LAMTA's dance production, titled Killer Queen, will show at Theatre on the Bay this June.
Image: supplied
Cape Town’s winter season is about to get a high-voltage injection of rock royalty as the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) prepares to debut its latest annual dance production, Killer Queen.
Opening at Theatre on the Bay on 4 June, the showcase is more than just a dance performance; it is a meticulously crafted celebration of the music that defined a generation and continues to dominate global airwaves.
The production is the brainchild of Naledi Award-winning founders Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander. Fresh off their acclaimed success with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, the duo has turned their theatrical flair toward Queen's immortal catalogue. By weaving together powerful choreography and striking visuals, they aim to capture the raw energy and theatricality that made Freddie Mercury and his bandmates cultural icons.
Central to the production’s ambition is its collaborative spirit. Luitingh and Alexander have assembled a "blue-chip" list of South Africa’s finest choreographic talent. Names such as Michelle Reid, Jared Schaedler, Robin van Wyk, and Chesney Stanfield, among many others, have contributed to the show, ensuring a fresh and dynamic interpretation of Queen’s legendary hits. From the stomping rhythm of ‘We Will Rock You’ to the soaring harmonies of ‘Somebody To Love’ and the poignant defiance of ‘The Show Must Go On’, each number is reimagined through expressive movement.
At its heart, Killer Queen serves as a vital platform for the academy’s rising stars. The production features students from all three years of study, providing them with a professional platform to showcase their discipline and technical prowess. This commitment to developing new talent is a cornerstone of the LAMTA philosophy, and the annual dance production has become a proven launchpad for the next generation of musical theatre performers.
If history is any indication, audiences should act quickly. LAMTA’s previous hits, Hollywood and Beyond, both sold out before their opening nights. Running from 4 to 20 June, Killer Queen promises a nostalgic yet exhilarating experience that highlights why Queen's music remains a global phenomenon. Performances run nightly at 8 pm, with 3 pm matinees on Saturdays, providing a perfect winter warmer for those who believe that, indeed, we are the champions.