Aunty Merle – It’s A Girl opened at the Baxter Theatre last week, and three southern suburbs entertainers are part of the fun and high drama.
This sequel to Aunty Merle the Musical is written by Marc Lottering, who plays Aunty Merle, and directed by Lara Foot.
Merle from Belgravia Road, Athlone, learns her daughter, Abigail (Rushney Ferguson) and son-in-law Alan (Julian Place) are expecting their first child.
Royston Stoffels returns as Aunty Merle’s husband, Dennis. The 67-year-old from University Estate says Dennis continues in his role as a good husband, renovating the house, chauffeuring Aunty Merle about and planning a surprise for her.
“He is also containing his excitement at the prospect of being a grandfather, too.”
Mr Stoffels, who has more than 40 years experience in the entertainment business, appeared in the TV series, Arendsvlei earlier this year. And in January next year you can see him in a new TV series, The Dina Project. He was also host of of Kaapse Stories from the Mother City musical which was part of a dinner theatre experience.
Sizwesandile Mnisi, 28, from Observatory, is also back as Siya, Aunty Merle’s son’s best friend.
“I love doing my job, and it’s a privilege to be up on that stage, and sometimes I find myself having too much fun.”
In August, he appeared in Alice Childress’s Wine in the Wilderness at the Baxter Theatre.
Loukmaan Adams, 43, from Walmer Estate, previously played the antagonist Denver, but this time he is taking on the non-acting role of vocal coach.
“Even though my role is not active in the show, I feel honoured that Marc with producer Anwar McKay and Lara have chosen me to assist with the direction of harmonies, voices and music.”
He has previously been part of #JustMen and David Kramer’s Danger in the Dark, which played at the Baxter Theatre recently.
He has been acting in theatre since he was 6. “To take an audience on a journey every night is magical, and seeing them laugh and sing along is definitely something that I can’t put into words.”
Aunty Merle – It’s A Girl is on at the Baxter Theatre until February 1 next year. The play includes a cast of 13 actors and a live band. Ticket prices range from R125 to R225 and can be booked through Webtickets or through the Baxter Centre.