Multi-talented family trio to dazzle crowds

YOU may know him from SA's Got Talent or from his successful two-man piano show A Handful of Keys, but you've never seen Ian von Memerty and his family like you will when they set the stage alight with their show Circle of Life.

The talented family – Port Elizabeth's very own Von Trapps – will perform next Friday at the Boardwalk Vodacom Amphitheatre.

Throughout its five-year run, the show has flourished, with the close-knit clan adding new material where they can.

But dad Ian insists that the premise remains the same. "People will walk away with smiles in their hearts. It is the completeness of the show which moves people.

"There are elements that bring people to tears or on their feet – or crying with laughter or clapping and whistling," he said.

The coming weekend's performance will only feature the trio of Ian, his wife Vivienne and their daughter Kasvia – as their son, Oscar, has now moved to Johannesburg.

The idea for the show started off with Vivienne and Ian pitching the idea to their kids of a singing family, some- what reminiscent of the Von Trapps, on whom the film The Sound of Music was based. "Well, we tested it first to see if the children would like it, and they did. Secondly – if they were any good, and they were really good. Lastly – whether the audience liked them, and sadly they stole the show," Ian quipped.

Audiences can look forward to great music, colourful costumes, award- winning dancing and soaring singing, with each family member contributing with unique theatrical style.

The proceeds will go towards the Echo Foundation – a provider of cost-efficient housing, institutional care and community services to senior citizens.

"When we chose to move to PE seven years ago, we did not know that all of our parents would follow us. Echo does such superb work in providing a quality life and assistance for the elderly and my mom has been so happy in her lovely flat for the last five years," Ian said.

Ian has also been touring with A Handful of Keys to London, New York, Dubai, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

He has also been filming for Kyknet and SA's Got Talent, of which he said: "It's sublime. South African talent is absolutely remarkable."

ýThe two-hour show will start at 7pm and tickets cost R75. For bookings contacts Betts at (041) 586-0156