David Kramer’s Danger in the Dark returns to Baxter Theatre

Nominated for five Fleur du Cap awards and following its overwhelming success in 2018, David Kramer’s hit musical Danger in the Dark returns to the Baxter Theatre from 9 to 28 March at 19:30, with Saturday matinees at 14:00 and Sunday matinees at 15:00.

Based on the story of Shakespeare’s Othello and made possible by the City of Cape Town, the powerful production has been nominated in five categories for the 2020 Fleur du Cap awards. They are Lead Actress in a Musical (Rushney Ferguson), Lead Actor in a Musical (Elton Landrew), Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Eldon van der Merwe and Tashreeq de Villiers) and Best Newcomer (Chad Baai). Winners will be announced on Sunday, 22 March.

The incredible cast and team wowed audiences when it premiered in October 2019.

Daily Maverick said, “This is a ‘big’ production on all fronts and this entire South African team has delivered a world-class experience” while The Cape Robyn described it as “an epic scale musical”. Broadway World wrote, “If a sold-out midweek standing ovation isn’t enough to convince you to see the last performances of this production at the Baxter, then the faultless cast and crew should.” The Cape Argus was equally encouraging calling it “powerful stuff” and “There’s good reason David Kramer’s Danger in the Dark has been so eagerly anticipated.”

“There’s good reason David Kramer’s Danger in the Dark has been so eagerly anticipated.”

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien who saw the production, said, “The City has partnered with the Baxter Theatre to bring the production to the stage as we are invested in supporting South African theatre works aimed at connecting with real-life issues that impact on many of Cape Town’s communities. Our communities are plagued by gangs, domestic violence and drug abuse, which makes the timing of this production perfect and necessary. It’s a production that resonates with us all, as these are the very issues the City is working hard to address.”

He continued, “Danger in the Dark reflects not only what communities and families are going through, but also shines a light on the hope of those who work in these areas and who are determined to make a difference. Theatre productions like these can only impact our lives positively.”

Poison reworked

Danger in the Dark is a reworking of the hit musical Poison, which David Kramer and the legendary late Taliep Petersen wrote in the 1990s and which was originally produced by Renaye Kramer.

Poison was very well received in South Africa, Malaysia and London, and with this reworked version, Kramer has decided to tell the story from the point of view of Pamela, a social worker who is writing her thesis on drug abuse on the Cape Flats.

Kramer has written a new book for Danger in the Dark but has retained many of the original songs. He has assembled a stellar creative team and cast of eight lead performers with a chorus of 14 who dance, sing and play a variety of roles, accompanied by a live band of five musicians.

“Theatre productions like these can only impact our lives positively.”

The story is set in 1995 on the Cape Flats when Pamela meets up with Juanita, a friend from her school days. Soon she realises that Juanita is trapped in an abusive relationship with a drug lord and she is desperate to help her friend escape. Pamela is drawn into dark and dangerous places and situations, yet she perseveres against all odds, for the safety and survival of her friend.

Directed by Kramer with assistant director Grant van Ster, the acclaimed creative team is made up of Camillo Lombard (musical director), Patrick Curtis (set and lighting designer), David Classen (sound designer), Widaad Albertus (costume designer), Kirsti Cummings (videographer) with choreography by Shaun Oelf and Grant van Ster.

Danger in the Dark runs at the Baxter Theatre from 9 to 28 March at 19:30, with Saturday matinees at 14:00 and Sunday matinees at 15:00. There is an age restriction of 12 years.

Booking is through Webtickets or call 086 111 0005. Tickets can also be bought Pick n Pay stores. For discounted block or school bookings, fundraisers and charities, contact Leon van Zyl on 021 680 3972 or leon.vanzyl@uct.ac.za or contact Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za.