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THE METROPOLITAN OPERA LIVE IN HD FROM NEW YORK

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THE MET: LIVE IN HD PRESENTS MOZART’S FAMOUS OPERA, COSÌ FAN TUTTE,EXCLUSIVE TO CINEMA NOUVEAU AND SELECT STER-KINEKOR THEATRES

“…a glowing, crisp and buoyant account of Mozart’s Così fan tutte… and the winning cast performed like a crack comedic theater troupe…” – New York Times

The highly successful Season VII of Live in HD from The Metropolitan Opera in New York, launched exclusively at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor theatres in November last year. The season runs through to June this year, and features ten magnificent productions.

From 24 May for a limited season, the penultimate production of the current Met: Live in HD season will be screened at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor cinemas. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s joyful and heart-rending masterpiece, Così fan tutte, marks the triumphant return to the Met of conductor James Levine, who leads a charismatic cast in what is indisputably one of the season’s highlights.

Met Music Director James Levine conducts the first Live in HD performance of Mozart’s barbed romance Così fan tutte, a comic masterpiece about the romantic complications that ensue when a pair of friends decide to test their fiancées’ fidelity. Lesley Koenig‘s sleek production features a cast filled with rising Met stars, including Susanna Phillips (who sang the role of Musetta in La Bohème) and Isabel Leonard as the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella; Matthew Polenzani and Rodion Pogossov as their fiancés, Ferrando and Guglielmo; and Danielle de Niese as their feisty maid Despina. Maurizio Muraro is the cynical Don Alfonso.

The soprano Susanna Phillips had what could be a breakthrough night at the Met as Fiordiligi. She has the purity and bloom of a Mozart lyric soprano. Yet her voice can lift phrases with penetrating sound and deep richness. The mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard is a plush-voiced and feisty Dorabella. In their many passages performed in sisterly duet, Ms. Phillips and Ms. Leonard sang with impressively true pitch and a beautifully blended sound. And the exquisite, vivacious soprano Danielle de Niese nearly stole the show as the sassy, worldly-wise Despina.”— The New York Times

The matinee performance of Così fan tutte on 26 April was filmed as part of the Met’s Live in HD series, and transmitted live or as a delayed broadcast to more than 1 950 cinemas in 64 countries around the world, including Cinema Nouveau in South Africa. Soprano Renée Fleming hosts the transmission. Since the Live in HDseries launched in 2006, more than 13 million tickets have been sold to opera lovers worldwide.

“This was prime Levine: a lithe, energetic, transparent account of Mozart’s miraculous score, brisk but not rushed, polished and profound.” — Associated Press

As with Così fan tutte, these grand opera productions are filmed at the magnificent Metropolitan Opera House in New York, home to some of the most talented singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers and dancers from around the world.  Their past productions have received great acclaim and have gained recognition around the world. Now, and as it has done since Live in HD began, Cinema Nouveau continues to provide audiences with the exclusive opportunity to witness these spectacular and award-winning near-live broadcasts in South Africa.

This glorious production will be screened exclusively at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor theatres countrywide from Saturday, 24 May: Gateway Nouveau, Durban; V&A Nouveau in Cape Town; Somerset Mall, Cape Town; Blue Route Mall, Cape Town; Garden Route Mall, George; Rosebank Nouveau and Bedford Centre in Johannesburg and at Brooklyn Nouveau, Pretoria.  Their release onto the big digital cinema screen affords South African lovers of opera the unique opportunity to become an integral part of these ‘near-live’ and breathtaking performances.

The running time of Così fan tutte is approximately 4 hours, with one intermission.

To book tickets and for more information, please visit: www.cinemanouveau.co.za| mobi-site: www.sterkinekor.mobi |Ticketline: 082 16789 (VAS rates apply) | Facebook: CinemaNouveau| Follow us on Twitter: @nouveaubuzz. Download the SK App to your smart phone for updates and to make bookings via your mobile phone.  

Video clip:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Dp-4Y3rtg

Last two productions of the current Met: Live in HD season:

Così fan tutte – Mozart  (releases on 24 May 2014)

Conductor: James Levine

Production: Lesley Koenig

Designer: Michael Yeargan

Lighting Designer: Duane Schuler

Cast: Susanna Phillips (Fiordiligi), Isabel Leonard (Dorabella), Danielle de Niese (Despina), Matthew Polenzani (Ferrando), Rodion Pogossov (Guglielmo), Maurizio Muraro (Don Alfonso)

James Levine conducts the first Live in HD performance of Mozart’s barbed romance Così fan tutte. Lesley Koenig’s sleek production will star Susanna Phillips and Isabel Leonard as the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella; Matthew Polenzani and Rodion Pogossov as their fiancés, Ferrando and Guglielmo; Danielle de Niese as their feisty maid Despina; and Maurizio Muraro as the cynical Don Alfonso.

La Cenerentola – Rossini  (releases on 07 June 2014)

Conductor: Fabio Luisi

Production: Cesare Lievi

Designer: Maurizio Balò

Lighting Designer: Gigi Saccomandi

Choreographer: Daniela Schiavone

Cast: Joyce DiDonato (Angelina), Juan Diego Flórez (Don Ramiro), Pietro Spagnoli (Dandini), Alessandro Corbelli (Don Magnifico), Luca Pisaroni (Alidoro)

Joyce DiDonato sings her first Met performances of the title character in Rossini’s Cinderella story, La Cenerentola, with bel canto master Juan Diego Flórez as her dashing prince. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leads a cast that also includes Pietro Spagnoli in his Met debut as the servant Dandini, Alessandro Corbelli as Cenerentola’s stepfather Don Magnifico, and Luca Pisaroni as Don Ramiro’s tutor, Alidoro.

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Art

Watch The Little Mermaid Jr Musical This Easter

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Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr to be staged by The Young Performers’ Project at the Milkwood Theatre, Danville: 2 – 12 April 2026.

Fishy Fable: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from 2 – 12 April 2026.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages – perfect for the youthful 50 strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers, and 21 junior performers.

The Little Mermaid Jr is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.

The cast includes Ariel played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie); Sebastian is Khethukuthula Ngcobo (I.S.P.A) and Flounder is played by Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).

In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother Sindi, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas. Her daughter Azania, who entered the project seventeen years later as a Junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr tells of a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love.

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. Songs include: “Under the Sea“; “Kiss the Girl“; and “Part of Your World“.

Written by Doug Wright, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Tickets are through Webtickets here. Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audience meet the characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities. For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.

Good to Know:

  • Tickets: Webtickets -> click here to buy
  • Their first show is a special Relaxed performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30
  • Scholars and pensioners 10% off any seats throughout.
  • The show runs at 65 minutes – no interval
  • Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show

BUY TICKETS HERE

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Entertainment

KZN Philharmonic – Summer Season Concerts 2026

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The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra presents its 2026 Summer Season with two concerts at The Playhouse Opera on Thursday, 5 and 12 March at 19:00.

Concert 1: 5 March

Under the baton of Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, the opening programme features Canadian cello virtuoso Bryan Cheng performing Saint-Saëns’s demanding and innovative Cello Concerto No. 2. Britten’s Simple Symphony provides a lyrical interlude, followed by Saint-Saëns’s dramatic Cello Concerto No. 1. After the interval, Schubert’s beloved “Unfinished” Symphony brings the evening to a melodic close.

Concert 2: 12 March

Under the baton of South African conductor Conrad van Alphen, this programme features Bulgarian world-renowned virtuoso pianist and chamber musician, Ludmil Angelov.

KZN Philharmonic tickets are available at Quicket here.

Want to go to a concert but don’t want to have to self-drive into town?
Opt for a Park and Ride option:

Park your car in one of our secure designated locations and hop onto the bus which will drop you off at the Durban Playhouse.

1) Upper Highway Area
St. Agnes Anglican Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof, 3610.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs St Agnes promptly at 17h50.

2) Westville
Westville Senior Primary School, Westville Road, Westville, 3629.
R80 a bus ricket return.
The bus departs Westville Senior Primary promptly at 18h10.

3) Berea
Caister Lodge, 264 Musgrave Road, Musgrave, Durban, 4001.
R60 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Caister Lodge promptly at 18h20.

4) Umhlanga
Grace Family Church, 400 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga, 4320.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Grace Family Church promptly at 18h10.

Book bus tickets on 031 369 9438 / info@kznphil.org.za / Quicket here

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Entertainment

Big Top Rock returns to The Barnyard Theatre

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From 21 February – 31 May 2026, Step into a world where the roar of electric guitars collides with the gasp of the crowd — Big Top Rock is back, bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever!

This is no ordinary concert. It’s a full-throttle rock and roll circus spectacular — a high-voltage fusion of iconic anthems, jaw-dropping aerial artistry, and an atmosphere so electric you’ll feel it in your bones. From the first crashing chord to the final heart-pounding encore, you’ll be swept into a whirlwind of sound, light, and pure adrenaline.

The Soundtrack of Six Decades

Let our charismatic Big Top Ringmaster lead you through a sonic time machine — from the thunder of Def Leppard and AC/DC to the soaring harmonies of Heart, the anthemic power of Queen, and the pop-rock magic of Roxette. Along the way, you’ll meet legends like Elvis Presley, Pink, Michael Jackson, Adele, Billie Eilish, Benson Boone, and more — each hit reimagined with the raw energy of a live Barnyard band and powerhouse vocalists.

The Circus Comes Alive

Marvel at fearless performers defying gravity on pole, silk, trapeze, and lyra — every twist, drop, and spin perfectly choreographed to the pulse of the music. It’s a feast for the senses where every beat has a stunt, and every stunt has a story. The Barnyard’s Most Daring Show Yet.

This is the largest, loudest, and most spectacular production in Barnyard history.
Whether you’re a lifelong rock fan or just love a night of unforgettable entertainment, Big Top Rock will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and ready to come back for more.

Step right up — the Big Top awaits!

Book your seats now and step right up to the big top at The Barnyard and get ready to be entertained!

Want to SAVE 5%? use promo code “DURBS” at checkout.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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