Queen at the Ballet

Cape Town City Ballet's 2004 stage spectacular Queen at the Ballet returns to the Artscape Opera House in April for only 14 performances. The December season sold out completely and tickets are being snapped up quickly for the upcoming run.

"Over the next few months, Cape Town audiences will be seeing quite a few grand-scale productions," says CTCB publicist Andrew Warth. "Queen at the Ballet is the one you simply can't miss. And all the creative talents involved are from the Mother City, which makes us extremely proud."

Award-winning choreographer Sean Bovim's tribute to Queen, one of the greatest rock bands in history, is more than just a ballet. It's an evening of fine musical performances, a staging extravaganza, a fashion show and a vibrant celebration of dozens of different dance styles.

The music will once again be performed on stage by the Cape Philharmonic, conducted by Michael Hankinson. Freddy Mercury's vocals are reinterpreted by suavely tuxedoed Duncan Royce and Luciano Zuppa, who perform among the dancers along with renowned soprano Zanne Stapelberg. Local abstract artist Tay Dall's visually striking sets complement the costumes, which range from Levi's to super-glam evening gowns designed by some of Cape Town's hottest designers - Gavin Rajah, Craig Port, Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit and Malcolm Kluk. Classical ballet, jazz, contemporary dance and even some impressive gymnastic moves are fused in Bovim's distinctively athletic, inventive style.

If you missed out on the debut, make sure you catch it this time.

Queen at the Ballet opens on Saturday, 30 April, and runs until Sunday, 15 May. Book at computicket or Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695.