YOU’VE got it coming, Johannesburg! CHICAGO The Musical, presented by Showtime Management in association with Barry & Fran Weissler and featuring a superb all-South African 23-member cast, 11-piece band, crew and creative team, has seduced Cape Town audiences since the beginning of its run on 27 August, with tickets at a premium for the rest of the run, which extends until 28 September. Then it’s time for Roxie, Velma, Billy, Amos, Mama Morton and their sexy, strutting ensemble to head for Johannesburg, where the show will run at Montecasino’s Teatro, Johannesburg, from Friday, 03 October to Sunday, 16 November 2025 – a week longer than anticipated after an extra week was added due to popular demand! Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.co.za.

Joburg audiences who haven’t already high-kicked their way to the box office should be encouraged by the response of critics and audiences alike to CHICAGO’s Artscape run. Respected news website 2 Oceans Vibe stated, “From the cast to the choreography, the band and the lighting, the word that kept surfacing in my mind was ‘flawless’.” Mapmyway.co.za said, “A star-studded cast, brilliant band, incredible direction and superb choreography all add up to a brilliant production of this slick and sexy musical.” Well-known actor Ashley Dowds was blown away, noting that “… sexy came to town … in the most spectacular production of CHICAGO you may ever see. Everyone – everyone on stage is uncommonly … disturbingly good!” And Instagram user Marrinele agreed: “It was fantastic! Every single performer gave it their all. The entire cast was so harmonious and in sync on stage!”

So the answer to the musical question “The name on everybody’s lips is going to be?” is definitely CHICAGO! Leading local producer and promoter Showtime Management has put together a brilliant cast, featuring principal performers Kiruna-Lind Devar (Evita, MAMMA MIA!, Phantom of the Opera World Tour) as chorus girl turned murderess Roxie Hart; Samantha Peo (The Adams Family, Strictly Come Dancing, CHICAGO world Tour 2018 & 2019) reprising the iconic role of Velma Kelly, the famous Vaudeville performer and fellow murderess; and Tankiso Mamabolo (Nwabisa Plaatjie’s ‘Ziyana’, Don’t Believe a Word I Say) as the tough but savvy Matron Mama Morton. The role of the slick, charismatic yet devious lawyer Billy Flynn is reprised by Jonathan Roxmouth (Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Grease), who played this character in the New Zealand leg during the 2018/2019 CHICAGO World Tour. The role of Roxie’s simple, loving husband, Amos Hart, is played by Dean de Klerk (Kinky Boots, Rent, The Sound of Music), and M.E. Marvey is the upbeat reporter, Mary Sunshine.

These alluring leads are supported by returning ensemble members from CHICAGO’s 2018/2019 season – Lesego van Niekerk, Jenna Robinson Child, Alexandra Girard, Ferdinand W Gernandt, Michael Fullard, Dirk Joubert and Hugo Madeleyn – as well as spicy newcomers Angelica Hattingh, Ashley Scott, Bronwyn Craddock, Leah Mari, Nicolette Fernandes, Nicholas Lai, André Maarman, Jonathan Raath, Kent Jeycocke and Nkosinathi Mazwai.

“It’s been wonderful to see how Cape Town has responded to this new production of CHICAGO. Fans who have loved this show for years and new audiences coming in for the first time are being dazzled by our incredible world-class performers and their talent, as well as by this enduring, sultry story of fame, ambition, corruption and murder. Come and join us, Johannesburg!” says Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management.

CHICAGO is one of those shows that fully embodies all that makes Broadway and the West End great. It’s a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one foot-tapping song after another, including “Razzle Dazzle”; plus, the sexiest, most sensational dancing and a sophisticated set that incorporates the live orchestra. This devilishly delicious show has brought cheering audiences to their feet all around the world. From Australia to Argentina and Spain to South Africa, more than 34 million people have seen CHICAGO, which has run for over 35,000 performances worldwide across 38 countries in more than 525 cities!

Sing along and dance to catchy jazz-infused songs like “All That Jazz”, “Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle”, with arrangements and lyrics designed to build the story’s energy and sharp satire. CHICAGO is a bold commentary on the pursuit of celebrity and the extreme lengths people will go to for attention and success, no matter the cost – themes that are always trending!

Winner of six Tonys, two Oliviers, one Grammy, two Baftas and six Academy Awards, CHICAGO continues to be one of the most successful international musical hits of all time. Its international appeal stems from its enticing tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery – facets the entire world finds fascinating. This great musical is simply Broadway at its best. Cape Town audiences, get there while you can – CHICAGO is the hottest show in town and tickets are flying! If you’re in Johannesburg, get your tickets before they are sold out. Book now at ticketmaster.co.za.

Owing to strong adult themes and profanity, this production has a PG rating 10+. Parental guidance is advised. Terrific Tuesday discounts available. Ts and Cs apply. A 20% block booking discount is offered on groups of 20 or more on selected shows for specific price categories. Contact sales@showtime.co.za.

The post CHICAGO The Musical Heads To Johannesburg 2025 appeared first on Alt News Network.

Johannesburg, 19 November 2024 – Comedy Central is cranking up the laughter as the final trio of Roasters for the highly anticipated Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind is revealed. Prepare for hilarity as comedic giants Rob van Vuuren and Tol Ass Mo join forces with the iconic actress Mam’ Lillian Dube.

The stage is set for a side-splitting showdown at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre on Thursday, 21 November 2024. The live recording will premiere on Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) on 8 December 2024, bringing fiery entertainment to your screens this holiday season.

The Roast Dream Team:

• Rob van Vuuren: Known for his comedic genius with Corné en Twakkie, Rob promises, “This is not my first Roast rodeo! I’m ready to channel my chakras into some scathing shots during the #RoastofPearl.”
• Tol Ass Mo: A comedy veteran, Tol Ass Mo warns, “No sacred cows will be spared in this Roast. Pearl better be ready for us – and the audience too!”
• Mam’ Lillian Dube: South African acting royalty with a sharp tongue to match. Mam’ Lillian says, “These youngsters have much to learn, and this gogo isn’t holding back!”

They’ll join an already star-studded Roast panel featuring Phat Joe, Zee Nxumalo, David Kau, Zodwa Wabantu, Randall Abrahams, Busiswa, Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng, and Donald – all ready to turn up the heat on the fearless Pearl Thusi.

Monde Twala on the Roast Excitement

Monde Twala, Senior Vice President at Paramount Africa, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm:

“This Roast panel has it all – comedians, actors, singers, and larger-than-life media personalities. It’s the ultimate recipe for a sensational #RoastofPearl, perfect to kick-start the holiday season with uproarious entertainment!”

How to Join the Fun

Book your tickets now via Webtickets for the live recording of the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi on 21 November 2024 at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.

Get Social!

Join the conversation:

• Facebook: Comedy Central Africa
• TikTok, Instagram, and X: Use #RoastofPearl to share your thoughts.

Get ready for a laughter-packed evening – it’s going to be epic!

The post Final Panel Unveiled For The Comedy Central Roast Of Pearl Thusi appeared first on Alt News Network.

Johannesburg, 12 November 2024: Shots fired! David Kau and Zodwa Wabantu are the latest celebrity Roasters to be announced for the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, which is shaping up to be an evening full of oohs, aahs, snorts of laughter and bruised egos.

Audiences have the chance to have a front-row seat to all the uproarious fun and action when the #RoastofPearl is recorded at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre on 21 November 2024. It will be broadcast on Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) on 8 December 2024 at 21:00.

The claws will be out and the insults will fly when David Kau and Zodwa Wabantu join fellow panellists Randall Abrahams, Busiswa and Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng to put actress and presenter Pearl Thusi under the griller.

Zodwa Wabantu is also no stranger to controversy. The outspoken dancer and socialite is sure not to hold anything back when she joins the fray to roast Pearl Thusi – and take on her fellow panellists. She says, “I am bold and unapologetic in what I do, and I recognise the same traits in Pearl. We are both tough cookies who can give as good as we get. However, that doesn’t mean I’m going to hold back when the chips are down – she is fair game and must not expect any special treatment from me!”

Veteran funnyman David Kau, one of South Africa’s favourite observational stand-up comedians, is no newbie to the Roast game. He remarks, “Having recently roasted Mzansi during the DemoCrazy: A Roast of South Africa event to celebrate (and send up) 30 years of democracy, I’m all fired up to take on another Roast! I’m sure the #RoastofPearl will once again prove that comedy has the ability to cross cultural divides and unite South Africans in the common language of laughter. Pearl’s Roast is going to get spicy – very, very spicy!”

With such a powerhouse panel on board, the upcoming #RoastofPearl is sure to be a talking point for months to come, observes Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Paramount Africa, and Lead at BET International. “We are thrilled to have secured these incredible personalities for the Roast. They are both very opinionated and don’t shy away from straight talk – even if it ruffles feathers,” he says. “Many of our panellists are controversial in their own right, so it will be interesting to see them trying to roast Pearl, who is no slouch in the clapback stakes. Who knows? These Roasters might even come off as second-best. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to make for great entertainment!”

Tickets for the live recording of the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind on Thursday, 21 November 2024 at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg are on sale now on Webtickets.

Need more information about the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind? Like Comedy Central on Facebook or join the conversation on X, TikTok and Instagram using the hashtag #RoastofPearl.

The post New Pair Of Panellists Revealed For The Comedy Central Roast Of Pearl Thusi appeared first on Alt News Network.

Johannesburg, 1 November 2024: Actress, media personality and businesswoman Pearl Thusi is ready to get spicy! Stand by for the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, which will be recorded at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre on Thursday 21 November 2024, for broadcast on Comedy Central (DStv Channel 122) on 8 December 2024 at 21:00.

If you’ve watched any of Comedy Central’s previous roasts of Kenny Kunene, Somizi Mhlongo, AKA and Khanyi Mbau, you’ll know how egos can crumble under a barrage of barbed insults. Now, Pearl “Queen Sono” Thusi is the latest local celeb to bravely occupy the hot seat to get roasted by a panel of her entertainment industry peers.

Love her or hate her, Pearl Thusi is undeniably a powerhouse – and she’s not scared to voice her (often controversial) opinions! Her outspokenness seldom fails to divide fans and ruffle feathers, but she remains unashamedly Pearl – let the haters hate! The Comedy Central Roasters will no doubt be watching her new reality show on BET Africa, The Real Black Pearl, for fresh ammunition in their bid to cut this pop culture trendsetter down to size.

Durban-born Pearl is no stranger to the spotlight. A former beauty queen, she has risen to renown and stardom first as a TV show host and subsequently through roles in local and international productions such as Catching Feelings, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Quantico, Kalushi, Fistful of Vengeance and Zone 14.

Equally, the 36-year-old is a successful brand ambassador (including being the first African selected to collaborate with MAC cosmetics) and entrepreneur – and has recently branched out into DJing as well. She is also known for not mincing her words, always ready with a spicy comeback and for not conforming to traditional ideas of what “good girls” should do – often landing her in hot water in the court of public opinion.

Last year, not for the first time, she broke the internet by wearing a sheer, nipple-baring outfit that left very little to the imagination – and then vigorously defended her right to celebrate her body in her own way.

What will her Roastmaster and Roasters have to say about that? Nothing is sacred or off limits in the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind – so get ready for the mercury to soar through the roof as Pearl’s life is placed on the grill!

“After many years in the entertainment industry, I’m no stranger to pressure – and I’m fully prepared to handle whatever the Roasters throw at me. So believe me when I say I’ll bring my A-game for this one!”  says Pearl. “Returning to the Roast, this time as the roastee, I’m looking forward to having fun in the hot seat and giving as good as I get. If the Roasters think they will get me to squirm, they have another thing coming!”

Says Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Paramount Africa, and Lead at BET International, “Pearl Thusi is one of South Africa’s rare and precious gems, who has illuminated our screens and airwaves with her radiant presence and style. But, as we know, in the world of Comedy Central roasts, when celebrities’ claws are borne and the knives come out, nothing – and no one – is sacred! So, we are looking forward to seeing the Black Pearl show off the mettle that has propelled her to where she is today. We have no doubt she will be showing her Roasters the spiciest of flames on the night!”

Adds Smirnoff Senior Brand Manager, Vuyisile Dlepu, “For us the partnership with the Roast was a no-brainer; we know South Africans look forward to the show and all the shots fired on the night, what better pairing than the unique flavour of Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind? Pearl is the perfect combination of beauty and brains. She’s smart and sassy, and great at thinking on her feet. We are sure she is not going to be anyone’s pushover – and when it gets spicy on stage, it’s going to make for brilliant TV viewing! On the other hand, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind is spicy but fun; and it’s cheeky – you either love it immediately or you need to get used to its bite. We look forward to opening the door to let South Ah be part of all the fun.”

Keen to be part of the hilarious, back-biting live-action? Filming of the Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi takes place on Thursday, 21 November at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg. Mark your calendars – tickets go on sale soon via Webtickets.

For more information about Comedy Central Roast of Pearl Thusi served by Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, like Comedy Central on Facebook at or join the conversation on X, TikTok and Instagram using the hashtag #RoastofPearl. 

The post Get Ready for the Sizzle! Comedy Central to Roast Pearl Thusi with Smirnoff’s Spicy Twist appeared first on Alt News Network.

Peters has solidified his place in the comedy Hall of Fame with his unparalleled ability to connect with diverse audiences. From his early days performing in local clubs to becoming a global sensation, Peters has a knack for weaving hilarious tales from his own life, and South Africans can catch Russell Peters: Live on February 9 at Durban ICC, February 10 at SunBet Arena Time Square, Pretoria, and February 11 at GrandWest, Cape Town.

Tickets will go live on TicketPro soon. Register with the Blu Blood Royalty Club for early bird access here.

Russell Peters has come a long way from the 19-year-old doing stand-up at open mics in Toronto. With a career spanning decades, he has set attendance records at venues worldwide, was named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time, released numerous comedy specials, and has several awards under his belt for his hosting, producing, and acting talents.

Known for his keen observations of cultural differences and the quirks that make each community unique, South African audiences can look forward to an interactive comedy experience and expect him to tackle various topics with his signature wit and seasoned storytelling.

Russell Peters’ shows are notorious for selling out quickly, so don’t miss out on this laughter-packed event! Visit russellpeters.com for more information.

Show Details:

9 February 2024
Durban ICC, Durban
20h00

10 February 2024
SunBet Arena Time Square, Pretoria
20h00

11 February 2024
GrandWest, Cape Town
18h00

The post Global Comedy Sensation, Russell Peters, Returns To South Africa In 2024 appeared first on Alt News Network.