BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Local musical theatre and international concert entertainer, Jonathan Roxmouth (Key Change, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, The Musicals in Concert) releases Swingle Bells album with The Johannesburg Big Band.
Jonathan started his career many years ago as the bespectacled Financial Advisor in Sanlam’s series of Baby Adverts. The performing bug bit and he has never looked back. He gained the bulk of his “training” by participating in a number of musicals staged by Nick Jourdan at the Natal Playhouse whilst at Northcliff High School.
He made his professional debut in 2006 in the Barnyard Theatre’s production of GREASE (Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel). He followed that up with ROCK ME, AMADEUS (W.A. Mozart) and THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (Buddy Holly) – all directed by Ian von Memerty – a meeting that would affect the course of his young career.
In 2020, Jonathan and The Johannesburg Big Band headed into Howard Audio studios to record the Christmas album Swingle Bells and both are thrilled to now be able to bring those recordings to life with this release.
Jonathan Roxmouth states excitedly; “Recording Swingle Bells during the pandemic was a much needed light during a very dark period. To see these world-class musicians come together again after so long, gave the album a special feel as every session was a reunion.”
These included GUYS AND DOLLS (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), OKLAHOMA! (Ali Hakim), THE MIKADO (Pooh-Bah), ME AND MY GIRL (Bill Snibson) and THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (The Pirate King). It cannot be overstated how formative these five years were.
The project will also be performed live later this month from 15th – 24th of December 2023 at The Teatro, Montecasino.
Image: Supplied
