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&SCENE's weekly reunion show to feature "The Buddy Holly Story"in "Buddy '93: Together Again"
Saturday 9 May at 18h00 - CAT
Hot on the heels of the success of Rent : Together Again on &CO's new online streaming &SCENE last Saturday, they are thrilled to announce this week's show will be Buddy '93 : Together Again. Taking place on Saturday 9 May at 18h00, the weekly reunion show will be highlighting the original 1993 cast of the musical that took South Africa by storm; The Buddy Holly Story.
It made perfect sense for &SCENE to bring back together some of the cast of this iconic musical production for its own TOGETHER AGAIN reunion, so that audiences and cast members alike can re-live some of those amazing memories and celebrate the iconic artist that felt the world way too soon. Hosted by Natasha Van Der Merwe, South Africa's own "Buddy", Craig Urbani reunites with other cast members from the original 1993 production, namely Alistair Izobell, Michael Richard, Paul Ditchfield, Alan Swerdlow, and Leila Henriques. Being actively involved in Musical Theatre over many years as well as being part of the Buddy phenomenon, Bryan Hill will join them in studio to share fascinating insights and stories about the production that changed the face of musical theatre in South Africa as we know it. The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the rise to fame of pop music icon, Buddy Holly, as from his first performances with Buddy Holly and the Crickets to the tour that saw him die in the infamous plane crash that also claimed the lives of J.P. Richardson (also known as The Big Bopper), Ritchie Valens and their pilot, Roger Peterson. Says producer and director of &SCENE, Drew Bakker; "Every week on Together Again, we are so excited to help audiences relive incredible moments of South African theatre. Full of non-stop nostalgia and stories, these are by no means comprehensive but a chance to relive those very special nights. For BUDDY '93, we are thrilled to bring together members of the original company for a "fireside chats" version of Together Again for a much more intimate night of stories." Drew continues; "This is all to support a great cause: raising funds and awareness for the incredible work Theatre Benevolent Fund is doing for members of all facets of the entertainment community." Opening in 1993, The Buddy Holly Story was the first bio-musical seen in South Africa of its kind, and was a phenomenon not seen on our local shores previously. The show traveled South Africa, performing to packed houses for a further 6 years, audiences always wanting more, and set the trend for similar musicals to follow.
It's also been a show that's launched many an artist's career both locally and internationally and is still one of the most requested shows to be re-staged, including that of Craig Urbani. Says Craig; "I am so looking forward to the reunion of Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. I can't wait to sing some Buddy songs, reunite with a few of the old cast members, enjoy good chats and share some amazing stories about what was an incredible production! A huge "Thank You" to &SCENE for creating this platform. I'll see you all on Saturday 9th May!" Buddy '93 : Together Again will be staged on &SCENE's FaceBook Live and YouTube Channels on Saturday 9th May at 18h00. For direct viewing links, click onto www.andscene.live
Link for the Buddy "93" – Together Again Promotional Video : https://youtu.be/0Z-0P3eVInc #AndSceneBUDDY As with previous weeks, the main aim of the Together Again platform is not only to get the general public and entertainment communities together to reminisce about a great production, but to raise funds for a good cause, that being The Theatre Benevolent Fund, who work tirelessly to support those from the entertainment community who have fallen on hard times. Last week, Rent : Together Again raised R10 000 for the organization during the broadcast. Reflections on RENT : TOGETHER AGAIN Saturday 2 May Cast and Creative Team of RENT reunited online for a 90-minute non-stop nostalgia ride, swopping stories, fun, tears and singing some of the iconic hits from the show that changed them all forever. The biggest highlight of the evening was the surprise attendance of none other than Anthony Rapp, direct from New York; RENT's original Mark on Broadway and the hit film as well as the South African Director of the show. He spent the entire show engaging with each guest, putting great emphasis on the depth of talent of the South African cast. Anthony Rapp had this to say after the show; "It was such a lift in my soul to spend time with the amazing artists and human beings who brought RENT to life in South Africa 13 years ago. RENT's central message "No Day But Today" is as relevant as ever in these difficult times. It was an honor to support the work &SCENE is doing to support folks who are struggling during this crisis. I'm thrilled the show was able to raise R10000 which will go towards supporting them. Stay safe and take good care." ABOUT &SCENE Newly founded in April 2020, &SCENE is a live online streaming platform for theatre folk, by theatre folk, and for all those in the general public who love the live elements of entertainment. For them, it's all about Inspiring Community. They are empowering artists with unique opportunities to earn income as well as encouraging creative growth in creating unique onine content. &SCENE believes that the digital trend, and all its potential, is to be embraced as "the new normal." Streaming for twelve hours daily, their service is free to stream on Facebook and YouTube. A diverse variety of content is offered across the board. Weekly highlights include: Mondays at 11h30 - Coffee and Connect with "Dr. D" A weekly show hosted by Dr Dorianne Weil chatting to special guests, to benefit Theatre Benevolent Fund. Mondays at 20h00 – Dissecting Shakespeare by Ashleigh Harvey, live from London, to assist high school learners with their Shakespeare set works. Fridays at 17h40 – Soulsister – Chat show by the legendary Samantha Peo and Carmen Pretorius. Weekdays at 17h00 - Bromance - Chat Show with Musanete Sakupwanya and Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri. For a detailed weekly schedule, go to www.andscene.live &SCENE wholeheartedly believe that they are purely a platform. All work generated by artists remains the full property of the artist, moving forward. Every show has a QR code, which connects to SnapScan and allows for viewers to make immediate donations to the artists or Theatre Benevolent Fund (for applicable shows) directly, with no third party involvement in the donation process. Follow &Scene on Social Media : Facebook : https://web.facebook.com/AndSceneLive/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/andscenelive/ YouTube : AndScene The Theatre Benevolent Fund was established in 1962 and raises money for all those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry and for whom the spotlight has faded, no matter how it has faded. It receives no government grants and is run by volunteers from within the industry. The reunion is the first of many shows on the &SCENE network in aid of the Theatre Benevolent Fund. For more information : http://tbfsa.co.za BUDDY '93: TOGETHER AGAIN CREW Producer/Director Drew Bakker Content Producer Rowan Bakker Music Producer Bryan Schimmel Assistant Producer Kelly Jade Fraser and Erin Hrustinszky Technical Director Luke Draper Publicist Collett Dawson Social Media Janice Liebowitz
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