The Drama Factory in Strand will play host to Dreamland, a musical delight for the entire family, from Thursday 31 August to Sunday 10 September.
For the last 14 years, DuPreez Strauss has been associate musical director and orchestra conductor of Disney’s musical The Lion King in eight countries (and counting). For the first time he brings his show Dreamland to the Western Cape following his return to South Africa after his most recent international tour with The Lion King.
Dreamland is an invitation to the whole family to experience your happiest Disney childhood animation feature-film music memories, such as you’ve never heard them before, with world-class piano interpretations of these much-loved classics. Strauss captivates the audience in retelling of his personal experiences with these musical works of art.
The Bloemfontein native was classically trained in piano and holds final grades (Grade 8), cum laude, from both the University of South Africa and the Royal Schools of Music (London).
He learnt orchestra conducting at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City from Maestro Vincent LaSelva, resident conductor at Carnegie Hall, who was knighted in Italy for his lifetime contribution to Italian Opera. Strauss also holds two cum laude Bachelor of the Arts university degrees in subjects ranging from philosophy, political philosophy, psychology, art and history of art to communications and various languages.
He is a member of Mensa, the international organisation for the top 2% most intelligent people worldwide, and has lived and worked on five continents as TV, theatre, music and radio producer, presenter and director, production manager, musical director, composer, writer and orchestra conductor. His kykNET TV show My Vreemde Vriende was nominated for best lifestyle show in South Africa in 2021.
“We are so thrilled to be giving Western Cape audiences the first chance to witness the musical magic of DuPreez’s show Dreamland, which is guaranteed to bring joy to all the family,” said Sue Diepeveen, founder of The Drama Factory.
“DuPreez’s dazzling musical talent, skilful storytelling and personal experience of our childhood favourites makes for an evening of world-class entertainment.”
Said Strauss: “Did you know that all Disney stories are based on the same recipe called The Hero’s Journey? It states that a hero must first leave their home, to go through tough times, finally to come back home wiser and stronger – where they can now mean so much more to the loved ones they left behind than they ever could’ve meant to them if the hero didn’t leave their loved ones behind in the first place.
“In Dreamland I tell seven different Disney storylines simultaneously, because all the heroes in these stories go through the same process. I have realised after years abroad that I have been on my very own “hero’s journey”, which has taken me around the world for decades and has now brought me back to my motherland. It is an absolute joy to be able to bring my very own take on the best Disney music to my own people. For me, the miracle of Disney’s success is that for 100 years now it has changed people’s lives with positive, constructive and healthy content.”
Dreamland will be performed at 19:30 on Thursday 31 August as well as Friday 1, Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September. Matinée performances will be held at 15:00 on Saturday 2 and 9 September, and 16:00 on Sunday 3 and 10 September.
Tickets cost R180 or R160 per person. Book your seat online at www.thedramafactory.co.za or 073 215 2290.
