DISNEY’S The Magic Box was well received by critics and audiences with standing ovations for each performance during its recent season at Artscape, Cape Town.
Featuring an all-South African cast, the show will be on stage at Montecasino’s Teatro in Johannesburg, opening on Friday, 22 November, and running through the holidays, ending on Sunday, 5 January 2025.
To avoid disappointment, Disney fans are encouraged to book now at disneythemagicbox.com.
The response from Cape Town audiences has ranged from enthusiastic to ecstatic. Arts writer Robyn Cohen, in her review on her website The Cape Robyn, called the production “…. a big fun show – sheer entertainment and escapism through the magic of Disney.”
Netwerk24’s Rafiek Mammon stated: “It is a majestic musical theatre extravaganza with colourful costumes and sets.”
The piece appeals to fans of all ages. On Instagram, @TreasuresDenise raved: “It is an amazing show for young and old, with a talented cast of local performers who blew us away with their singing, dancing and well-timed funny moments!”
Cape Town-based actress Shelley Meskin, writing on Facebook, agreed, saying, “Take your kids and celebrate the life of Walt Disney: we loved it!”
One of Disney’s enduring qualities is the deep connection it’s stories and characters have with people, and this stage extravaganza is the latest example of that. “We had such a good time! Wondering if we had more fun than the kids. Haha! What a truly remarkable musical. A thoroughly enjoyable night out,” said TV personality Jason Greer. “My wife and I found it delightful, and it brought back so many memories,” grinned Andre Du Toit, CEO of The Big Positive Guy.
And on X, Cape Town This Month (@CTthismonth) told their followers, “Wow, what a magical evening at the world premiere of Disney’s The Magic Box!”
The cast features some of South Africa’s finest, fresh young talent whose performances are guaranteed to enthral audiences as they take patrons on an immersive theatrical sensory experience through the 100 years of Disney.
The story tells about Mara, played by stage, television and screen actress, Ashley Scott who embarks on a magical journey led by no other than Mickey Mouse, along with his friends Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, brought to life on the stage in a uniquely and innovative theatrical way. Fellow leads who play the Disney characters as they come to life through various theatrical techniques are Brett De Groot, Nqobile Hlekwayo, Ghia Hough, Pule Buys, and Tumelo Mogashoa.
The multi-talented ensemble each playing a show character includes Tania Mteto, Tannah Levick, Sunny Yoon, Zoë Gray, Cindy-Ann Abrahams, Siya Makakane, Gemma French, Hannah Norcott and Nicolette Fernandes who is also the show’s dance captain. Experienced musical theatre performers Sibusiso Mxosana, Tshepo Ncokoane, Dirk Joubert, Michael Fullard and Emkay Khanyile who returns from playing Mufasa in The Lion King International Tourtogether with Marco Titus, Che-jean Jupp; Logan Timbre, Austin Tshikosi and Gerard van Rooyen complete the ensemble line-up.
The cast and crew together with local creative specialists Nthabiseng Malaka, working with international designer Sofia Di Nunzio on Costume Design; Musical Director, Dawid Boverhoff and Technical Supervisor, Alistair Kilbee have worked with the musical’s international creative team comprising of Thaddeus McWhinnie Phillips (Co-Writer and Director, as well as Set Co-Designer), Lynne Kurdziel Formato (Choreographer), Isaac Saul (Musical Director, Arranger and Orchestrator) and Creative Producer, Felipe Gamba who has led the show’s development. Gamba also co-wrote the book with Phillips. Darren Greeff is the Associate Producer, Resident Director & Choreographer.
The show is a true gift for theatre lovers over the Festive Season! Disney’s The Magic Box is perfect for families with school-going children of 6 years and over (PG recommended).
Be blown away by the innovative creativity, unique presentation, and wonderful magic of Disney on stage in a musical including excerpts from more than 75 songs from Disney films. For more information about the show, or to book your tickets, go to Disneythemagicbox.com.
SHOW INFORMATION
No children under 3 years. Recommended for 6+ years. PG. No intermission.
JOHANNESBURG:
Venue: Montecasino Teatro
Dates: 22 November 2024 – 05 January 2025
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission
Age: No children under 3 years. PG recommended
Performances:
Weekdays: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 7:30pm.
Weekends: Saturdays 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 7:30pm; Sundays 2pm, 5pm.
Special performance dates and times:
3pm show on 19 December 2024.
2pm shows: 24, 26, 31 December 2024 and 02 January 2025.
No performances on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
5pm shows: 26 December 2024 and 02 January 2025.
Ticket prices including VAT
Midweek (Wednesday, Thursdays): R200, R250, R350, R450
Weekend (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays): R250, R350, R450, R550
Bookings: DisneyTheMagicBox.com, Showtime.co.za or Feverup.com
