October 13, 2009
By Peter van der Merwe
The Blues Brothers
Cast: Johan Baird and Alwyn Kotze
Musical director: Du Preez Strauss
Director: Clayton Stewart
Venue: Theatre on The Square, Sandton
Until: October 25
Rating: ****
In the late '70s, comedians Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi created The Blues Brothers as part of a comedy sketch on Saturday Night Live. Forty years, a ridiculous movie and an entire cult following later, the boys are back in town - and they're having an absolute blast.
Like Belushi and Ackroyd, Johan Baird and Alwyn Kotze possess no more than fair singing voices - but they not only get away with it, they rock the house. Their comic timing is superb and they fill the gaps between the songs with a witty repartee that has the audience howling.
That's not to say the music takes a back seat. On the contrary, it's what the show is all about.
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One of the highlights is the rap/electronic version of the US Civil War standard Two Little Boys, which has to be seen to be believed. Composer Theodore Morse would be bopping in his grave.
The show starts with the cast mingling with the audience under the pretence of being caught unawares - but the moment the familiar opening bars of the Peter Gunn theme ring through the theatre, it's all action. From the laid-back satire of Rawhide to some rocking numbers by the backing group The Bluettes, this is music played with passion and verve.
This show stands out for its sheer entertainment value. The musicianship - a six-piece band headed by Du Preez Strauss - and choreography are top class, and it is maniacally funny at times.
If you're looking for a great night, then I cannot recommend this show highly enough.
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