Ian von Memerty to Pay Tribute to Elton John in HONKY CATS at Theatre On The Bay this January

Ian Von Memerty, South Africa's "Prince of the Piano," will pay tribute to the world's "King of the Keyboard," Elton John in HONKY CATS this January at Theatre on the Bay.

Von Memerty will be joined on stage in the show by the fantastic Centre Stage Band in what promises to be a thrilling journey through John's extraordinary and evergreen songs, starting way back with "Your Song" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and moving right through to "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and songs from THE LION KING.

Having spent forty years as an international superstar, John had earned a warehouse of accolades including an Academy Award, a Tony Award and a handful of Grammy Awards, along with numerous nominations on all three platforms, all paying tribute to his songwriting and performing genius.

Von Memerty comments on his show:

This is not an impersonation - because that would cheapen the unique phenomena that is Elton John - but it does give me the opportunity to do several things I don't usually do.

First - I get to work with a great band - because with the rocking sound of "Crocodile Rock" and "Burn Down The Mission", you need all the power and drive that great band can give you.

Second - it gives me a chance to sing the songs of just one man - which is something that I have never done in a show before - and is there any better music to do that with.

Third - it gives me a chance to really sing rock again, which I have not done for years and I found these songs sat in my voice with such ease.

Fourth - I get to do what I started out doing - playing the piano for the whole night - just wall-to-wall music.

Fifth - it means I have an excuse to wear some outrageous costumes - and I LOVE that.

Centre Stage has become one of the country's leading show bands and entertainment houses, having worked with Gary Hemmings for over twenty years, since he founded CentreStage. HONKY CATS seemed a natural fit for a collaboration with Von Memerty.

John's brilliant and versatile music, in combination with Bernie Taupin's poetic lyrics, Tim Rice's witty wordplay, a great rocking band, and Von Memerty's experience as real showman and master musician means that audiences are in for a night that will have them rocking in your chairs, clapping their hands, and humming some of the greatest songs ever, from "Circle of Life" to "Honky Cats".

Tickets for HONKY CATS, which runs from 16 - 27 January, are available online via Computicket or by phone on 021 438 3301, and range in price from R100 - R220.