Rehearsals for an upcoming musical show based on operatic music are at an advanced stage at Reps, where Viennese Operetta Gems will run from October 1 to 6 and will feature much-loved music from four operettas - The Gypsy Baron, Die Fledermaus, Land of Smiles and The Merry Widow. Among the cast for the show, which has musical direction from well-known singer and teacher Lorna Kelly and direction by Linda Hyde, are Molly Dzangare, Donovan Jairos and Thembani Mhambi.

Other singers involved include familiar favourites and newcomers, among them Alex Fairlie, Angie Thomas, Cherith Keen, Jared Manneseh, Linda Frampton, Nancy Benham, Nigel Hopkins, Nolwande Sachikonye, Paul Robinson, Pauline Sutton, Rian Louw, Richard Hartnack, Tadiwa Chamboko, Tinashe Gweshe, Valentine Jamu and Vincent Mutundu.

The show will have broad appeal and to make the music more enjoyable to audiences, all of the songs will be presented in English.

Said Lorna: "This exciting programme features the long, rich tradition of the Viennese waltz, which has made a popular comeback internationally as a result of work by Andre Rieu, known as the modern Waltz King. Booking for Viennese Operetta Gems will open soon.