OAK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS THE AFRIKAANS PANTOMIME ‘ASPOESTERTJIE’

A magical fairy tale full of laughter, love and adventure!

(“’n Magiese sprokie vol lag, liefde en avontuur!”)

 

Pretoria, [October 2024] – OAK Entertainment is thrilled to announce ‘Aspoestertjie: Die Pantomime’ which opens at the Afriforum Theatre from 4 – 13 December 2024 and promises to captivate the entire family!

Aspoestertjie: Die Pantomime’ is a comedic retelling of the classic Cinderella story with a unique twist. Tina Tydreis, a time traveler from the 80’s, unexpectedly lands in the 18th century. Alongside her humorous companion, GOGGA, she navigates the strange town of Harringtonslaagte. Meanwhile, Cindy, a humble young woman, mistreated by her stepmother Violetta and stepsisters Amaranta and Marabella, aims to win the heart of Prince Jan-Percy at an upcoming ball. However, with the help of Tina and GOGGA, Cindy finds her way to the ball, setting the stage for comedic misunderstandings, charming songs, and heartwarming moments. The story blends modern technology with historical settings, creating a whimsical adventure filled with laughs, mishaps, and timeless fairy-tale magic.

 

“It is a privilege to bring the magic of Aspoestertjie to life at the AfriForum Theatre this festive season. This timeless classic not only promises laughter and enchantment but also delivers heartfelt messages about hope, resilience, and the power of believing in your dreams,” says Cameron Botha, CEO of OAK Entertainment.

 

Under the visionary direction of Ferdinand Gernandt, this production of Aspoestertjie promises to captivate audiences with its enchanting storytelling and dynamic stagecraft. Jaco Smit, as Musical Director, will bring the magical score to life, ensuring every note resonates with charm and energy. The choreography, crafted by Tarryn Botha, will dazzle with creative, lively movements that perfectly complement the pantomime’s whimsical spirit.

 

Leading the production is Cameron Botha, whose passion and experience guide this vibrant team, while Stephan van der Walt and Tarryn Botha join forces as Associate Producers, contributing their expertise to make this a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. Together, this powerhouse team ensures Aspoestertjie will be a spectacle of heart, humor, and magic for the whole family!

Stepping into the light as our leading lady, Aspoesertjie, is Afrikaans musician, LEAH. As a multi-award-winning artist, her remarkable talent has earned her prestigious accolades, including a Ghoema and Huisgenoot Tempo awards for Newcomer of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Song of the Year for her hit single Met Jou Klere Aan. In addition to her musical success, Leah has made her mark as a television presenter, hosting kykNET shows such as Boer Soek ‘n Vrou and Lottoland Help ‘n Dorp. She also starred in the box office hit Susters, which broke several records.

Gracing our fairytale pantomime as charming Prince Jan-Percy is MARNO VAN DER MERWE. Marno is a versatile actor and songwriter, known for his roles in popular TV series and films such as Sterlopers, Modder en Bloed, Pretville, 7de Laan, Villa Rosa, Getroud met Rugby, and Ludik on Netflix. He is a Tempo-nominated actor with two Diamond awards as a songwriter. Marno co-wrote hit songs like Ons Sal Self, Vat ‘n Bietjie, and Rowwe Bliksem. In the past year, he released three singles: Uit My Lyf, Ouens Soos Ek, and Teiken. His track Ouens Soos Ek garnered over 1 million views on YouTube within two months of its release and currently stands at 2.7 million.

Bringing life to our step mother Mevrou Violetta Esterhuizen, is CARMEN PRETORIUS. Award-winning actress and singer, Carmen Pretorius, has crafted a successful career in the English and Afrikaans stage and screen industries; having commanded numerous leading musical theatre roles both locally and abroad; as well as roles on primetime TV and in film (Generations, Isidingo, Binnelanders Sub Judice, Getroud Met Rugby, Pasella and Lien se Lankstaanskoene).  Carmen is a recipient of the prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Musical theatre highlights include Sound of Music, Chicago: World Tour (2019-21), Jersey Boys: World Tour 2012, Cabaret (2012), Mamma Mia! (2010), Footloose (2009), leading roles in numerous Janice Honeyman Pantomimes and in High School Musical (2008/09).

 

Creating chaos as our step sisters, Marbella and Amaranta is GRANT TOWERS and Schoeman Smit respectively. Notable productions that Grant has been in include: Sound Of Music, Spamalot, Avenue Q, Altyd in my Drome, Funny Girl, Chicago, Janice Honeyman’s Pinocchio, and Adventures in Pantoland, and quite recently Nkoli:  A Vogue Opera. Grant received a SATMAG award for best supporting actor in a musical in 2016 for his performance as Fanie Els in Altyd in my Drome, and Naledi Nominations Chicago: The International Tour (Amos Hart 2018-2020) and Pinocchio (Arletti Spaghetti 2017).

 

SCHOEMAN SMIT is a two-time Naledi Award and Fleur du Cap-nominated performing artist, whose credits include major musical theatre productions such as Sweeney Todd, Camelot, Rock of Ages, Into the Woods, The Producers, The Sound of Music, and Evita.

 

Bringing the magic and laughter as our fairy godmother, Tina Tydreis, is ELSJE LOURENS. Since graduating from Oakfields College in 2016, she’s traveled as a dancer on Cruise Line ships such as TUI, Costa and MSC Kids Cruise. In 2019 she was assistant choreographer/ Stage Managers with OAK Youth Theatre in Aladdin, and made her debut in Janice Honeyman’s Pantomime “Adventures in Pantoland” in 2022. Her first debut musical theatre production was in the “Doringrosie Pantomime” 2017. She has also performed in corporate productions including for “Bidvest on Broadway” and “The Show Must Go On”. 

 

The rest of the cast include (in alphabetical order): Donae Brazer, Duandre Vorster, Jemma Gradwell, Jonathan Raath, Lindi Niemand, Monique Barnard, Rainy van Zyl, Tristin Indigo, Tseamo Mapukata and Zante Marais.

 

Tickets for ASPOESTERTJIE DIE PANTOMIME are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://www.afriforum.co.za or at the Box Office at the Afriforum Theatre.

 

Follow OAK Entertainment on Facebook and Instagram – @oakentertainment

#AspoestertjieDiePanto

 

*Please note: On Saturday, 7th of December, Donae Brazer will be performing as Aspoestertjie.

 

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