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The Black Ties performing at ‘Some Like it Vrot Baxter Gala Event’

Baxter’s annual fundraiser with David Kramer’s new musical comedy Some Like it Vrot in October promises to be a spectacular event

For its 2011 annual fundraising gala on Thursday, October 27, the Baxter Theatre Centre will celebrate the work of South African music legend David Kramer with a special event and a performance of his latest musical comedy Some Like it Vrot featuring a stellar cast.

The event, which promises to be a mega party, is aimed to help raise much-needed funds for the 34-year-old theatre, an architectural and cultural icon in the Mother City. “The Baxter does not receive subsidy from government for operational costs so we have to come up with innovative and exciting ways to make the theatre sustainable and we are delighted to see corporate and private sector supporting this event,” explains fundraising and campaign manager Johann Davis.

“We would like to encourage audiences to book early and in so doing they will enjoy a jam-packed evening of theatre, entertainment, food, drinks and a jol thrown in; they will also invest in the Baxter’s success while celebrating one of our country’s finest artists and musicians. All proceeds will go towards the Baxter’s productions and projects. Great thanks to our generous partners and sponsors: Checkers, Computicket, the forum baxter restaurant, Peroni, Lagoon Beach Hotel, Stereotype Records, a French Perfumer and Cavendish Square Shopping Centre.”

The gala event kicks off with guests arriving at 6.30 pm to enjoy complimentary food and drinks accompanied by some light entertainment. Guests will then proceed to watch the highly anticipated Some Like it Vrotat 8 pm, followed by a reception where they will meet and mingle with the cast and the prize-winners will be announced. Then the after-party will heat up (with more food and drinks)  when local singing sensation The Black Ties,featuring Lloyd Jansen, Keeno-Lee and Chad Saaiman, will croon the night away. The sexy trio will take guests on a music journey to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Earth, Wind and Fire, Lionel Ritchie, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and many more.

David Kramer is acclaimed and respected for the immense contribution he has made to the South African indigenous musical scene. Together with his friend and music partner Taliep Petersen, he established a long and highly successful relationship with the Baxter Theatre Centre with the world premiere of the smash hit musical District Six – The Musical in 1987. Other successes followed such as Kat and the Kings, Poison, Klop Klop and Ghoema. Kramer’s solo successes as performer, director or producer at the Baxter over the years include The David Kramer Jol, Karoo Kitaar Blues, Die Ballade van Koos Sas, Ghoema, The Kramer Petersen Songbook (in honour of Petersen), Three Wise Men, Three Wiser Men and, most recently, David Kramer’s Breyani.

He has also directed Marc Lottering at the Baxter in From the Cape Flats with Love, Hallelujah and Big Stakes & Slap Chips. In February this year Lottering enjoyed great success with his production Marc Lottering in 3D.

In Some Like it Vrot, Smiley (played by Lottering) and Fuad (played by Davids) become entangled in a life-threatening situation and have to run for their lives. They turn to Inspector Meintjies to help them escape their predicament. She comes up with a novel and outrageous solution. They are reluctant to go along with her plan, but have no choice – it might just save their lives. Set in contemporary Cape Town, the action moves between Wynberg and Woodstock, Grassy Park and the Waterfront.

Alistair Izobell, who plays the role of Toni in the musical comedy, started his stage career as one of the original Broertjies in the Kramer Petersen musical District Six and went on to perform the role of Bingo in Kat and the Kings on Broadway in 1999. Most recently he has had sold-out success at the Baxter with shows like This is My Life (starring idols winners Karin Kortje and Jody Williams), Back to the Hits and Motown Memories.

In April this year Christo Davids (well known for his role of Errol in the popular TV soapie Sewende Laan) also played to sold-out houses at the Baxter in My Naam is Ellen Pakkies. He was also in Athol Fugard’s Booitjie and the Oubaas and Chris van Wyk’s Shirley, Goodness and Mercy.

Please note that the production is not recommended for children under 12 years old.

 Ticket prices for the Some Like it Vrot Baxter Gala Event are R280 throughout and booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za. To make a donation to Baxter Theatre Centre please contact Johann Davis, fundraising and campaign manager, on 021 680 3983, cell 083 299 2604 or email johann.davis@uct.ac.za.