Blues Brothers will touch you in a special way

16 October 2009
Edward Tsumele

IF WHAT you want right now is music by legends, there is one place you need to go to and indulge yourself in some of the finest sounds. It is the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square.

This production, which is choreographed by Quintus Jansen and directed by Clayton Stewart, will not fail to impress you.

The Blues Brothers, which opened at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square on September 29, runs until next Sunday. It is a smash hit rock and roll, rhythm and blues musical that is sure to touch you in a special way.

For those who, like me, are not quite clued up in terms of this music genre, here is a bit of background information you need to have before attending the show.

This award-winning musical celebrates the music made famous by the “pork pie and wayfarers” duo Jake and Elwood Blues in the cult 80s movie called The Blues Brothers.

These iconic kings of cool were created by the late John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd for NBC’s Saturday Night Live show and the film was made on the strength of the cult success of these characters.

The first Blues Brothers stage show was a 1980 musical comedy starring Belushi and Aykroyd as Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues.

Musical numbers featured include songs by singers James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles, among others, such as I Feel Good, Jailhouse Rock, Midnight Hour, Riot in Cellblock No. 9 and Sweet Home Chicago.

This musical has impressed many people where it was performed around the country so far. The original South African production broke box office records in Joburg, Durban and most recently at the NewSpace Theatre in Cape Town. This production is directed by Stewart, who was the original Elwood Blues in the South African show, and the choreography is by Jansen.

Playing the Blues Brothers with serious attitude is Johan Baird and Alwyn Kotze, who are joined by three Bluettes – Lebo Toko, Crushanda Forbes and Tshepi Mashego .

Tickets cost R180 with shows from Tuesdays to Friday at 8.15pm and two shows on Saturdays at 5.30pm and 8.30pm and a matinee on Sundays at 3pm. Group prices for 10 persons or more are R140 per ticket.

http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=1078318