A new Afrikaans comedy thriller debuts at the Joburg Promusica Theatre, starring the formidable Tobie Cronje. It is set in the baroque court of King Louis XVI.

AN Afrikaans comedy thriller set in the French court during the baroque period, Sing, debuts at the Joburg Promusica Theatre on Saturday, 5 July.

The production intertwines a witty satirical storyline and an assassination plot, and will play until Sunday, 20 July; all shows start at 8pm.

Described by the organisers as a humdinger of satire and entertainment, the show stars the well-known Tobie Cronje, whose career in theatre spans 40 years. The "formidable talent" of Lizz Meiring and "the exceptional, vibrant and versatile" Terrence Bridgett complement the cast, notes Prisha Singh, Joburg Promusica's marketing and communications manager.

"This is a fresh, original, unforgettable comedy and thriller, which takes Afrikaans theatre to new heights."

Sing is written by award-winning playwright Wikus du Toit, who uses a "wonderful mix of intelligent comedy and mayhem" she adds.

It is set in 1794 in the court of French King Louis XVI. Toon, played by Bridgett, and Tril, portrayed by Cronje, are music maestros who have been employed by the king to teach music to his talentless mistress. For them, this is part of earning a living.

"Though they regard themselves as musical geniuses, their reality is far more mundane," Singh explains.

As they are waiting for the king's mistress, Madame Ratatuur - played by Meiring - to attend her singing lesson, a letter unexpectedly arrives from the king himself. "The content is spine-chilling," Singh says: ‘I suspect my mistress, Madame Ratatuur, is a spy. Kill her,' the letter reads.

Caught in a delicate moment, the two maestros are not murderers and they have to find another way ... "a way of murdering with music".

"What ensues is a highly original, surprising chain of events filled with funny, madcap and yet sophisticated entertainment," Singh notes.

Director Alby Michaels, known for his ground-breaking productions and a strong visual sense, leads the experienced cast. David Boverhoff, along with a live orchestra, performs the score.

The "sumptuous costumes" have been designed by Anne and Kirsten Bailes, and the "glorious" wigs by Robert van der Westhuizen, who also worked on the hairpieces for Hairspray - The Musical.

"Kosie Smit, celebrated for his myriad magical sets and lighting designs, gives an added baroque flair to this production."

Parents are advised that the play has is an age restriction of 16, because of language. Tickets range in price from R115 to R155. Booking is through any Computicket outlet, telephone 083 915 8000 or 011 340 8000, or on the Computicket website.

The play runs from 5 to 20 July.

For more information, visit the Kosie House of Theatre website or telephone Prisha Singh at the theatre on 011 674 1357. The Joburg Promusica Theatre is at the Roodepoort Civic Centre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Road in Florida Park, Roodepoort, in western Johannesburg.

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