The NewSpace Theatre kicks off its musical season with a revival of the 1970s hit musical revue 'Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris'. Based on the 2006 Off-Broadway show at the Zipper Theatre in New York, the revival is dynamic and sparkling with new musical arrangements by Musical Director, DuPreez Strauss.
Performed by a stellar cast from the pop and musical theatre world, it ensures a show that will re-awaken the popularity and appeal of Brel’s music for the initiated, and introduce his exquisite songs to new audiences. The cast is headed by British singer Chrissy Caine, who returns to South Africa from the UK after an absence of many years and who was recently seen alongside Amra-Faye Wright onstage in Aqua Abba at the Waterfront. Caine is joined by veteran performer and iconic South African actor, Graham Clarke, together with David Chevers and Daneel Uys.

The original show debuted off-Broadway in 1968 at the Village Gate Theatre in Greenwich Village and ran for four years. The revue, consisting of around 25 songs, is typically performed by four vocalists, two male and two female. Jacques Brel contributed most of the music and lyrics, with the French-to-English translations provided by Eric Blau.

The late great Taubie Kushlick introduced this material to South African audiences at the Chelsea Theatre in Hillbrow, in a show that ran for over two decades in various forms and ultimately became Mrs Kushlick’s signature production, one for which she will always be remembered. It also spawned a generation of Brel performers in South Africa such as Daniele Pascal and Laurika Rauch.

The South African revival is directed by Colin Law and Dean Roberts, with musical staging by Trish Mckenna and lighting by Jane Gosnell.

It runs until 13 February. Bookings can be made at Computicket and tickets range from R145. The show runs nightly at 20:00 except on Sundays, with Mondays being ‘buy one get one free’ nights and with two shows on Saturdays at 17:00 and 20:00. For special group and fundraiser offers call 021 422 5522 or 082 569 7660.