Singer and entertainer Cedric Vandenschrik will deliver a tribute to the rock band Queen called The Show Must Go On from Thursday to Saturday November 29 to December 1 at Chicky’s Yard.
The performer will sing hits from the early days of Freddie Mercury with no moustache to the last large concert of Queen at Wembley in 1986.
The Show Must Go On starts at 7.30pm and seeks to recreate the electric Queen live sound while paying homage to its lead singer, who died in 1991. It is presented by Remo’s Italian in association with Centrestage.
Vandenschrik will be upfront, sometimes strutting his stuff as Mercury with outrageous costumes and antics, and sometimes rediscovering the simple beauty of the compositions.
He will be joined by Cape Town singer Candice Skylark in some of the fine duets created by Queen.
“I’m super excited about bringing this show to Port Elizabeth because it’s a different kind of tribute show that has gone on for years, but this will be the first time Port Elizabeth sees it,” Vandenschrik said.
The band comprises Axe Lourens on guitar and vocals, Shaun Johannes on bass, Connie Friedmann on keyboards and Kevin Gibson on drums. Shaun Johannes directs.
Guests can sing along to classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, I Want to Break Free, Radio Gaga, We Are the Champions and Somebody to Love.
For the past 10 years, Vandenschrik has performed The Show Must Go On across the country.
“I grew up on their music and as I became a musician I started appreciating Freddie’s singing abilities, and the composers and musicians of the band as a whole,” he said. “This show is one of my very own productions.”
Vandenschrik lives in Cannon Rocks where he spends time kitesurfing when not performing.
He recently visited his mother and sister in Fernglen and swung by Chicky’s Yard where the show will be held.
“The last time I did a serious show [here] was probably three years ago with the David Bowie tribute with Centrestage,” he said.
Tickets at R300, inclusive of a picnic-style meal, are on sale at Computicket.