballet follows Elvis Presley’s personal and professional journey from his time as a soldier to his relationships and rise to global stardom.

Adding a personal touch to this production, three of the performers currently live with Badenhorst in Blairgowrie. Among them is international ballet star Jorge Wade, from Mexico, who will take on the lead role of Elvis Presley.

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South African prima ballerina Angela Revie will play Priscilla Presley, while acclaimed vocalists Patience Mahema and Logan James, from Binnelanders, will perform live, bringing Presley’s iconic music to life on stage.

Costumes are designed by David Hutt, a long-time collaborator with Mzansi Ballet, who has worked to capture the glamour and energy of Elvis’s era through detailed and expressive designs.

For Badenhorst, this production is more than just a performance; it’s a celebration of storytelling through dance, and a reflection of the close-knit creative community he has fostered in Blairgowrie.

The production will take place from October 24 to November 30 at the Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino. Tickets are available through Webtickets.

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