JOSPEH And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has been wowing audiences in Cape Town and Joburg, and now Cape Town again. The run at Theatre On The Bay ends on 29 November, no more chances, so best you get on over to Webtickets and do not dally.
Apparently it’s not unusual for cast members to change mid-run, and that’s what’s happened here. Dylan Janse Van Rensburg is off to join the cast of Cats, and stepping into the role of Joseph is Danie Conradie (previously brother Reuben, now played by Evan Livesey). I asked them each questions to get to know this wonderful bunch of gorgeous young men better, and to tap into their thoughts about this smash hit show.
- DANIE CONRADIE: How does it feel to be stepping into the role of Joseph?
It’s truly an honour to have the torch passed to me from an actor who gave such an inspiring performance as Joseph. His work can still be seen on stage in the role he helped build in the rehearsal room. With the new season ahead, the audience must come experience my take on an iconic role and tell me what they enjoyed!
Theatre is a dynamic and thrilling medium and we are enchanted when audiences respond the way they have. I’ll be sure to bring something new – fresh acting beats, bold baritone moments and more opportunities to bring truth to a beautiful redemptive story.
- BRAEDEN BUYS: (Naphtali): This is your second musical theatre production, right? Has the bug bitten? Will we see you in shows like this again? Some thoughts on the song Benjamin Calypso and your part in it?
Yes, I feel like I’ve lowkey always had the bug, if that makes sense. It was definitely about the right show and the right time for me – I absolutely live for performing and musical theatre was always an avenue I knew I’d go down for a bit. This applies to music as well. I love experimenting with sound and genre and when the genius Charl-Johan Lingenfelder revamped and introduced the afro beats/amapiano flare to the calypso it was so exciting. Our version of the Benjamin Calypso is innovative, it’s daring and so full of character. In terms of creativity, I feel like we matched each other’s freak, as the kids would say.
- DYLAN DU PLESSIS (Simeon): This has been a long and probably gruelling run of a fantastic show. How do you unwind? And stay sane?
I would have to say definitely sleep and getting enough rest. Also staying active with activities like going to the gym and spending time with friends and family to take a break from the world of Joseph. That is how I unwind and stay sane!
- GIANLUCA GIRONI (Dan): Tell us about your childhood thoughts on Joseph and how it should be told as a musical? How does that compare with reality, and how does it feel to be part of it?
As a young child of around 7 years old, I distinctly remember being absolutely enamoured with the story of Joseph. So enamoured, in fact, that my Sunday school lectures started to get worried that I wasn’t keeping up with the syllabus as it further progressed. There everyone was, learning Exodus and Leviticus and there I was, still stuck in the later chapters of Genesis, unable to move past this magical enthralling story as everyone else had just so haphazardly done.
Well, eventually, the Sunday school lectures indulged my obsession and introduced me to the musical form of this story. “Joseph? A musical? Mind blowing!” I thought to myself. It still held all the original characters and themes, that brought light to a dark childhood, but with an added injection of irresistible tunes and choreography that made me simply want to burst with an overload of joy, which I did, and still do! The reality is, the way it feels to be a part of this story, now on stage, is akin to how it felt to discover it back then. Pure joy!
- MICHIEL BESTER & JAYDEN DICKSON (SWINGS): You are swing cast members – what does that mean, for you and for the production?
For Joseph, being a swing means that if one of the brothers is ill or hurt, we are the ones that need to go on. It basically means knowing all 11 of them and being prepared to do everything the brothers do. (Luckily we don’t cover brother Joseph as well.) Each cast member’s unique approach to their brother is what makes this show—and particularly this Joseph—so fantastic. It’s an amazing show to watch because each of them contributed something unique.
However, it also makes our lives very complicated. Our job is to make sure that individuality stays alive when someone’s off. Hopefully doing so while not bumping into anyone while doing it. This show is constantly moving, dancing, and going; there is rarely a time when you sit and think. The show must continue, and regardless of who is performing, it must continue at the same level.
- JUSTIN SWARTZ (Judah): How much fun have you been having? From an audience perspective, the show is a joy from beginning to end, and it comes across you are all having the most fabulous time and the energy is crazy.
The show has been super fun, especially with the cast because we have built a bond with each other and trust each other on and off stage. In moments when we feel tired, we can rely on each other the keep the energy up and have fun.
- MANYANO NGOMA (Gad): The quintessential triple threat! Do you love all disciplines equally or does one hold more of your heart than others?
With musicals like Joseph bringing all three disciplines (voice, dancing, acting) together, I’ve realised it’s almost impossible to separate myself from any of them. Back in high school at Lady Grey Arts Academy, I would’ve said dance was my passion and I was always told I had a good singing voice. However now, I feel truly alive in all three disciplines. Musical theatre awakened something deep within me, something I’d been searching for…a true sense of home.
- MICHAEL STRAY (Levi): How did LAMTA prepare you for your career? What are some of the valuable lessons you learned in your time there (other than the obvious skills)?
Learning the craft of acting with Christopher Weare was invaluable during my time at LAMTA in preparing me for my career. His immense knowledge and experience as an actor and director gave me the tools to interpret any story with creativity and intelligence. LAMTA’s direct connections with the industry enabled me to learn from and network with seasoned professionals. LAMTA taught me to think out of the box and to not go for the obvious choices when making creative decisions and to rely on craft over feeling.
- EVAN LIVESEY (Reuben): Hey new brother, what’s been like joining this show at this point?
It has been a great experience joining the extremely talented cast of Joseph. I had a week and a half to rehearse with the cast before going on stage, which was challenging but also exciting. I’m looking forward to growing in my role as Rueben and sharing the stage with my fellow South Africans as I have been performing overseas since 2018, and this show is my debut of musical theatre in South Africa.
- LOGAN CORNELIUS (Benjamin): I’ve told you twice now how much I love your playing of Benjamin. How do you give him his personality and make him stand out so well in the ensemble?
Thank you so much, that really means a lot! Playing Benjamin has been such a joy because he’s got this pure-hearted energy – the youngest brother, eager to prove himself but still full of innocence and love. I try to bring that warmth and sincerity into every moment, whether it’s through how he reacts to Joseph or how he connects with his brothers on stage. I also wanted Benjamin to stand out by giving him a real sense of curiosity and playfulness – he’s not the loudest in the bunch, but there’s always something going on behind his eyes. I think audiences pick up on that honesty, that “little brother” spirit, and that’s what makes him memorable in the ensemble.
- MIGUEL DE SAMPAIO (Issachar): Wow, you have had quite the multifaceted career! If – big if naturally – what would you do if you hadn’t chosen theatre?
To be completely honest with you I’ve never imagined a world without performing. Before being accepted to LAMTA I was also applying to study computing sciences but I can assure you that I wouldn’t have been able to sit behind a desk for more than an hour without singing, toe tapping or trying to entertain people around me with some form of comedic story.
- STUART BROWN (Zebium): I’ve seen you in a few different performances, Mr Fleur du Cap Winner. What have been your personal highlights in this show? Cape Town or Joburg, or both?
I must be honest with you: Joburg during the winter months was amazing! Fresh, but at least it was dry and the sun was out more often than not. But nothing quite beats being in Cape Town now on a Saturday triple show and sitting out on the patio in front of Theatre on The Bay between shows. Some of the cast is outside in the sun, and some of us even get to dip in the tidal pool. Gives us a good opportunity to catch our breath, breathe some fresh air and relax before we reset for another show.
- BRADLEY SMITH (Asher): Tell me a bit more about the nickname Drama Queen? Does it still apply?
I got the name Drama Queen from my parents when I was a kid because of how many living room shows I produced and performed. And by the time I hit school it had already stuck. It is still used by my dad and mom today so seems like somethings never change.
PHOTO CREDIT: Allison Foat
