When I was born everyone thought I was the most unfortunate looking baby they had ever seen, but Aunt Mattie gave me one look and said “Elton! He is the spitting image of Elton” “Elton? Elton who?” asked my father “Elton John of course”.
You did not argue with Aunt Mattie, not about Elton John. She met him in ’83 in Sun City and became an expert. Aunt Mattie was always there in good times and when it was not so good, I would hear Aunt Matti say “Don’t worry Elton, life is strange but lekker! No matter what happens Elton, the sun will always go down in exactly the same way and tomorrow it will rise.”
Elton Adams features Nathan Johannisen on piano as well as vocals. The cabaret tells the story of this unfortunate looking boy who stutters. Elton lives next door to Tamlyn a little girl the same age as Elton. Tamlyn becomes Elton’s guardian angel in a world of bullies. As they grow older Tamlyn hits a rocky patch and it is Elton who comes to her rescue. Elton is shy reserved but when he sings, he transforms into a super hero!
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Written/Directed Amanda Bothma
Featuring Nathan Johannisen on Vocals and Piano
Photos Allan Easen
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Amanda Bothma’s work has entertained East London audiences since her first break- through production of Bobaas in die Boendoe at the Guild Theatre in 1990 . Amanda Bothma received her Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Acting from the University of the Free State. In fall 2017 she enrolled at The Eugene O’Niell Theatre institute in Connecticut then in 2021 she trained in the Chekov method under Mara Laduvic co-founder of the Michael Chekov Actors Studio Boston. Since then critically acclaimed work continued to follow, earning her a list of award winning productions including: A Star is Born – the rise and fall of Judy Garland, NEXT!!!, Damsel in Distress, The Story of Eva Cassidy and Vincent – his quest to love and be loved.
Nathan Johannisen graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Stellenbosch University. His main instrument is piano, under the tutelage of Mr. Luis Magalhães, He also specialised in Music Education and is currently employed full-time at Merrifield Preparatory School and College in East London. Nathan was the musical director on several Wela Kapela productions including Cinderella, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Once on this Island.
Alison Hillstead was only 11 years old when her angelic voice landed her a part in Sound of Music. She has developed into a multi-faceted performer who is comfortable both on stage and in front of the camera. Performing in America, London and South Africa, Alison has featured as the ugly Step Mother in Cinderella, Potiphar wife in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Papa Ge the demon of Death in Once on this Island. This award-winning cabaret artist is no stranger to the stage.
