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Barbara Loots
Having missed the first run of the LAMTA presented HOLLYWOOD, I was very happy to catch this energetic production during the 2024 Toyota Stellenboch Woordfees. And now Cape Town audiences have yet another opportunity to see this acclaimed show at Theatre on the Bay for a limited return season from 11 to 26 October 2024.
HOLLYWOOD is another LAMTA success story, showing off the impressive skill and professionalism of the young performers who hone their skills under the guidance of a great team of theatre mentors headed by Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander.
The production is made up of numbers that embrace a wide array of dance styles. As much as it is a Tinseltown ode to the glitz and glam with high energy numbers set to “Grace Kelly” by Mika and “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson, it also dares to glimpse behind the curtain at the darker side of fame, placing a spotlight on the abuse of power and gender roles. It even gives a nod to what one may describe as the somewhat mundane reality of auditions (and associated anxiety and disappointments) in a way that still manages to entertain.
HOLLYWOOD kept me enthralled throughout, but there were specific numbers that were so impressive from a thematic perspective that they stand out as exceptional highs: Music To Be Murdered By choreographed by Sven-Eric Müller to the “Hitchcock Suite” that beautifully embraces the mood of the master of suspense; Grand Budapest Hotel choreographed by Michelle Reid as a great ode to the style of the Wes Anderson movie; Vogue choreographed by Brigitte Reeve-Taylor as an unapologetic embrace of Madonna’s inspiration; the entrancing Extra Celestial choreographed by Duane Alexander; and Joker’s Redemption set to “Joker Soundtrack” with a lovely sinister touch choreographed by Zoé Aldridge.
Music To Be Murdered By was particularly apt in its striking choreography that combined movement and light (or rather the absence of such) to pay homage to Hitchcock’s use of facial expressions and a sense of minimalism. It’s a stunning dance interpretation of thrilling cinematic scares. Truly exceptional. The artistic vision of the exquisite Extra Celestial takes the movie inspiration beyond the stratosphere with a very unique approach, drawing inspiration from “ET: Extra Terrestrial - End Credits”.
Although all performances in this stellar cast of dancers are exceptional, Jayden Dickson comes into his own in HOLLYWOOD. He steals the show with his undeniable stage presence. He adapts his onstage persona and performance approach to match and elevate the choreography of every number that includes him with great ease and beautiful performance lines.
A few numbers also showcase amazing vocal abilities, while acting as transitions between various dance numbers. These impress with stunning harmonies under musical direction of Anton Luitingh. One definite musical stand-out is Robert Everson’s performance of Robbie Williams’ “I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen”.
HOLLYWOOD has the power to entrance. It keeps the audience both entertained and surprised. Very rarely does it step into the trap of predictability when it comes to the movies from which inspiration is drawn.
The production ends on an absolute knock-out number set to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” with Starstruck choreographed by Jared Schaedler. It leaves you tapping your feet and bopping your head like a true groupie. It’s an absolute high and the perfect note on which to end the show.
HOLLYWOOD promises glitz, glamour, and intrigue, and it delivers on all that and then some! If you haven’t yet managed to go feed your theatre soul with a good serving of exceptional talent this year, I urge you to tap dance your way in the direction of Theatre on the Bay, and go be inspired by the future stars of musical theatre in this latest LAMTA offering.
You have until 26 October 2024 to see the LAMTA presented HOLLYWOOD. Tickets are available for booking online through Webtickets.