The Big Apple gets Drumstruck
5 August 2005
The South African musical Drumstruck, the world's first interactive theatrical drumming experience, is the new big thing in the Big Apple. Performing Off Broadway, the show is winning rave reviews and standing ovations every night.
Drumstruck opened at the prestigious new Dodger Stages in May, after a deal was concluded between the show's co-creator Warren Lieberman and Dodger Theatricals CEO Michael David. Its open season at the theatre looks set to be extended to at least November 2005.
"The New York public has really embraced Drumstruck," says Lieberman. "The show has overwhelmed the usually reserved theatre audiences, offering not only a vibrant glimpse of South African music, rhythm and dance, but also the opportunity to beat a drum - something not many New Yorkers would normally consider doing."
Drumstruck is unique in that the audience helps create the show - everyone participates in the musical's show-stopping rhythms and drumming sequences on their own (provided) African djembe drums.
Primal urges
The show has been compared to Stomp, The Lion King and Cookin'. Initially viewed with wry skepticism by aurally assaulted New Yorkers, the infectious beats and overwhelming primal urge to bang a drum has won over the saltiest critics.
The smiles and sore hands of the audience at the end of every show are testament to the power of communal drumming. This is something Lieberman discovered years ago when he started the Drum Café, which launched corporate drumming in South Africa.
With choreography by Johannesburg's Moving into Dance and under the hand of seasoned Broadway director David Warren, Drumstruck is a slick, fast-paced show that appeals to the senses - if not sensibilities - of New York audiences. It showcases South African talent in a well-packaged glimpse of the country's cultural diversity.
Idols finalist Ayanda is a hot favourite, as are dancer Tiny Modise and drummers Nicholas "Africa" Djanie and Enock Bafana Mahlangu. In fact, each of the 11 cast members has made their mark, gathering legions of fans.
The cast has appeared live on TV and radio shows, including the prestigious Live with Regis & Kelly, ABC-TV's popular morning show, WNYC-am, WNYE-fm, NPR, Weekend Today, Good Day New York and WB-11.
The cast has also given rhythm workshops at Camp Broadway and performed open-air in Bryant Park.
"Drumstruck started with a bang and is gaining momentum with every show," says Lieberman. "It has exceeded all our expectations. We're incredibly proud."
Drumstruck around the world
Since its inception four years ago, Drumstruck has wowed audiences in South Africa, Vietnam, China and, more recently, Australia. There the show received standing ovations nightly for six weeks at the Star City Casino in Sydney.
"It's a dream come true for all of us and a triumph for South African theatre," says Lieberman. "We've got a vibrant, uplifting, winning show, and it's exciting to infuse some African rhythm into the heads and souls of American audiences."
Back in 2001, Lieberman approached friend Kathy-Jo Ross, well known for her experience in the entertainment industry. Together they created an original, interactive musical developed especially for theatrical venues.
It was during Drumstruck's engagement at Johannesburg's Market Theatre in 2004 that movie producer Amy J Moore saw it and recommended the show to Dodger Theatricals.
After flying in scouts to see for themselves, Dodgers began immediate negotiations to produce the show on Broadway and for worldwide touring companies.
No stranger to award-winning musicals and plays, Dodgers has been a major player in New York and worldwide theatrical entertainment for the past 41 years, receiving over 140 Tony Award nominations and winning 55.
Dodger Stages is a complex of five Off-Broadway theatres located in the heart of New York's theatre district on 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.
New York reviews
"Halfway through the performance attended by this theatergoer, the fellow in the next seat - the Fortune Society's David Rothenberg - murmured what had at that same moment jumped into my own head: 'It's going to run 10 years'." - Playbill
"The cast … is characterised not only by its instrumental talent but also by its lively dancing and sweet song … Drumstruck may not be subtle, but the beats that are
its soul reaffirm the appealing power of the drum, resounding across time and cultures."
- The New York Times
"… by the time the houselights dim, the beat rises to a fever pitch and the audience roars with exhilaration. Drumstruck is that kind of show."
- NY Newsday
"… the crowd is torn between the ecstasy of drumming and the pleasure of watching a performance of great energy, vitality and skill."
- Time Out New York
"Giving each audience member his or her own drum … seems like a genuine extension of the African custom of creating music as a community. Each audience member is, in effect, buying a one-night membership to an African tribe … Drumstruck takes a step towards diversity in the New York theater … Perhaps a show like this can bring a new, excitable audience to the theater, which would be the loveliest tribute possible." - Broadway.com
"Unity is envisioned without turning cultural traditions into theme-park attractions. Kudos are due to a group of artists who mix sheer entertainment with sensitivity and smarts." - Daily Variety Gotham
"Delighted children and scores of adults banged away on the drum clutched tightly between their legs as if newly releases from an asylum … [the] performers demonstrate not only amazing rhythmic abilities, but also enough high energy, athleticism and charisma to make a compelling case for drumming as a future Olympic event." - The New York Post
"… The talented troupe of 11 performers … captivate with abundant skill and exuberance … this show involves much more than just beats. Traditional dancing, an ornate set and artfully painted performers adorned in radiant costumes provide colorful splendour for the eyes." - Associated Press
"Ears may ring and fingers may sting when the show is finally done but, wow, it's sure been a lot of fun. Talk about making a joyful noise!" - The Star-Ledger
SouthAfrica.info reporter
