This biblical-style story is all done as a musical, and nogal an a cappella musical. Only Graham Weir could think of doing a musical of this scale a cappella. He co-wrote the script with Megan Choritz and the cantata version was performed in 2005. I saw Noah then and loved it and couldn't wait to see the full version. I have to admit, however, that I was a little disappointed with the production. Mainly I was disappointed because Graham Weir wasn't playing the part of Noah, which he did in the cantata version. Francesco Nasssimbeni plays Noah and although he sings well, he lacked the powerful presence that Graham had in the role. I certainly wouldn't have followed his Noah to the Karoo. Leah, on the other hand, played by Nqobile Sipamla, was a very strong performance, and I would have jumped into her armoured vehicle any time!
Generally the performances were strong and Amanda Tiffin, who did the musical direction, got wonderful results from the sixteen cast members. Christine Weir had a difficult role as the alien voices in Noah's head, but she pulled it off convincingly with the aid of constantly writhing arm movements showing her elongated fingers, and of course her beautiful and powerful voice. There were some beautiful solos and I especially enjoyed Eh Bahran by Shaun V. The cast worked well together and their voices carried us for almost two hours through the wonderful music written by Graham Weir.
Sets and costumes are by Dicky Longhurst and are stark - befitting the storyline. Several constructions using corrugated iron, perspex and iron mesh are wheeled around the stage giving different elevations and configurations to the action. The lighting by Mannie Manim was very effective and complemented the stark lines of the set.
Jaci de Villiers directed Noah of Cape Town and she has done a great job of bringing together a whole lot of talent in a performance that is well worth seeing. Noah of Cape Town runs at the Baxter until 1 August - get there even if you have to go by boat!
