September 25, 2007
By George Matlala
A GROUP of children rushes to help a man pull his cat out of a river. But they are not rescue workers; they are taking part in Puss in Boots and Other Tails, a fairytale being staged at the National Children's Theatre until Saturday, 13 October.
Loads of audience interaction, laughter and music drive the show, which is directed by Joyce Levinsohn. Puss in Boots is a fairytale about a clever cat that uses trickery to help its poor master get rich and so win the hand of the king's daughter.
The story opens with poor Master Jack (Quintin Collett) complaining that all his father left him was a cat. Afraid of dying of hunger, he wonders whether he should eat the cat and make a muff out of its skin.
Horrified at the prospect, Puss (Claire Watermeyer) begs not to be killed, promising to turn the master's fortunes around if he spares her life. And so, armed with a sack and a pair of boots, Puss sets out to hunt for rabbits.
Catching a fat one, she marches to the palace to present it as a gift to the king (Hein Van Zyl). Puss introduces Master Jack to the princess (Courtney Gallagher), who insists she won't marry a woodcutter. She's after a wealthy marquis.
Princess Clarissa (Courtney Gallagher) is lured by Puss (Claire Watermeyer) to marry Jack
The cat promises her master that she will get him the fine clothes, riches and castle that will woo the princess.
And so begins the cat's journey, taking the audience around the world. In Australia, feathers fly when ostriches and kangaroos do battle. Puss picks up the feathers to use for clothing.
The audience enthusiastically urges her onwards. It's going to take more than clothes for Master Jack to impress the princess.
From Down Under it is off to the deserts of Persia to find riches. Puss presents the emperor (Hein van Zyl) with a button, a rare gift in those parts; it is so rare, in fact, that the emperor gives Puss riches in return. Van Zyl plays his character so well, his hilarious accent has the audience in stitches every time he opens his mouth.
With the riches and fine clothes in the bag, it's time to catch a taxi to South Africa to find a castle. Here Vuku Vuku, the powerful traditional healer, has a whistle that can drown a person and a powder that turns into a castle.
With the audience's help, Puss gets her paws on the powder and offers a castle to her master. And he gets to marry his beloved princess.
Levinsohn said the play taught children that hard work paid off. "I think it is fun and educational."
Puss in Boots and Other Tails is on at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown until Saturday, 13 October. Performances are on Mondays to Saturdays at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Tickets are R55 for children and R65 for adults. Booking is through Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000 or online on the Computicket website, or at the theatre on 011 484 1584.
Block bookings and specials are available for schools, groups and birthday parties through the theatre.
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