Drag troupe are sure to entertain this Valentine’s
|||Latoya Newman
The Family Players, Durban’s popular drag act, have a new comedy in store for fans this weekend. They’ll also be joined by guest artists, Alaska Hilton and Trevor Gandy.
The Family Players are Allan Quihampton, Derek Pearce, Greg Baptie, Graham Goodwin and Roland Stansell.
Stansell said Bar Flies, their newest offering, is set to be a musical and comedic treat.
“You will be introduced to all types of characters who come in and out of the bar.
“The stage is filled with characters all the time popping in and out, interacting with each other or just having a drink on their own.
“From the sublime to the ridiculous, each character that we introduce will tell their story musically – whether they be divorced, married, in love, out of love, or had too much of a party the night before.
“We even have an old granny (in drag) playing the piano during the show. So expect lots of fun.”
Hilton, who is the youngest in the cast, plays the bar maid. “And she is not getting up to any hanky panky, and wants to wait until she is married, unlike the rest of the ‘old girls’,” adds Stansell.
After a very busy and successful 2015, budding musical theatre and singing artist, Hilton, is off to a busy start again this year.
In this show, Hilton’s repertoire will include some great renditions of Look At Me from Grease, That Don’t Impress Me Much (Shania Twain), Mean (Taylor Swift) and Dear Future Husband (Meghan Trainor).
She will also debut one of her own songs, Summer Love, in the show.
Guest artist number two, Gandy, has been in the business for 26 years. The avid dance fan is looking forward to being on stage with The Family Players again.
“My acting/stage career started back in the 1990s with the Company of Theatre Arts, when I was on the committee and also did the majority of stage sets for a few years.
“During this period I was also doing a lot of ballroom and Latin-American dancing with my wife.
“I have been involved with the Rhumbelow Theatre from its inception at the Rhumbelow Shellhole and have done five shows with Roland and the gang, including doing some of the sets.
“I have also been involved with Shall We Dance? at the Playhouse for the past 12- odd years.
“I was introduced into the theatre world by my wife, Pam, who has danced on stage in various ballets, operas and musical extravaganzas at Sun City and nationally.”
Bar Flies, Friday to Sunday at the Rhumbelow Theatre (42 Cunningham Rd, Umbilo, Durban). R140, R120 for pensioners and tables of eight or more at Computicket or call 082 499 8636.
