THE East London Performing Arts Company (ELPAC) brings a myriad of theatre acts from the biggest Broadway and West End musicals to fans at the weekend.
Back to Broadway promises to entertain audiences of all ages as it will feature pieces from beloved musicals including The Little Mermaid, the Lion King, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing and Annie.
“It is not the typical someone sings, with back-up dancers dancing behind them format,” ELPAC founder and director, Nasine van Rensburg said.
“Every musical number is performed as if you were to see it in those actual Broadway and West End play houses,” she said.
With full stage make-up, impressive sets and spectacular costumes, this musical revue incorporates various different musical theatre styles to bring the stories and characters to life.
“It is the perfect marriage of acting, dancing and singing and each discipline plays an important role in moving the story along,” she said.
“Something to also look forward to is the iconic Time of my Life dance sequence from Dirty Dancing. It will be performed by ELPAC veterans, Lincoln du Preez and Lemise Stewart and, yes, the lift will be there,” Van Rensburg said.
ELPAC prides itself in allowing everyone with a passion to join in and share their talents, with or without formal training. Most of Back to Broadway’s cast have no formal training in musical theatre or dance.
“It makes my heart swell with pride to see them rehearse over and over until they perfect it,” Van Rensburg said.
“Looking at them, you would believe every single one of them has formal training behind them,” she said.
Back to Broadway will be performed at The Arts Theatre with two evening performances and one matinee on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at Lee Gold at R110 per person.
The matinee performance on Saturday is especially aimed at the children as they get an opportunity to meet Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and other fairytale characters. There will be cabaret seating so audiences are encouraged to bring their own picnic basket and drinks.
