The cast of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will delight little ones over the holiday.
Image: Suppled
School holidays have officially begun, and with the kids now at home, parents are exploring every option to keep their children's minds engaged. For any parent, this time also highlights the immense value of quiet time - a truly priceless commodity.
Offering a family-friendly, whimsical escape, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" provides a welcome reprieve from the typical "I’m hungry" or "I’m bored" complaints.
Based on the beloved books by Roald Dahl, this production showcases a selection of your favourite songs.
The music is drawn from "Willy Wonka Jr.," "Wonka," and the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" film soundtrack, and includes tracks like "I Eat More" and the enduring classic, "Pure Imagination".
Kerry-Anne Beldon directs this adventure, which was produced by Clive Martin. Sibu Molaba and Jaden Taferner both star, playing the whimsical Willy Wonka. Choreography and vocal direction are handled by Virtuous Kandemiri.
Where: Theatre on the Square.
When: Runs until Sunday, April 11. Times vary between 10am, 2pm and 6pm, depending on the day.
The cast of 'Shrek The Musical Jr.'
Image: Stefane Leny
Naturally, parents will be seeking additional choices, which is why this highly regarded show, back again following its successful previous season, is a perfect solution.
The musical, featuring everyone's favourite green ogre, is currently playing exclusively at the Peoples Theatre.
Also, the production features new choreography, costumes, and a fresh cast.
The audience follows the journey of the misunderstood ogre Shrek and his wise-cracking sidekick, Donkey, as they strive to reclaim their swamp from the ambitious Lord Farquaad.
Their journey brings them face-to-face with a variety of fairy tale outcasts, such as a fierce princess and a dragon that breathes fire. In the end, this diverse group of individuals demonstrates that true beauty comes from the inside.
Where: Peoples Theatre.
When: Runs until Sunday, April 19. Times vary between weekdays and weekends.
For theatregoers hankering for something more dramatic, this production is worth watching.
At its core, the narrative follows a man seeking a sense of belonging and a home. However, his moral compass is lost after the woman he loves is victimised by a sexual predator.
Exploring themes of memory, identity, masculinity, and the enduring effects of political struggle, the story unfolds against an ocean backdrop, enriched by the presence of jazz, classical music, and ancestral echoes.
Due to the strong language used, the show is restricted to viewers aged 16 and over.
Where: The Lesedi at Joburg Theatre
When: Runs until April 12, 7.30pm. Times vary on weekends.
Fans of the award-winning singer won’t want to miss this homegrown tribute show.
The show pays homage to Diamond with a compilation of his classics. These include "Sweet Caroline," "Cherry Cherry," "Red Red Wine," "Crunchy Granola Suite," "Shilo," "Cracklin’ Rosie," "You Don’t Bring Me Flowers," "Both Sides Now," "Heartlight," and "Forever In Blue Jeans," along with "Girl You’ll Be a Woman Soon," and many others.
Where: Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre.
When: Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 2pm.