by Pinelands Players | Dec 1, 2011 | Awards
CATA Awards 2011: Pinelands Players’ Double Triumph with Honk! and Godspell
Pinelands Players enjoyed remarkable success at the CATA Awards 2011 (Cape Amateur Theatre Awards), with our productions of Honk! and Godspell receiving widespread recognition across multiple categories. We’re delighted to present our outstanding collection of honours from this exceptional year:
🏆 Winners
🎭 Best Musical
– Honk!
🎬 Best Director of a Musical
– Kyla Thorburn for Honk!
🌟 Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
– Jennifer Human in Honk!
🌟 Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
– Andrew Weiss in Honk!
🚀 Most Promising Newcomer
– Darik Velez in Godspell
🔧 Technical Excellence
– Kyla Thorburn for Honk!
👗 Costumes
– June Wells for Honk!
💃 Choreography
– Kerry-Lee Knott-Craig for Godspell
🏅 Certificates of Excellence
– Ensemble Singing in Godspell
– Ensemble Singing in Forever Plaid
– Richard White for solo “16 Tons” in Forever Plaid
– Christopher Thomas for solo “Different” in Honk!
– Lesley Gill & Laura Bosman for duet “It Takes All Sorts to Make a World” in Honk!
– Andrew Weiss, Frog chorus and the Uglies for Ensemble Singing “Warts and All” in Honk!
🎉 A Year of Musical Excellence
The CATA Awards 2011 showcased Pinelands Players’ versatility and talent, with both Honk! and Godspell earning critical acclaim. From principal performances to technical achievements and ensemble work, these awards highlight our company’s ability to deliver outstanding productions across different musical styles.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the talented performers, creative teams and crew members who contributed to these successes, and to CATA for this wonderful recognition.
🔗 *Relive our CATA Awards 2011 achievements – a testament to our dedication to quality musical theatre!*
by Pinelands Players | Aug 10, 2011 | News
We’re thrilled to announce the talented cast of Honk!, the heartwarming musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. With a mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces, this production promises to delight audiences of all ages.
Meet the Cast of Honk!
Lead Roles
Supporting Roles
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Roché Buckle – Grace
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Clara Machado – Dot
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Laura Bosman – Lowbutt
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Lesley Gill – Queenie
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Allana Aldridge – Maureen
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Jennifer Moss – Maggie Pie & Penny
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Chenara Fenton – Henrietta
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Nigel Stevenson – Turkey
Soloists & Teenage Ducklings
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Keenan Oliphant – Male Soloist in Elegy
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Christine Thonissen – Female Soloist in Elegy / Teenage Duckling (Beaky)
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Alex Middlebrook – Teenage Duckling (Bill)
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Doug Middlebrook – Teenage Duckling (Bill)
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Jayde Kaftel – Teenage Duckling (Downey)
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Martine Kawalsky – Teenage Duckling (Fluff)
Ensemble & Chorus
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Elmarie Smit, Claire Smith, Benita Faiers, Simone du Toit, Reanie de Villiers, Eve Carr, Ronnie Carr, Johan Botha, Nathan van Sittert, Lyle Wilson, Justin de Vries, James Martiz
Young Performers (Kids’ Cast)
Stiles Cast
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Robin Langman – Duckling (Bill) / Froglette
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Kirsty du Plessis – Duckling (Beaky) / Froglette
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Bryony Bosman – Duckling (Fluff) / Froglette
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Bianca Mulder – Duckling (Downey) / Froglette
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Erani Kotze, Erin Weiss, Indya – Froglette
Drewe Cast
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Thandiso Chirona – Duckling (Bill)
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Lauren Pienaar – Duckling (Beaky) / Froglette
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Joelle Verfaille – Duckling (Fluff) / Froglette
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Andrea Faiers – Duckling (Downey) / Froglette
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Lizzy Bentley, Elizabeth Stevenson, Zoe du Toit – Froglette
About Honk!
This charming musical, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, is a celebration of acceptance and self-discovery. With catchy songs and a touching story, Honk! is perfect for families and theatre lovers alike.
Stay tuned for performance dates and ticket details!
by Pinelands Players | Aug 2, 2011 | News
Review: Forever Plaid – A Nostalgic, Harmonious Delight by Pinelands Players
Pinelands Town Hall, Cape Town – With imaginative staging and a tightly-knit cast, Forever Plaid delivered a charming evening of 1950s nostalgia at the Candlelight Theatre. Directed by June Wells and musically directed by Victor Tichart, this production blended humour, tight harmonies, and disciplined spontaneity for a thoroughly enjoyable performance.
A Trip Back to the 1950s
The story follows four singing enthusiasts—Francis (Simon Speck), Sparky (Chris Laurie), Jinx (John Lambrou), and Smudge (Richard White)—who dream of emulating their idols, The Four Aces and Crew Cuts. Tragically, they perish in a collision en route to their first big gig but are granted one last chance to perform from the afterlife.
Between witty banter and personal anecdotes, the quartet delivered flawless renditions of classics like Three Coins in the Fountain, Perry Como’s Catch a Falling Star, and the rousing Scotland the Brave. Their four-part harmonies were a standout, showcasing both vocal precision and endearing chemistry.
Atmosphere & Production
The Pinelands Town Hall transformed into an intimate candlelit theatre, complete with a striking black backdrop reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich’s glamour. Clever lighting, diner-style seating (with burgers and wine served), and Glyn Fogell’s expertly balanced sound design enhanced the nostalgic ambience.
Final Verdict
Forever Plaid was a spirited, well-rehearsed production that left audiences smiling. With tickets at R100 (including a meal), it was a delightful night out.
Booking: Call 072 923 1035 for more details.
by Pinelands Players | Apr 20, 2011 | News
GODSPELL Review: A Vibrant Cape Town Revival by Pinelands Players
Pinelands Players Present Godspell – A Modern Cape Town Interpretation
Artscape Arena, April 2011
Directed by Roché Haupt Buckle | Musical Direction by Justin Wardle
Choreography by Kerry-Lee Knott-Craig | Set Design by Waldo Buckle
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic
Originally a 1971 countercultural phenomenon, Godspell retells the Gospel of Matthew through lively parables, folk-rock music, and vaudeville-inspired performances. Pinelands Players reimagined the production with a distinctly Cape Town flair, trading hippie aesthetics for contemporary South African charm.
Standout Performances
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Darik Vélez captivated as a compassionate, naturalistic Jesus, anchoring the show with sincerity.
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Greg Tinney delivered a compelling Judas, though his post-betrayal return sparked minor narrative confusion.
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Maryanne van Eyssen (Robin) and Allana Aldridge (Joanne) shone in solos like Day by Day and Oh Bless the Lord.
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Byron Bure stole scenes as the Prodigal Son, blending humor and pathos.
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Tanya March sizzled in Turn Back, O Man, while Gary Kiewitz moved audiences with All Good Gifts.
Creative Vision
Director Roché Haupt Buckle avoided 1970s clichés, instead crafting a localized narrative set in a Kalk Bay eatery. The minimalist staging—featuring a fishing boat and bar counter—kept focus on the storytelling.
Kerry-Lee Knott-Craig’s choreography blended Charleston, rock ’n’ roll, and gospel influences, while Justin Wardle’s band (performing from the set) infused Schwartz’s score with vitality.
Dual Perspectives: Critics’ Takes
Sheila Chisholm’s Review
Initially wary of potential blasphemy, Chisholm praised the cast’s restraint and “today” framing, noting their clear diction (despite unnecessary head mics). She highlighted the Tower of Babble scene and Vélez’s poignant Alas for You.
Lieske Bester’s Review
Bester lauded the “youthful energy” and vocal harmonies but critiqued inconsistent American accents. She called the production a “visual and vocal pleasure”, especially praising Vélez’s “totally integrated” Jesus and the stirring ensemble numbers.
Legacy & Relevance
Bester reflected on Godspell’s historic 1971 South African debut—the first integrated musical—contrasting it with this monochrome-but-diverse revival. Both reviewers agreed the Easter timing amplified its emotional impact.
Final Verdict
A joyous, thought-provoking revival that honored the original while feeling freshly South African. Despite minor sound and accent quirks, the cast’s chemistry and vocal prowess made it a triumph.
Details:
by Pinelands Players | Mar 24, 2011 | News
Pinelands Players Wilde Evening
🎭 Pinelands Players Wilde Evening – 25 March 2011
Enjoy an impromptu Pinelands Players Wilde Evening of Oscar Wilde readings, costumes and performances!
📅 Date: Friday 25 March
⏰ Time: 19:30
📍 Venue: Clubhouse
🍷 Bar restocked!
🎤 Your Dream Show?
What big production should come to SA? Comment your picks!
📲 Follow Us
Join our Facebook group for updates
📜 First Social Event
We celebrated with Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance:
🔗 Download script PDF
🔗 Read online
