By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK The Nedbank Singers, a home-grown group of 21 talented young artists, are starting 2007 on a high note with the presentation of a light musica; show in the style of a cabaret, entitled “SHOWTIME”. According to a press release the show, which started at the NTN in Windhoek last night where it will run until tomorrow evening, is made possible with the generous sponsorship of NEDBANK Namibia, the sole sponsor of the Nedbank Singers since February 2006. “This lively spectacle of song and dance with hit numbers from some of the most popular musicals is directed by Ernst van Biljon, who has brought many excellent productions to Namibia’s people in the past. Most of the music is a revival of popular tunes dating as far back as the 1930s. Audiences, young and old, will enjoy the music, which is as fresh today as when it was first performed on Broadway, London’s West End, or turned into popular films in Hollywood,” the statement read. The Nedbank Singers will sing, kick high, jive, and rock ‘n roll to evergreen numbers from “Grease”, “West Side Story” and “South Pacific”, to name but a few. Numbers by Duke Ellington and ABBA add spice to the lively show, while mood pieces like “And so it Goes” by Billy Joel and “My Funny Valentine” by Rodgers and Heart ensure a good balance in the programme. Some of Namibia’s most promising young soloists will perform as well. JohnÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚¨ Titus gives a sultry rendition of “Summertime” from “Porgy & Bess” by George Gerschwin, while the young tenor with the velvety voice, Jesse Goliath, brings back memories of Nat “King” Cole with his heart-warming performance of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” by Cole Porter. Lydia Auala, who was a hit in “The Hot Mikado” at the NTN in 2004, gives heart and soul in “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret”, the musical that made Lisa Minelli famous. Francois Olivier, a budding young soloist, gives a romantic performance of the love song “Maria” from “West Side Story”. The show is accompanied by a live band with Ebbie Becker (piano), Erwin Gaweseb (bass guitar) and Lebu Mothabeng (drum kit ). The first show played to a full house on Saturday, February 24 in Swakopmund where the troupe received a standing ovation, and they had to come back for more when the audience shouted “Zugabe! Zugabe!” “Showtime” will play at the Oshakati Country Hotel today and tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10. The tickets at N$150 include a finger buffet. Telephonic enquiries: Theo Bekker Tel. (065)ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 222ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 380 or Nedbank Ondangwa (Ms Martha Katumbo Tel. (065)ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 241ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 796. There will be a matinee show on Saturday, March 10 at 15h00 at the Sam Nujoma Multipurpose Centre in Ondangwa. The contact person is Asser Haradoebat Tel. (065) 232ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 017.