by Pinelands Players | Dec 31, 2024 | News
Supper Theatre Tradition Revived
After the big, dazzling run of Legally Blonde earlier in 2024, Pinelands Players wanted to do something a bit more relaxed while keeping the energy alive. Game of Names Season 2 was the perfect choice—bringing our tradition of supper theatre to life with great entertainment, a laid-back meal, drinks, and fun among friends.
From Concept to Curtain
First staged in 2017 by Kyla Thorburn and Barend van der Westhuizen (the creative team behind Legally Blonde), Game of Names is a unique blend of musical revue and quiz show. The show proved such a crowd-pleaser that we brought it back this year for an exciting second season! This time, we found a wonderful new venue in Wynberg—Novalis Ubuntu Institute—which gave us everything from a welcoming stage to comfy seating and plenty of space for lights and laughter.
A Cast Full of Talent
This season’s cast brought together both new faces and returning friends, adding even more enjoyment on stage and backstage. With our classic game show wheel in action and the audience selecting songs at random, each night became a one-of-a-kind experience full of surprises. Table quizzes and rounds of bingo, complete with fun prizes, were added into the mix for extra excitement.
Movie and Series Hits Galore
The theme this year was music from movies, series, and sitcoms. Audiences cheered on performances of familiar favourites like “Eye of the Tiger,” “My Heart Will Go On,” “Shallow” and so many more. Our lively MC Nick Plummer, assisted by his fantastic team, kept the pace up and brought the whole show together.
Game of Names Season 2: Looking Back, Moving Forward
While every show brings its own challenges, the sense of fun and community shone through. Cast members and audiences alike thoroughly enjoyed themselves—which is what community theatre is all about. And the best part? We’re already looking forward to bringing Game of Names back for a third season!
by Pinelands Players | Feb 6, 2024 | News
Legally Blonde the Musical Comes to Artscape Theatre in 2024
Pinelands Players proudly presents Legally Blonde the Musical at Artscape Theatre from 3 February 2024. Based on Amanda Brown’s 2001 novel and the iconic Reese Witherspoon film, this award-winning musical received seven Tony Award nominations, ten Drama Desk Awards, and five Laurence Olivier Awards.
About Legally Blonde the Musical
This vibrant production tells the heartwarming story of Elle Woods, a fashion-forward sorority girl who defies stereotypes by conquering Harvard Law School. Packed with show-stopping numbers like Omigod You Guys, Bend and Snap, and So Much Better, it’s a high-energy celebration of empowerment, romance, and sisterhood.
Why See Legally Blonde at Artscape Theatre?
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Award-winning creative team led by director Kyla Thorburn
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Double-cast leads for fresh performances
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Catchy, uplifting soundtrack perfect for theatre lovers
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Pinelands Players’ biggest production to date
Meet the Creative Team
Kyla Thorburn – Director
With 30 years’ experience, this multi-award-winning director/choreographer’s credits include:
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Annie
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The King and I
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Guys and Dolls
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My Fair Lady
Barend van der Westhuizen – Musical Director
Holding an MMus (Performance) cum laude from Stellenbosch University, Barend has worked on:
About Pinelands Players
Laura Bosman, Chairperson (and cast member), shares:
“As a 70-year-old award-winning community theatre, we produce shows purely for passion. Legally Blonde represents our biggest challenge yet, building on successes like Hairspray and The Full Monty.”
Double Casting Highlights
Plan Your Visit
Perfect for ages 10+, this production offers:
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Catchy musical numbers
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Uplifting messages
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Unforgettable night out
Book now for Cape Town’s must-see musical event at Artscape Theatre!
by Pinelands Players | Jun 4, 2019 | News
Hairspray The Musical: Pinelands Players’ Record-Breaking Success
Pinelands Players made Cape Town theatre history with our spectacular 2019 production of Hairspray The Musical at Artscape Theatre. This landmark show became our society’s most ambitious – and most rewarding – theatrical venture to date.
Why This Production Made History
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Unprecedented box office success: Sold 6,384 tickets (84% capacity)
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Financial milestone: Our highest-grossing production ever
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Critical acclaim: Standing ovations at every performance
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Community impact: Introduced new audiences to amateur theatre
By the Numbers: Hairspray The Musical Triumphs
Our cast and crew achieved what many thought impossible:
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100% standing ovation rate
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12 sold-out performances
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3 award nominations (including Best Musical)
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1 unforgettable Cape Town theatre experience
A Testament to Amateur Theatre Excellence
A talented team was led through:
“It was ‘hair-raising’ at times, but we created something truly magical.” – Production Committee
Relive the Magic
While this production has closed, you can:
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View our photo gallery
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Attend our next musical
by Pinelands Players | Jan 19, 2019 | News
Hairspray The Musical Rehearsals Build Excitement for Cape Town Run
Pinelands Players are deep in rehearsals for our upcoming production of Hairspray The Musical, set to take Cape Town by storm at the Artscape Theatre from 2-16 February 2019. The creative team is crafting what promises to be one of our most vibrant performances yet.
Behind the Scenes: Meet Our Creative Team
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Director & Musical Director: Neil Leachman brings his award-winning vision
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Choreography: Jared Schaedler and Laura Bosman create high-energy dance numbers
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Set Design: Morag Tison and Michelle Hough craft a spectacular Baltimore 1960s aesthetic
Why This Hairspray Production Stands Out
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Professional-grade choreography perfect for this dance-heavy musical
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Innovative set design transforming Artscape’s stage
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A 50+ member cast delivering powerhouse performances
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Faithful recreation of the beloved 1960s story with local flair
Hairspray rehearsals: Follow Our Journey
Get exclusive behind-the-scenes content:
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[Follow our Facebook page] for daily updates
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Watch rehearsal snippets and interviews
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See costume and set design previews
“The energy in rehearsals is electric – this will be a Hairspray like Cape Town has never seen!” – Production Team
Don’t Miss This Theatrical Event
With just a few weeks until opening night, tickets are selling fast for what critics are already calling:
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“The must-see musical of 2019”
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“A triumph of community theatre”
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“Pure joy from opening number to finale”
Book now to secure your seats for this limited 2-week run!
by Pinelands Players | Aug 28, 2018 | News
Hairspray Update! Award-Winning Director Neil Leachman Joins Production
Hairspray update! Exciting news for Cape Town theatre lovers! Pinelands Players is thrilled to announce Neil Leachman will helm our upcoming Hairspray The Musical as both Director and Musical Director – bringing his multi-award-winning vision to this beloved Broadway classic.
Why Neil Leachman is Perfect for Hairspray
With a music degree and 30+ years of theatrical experience, Neil’s credentials include:
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🏆 CATA Award sweep for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (2016)
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Best Musical
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Best Director
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Best Musical Director
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Best Sound & Effects
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🎭 Recent success with The Producers at Masque Theatre
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🎵 Multi-disciplinary expertise in:
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Acting and vocal performance
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Technical theatre (lighting/sound)
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Choreography coordination
What This Means for Our Production
Neil’s appointment ensures:
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Professional-grade musical staging for iconic numbers like “You Can’t Stop the Beat”
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Innovative technical integration of 1960s Baltimore atmosphere
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Award-worthy attention to vocal harmonies and orchestration
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Seamless comedy timing for Hairspray’s hilarious moments
“Having Neil direct is like adding rocket fuel to our production – his Charlie Brown and Producers work proved he can make magic happen!” – Production Committee
Hairspray Update! Behind-the-Scenes Access
Follow our journey to opening night:
📅 Performance Dates: 2-16 February 2019 at Artscape Theatre
📲 [Follow our Facebook page] for:
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Rehearsal sneak peeks
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Cast spotlights
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Costume design reveals
Tickets on sale soon for what promises to be Cape Town’s must-see musical of 2019!
Pinelands Players
