Jozi Boys to Star in Priscilla
Showtime Management, SA Producers of the international hit musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert announced the three Johannesburg boys who join the all South African cast alternating the role of Benji when the show opens at The Teatro, Montecasino on 29 April.
Eight year old Michael Fry, nine year old Ashton Mervis and ten year old Levi Maron are excited to be making their professional theatre debut in this major production as Benji, the son of lead role Tick played by Daniel Buys (Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever). Benji is the real reason Tick convinces his fellow friends Bernadette and Felicia to head off into the desert in a big pink bus for a four-week stint at a Hotel Casino Resort in Alice Springs, the same resort managed by his estranged wife Marion played by Taryn-Lee Buys (Singin’ in the Rain, Jersey Boys). Interestingly, the roles of the estranged couple are played by real-life husband and wife!
Tick hasn’t seen eight-year-old Benji for years and is nervous about exposing him to his colourful lifestyle, only to be surprised that Marion has raised him to be sweet and open-minded so he's fully supportive of his father's sexuality and career.
The youngest Benji, Michael Fry attends St David’s Marist, Inanda where he is a member of the Junior Prep choir and drama club. He loves music and singing and has starred in a number of school productions. Michael is learning to play the piano and can sometimes be found “composing” his own music. When he isn’t busy with music, Michael’s other passion is playing cricket.
King David Sandton learner, Ashton Mervis attends musical theatre classes and he is learning Hip Hop. Ashton has performed in school productions including the Lion King. He enjoys playing the drums, piano and guitar as well as listening to music and creating new dance routine’s and break dance moves. Ashton also enjoys playing sports.
The youngest of three male siblings, Levi Maron is a Grade 5 King David Linksfield Primary School. He enjoys water sports and reading but is at his happiest when he is singing and playing the piano.
“The three Cape Town Benji’s are wonderful young actors who have thrived in their role and we look forward to welcoming their Johannesburg counterparts, confident that they too will grow and learn while working with the show’s multi-talented all South African cast and creative team.” says SA Producer, Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management.
Presented by Showtime Management in association with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Nullarbor Productions and brought to South Africa by BBC First, Priscilla Queen of the Desert recently opened in Cape Town to critical acclaim and rave reviews. “A show whose glam factor is easily an eleven” says Whatsonincapetown while the Tonight quotes: “it offers its audience one visual feast after another.” Now in its final Cape Town week, ‘Priscilla’ continues to receive nightly standing ovations.
This heart-warming and uplifting tale of three drag artist friends who hop aboard a battered old bus aka “Priscilla” and go off on the adventure of a lifetime through the Australian Outback, to perform in Alice Springs. On the way they find friendship, love and far more than they ever dreamed of.
This wildly fresh and funny musical, based on the Oscar-winning film, features a hit parade of dance-floor favourites including I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife plus more than 500 outrageous costumes, 200 extraordinary headdresses and a 10 metre long customised bus weighing 6 tonnes as its sparkling centrepiece – Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a must-see extravaganza! Book now at Computicket. This musical contains strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.
For further information visit www.showtime.co.za or www.montecasino.co.za. Special hospitality packages as well as Show & Stay packages available from Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events, (011) 3674250 or montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com.
Stay current on the latest news through social media on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. #PriscillaSA
J O H A N N E S B U R G
VENUE: The Teatro, Montecasino
DATES: Saturday, 29 April to Sunday, 18 June 2017
SHOW TIMES:
No Monday performances, except for Monday 01 May 6pm (Workers Day Public Holiday).
Weekdays: Tuesdays to Fridays 20h00
Weekends: Saturdays 15h00, 20h00; Sundays 14h00, 18h00
PRICES:
Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays at 8pm and Sundays 6pm: R250, R350, R450 inclusive
Fridays/Saturdays (matinee and evening) and Sunday matinees: R300, R400, R500 inclusive
BOOKINGS:
Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or
visit your nearest Computicket outlet
GROUP BOOKINGS:
20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – all midweek performances and Sunday evenings only
Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za
GROUP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES:
For Montecasino Group Hospitality Packages (20+ tickets) montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com or 011 367 4250
SHOW & STAY PACKAGES:
For Montecasino Show and Stay Packages at one of the Montecasino Hotels, telephone 011 367 4250 or montecasino.reservations@tsogosun.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This musical contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12
ON LINE:
FB - facebook.com/showtimemanagementsa
Twitter - twitter.com/showtime_sa
Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UC4u5EG0Cj-_17kFpOPqhqjQ
Website - showtime.co.za
Hashtag - #PriscillaSA
MONTECASINO:
Website - www.montecasino.co.za
Facebook – montecasino
Twitter - @montecasinoza
