SA: Fugard Theatre announces King Kong cast

Presented and produced by Eric Abraham, the production will run from 25 July to 2 September 2017 at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town. It will then be staged at the Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg from 12 September to 8 October. A live nine-piece band, under the direction of Sipumzo Lucwaba, will accompany the action at every performance. Rehearsals commence on Monday 12 June.

Following a nationwide call to find a leading lady to portray the role of Joyce, Nondumiso Tembe has been chosen to recreate the part that was originally played by the late Miriam Makeba. The role is said to have propelled Makeba to international fame. The lead of King Kong will be played by South African actor, singer and dancer Andile Gumbi.

“We are thrilled that this long-awaited production of this iconic and first South African musical of King Kong is a Fugard Theatre production which will showcase the very best of South African talent,” Fugard Theatre executive director Daniel Galloway said.

“The original production united audiences of all colours, launched careers and put South African talent firmly on the international map. We are excited to be recreating the world of the Back of the Moon shebeen with an all-South African cast and superb creative team. While remaining true to the original production, our Fugard Theatre King Kong will refresh the musical for the 21st century".

Tembe's extensive list of credits include HBO’s Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning True Blood, SABC’s Generations, military drama SIX on the History Channel and Zulu Wedding opposite Darrin Dewitt Henson. She won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role Naledi Theatre Award in 2014 for her portrayal of Susan in David Mamet’s RACE, which toured South Africa and to the Edinburgh Festival. Her debut album Izwi Lami – My Voice received much acclaim including a Metro FM Music Award for Best Music Video.

Gumbi made his Broadway debut as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King and has starred in productions of this musical in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and South Africa. Gumbi, who was voted by The Sowetan newspaper as one of South Africa's sexiest top 12 celebs in 2015, is the character Zweli in the Mzansi Magic soap opera isiBaya, which was voted most popular TV soap at the 2017 SAFTA Awards.

Also on the cast are Sanda Shandu as Lucky Tshamano Sebe as Jack, Ntambo Rapatla as Miriam, Sne Dladla as Pop, Lerato Mvelase as Petal and Sabelo Radebe as Caswell. Also performing are Joel Zuma, Ben Kgosimore, Athenkozi Mfamela, Shalom Zamisa, Sibusiso Mxosana, Aphiwe Menziwa, Namisa Mdlalose, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Dolly Louw, Barileng Malibye, Edith Plaatjies, Rushney Ferguson and Given Mkhize.

Directed by Jonathan Munby, King Kong is South Africa's first black musical set in the late ‘50s apartheid era. It tells the story of heavyweight boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini whose self-appointed ring name was King Kong. The musical toured South Africa and was seen by 200 000 South Africans, before transferring to London’s West End for a 200-performance run. The original production also launched the career of trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

Bookings for King Kong can be made through Computicket.