GREAT BRAK RIVER - The annual Cabaret, 60 minutes around the world, in aid of Child Welfare Great Brak River, the Sonskynvallei aftercare and Diepkloof crèche, was once again a most enjoyable event.
Petro Taute stood at the helm of the production management as in previous years, with cabaret diva Petronel Baard acting as musical director and Barry Greyvenstein as the host. Both evenings were jam-packed.
The evening started with soothing sounds from the saxophone of the inimitable Boesman Keyser. Marius du Bruyn, also responsible for the sound production, had toes tapping during his performance of the opening song.
The ever popular Golden Girls dance group took the audience on a dancing journey of America and 1960s England with Broadway favourites Ethel Merman's No business like showbusiness, Hello Dolly and a medley of songs by Cliff Richard and Rick Nelson.
Singer Jac Blanc with his own composition and Friemersheimers Mordegai Erasmus, Zanah-Lee Erasmus and Alzonia Titus paid tribute to South Africa with a medley of songs. A South American flavour was added with belly dancers, the Movers & Shakers, led by the captivating Lirian Alencar.
Petronel Baard sang her gripping version of the Habanera from Bizet's Carmen, while Cornelle Carstens performed a fiery Flamenco dance, paying homage to Spain.
The musical journey returned to South Africa with the entire cast closing with the Afrikaans folk song, Al lê die berge nog so blou, leaving a nostalgic audience to kuier at leisure. See the letters page for a list of contributors.
Petronel Baard on piano, accompanying Zanah-Lee Erasmus.
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