A reworking of the hit musical Poison by the legendary late Taliep Petersen and David Kramer, Danger in the Dark returns to the Baxter, telling the tale of a Cape Flat’s social worker’s race to save her friend.
Set in the underbelly of the Cape Flats, the story unfolds in 1995, when Pamela meets up with Juanita, a friend from her school days. Soon she realises that Juanita is trapped in an abusive relationship with a drug lord and she is desperate to help her friend escape. Pamela is drawn into dark and dangerous places and situations, yet she perseveres against all odds, for the safety and survival of her friend.
When it was first released last year, it became a major critical and box office success. Playing to sold out crowds and receiving standing ovations, it was described by critics as a “world-class experience” on “an epic scale.” The cast and crew were hailed as “faultless”, delivering both grand settings and powerful performances.
Based on Shakespeare’s Othello, this acclaimed production is a reworking of the hit musical Poison which was written by Taliep and David in the 90s. With this reworked version, David has decided to tell the story from the point of view of Pamela, a social worker who is writing her thesis on drug abuse in the Cape Flats.
David, who directs the musical, has written this new book for Danger in the Dark but has retained many of the original songs. He has assembled a stellar creative team and cast of eight lead performers with a chorus of 14, who dance, sing and play a variety of roles, accompanied by a live band of five musicians.
The ensemble is led by Alexis Petersen (Langarm, Calling us Home) as Pamela, Rushney Ferguson (District Six – Kanala!, Langarm) as Juanita, Loukmaan Adams (District Six- The Musical, Aunty Merle, The Musical) as Michael, Elton Landrew (Kat and the Kings, Langarm) as Poison, Eldon van der Merwe (Arendsvlei, Fiela se Kind) as Chicco, Tashreeq de Villiers (Aunty Merle, The Musical, Satin to Sequins) as Lucky, Edith Plaatjies (King Kong, Orpheus in Africa) as Mrs Joseph and Chad Baai (Spring Awakening, Fame-The Musical) as Shawn.
Most recently Danger in the Dark received five Fleur du Cap nominations. These include a Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical (Elton), Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical (Rushney), Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Musical (Eldon and Tashreeq) and Most Promising Student (Chad). The winners will be announced on 22 March at The Baxter.
The chorus comprises Luke Buys, Loreto Cabrera, Lewellyn Afrika, Luke de Kock, Anzio September, Lubabalo Pupu, Rori York Bingham, Alex Rodkin, Chamonay Anthony, Mekaila Mathys, Crystal Finck, Gabriela Dirkse and Tanzley Jooste.
David’s assistant director is Grant van Ster with an acclaimed creative team that incude Camillo Lombard (musical director), Patrick Curtis (set and lighting designer), David Classen (sound designer), Widaad Albertus (costume designer), Kirsti Cummings (videographer) with choreography by Shaun Oelf and Grant van Ster.
The live band is made up of Grandall Vlotman (conductor and keyboards), Shaun Francke (guitar), Jason Ward (drums and percussion), Yvan Potts (synthesizers) and Kurt Randall (bassist).
Danger in the Dark previews at the Baxter Theatre on 9 March, opens on 10 March and runs until 28 March. For discounted block or schools’ bookings, fundraisers and charities, contact Leon van Zyl on 021 680 3972 or email him at [email protected] or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or email [email protected].
Ticket prices range from R120 to R195 and booking is now open through Webtickets on 086 111 0005, online at www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay stores. There is an age restriction of 12 years.