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The Fiat 500 is poised to
claim the collective heart of the rainbow
nation.To celebrate this iconic rebirth,
Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa will
welcome Italy’s everyday masterpiece in
outrageous style. |
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This will be the very
first time that a Corporate has had the
privilege of hosting a bespoke production at
the Teatro Monte Casino, which boasts the
largest auditorium (1800 seats) in the
southern hemisphere. |
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In 1957, through sheer engineering
purity and ingenuity, the original Fiat 500, a little
metallic sliver of Italy and a mere bubble of a car,
puttered its way into the heart of a nation. In 2007 the
reinvented Cinquecento did the same, conquering the rest
of Europe in the process. And now in 2008, this modern
classic is poised to claim the collective heart of the
rainbow nation. To celebrate this iconic rebirth, Fiat
Group Automobiles South Africa will welcome Italy’s
everyday masterpiece in outrageous style.
To mark the historic occasion, on the
evening of the 7th June 2008, the play, La Passione, will be
staged at the Teatro at Monte Casino. This is the very first
time that a Corporate has had the privilege of hosting a
bespoke production in this facility, which boasts the
largest auditorium (1800 seats) in the southern hemisphere.
Intriguingly this will also be the last time that a
non-theatrical company will have the opportunity to do so
before 2011, as the Teatro’s calendar is booked solid for
the next two years.
Featuring a stellar cast of SA’s thespian
who’s who, this once-off theatrical spectacular will more
than do justice to the vehicular marvel that motorised
post-war Italy. Under the skillful guidance of award-wining
Creative Director, Jaci de Villiers; Executive Producer,
Jocelyn Broderick; and Musical Director, Wikus du Toit; the
18-strong cast will take patrons on an hour-long musical
journey which starts in the 50s and winds its way through
the decades into the future.
Weaved into this lyrical revue is a true
love story; a passionate tale of how one little Italian
touched the lives of millions. Further punctuating the
performance are specialty acts such as the strength and rope
sequences, plus dazzling footwork courtesy of master
choreographer, Sean Bovim. In the words of Jaci de Villiers,
“this is worlds away from the hackneyed step-and-touch
school of dance. One sequence in particular; Sean calls it
the table duet, in which a couple stomp and romp their way
around the stage using the table as a prop, is simply
breathtaking.”
Jocelyn Broderick, herself an
accomplished actor, is ecstatic about the cast that they
have been able to assemble: “To have lead performers of the
calibre of Craig Urbani (Chicago and Thoroughly Modern
Millie), Ilse Klink (Isidingo and Chicago), Aubrey Poo
(Scandal and Soweto Story) and Taryn Sudding (Snitch and
Annie) all doing their thing on one stage – and at such
short notice – is nothing short of miraculous. The same goes
for the supporting artists – Jo Gallaway (Hairspray and
African Footprint), Earl Gregory (Hairspray and Joseph),
Cobus Gomes (Saturday Night Fever) and Tanya Stricker
(Chicago) – these are all major talents and we’ve got them
in our show.”
For a lucky 1800 guests, they’ll be at
the Teatro on Saturday 7th June at 8.30pm. Fiat Group
Automobiles SA has made provision for members of the general
public who would like to view the performance of La Passione
to do so on a big screen in the Ballroom at Monte Casino –
admission is free; first come first served.
But, that’s not all. The Ballroom will
also be the venue for a global MTV/Fiat 500 Street Party
event which will take place on the same night. Not only will
budding performers be given the opportunity to strut their
stuff on stage (with the possibility of having it flighted
on MTV), but the premier music channel in conjunction with
Fiat Group Automobiles SA will also be showcasing two of
South Africa’s top bands. Watch this space for exact details
of the line-up.
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