“A sweet and funny musical, quirky with a helium light score… a memorable tribute to the power of friendship,” 
The Washington Post

KickstArt proudly presents

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 15 June to 7 July

KickstArt is delighted to present the fabulous family musical – the South African première of The Emperor’s New Clothes, which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on campus over the July school holidays from 15 June until 7 July.

Barely has the sets and costumes been packed away from Steven Sondheim’s extraordinary musical, Company – also a South African premiere – then KickstArt embarks on its second SA premiere in the first six months of this year, the South African staging of the Broadway musical, The Emperor’s New Clothes.

This will be a musical of a very different kind: The Emperor’s New Clothes, is a version of the famous Hans Christian Anderson fairytale by Broadway stalwarts Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. This team was responsible for the delightful musicals Once on this Island and Seussical, as well as Ragtime and Anastasia.

Broaway Theatre International describes the musical as: Fourteen-year-old Emperor Marcus the Third is nervous to take the throne. Deciding that he can only gain confidence by dressing in the finest attire, Marcus commands his Royal Clothesmaker to fashion him in the most royal wardrobe. Taking advantage of Marcus' uncertainty and immaturity, a Swindler promises to make magic clothes that are "invisible to fools, liars, and anyone you should ignore," for a large and hefty price. Only Arno, the simple-hearted Stable Hand, can help Marcus out of this royal mess and teach him an important lesson about outward appearance.

Directed by Steven Stead, with magical designs by Greg King, musical direction by Roland Perold and fresh new orchestrations by Jaco Griessel, The Emperor’s New Clothes stars Daniel Anderson as Emperor Marcus, with Roland Perold as The Swindler. Others in the cast are Marion Loudon (Deena, the Head of the Imperial Wardrobe), Lyle Buxton (William, the Emperor’s Chief Advisor), Mthokozisi Zulu (Arno, the Royal Stable Hand), Keryn Scott, Amahle Tembe and Roshanda Lewis, as villagers. Roland, Lyle and Roshanda were recently in Company.

This colourful and highly entertaining musical will delight children and adults alike. It will run during the July holidays, from 15 June to 7 July, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus.

Book for all KickstArt’s 2024 shows at WEBTICKETS. Visit www.kickstarttheatre.co.za for more details and to make bookings.

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