VR Theatrical’s New Musical How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup Heads To Joburg
Joburg audiences are in for a treat as this original musical with a non-traditional title rolls into town.
Set against the backdrop of bustling city life, How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup follows the lives of four diverse individuals as they navigate the pitfalls and pleasures of dating in the digital age. From awkward first encounters to disastrous blind dates, the production offers a hilarious and often poignant look at the joys and frustrations of modern romance.
At its core, this is a quirky story about the universal quest for love, connection, and self-discovery in the digital age. Through its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, the production explores themes of vulnerability, authenticity, and the importance of embracing one’s true self in the pursuit of meaningful relationships.
The production was commissioned by VR Theatrical (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Christmas Carol, Rock of Ages, Here’s to You, Avenue Q) who is renowned for getting behind new and experimental theatre projects and has had 2 successful developmental runs in Cape Town.
Why the title?
“After extensive market research, we realised that books with expletives in the title had great appeal in the 20 – 40 year old market,” said Jaco van Rensburg from VRT. “Books ranging in genre from cook books to self-help all seemed to fare well, so we decided to put the salty title to the test in the theatrical context.”
As the title suggests, this one is not so much focused on your grandma’s tastes in theatre, but rather aims to speak to and give voice to young people, trying to find that special person in the 21st Century. As part of VRT’s mandate to create a platform to develop new theatrical writers, a competent and fresh young writing team was approached.
New music and lyrics
Daniel Geddes, the writer of the score and lyrics, is a seasoned performer, director, musician, and composer who relished the opportunity to write his first score for a musical. The pop-inspired score (and additional lyrics) which is jam-packed with the upbeat sounds of Mika, gut-wrenching break-up songs á-la Adele, Doja Cat trap-hip-hop-vibes and pulsating EDM (Electric Dance Music) tunes are artfully blended to suit a musical theatre narrative. Mr. Geddes also directed the first developmental workshop production of How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup.
Mark Tatham, the writer of the book and lyrics, is a South African actor, dancer, singer, writer, director and producer who is currently playing the role of ‘Timon’ in Disney’s The Lion King musical in the West End in London which goes to show that South Africa’s talent is world-class. Mark worked remotely on the creation of How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup, making this a truly unique South African-but-International collaboration.
The rest of the all-South African team are currently working behind the scenes in preparation for this electrifying musical comedy which will have a limited run at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre.
Show Information
How To Date Like A F@#$&*! Grownup
Johannesburg:
Pieter Toerien’s Theatre, Montecasino
8 – 24 November 2024
Times:
Wednesdays to Fridays at 19h30;
Saturday at 16h00 & 19h30;
Sunday at 15h00
Ticket Prices:
From R150 – R300 (including VAT)
Bookings:
Bookings through Webticket or the Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1988
Duration:
75 minutes, No Interval
Age restriction:
PG13
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