Start the Countdown to 2018 with KING KONG's Early New Year's Eve Show at The Fugard

Start the countdown to 2018 early in all-South African style at the Fugard Theatre on 31 December. Presented by Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre, the highly acclaimed production of the historic South African musical, KING KONG, is back in Cape Town for the summer season, with a special, early New Year's Eve performance taking place at 14:00. Patrons will be able to enjoy a glass of complimentary South African Cap Classique sparkling wine after the performance for each ticket purchased, and The Fugard's two fully stocked bars include a range of wines from some of the Cape's top estates. The bars will close at 19:30.

KING KONG tells the story of heavyweight fifties boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini, whose self-appointed ring name was "King Kong", to the wildly exhilarating music of Todd Matshikiza. The original production featured lyrics and original book by Pat Williams and book by Harry Bloom, with William Nicholson penning the revised book and additional lyrics for this production, which also features additional music and arrangements by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder.

The debut production helped in part to launch the international careers of Miriam Makeba, among others. More than half a century since the first performance in 1959, the Fugard Theatre's production of KING KONG has received rapturous responses, with BroadwayWorld's David Fick describing the show as " a handsomely mounted production that honours the spirit of this legendary South African musical" in his review of the debut season earlier this year.

Daniel Galloway, the Executive Director of the Fugard Theatre, comments on what the special New Year's event promises to offer:

What better way to start the countdown to 2018 than celebrating our world-class local talent. KING KONG is the quintessential South African musical with a proud heritage and our 2017 production features a phenomenal all-South African cast. Guests can enjoy some of our finest local wines, and take in the sweeping views of Table Mountain and the City from our rooftop bar, before heading off with their friends and family to herald in the New Year.

KING KONG is directed by Jonathan Munby, with sees musical direction by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder and Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba and choreography by Gregory Maqoma. The creative team of KING KONG is rounded out by Paul Wills (scenic design), Birrie le Roux (costume design), Tim Mitchell (lighting design) and Mark Malherbe (sound design).

Performing the title role of King Kong is acting, singing and dancing star Andile Gumbi , with Edith Plaatjies playing the iconic role of shebeen queen, Joyce. The Fugard Theatre's KING KONG cast also includes Sne Dladla as Pop, Josslynn Hlenti as Petal, Tshamano Sebe as Jack, Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam, Sanda Shandu as Lucky and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell. Also performing with the ensemble are Joel Zuma, JT Medupe, Athenkosi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Sibusiso Mxosana, Aphiwe Menziwa, Namisa Mdlalose, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Barileng Malebye, Rushney Ferguson, Given Mkhize, Siyasanga Papu, Ziyanda Yako, Masego Mothibakgomo and Jabulani Gambu.

A live 9-piece band, under the direction of Sipumzo Trueman Lucwaba, accompanies the action at every performance.

Tickets to the New Year's Eve performance of KING KONG cost R180 - R280. Tickets for other performances in the return season, which runs from 12 December until 18 February, cost R130 to R280. All bookings can be made at Webtickets and through the Fugard Theatre Box office on 021 461 4554.

KING KONG has been nominated for thirteen BroadwayWorld South Africa Awards, namely Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, Best Director of a Musical, Best Lighting Design, Best Musical Direction, Best Performer in a Featured Role in a Musical (Lerato Mvelase and Ntambo Rapatla), Best Performer in a Leading Role in a Musical (Andile Gumbi, Nondumiso Tembe and Sne Dladla), Best Revival of a Musical, Best Scenic Design and Best Sound Design. Vote for your theatre picks of the year, submitted by BroadwayWorld readers, before the voting period closes on 31 December.

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