Welcome to 'Town
'Town is a revue conceived by musical theatre and seasoned theatre performer and creative director Lebo Toko.
Image Supplied by Joburg Theatre
After many years’ experience on stage, Lebo Toko has collaborated with the young and upcoming musical maestro Lungile Michael Themba on creating an original South African musical revue. ‘Town is independently co-produce by Streetlight Media’s Itumeleng ‘Miza’ Modibedi and Sbu Nkomo and 2nd Round Productions. The all-female cast comprising six performers is a mix of seasoned and new faces to the musical theatre scene.
The cast includes Caroline Borole, recently seen as Tina Turner in Showtime Australia’s musical tribute; Sebe Leotlela starred as Nettie in the South African production of A Color Purple; Tshepi Mashego, of Rhythm City fame; Lerato Gwebu, a former South African Air Force member brings her youthful and vibrant energy; Noma G, a seasoned vocalist currently working on her EP; and Thembisile Khumalo following her dream of being in the arts industry.
‘Town is set in the late 1950’s, with a cast of six female performer/singers who represent both worlds; Sophiatown and Motown. It is an entertaining and brilliant showcase of the musical parallels between Berry Gordy’s Motown era and music from Sophiatown at the same time. The simple but effective storyline follows these six divas as they prepare for their last show in their respective worlds. The entire production is set in a dressing room as the divas who sing at the jazz and night clubs of the late 1950’s in the respective worlds, prepare to sing at their last show. The characters are inspired by legendary female musical icons from both Sophiatown and Motown - but these characters are not in any way a representation of these musical icons.
The production earned its title ‘Town, from essentially being a musical revue where SophiaTOWN meets MoTOWN. Under the youthful but brilliant musical direction of Lungile Michael Themba and overall direction of Lebo Toko, ‘Town promises to take the audience on a nostalgic musical journey given fresh perspective by these two collaborators.
‘Town will be showing at the Joburg Theatre’s Fringe:
15 March at 20:00
16 March at 15:00 and 20:00
17 March at 15:00 and 20:00
18 March at 13:00 and 17:00
Tickets are available at Webtickets or at the Joburg Theatre for R200, with a 10% discount available for bookings of 10 or more.
What is most exciting about ‘Town is that it takes place at a time where black theatre and television and/or film work has the opportunity and a platform to shine. ‘Town is a true reflection of the advent of new and necessary creation of work, especially for black women in the theatre and musical theatre genre. The production will be a thrill for the music appreciator as well as any ordinary South African.
Welcome to ‘Town, The Revue!
About Lebo Toko:
Toko is currently part of the hit musical A Color Purple at the Joburg Theatre and a multi Naledi Award nominee. His notable role was in the one-man show The Man Jesus, directed by Robert Whitehead at the Market Theatre in October last year.
About Lungile Michael Themba:
Themba has had many shining moments, including the lead role of Peter Pan in Joburg Theatre’s annual pantomime. He has also worked with artistic director and director James Ngcobo at the Market Theatre.
About the producers:
‘Miza is no stranger to the entertainment industry, but it’s his special interest and love for theatre that made him and his partner, Sbu Nkomo, want to be a part of producing original South African theatre work that will create interest around theatre and bring more black people to the theatre by producing excellent work with which they can identify.
