Maynardville Open-Air Festival launches early-bird bookings for 2019 season
Following a successful first season for the expanded Maynardville Open-Air Festival, the atmospheric park setting in Wynberg will once again play host to a three-month feast of classically inspired shows. Says producer Brian Heydenrych, “Last year’s maiden Maynardville Open-Air Festival was really well received and we have been encouraged to bring back our wonderful partners to perform an exciting season of classical works with a contemporary edge. We look forward to welcoming audiences new and old to the 2019 Festival.”
Lower priced early bird tickets have opened for each of the shows in the season so audiences are encouraged to visit to get the best prices on tickets. All tickets can be booked via Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695.
2019 Shakespeare announced
The 2019 Shakespeare is one of the Bard’s greatest tales, Richard the Third. In this production, the infamous hunchback will be played by award-winning actor Alan Committie and takes the audience on a journey through palace politics, coruscating corruption and macabre machinations in order to become the new king of England.
Award-winning Shakespeare director Geoffrey Hyland also returns to Maynardville after the triumph of Twelfth Night (2017) to direct this comic-tragedy. With a cast of 14 and costumes by the talented Leigh Bishop, this production promises an action-packed, theatrical rollercoaster romp as it depicts the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of King Richard III.
Catch the season from 6 February – 9 March, and be sure to book early for the popular Valentine’s night performance.
Music inspired by the Bard
The season will open with Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Famously Incidental, a selection of well-loved famous plays. Expect to be transported into the world of Grieg, Beethoven and Bizet in this exploration of light and lovely classical works conducted by Brandon Phillips and narrated by Rodney Trudgeon. There are only three of these concerts from 17-19 January 2019 so audiences should book sooner rather than later.
Starlight and Swingtime
The Cape Town City Ballet is bringing their popular Swingtime in the outdoor setting for Swingtime in the Park; Sean Bovim’s ballet performed to the music of the swinging sixties. The Cape Town City Ballet dancers will be interpreting nostalgic hit tunes such as It had to be You, Unforgettable and Fly me to the Moon. Catch the ballet from 23-27 January 2019, booking is live.
The Jesters are back
Audiences who caught last year’s riot of wit will be first in line to get tickets to this year’s comedy under the stars. Kurt Schoonraad’s Cape Town Comedy Club will bring a line-up of top names to the stage under the hilarious host Rob van Vuuren for Jesters in the Park – Season 2. This chance to laugh at the stars, the world and ourselves is not to be missed and best enjoyed with friends and family. Catch the Jesters from 31 January-2 February 2019.
Sunday night sessions
A series of one-off Sunday evening concerts take place throughout the 2019 Maynardville Open-Air Festival.
Catch Derek Gripper once again with his unique infusion of classical traditions, avant-garde Brazilian music, Malian kora, Cape Town folk, and even Indian classical music has which has carried him to the world’s stages including his Carnegie Hall debut in 2015. A special concert from Cape Town Opera, the much-loved Graham Weir bringing his special breed of madness to the park and finishing up with the gospel voices for Vumani Choral Projects to close the season.
Keep an eye on Computicket’s Maynardville page as bookings for these will open soon.
The Maynardville theatre tradition
The Maynardville Open-Air Festival brings an opportunity to turn a theatre night out into an experience. Patrons can pack a picnic and bring along their blankets to spread out on the park lawns before the show as per the Maynardville tradition. There is also the option of pre-ordering a gourmet take-away from a special menu that the Festival is offering in partnership with the local restaurants. Dress up, get a crowd together, mark a special occasion or anniversary or make it a first date.
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be served prior to the show and during interval as will the bar that will stock Drifter beers, buchu gin and tonics, Diemersfontein wines and soft drinks. A snack kiosk will also be serving refreshments.
For many, Maynardville is where Shakespeare’s works are brought to life on stage for the first time. The Festival will again allocate block bookings to schools at a reduced price.
Ticket and booking information
Each production has special offers for early bird bookings, block bookings (over 8) and there are concession prices for schools and seniors. Audiences can also take advantage of preview show prices for Richard III
Booking has now opened on Computicket for some of the productions and all will be online soon and Artscape-dial-a-seat 021 421 7695
The Festival is produced and presented by Maynardville Open-Air Theatre Trust and LiquidMatch Productions and is supported by Artscape and Diemersfontein Wines.
Visit http://maynardville.co.za for more information about the Maynardville Open Air Festival
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The Maynardville Open Air Festival takes place at Maynardville Open Air Theatre in Maynardville Park, entrance on the corner of Piers and Wolfe Street, Wynberg, Cape Town.