The Guitar that Rocked the World

GTRW_website6 - 29 August 2010
Music Tribute

Ten years later .. the legendary show is back!

Back by public demand, this smash hit show returns to home base for a much anticipated 10th anniversary season.  Presented in association with the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, most of the original team who staged this hugely popular show have gathered again to restage this innovative production which scooped a Vita Award for Best Musical in Durban, and two Fleur du Cap Award nominations in Cape Town.

Originally created by Themi Venturas, The Guitar That Rocked the World was the culmination of a dream Venturas shared with guitarist Barry Thomson to dedicate a show to the legendary Fender Stratocaster guitar. The show celebrates the history of this fabled instrument that changed the face of rock music when it was championed by musical legends such as Buddy Holly, Jimmie Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Beatles, Frank Zappa, and a host of others. 

This is a show about dreams, specifically the dream of a teenage boy, Stevie, who fantasizes that he meets Leo Fender, the inventor of the Fender Strat. Such was the production’s runaway success that it effectively launched Barry Thomson’s career in Durban, along with those of Andy Turrell, Janine Bennewith and Rowan Stuart, who originally played the part of Stevie.

Directed Themi Venturas, with musical direction Dawn Selby, the new production stars Barry Thomson on lead guitar, with Andy Turrell and Rowan Stuart on Fender Strats, Glen Turrell on Bass, Mali Sewell on Drums, Dawn Selby on Keyboards, with Daniel Basckin as the teenage protégé, Stevie. Frank Graham reprises his performance as the ghost of Leo Fender, with Jonathon Didlick and Bryan Hiles filling the show’s lead vocals spots, playing opposite a high-powered line-up of dancers comprising Janine Bennewith (who is also the show’s choreographer), Celeste Nel, Danny Ribbnik and Jacqueline Bowles. The spectacular show will have the full technical support of the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre staff, with Sound Design by Jackie Cunniffe, Lighting Design by Mark Kleinert and Stage Management by Susan Roberts.

Classic mega-hits to be heard in the show include, among others, That’ll Be the Day, Oh Boy, Apache, Something, While My Guitar, Nowhere Man, Hey Joe, All Along the W-Tower, Layla, Wonderful Tonight, Tears in Heaven, Bad Love, Smoke on the Water, Thing Called Love, Sultans of Swing, Weeping, Rude Mood, Lovestruck Baby, Lay Down Sally and After Midnight. 

Tickets for The Guitar That Rocked the World cost R140 (previews cost R95; also discounted tickets for pensioners, students and scholars). Advance booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000. To book online log onto www.computicket.co.za.