Disney's 'The Magic Box': World premiere of English production opens in Cape Town (Jhb in Nov)
The magic of Disney is brought alive not only for kids but for adults too, says resident director Darren Greeff.
Screengrab from 'The Magic Box' video on Showtime Management's Facebook page
Sara-Jayne Makwala King chats to Darren Greeff, resident director and choreographer of 'The Magic Box'.
SJ in studio with Darren Greeff
A musical celebrating 100 years of the enchantment of Disney has opened in Cape Town, and moves to Joburg in November.
'The Magic Box' is described as a magical theatrical journey through Disney's iconic melodies, 'blended together like never before'.
The show not only celebrates Disney’s centenary, but marks the world premiere of its English-language production right here in South Africa, featuring an all-local cast and crew.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King chats to Darren Greeff, resident director and choreographer of the local production which is currently on at Artscape.
"The show originated in Buenos Aires, and I was lucky enough to go there in January to watch the Spanish language show... but I had to keep it super secret that we were bringing it here."
Darren Greeff, Resident Director & Choreographer - The Magic Box
And yes, the show IS magic, Greeff says. He relates how seeing Mickey Mouse come onto the stage in Buenos Aires brought tears to his eyes.
In Cape Town, watching the reaction of the audience young and old, has been magical in itself he goes on.
"The kids were just in awe of what was going on, and the adults kept saying to me how they felt like a kid again, how it's brought them back to their childhood."
Darren Greeff, Resident Director & Choreographer - The Magic Box
'The Magic Box' manages to mix 75 Disney songs into its 90-minute running time, Greeff says.
And don't expect the likes simply of Disney On Ice - the show also features puppets of some of Disney's iconic characters, brought to life by the actors.
"You've got Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto as these incredible Michael Curry-designed puppets... He did all the design for The Lion King."
Darren Greeff, Resident Director & Choreographer - The Magic Box
'The Magic Box' is on at Artscape until 10 November, and opens in Joburg at Montecasino’s Teatro on 22 November for a 'limited' run.
Click here for more details on the Cape Town shows, and here for Joburg.
Scroll up to listen to the interview with Greeff