#MusicExchange: Craig Urbani

Music of the Night will be a unique take on the musical numbers instantly recognisable from the lyricists audiences know and love, including Sir Tim Rice, Don Black, Sir Richard Stilgoe, Charles Hart, Glenn Slater and others with fresh new arrangements ideally suited for the talented cast.

Five premier musical theatre performers - Craig Urbani, Carly Graeme, Adrian Galliard, Stephanie Baartman and Emma-Jean Galliard, are gathered to take audiences out on the musical theatre highway.

Music of the Night – one composer, many lyricists, will kick off the 2022 season of the enchanting and popular pocket sized venue, Centurion Theatre, running for a limited season from February 24th – March 5th.

Unfold Here :https://t.co/Zl885TUJlF#UnfoldGSA pic.twitter.com/6EqPtqpBIR

— GaloreSA - Where it all unfolds. (@GaloreSA) January 18, 2022

Audiences will delight as Urbani turns on the charm with his rendition of Sunset Boulevard, then next giving us an amusing tongue-in-cheek rendition of King Herod’s song from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Tickets range from R190 to R275 and bookings are online at Quicket.

I spoke to Urbani last week ahead of these series of shows:

What is your job description?

Dress up in other peoples’ clothes and speak very loudly whilst trying not to bump into the furniture. Oh, and sometimes I may be required to sing.

What does music mean to you?

Music is everything. It’s how I remember, experience and define all the important moments in my life. They all have a soundtrack.

My music is about…

Feelings. Unless I’m performing, then it’s about hitting the right notes in their right order.

What is your motto?

Just for today.

Fame is about...

Keeping in perspective all the nonsense they say about you whilst trying to remember who and what is really important.

Retirement will happen when…

I can no longer be bothered.

I don't do…

Nasty and divisive people. Oh, and Crocs.

I would love to co-write with:

Robbie Williams.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

I can be anywhere after spending time with my daughter. After time spent with her I am most alive and able to create.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

The live performance. It is me doing what I was born to do in its purest form.

The song you must do in every show:

The Show Must Go On.

Any funny moments on stage?

If you can think of it, it has happened. Sets falling down, black outs, forgetting my lines, people forgetting their lines, actors not arriving for a cue, sound disasters… You name it.

My heroes:

Anyone that manages to get up and do it everyday with a degree of positivity, humanity and kindness.

#MusicExchange: Vicky Sampson

Martin Myers  26 Jan 2022

My style icon:

Mr Price.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

My Mother. Maybe it’s just because I know her story. To endure what she has and to do it with this quiet strength, gentle nature and immense grace is extremely admirable.

What is your most treasured possession?

My guitar. As long as I have that I can create, feel, perform and make a buck.

It’s your round. What are you drinking?

Coke Zero.

Dream gig to do:

Stadium version of The Rocky Horror Show.

What makes you stand out?

I’m pretty tall. That helps.

Nicknames:

None that I know of.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Act.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Clumsy, silly, blessed, funny and clown.

What are you streaming?

Modern Love and Brooklyn Nine Nine.

Greatest movie ever made:

No idea.

What books are you reading?

I love biographies. I am currently reading Siya Kolisi and Johnny Clegg’s biographies.

What song has changed your life?

Oh Boy by Buddy Holly.

Who do you love?

My family and friends.

What is your favorite word?

Tonsil.

Top of your bucket list:

Take my daughter to Japan.

Your greatest achievement:

My child.

#MusicExchange: Vicky Sampson

Martin Myers  26 Jan 2022

What do you complain about most often?

Eskom.

What is your fear?

Failure.

Happiness is…

Living each moment to its fullest.

On stage I tend to…

Act.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

Not to sweat the small stuff.

What has been your favorite journey so far?

The one I’m currently on - life.

Do you do charity work and if you do, what do you do?

I have been involved in a few charities. I love singing for retired folk and I have also done a lot with 67 blankets.

Wishes and dreams:

To be a good dad, and to be happy and make others happy. Oh, and money, more money please.

Social media links

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