All South African cast set to bring Pinocchio to life
Producers of the Pinocchio Pantomime confirmed an all South African cast for the play based on the age-old tale of a marionette who has a dream of becoming a real boy.
It's an annual tradition - with theatre lovers looking forward to the announcement by Janice Honeyman as to what pantomime she'll be bringing to life for the Festive Season.
This year it was announced that veteran actor, Tobie Cronjé will take up the role of Geppetto Spoletto in her production of Pinocchio that will hit the stage in December.
Cronjé is arguably SA's best known comedy actor and has nearly five decades of experience on stage.
Tobie's name has become almost synonymous with pantomime after taking on lead roles in dozens of festive season productions throughout much of his career.
South African actor and singer, André Schwartz will play the role of Il Fortunato, the Fox,
Schwartz is one of this country's leading and best loved entertainers who has - amongst others - played the lead role in Phantom of the Opera.
Making her Joburg Theatre pantomime debut is Chi Mhende who will bring to life Pussy Galore, the Cat.
Chi has worked extensively in the theatre, having performed in Shakespearean roles in Cape Town and in 2014 was awarded Best Actress at the Durban International Film Festival for her leading role in the feature film Love the One You Love.
This year's pantomime at Joburg Theatre sees a return to the age-old tradition of a female 'principal boy', with performer, Kanyi Nokwe taking on the role of Pinocchio.
Kanyi is a member of the Nokwe family - now headed by her aunt Tu Nokwe - one of South Africa's most famous musical families and sometimes called the Jacksons of Africa.
Pinocchio is written and directed by Janice Honeyman, with musical direction by Coenraad Rall and choreography by Nicol Sheraton.
The pantomime is produced by Joburg Theatre and Bernard Jay, in association with Jacaranda FM.