Reik Na Die Sterre - Official Opening! #OutAndAbout

Sunday 13 July 2014, marked the official media opening of Reik Na Die Sterre - die Grootste Afrikaanse Musical Nog ooit!
What an incredibly special and memorable evening!

It was possibly one of the proudest moments I have had in honour of my wonderfully talented husband, Ferdinand Gernandt, who co-produced, wrote, choreographed and directed this original, top-quality production by The Smash Hit Company. (#reiknadiesterre)



Having just landed back in SA from two weeks in the States, I had not seen any of the progress while away and even when I had seen bits and pieces of technical runs days before, I wasn't prepared for the amazing responses from the audience or the glow of joy and pride I would feel watching the final product on the day of the VIP event.
Before the show, hubby gave an opening welcome speech with such grace and sincerity - and with his words of love and gratitude aimed at his easy-to-tear-up wife, I was nearly a blurry mess before it even began.

It was such a wonderful pleasure being styled by my 'go-to' team at The Follicle Hair Atelier in Brooklyn for the event (012 435 8777) and also to have them all attend!
(They looked dashing, sporting their 'Stiki' bow-tie wooden accessories!)

Inspired by a Charlize Theron red-carpet look, we opted for an 'old hollywood glamour' feel for both hubby and I.

 It worked perfectly with my gorgeous black beaded dress for the evening, courtesy of Nerine Pienaar from The Warderobe Studio (Also Warderobe Designer for #reiknadiesterre) in conjunction with Just for Tonight Josephine.

The exceptional cast featured in this production, delivered phenomenal performances on Opening. I really could start mentioning favourites but would probably end up listing the full company.
 Let me at least mention the lead actors by name - Willem Botha, Kristen Raath, Tristin Focherini, Neels Clasen, Kenneth Meyer, Richard van der Westhuizen and Sarah Theron, who each in their own right bring passion, commitment and enormous talent to the stage.
There are truly exceptional dancers in the cast and brilliant cameo and supporting character performances each engaging the audience to tears or roaring laughter.
(Not to mention the ridiculous eye-candy for guys and gals alike!)

Moments I especially enjoy are the high-energy and intense company dance numbers such as Beat of My Heart, Ek Reik Na Die Sterre, Carry On (an epic male tap number) and Fight For Love as well as fabulous comic or sincere and heart-wrenching scenes or songs like Die Hart van my Moeder and Ruiter van die Windjie.

Other wow moments are created by the flashy bmx's that the 'paperboys' get around in, which become part of the elaborate and exciting choreographic plotting.

The set is gorgeous and wonderfully woven into the story as to form a whole character on its own. Murray Lubbe; as well as the majestic lighting design by Johan Ferreira with powerfully lit moments in many of the military scenes, especially Op Die Vlerk van n Spier Wit Duif. Mention must be made of Marlee van der Merwe, who was responsible for the impeccable vocal direction of the company.
This is only further complimented by the mood-setting and fresh new musical arrangements of old favourites by

It was heart-warming to see several youngsters and families in the auditorium, as well as many well-known public faces, media and critics. The buzz surrounding #reiknadiesterre leading up to that day did not disappoint and has only been fueled by a flutter of social media responses after Sunday. It's great to read so many kind and positive responses as well as constructive feedback. Read some on the Reik Na Die Sterre Facebook Page and here is a link to the Beeld Review.

With only 4 weeks of running at The State Theatre Opera now under way, the time is going to fly by!

 They are already experiencing high increases in ticket sales, so jump in!
(Tickets are available now at Computicket @ R250 per ticket.)

Go and support this superb cast and company!
Go and #reiknadiesterre!!!

My Hair Haven #MeMoments

Last week, I finally found my follicles firmly planted in the Follicle Hair Atelier in Brooklyn... Wow, what a pamper!

I really have discovered my beauty haven and I can't be happier.

Between Walter and Hannes, I was made to feel like a queen from the minute I walked in, until the moment I left. Everyone on the Follicle team just jump to make you feel right at home, to brainstorm styling ideas together and to have you walk out completely satisfied.

I saw it not only in the way I was treated, but also the two 10 year old boys completely chuffed with their new 'gent' cuts and having fun with the Follicle mascot - the goldfish named Follie. I saw it with a male law student from Potch, coming in begrudgingly to cut his long golden 'Samson' locks and walking out a happy customer with a shorter, sophisticated yet still suave look. And also with an old friend of mine who happened to walk in for some advice on extensions for her sister's wedding in two weeks; and how she was guided to a choice that suits her lifestyle, her hair's health and her pocket.

And I just love my stylist Cornel, she is so passionate about what she does, loves every minute of it and works magic with colour, cut and styling.

Look at the lovely styling she did for me for the Opening evening of Bread and Wine - an Easter Musical that evening. Hannes even gave me a 'hot pink' lip for the occasion! I am so lucky to be an ambassador for this brand and can honestly say I wouldn't go anywhere else....

I had a very special weekend, sharing in the portrayal of a very special Easter story with special people. And I hope that today, you all enjoy a wonderful Family Day!

Have a great week,

Droomkind Opening #OutAndAbout

So blessed to be attending so much theatre at the moment. It truly is a testament to the health and growth of the industry and I love that I'm able to experience so many productions from the audience perspective and support all my friends and colleagues who share my passion and love for the stage.

It's a special thing to be able to experience theatre in your own home language and makes you feel not only proudly Afrikaans but also proudly South African to watch the original production of Droomkind - Die Storie van Josef come alive. There were many wonderful performances but the two performers I want to highlight, are Zak Hendrikz and Clint Arno Lesch. 

Clint (also Musical Director) plays a delightfully comic character who bursts into joyous song in the jail and I am so thrilled for him and his incredible vocals to be showcased in this way. Zak demands your attention as several characters in the production and creates a heart wrenching scene at the climax of the second Act, he is just one of the most intellectual, layered and committed actors I have come across and I so enjoy watching him in action.

Marisa Drummond is fabulous as the sassy Zelda and never disappoints, Bobby van Jaarsveld's velvet voice (and golden torso) is soaked up by the room who all just love to love Bobby. And Philip Moolman and Edrien Erasmus are heartwarming narrators of the well known story in its re-worked setting.  

Visually Droomkind is beautiful, with the stage design by Nadine Minnaar so clever, so practical and so seamless. Nadine creates magic, the State Theatre is so lucky to have her. The lighting, wardrobe and hair designs are wonderful. (I just love Marisa's hair as Zelda) But to me, the star of the show is the choreographer Timothy Le Roux, who's work is instantly identifiable for its finesse and sophistication, for its effortless transitions and how he manages to make anyone executing his work look magnificent. It always makes me wish he had choreographed it on me. I believe Tim to be such an under-appreciated gem in our industry and I really hope that he will be celebrated and revered as he deserves to be.

Renier and Lise-Marie Keyser, Elizma Badenhorst, Timothy Le Roux, Clint Lesch, Matthys Maree and the Droomkind company can feel very proud of a great production, I wish them every success with their run. It was certainly a lovely Sunday afternoon out with my hubby after a very busy two weeks and I felt blessed to have been there. 

Chukkas Droomkind Co - Toi Toi!

Love,