The South African musical Calling me home interweaves a story of heartbreak and hope to
deliver a message with universal appeal.
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Classically trained soprano Lynell Kenned plays the lead
character, Grace, who flees her unnamed African village due to a civil war seeking refuge in an unnamed American city. It is in this foreign
city that she falls in love with Raphael (Anthony Downing) and discovers what
home really means. Kenned’s superstar voice captivates from beginning to
end.
During her cross-continental journey, Grace
meets Lindiwe played by the powerhouse Freshly Ground vocalist, Zolani
Mahola. Lindiwe is fleeing abuse and patriarchy and is filled with defiant hope in the big new city.
Mahola delivers a spectacular performance in her musical
theatre debut the only drawback is that we do not get to experience more of her
incredible voice during the production (perhaps something the director can work
in as the show progresses?).
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| I interviewed Zolani Mahola on my show at Radio Today, listen to the podcast below. |
Grace and Lindiwe meet dangerous, enticing and colourful characters
in the bustling city, including Isabella (Samantha Peo), Raphael’s sister, who
is addicted to not only drugs but seemingly abuse too. Peo delivers a stirring
performance as the devastated Isabella.
The show opened to mixed reviews on debut at Joburg Theatre
on 17 August, I thought it was an incredible production albeit slightly too
long. With a few tweaks Calling me home,
created by Alice Gillham and directed by Magdalene Minnaar, is destined for
success on international stages.
Reasons to see Calling
me home:
- The 3D set design and original musical
compositions are outstanding and take the audience on an authentic journey with
ease and poise.
- Talented cast of 33 with stellar vocals by; Lynell
Kenned, Zolani Mahola, Samantha Peo, Anthony Downing, Michael McMeeking and many more.
NOTE:
*Calling me home is now on at Joburg Theatre until 3
September.
*Ticket prices range from R180 – R420:
www.joburgtheatre.com or 0861 670 670.
*The duration of the show is 2 hours 20 minutes excluding interval.
*There is an age restriction of 12 due to the sensitive nature of some of the themes.
*There is an age restriction of 12 due to the sensitive nature of some of the themes.
