Music Icon Godfrey Johnson to Present Three New Shows at NAF, 6/27-7/7

By: Jun. 24, 2013
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Audiences have the chance to experience the magic of Godfrey Johnson in three productions this year at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

KBT Productions presents this musical master who returns by popular demand in THE SHADOW OF BREL; FLIRTING WITH COWARD and with singing sensation and recording artist, Emilie Minnie, in MINNIE AND JOHNSON.

Fleur du Cap winner Johnson is an acclaimed musician, director, composer, actor and cabaret star, who has performed over twenty one-man shows nationally and internationally. He won a Fleur du Cap award for Best Performance in a Cabaret for KISSED BY BREL, and was nominated a further two times for THE SHADOW OF BREL and FLIRTING WITH COWARD.

"It was an incredible experience returning to the National Arts Festival last year after an absence of six years," says Johnson. "I received such a warm response from the audiences there and am delighted to be coming back in 2013 with three shows. This is also the first time Grahamstown audiences have the chance to see FLIRTING WITH COWARD and MINNIE AND JOHNSON."

Directed by Sanjin Muftic, THE SHADOW OF BREL is Johnson's homage to the music of legend Jacques Brel, who took his audiences on a journey of pain and joy. His genius was capturing the fullness of life, whether tender or savage, through his evocative sound and lyrics. THE SHADOW OF BREL features classics such as "Carousel", and "If We Only Have Love", all performed with Johnson's captivating arrangements and signature vocal style. Brent Meersman described his performance as "[Godfrey]... summons the spirit of the great artist and makes it his own..." while the Cape Argus called it "a gem".

FLIRTING WITH COWARD celebrates one of the twentieth century's greatest entertainers, Noel Coward. Godfrey brings his wit, spirit and music to life in a brilliant one-person cabaret of style and sophistication, Coward's personal trademarks. Also directed by Muftic, the Fleur du Cap nominated performance received rave reviews such as "With his poignant interpretations and phrasing... One hears [the songs] all anew, allowing Coward's lyrics to show off their artful brilliance" (Mail and Guardian).

In MINNIE AND JOHNSON, Johnson joins forces and hands with SAMA award nominee Emile Minnie to bring you one hour of non-stop fun, humour and fabulous songs as they perform hits from the sixties to the naughties with just a piano, a clarinet and a wine glass for percussion. Their humour and energy rouse the crowd with songs such as "Love is a Stranger" by The Eurythmics, "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler and "Putting on the Ritz" by Irving Berlin. The show is a must-see for their Gaga-Madonna-Die Antwoord medley, and has been described as "...an absolute delight...very funny....left me with a feel-good glow" (Bizcommunity.com) and "a joy to behold" (Cape Times).

"KBT Productions is delighted to be working with Godfrey again," says Simon Cooper of KBT Productions. "His intoxicating musical style and arrangements are unparalleled and the combination of Godfrey and Emile Minnie is sheer, electric, high-energy, musical fun."

Godfrey's other credits include playing Noel Coward opposite Pieter-Dirk Uys in NOEL AND MARLENE; UNCUT; BEHIND EVERY MAN directed by Sanjin Muftic ; STORIES OF CRIME AND PASSION directed by Jonathan Keevy; his hit one-man show, SEASON IN THE SUN and he performed with Marc Lottering as part of the FNB Variété Festival. Godfrey was musical director for Pieter-Dirk Uys' BAMBI SINGS THE F.A.K SONGS AND OTHER STRUGGLE ANTHEMS, as well as accompanying him in various cabarets.

Emile Minnie is a celebrated recording and cabaret artist. In 2011, he released his fifth Afrikaans album, Supernova and in 2009, his CD NAGMUSIEK was nominated for a South African Music Award for Best Alternative Afrikaans Album. With Johan Slabbert, he formed the band Vlam which went on to record CDs and win numerous awards, including a Kanna at the KKNK for their cabaret VONK VOORT! and two Geraas Musiek Award nominations for their album BEVONK.

THE SHADOW OF BREL performs at the Beethoven Room on 27 June at 20h00; 29 June at 18h30; 30 June at 11h00; 1 July at 21h30; 2 July at 19h00; 3 July at 15h00; 4 July at 17h00; 6 July at 12h00 and 7 July at 11h00 and 15h00. Tickets range from R60 - R70, with the first performance free - donations welcome! - and half price performances on 7 July.

FLIRTING WITH COWARD performs at the Albany Club on 27 June at 17h00; 28 June at 15h00; 29 June at 11h00; 30 June at 17h00; 1 July at 15h00; 2 July at 11h00; 3 July at 11h00; 5 July at 21h00 and 6 July at 17h00. Tickets range from R60 - R70.

MINNIE AND JOHNSON performs at the Beethoven Room on 27 June at 13h00; 28 June at 18h30; 29 June at 20h30; 1 July at 18h00; 2 July at 15h00; 3 July at 19h00; 4 July at 13h00 and 21h00 and 5 July at 12h00. Ticket range from R58 - R65. with the first performance free - donations welcome!

Bookings for all shows can be made at Computicket.



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