Lottering's “The Aunty Merle Things Get Real'' show was scheduled to run for two weeks at Emperor's Palace, Kempton Park.
Mark Lottering, winner of this year's Savannah Comics Choice Comedy Hall of Fame Award, received the cancellation of Auntie Mar's two-week run at Emperor's Palace in Kempton Park. , is in trouble with the producers.
“This is how it was supposed to go. We were all packed and ready to go to Auntie Mare's musical, but the producers are on this side. In January they decided they weren't going to do the show anymore, so… It's a legal battle…but we're disappointed,” Lothaling said. citizen.
dropped program
Aunt Merle's things come true Lottering's Theatrical Version was scheduled to run at the Marcellus Theater in the Imperial Palace from February 16 to March 3, 2024.
The musical was produced by Blue Bloods, who reportedly decided to leave the show at the last minute.
“As experienced producers and supporters of the arts in South Africa, we are never happy to be in a place where we have to pivot from a scheduled show,” said Blue Bloods Head of Communications for Africa and the Middle East. Monica Stein said. citizen.
“There were a number of factors that led to the final decision to cancel this show,” Stein said, without elaborating.
The show was announced around September of last year and was so well received that performances were scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with matinees scheduled for Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
“This was a mutual strategic business decision. Blue Bloods has worked with Mark for over 10 years and has developed a long-standing professional and personal friendship with him. ,” Stein said.
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Aunt Merle
Directed by Lara Foote, Lottering plays the role of Aunt Merle, and he is supported by an ensemble that includes Royston Stoffels and Luqmaan Adams.
“The character of Aunt Merle came from a space of so much love, because my mother is in her character. When I play the role, it's like my mother is on stage. It makes me feel good,” Lottering said.
“The reason I have a tattoo of that character on my arm is because the journey I've been on with that character has allowed me to say a lot of things through that character, but if I say that… But it doesn't necessarily have the same impact,' or am I allowed to say that?'' said the veteran cartoonist.
“But when you're a Cape Flats housewife woman in a floral dress, people are more receptive because there's so much entertainment.”
For the first time, Auntie Mar will hit screens in Cape Town during the first weekend of March.
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hall of fame
The Comics Choice Hall of Fame Award recognizes Lottering's outstanding contributions to the comedy industry, identifying him as an icon and pioneer in the industry.
“I've been doing comedy for over 20 years. I think I've grown up. [because] When they told me they were giving me an award, I actually thought, “Oh, that's right.''i scream about [it being] I don't think I would have been in that place before, so yeah,'' he said, radiating with justifiable pride.
“But comedy is a calling for me and continuing to do that and making South Africans laugh under the same roof is important to me and the culture of this country.”
Despite the cancellation of Lottering's show, Blue Bloods still supports the comedian, who was announced as a Hall of Fame recipient at the Savannah Comics Choice Comedy Awards on Wednesday. Stein said.
“We respect and support him as an artist and are thrilled to join him in celebrating his victories and welcome him to the showcases of our lineup and to his award-winning shows and stage productions.” I’m looking forward to it.”
The nominees for this year's Comics Choice Comedy Awards were announced at the Radisson Red in Rosebank. Celeste Ntuli, Robbie Collins, Sifiso Nene, Darryn Oliver and Vafa Naraghi lead the pack with three nods each.
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