“The sheer delight of watching a Joburg audience react to Aunty Merle’s acidic humour and antics emphasises the impact of this character.” – Peter Feldman, Artslink
With rave reviews and standing ovations night after night, Aunty Merle – Marc Lottering’s most beloved alter ego – has sashayed into the hearts of ‘Joburgers’ since the start of the run of Aunty Merle The Musical which opened at the Joburg Theatre on 1st of February. The hit musical will see its final shows this week as the curtain closes this coming Sunday, 24thof February.
“I’ve had many hours to meditate and ponder on my trip, in quiet candlelight, thanks to Eskom,” comments Aunty Merle on how she has found her time in Joburg. “My trip to Johannesburg has been unforgettable! Joburg is definitely very different to Cape Town. Everything up here just seems to move faster. I will miss Joburg. It really is like being overseas. Without a VISA!”
High drama unfolds as Merle’s daughter, Abigail, announces her engagement to her boyfriend, Alan. As Merle puts it: “He’s a good looking white chap!” But it’s never smooth-sailing in the world of musicals when Abigail’s twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse – who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC – is determined to get her back – and if not, threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.
Tickets are limited for the remaining shows and patrons can purchase their tickets via the Joburg Theatre website or via WebTickets.
“This show brings people together by merging music and comedy with South African flavour. The audience will leave feeling love and warmth, with a craving for lemon meringue. This is a must-see,” adds Marc Lottering.
Written by Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, the musical comedy boasts a talented South African cast including Tracey-Lee Oliver as Abigail, Paul du Toit as Alan, Loukmaan Adams as Denver Paulse, with a stellar support cast including Royston Stoffels, Tankiso Mamabolo, Gina Shmukler, Adrian Galley, Carmen Maarman, Zandile Madliwa, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Anzio September and Crystal Finck – accompanied by a live 8-piece band. Twenty-two original songs, with lyrics by Marc Lottering and Tarryn Lamb; musical direction by Alistair Izobel and choreography by Grant Van Ster, have earned the cast thunderous standing ovations, three sell-out seasons in Cape Town and four Fleur de Cap nominations.