Coward & Cole has opened to a revamped dinner theatre venue at the Kalk Bay Theatre. Featuring the musical talents of Roland Perold and Cape Town local maestro Godfrey Johnson, the show pays joint tribute to the individual songwriting genius of Noel Coward and Cole Porter.
The duo are slick and the arrangements are exciting – these are gifted musicians as well as seasoned entertainers and, fortunately, their collaboration plays to each others’ strengths. Musically, the show is a satisfying slice of nostalgia, served with a local twist. The performers tread a delicate balance between celebrating the original spirit of the songs and adding modern flair – the accents, for instance, play homage to the over-articulation of the stylised 20s radio host, but lapse, to amusing effect, into plat South African vernacular. Whilst this works surprisingly well for the most part, Perold’s rolling r’s are decidedly more Boerewors Curtain than British clip – an accidentally amusing side note to an otherwise flawless vocal performance.
Personal highlights included an exquisitely moving interpretation of ‘Mad About the Boy’ and a cracking (and seasonally appropriate) “It’s Too Damn Hot.” For those who appreciate a good inside giggle, there’s even a little poke at the local performance industry with a naughty ad lib addition to the rambunctious ‘I Went to a Marvellous Party.’ Both performers look the part in immaculate evening dress, barely ruffling a cuff at even the most taxing virtuoso moments. Johnson particularly has a captivating stage presence – his facial expressions range from the sly sideways glances to stares of such soul searching intensity that each audience member feels pinned to their seats by his eyes alone.
Johnson and Perold have attempted to capture some of the stylised spirit of the era by keeping running banter going between numbers. This didn’t always hit its mark on opening when there were several timing and teething issues, but promises to gain smoothness as the show gels.
With a brand new dinner theatre menu now on offer, Coward & Cole will satisfy both those who long for a little old fashioned entertainment as well as Perold and Johnson’s individual loyal cabaret followings. If you’re looking for mood music, you’ll find yourselves in luck at Kalk Bay Theatre.
Spreading the Wings: Cape Town Drama Reviews 