Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego comes to Joburg for the first time
JOBURG – Marc Lottering brings to life his most beloved alter ego in hit musical comedy for the first time on a Johannesburg stage.
Having drawn inspiration from his own mother for this character over 20 years ago, Marc Lottering brings to life his most beloved alter ego, Aunty Merle Abrahams, for the first time on a Johannesburg stage. Hailing from Belgravia Road in Athlone, Aunty Merle sashays onto the stage at the Mandela at Joburg Theatre from 1 February to 3 March for a limited season run.
“Aunty Merle is very close to my heart, as the character is drawn from charismatic women whom I was surrounded by while growing up on the Cape Flats,” said Lottering.
Written by Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the musical comedy boasts a talented South African cast including Tracey-Lee Oliver as Abigail, Paul du Toit as Alan, Tankiso Mamabolo as Lydia and Loukmaan Adams as Denver Paulse; with the rest of the stellar cast including Royston Stoffels, Gina Shmukler, Adrian Galley, Carmen Maarman, Zandile Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Anzio September, Crystal Finck and Tashreeq de Villiers – accompanied by a live eight-piece band. Twenty-two original songs, with lyrics by Lottering and Tarryn Lamb; musical direction by Alistair Izobel and choreography by Grant Van Ster, have earned the cast thunderous standing ovations.
High drama unfolds as Merle’s daughter, Abigail, announces her engagement to her boyfriend, Alan. It’s never smooth-sailing in the world of musicals when Abigail’s twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse – who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC – is determined to get her back – and if not, threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.
The show has received four Fleur du Cap nominations and has come off its third sell-out season in Cape Town.
“It’s a feel-good musical but beneath the surface, Lottering presents a savvy critique on relationships, family, race, identity and navigating the personal and the political as we live our lives,” said Cape Times’ Robyn Cohen.
You can secure your tickets through one of these platforms: visit www.joburgtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0861 670 670; via www.webtickets.co.za; as well as web tickets counters at Pick n Pay outlets.
