The Baxter Promises Festive Season Musical Theatre with Marc Lottering in AUNTY MERLE - THE MUSICAL

Cape Town's beloved comedian Marc Lottering's darling character Aunty Merle goes mainstream in the world premiere of Marc Lottering's musical-comedy AUNTY MERLE - THE MUSICAL, which is currently being performed on stage at the Baxter Theatre Centre in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the festive season in the Mother City this year.

High drama unfolds in AUNTY MERLE - THE MUSICAL as Merle's daughter Abigail (Tarryn Lamb) announces her engagement to Alan (Stephen Jubber) and, as Merle (Marc Lottering) puts it "he's a good-looking white chap!" It is never smooth sailing in the world of musicals, and Abigail's twisted and corrupt ex, Denver Paulse (Loukmaan Adams), who holds a dodgy top job with the SABC, is determined to get her back, failing which, he threatens to reveal a very dark secret which is bound to tear the lovers apart.

There's also Merle's son Carl (Roberto Kyle), who spends lots of time with his varsity friend Siya (Sizwesandile Mnisi). The boys are obsessed with Beyonce and Merle's neighbour Soraya Samsodien (Carmen Maarman) definitely has an opinion on this state of affairs.

Last but certainly not least, Lydia Majola (Tankiso Mamabolo) from Khayelitsha, who has been on a twenty-year journey with Merle as her helper, finds that her housekeeping takes a back seat when she finds out that her husband is a "blesser" and her feisty daughter Nambitha (Zandile Madliwa), fresh from Oxford University, has a venomous political apple to peel with Abigail.

Aunty Merle has her work cut out for her, keeping everyone happy while trying hard to pull off what surely has to be the wedding of the year.

The role of Merle's long-suffering husband Dennis is played by veteran actor Royston Stoffels while Alan's parents, Claire and David White are played by two other veterans of musicals and the stage, Kate Normington and Adrian Galley. Anray Amansure plays Liezel and Daniel Richards plays Jakes, two of Abigail and Alan's best friends.

AUNTY MERLE - THE MUSICAL is written by Marc Lottering and directed by Lara Foot, with musical direction by Alistair Izobell and choreography by Grant van Ster. Commenting on his partnership with Izobell in this venture, Lottering says:

Alistair has an impressive CV as long as the River Nile. We have been friends for many years, but only first performed together in David Kramer's SOME LIKE IT VROT at the Baxter in 2011. We are usually on the same page, and every working session includes at least one segment of undisciplined laughter.

AUNTY MERLE - THE MUSICAL promises to take audiences on a terrific trip with its fourteen-strong cast and six-piece live band. Performances run until 13 January on Monday through Fridays at 20:00, with Saturdays performances taking place at 16:00 and 20:30. Ticket prices range from R100 - R160, with bookings online through Computicket, by phone on 0861 915 8000, or in person at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted block bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Sharon Ward on 021 680 3962 or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993.

AUNTY MERLE - THE MUSICAL is the perfect, festive segue into the Baxter's hugely popular New Year's Eve bash which will take place in the foyer of the Baxter on 31 December. The show will start later on the night and the ticket price of R260 includes entrance to the spectacular party where guests can sip on a complimentary bubbly or orange juice, a DJ on the decks playing all the best songs and a revelry that will have you ringing in the New Year with a skip in your step. Book early to avoid disappointment.

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