I was thrilled to be invited to attend the opening night of We Will Rock You at the Montecasino Theatre in Johannesburg. As a fan of Queen’s music, I was excited to see how their iconic hits would be brought to life on stage. The anticipation was only heightened by the fact that this was the first big live performance I had attended since the start of the pandemic. As I walked into the theatre, the excitement in the air was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to experience the show. Here are my thoughts on the reimagined We Will Rock You 2023.
The Production
The show began with a high-energy performance of “Radio Ga Ga,” setting the tone for the rest of the evening. The music was loud, and the vocals were powerful, taking us on a journey through the band’s most famous hits. The set design was impressive, featuring towering screens and intricate lighting that transported the audience to a futuristic world where rock and roll is outlawed. The costumes were also spectacular with elaborate design and construction, which helped immerse the audience in the world of We Will Rock You.
However, as the show progressed, I couldn’t help but feel that the storyline was a bit random. The show’s creators had attempted to create a unique narrative that combined a dystopian future with the music of Queen, but it didn’t quite resonate with me. The story felt like it was trying too hard to be something it wasn’t, and it detracted from the show’s otherwise fantastic performances, in my opinion.
The Performances
Despite my reservations about the storyline, the show’s performances were outstanding. The highly talented We Will Rock You cast is a combination of established, well-known performers and fresh new talent, making their musical theatre debut. The lead actors, Stuart Brown, Nicolette Fernades, Craig Urbani, Londiwe Dhlomo, Tiaan Rautenbach, Richard Gau, and Danelle Cronje were particularly impressive, showcasing their musical talent and stage presence. Their voices were powerful and emotive, capturing the essence of Queen’s music and bringing it to life.
The choreography was also excellent, with the cast moving in perfect synchronicity to the music. The dance numbers were energetic and entertaining, adding to the overall excitement of the show. The costumes were another highlight, featuring a range of styles that reflected the characters’ personalities and the world they inhabited.
As the show drew to a close, the cast launched into a rousing performance of “We Will Rock You,” bringing the audience to their feet. The energy in the theatre was electric, and it was clear that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of Queen or simply a lover of great music, don’t miss We Will Rock You! Despite the show’s storyline not being everyone’s cup of tea, the performances, music, and choreography are absolutely spectacular and more than compensate for any perceived shortcomings. After witnessing this electrifying performance on opening night, I left the theatre feeling grateful and inspired. The show is a true celebration of Queen’s timeless music and is guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted and energized. Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of We Will Rock You!
The show is on in Johannesburg from 10 March to 16 April 2023, and in Cape Town from 5 May to 4 June 2023. To buy tickets, visit Ticketmaster
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