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André Schwartz will be lending his exceptional voice and mischievous sense of humour to the entertaining musical outing So What? If It’s Love/Liefde? Aldan Nie, which takes to the stage in Johannesburg and Cape Town soon.

From 16 to 26 September 2009, this journey of love, doubt, divorce, passion and hope will be treading the boards at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre in Fourways, before moving to the Theatre on the Bay from 4 to 15 November.

Schwartz, one of South Africa’s most accomplished and versatile artists, will be captivating audiences with a selection of his own hit tunes mixed in with classics and musical gems by the likes of Stephen Sondheim, ABBA, Charles Aznavour, and Kander and Ebb.

And what André Schwartz show would be complete without his exquisite, impassioned rendition of Music of the Night from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, in which he starred as the tragic Phantom himself?

But So What? If It’s Love/Liefde? Aldan Nie is not merely about memorable musical moments – this acclaimed show, which has already wowed audiences at the KKNK, Volksblad and Innibos arts festivals, also offers some light food for thought on the subject of love.

Schwartz, accompanied by musicians Chris van der Westhuizen, Werner Spies, Christiaan Rabie and Hugo Radyn, climbs into the shoes of a character whose love life is enough to confuse even the most starry-eyed lover – let alone the poor “shrink” who has to deal with these musings. He finds love, loves love, ends love, wants love back, finds new love, loses love... and so the confusion plays out, with a sublimely bittersweet resemblance to everyday life.

The script, penned by Schwartz, is predominantly English with a smattering of Afrikaans, and is pithy, satirical and frequently downright funny. Combining his knack for storytelling with an ability to interpret a range of songs in a fresh yet magical way, the show promises to be a treat for lovers of music and musical theatre in general.

The show is directed by the incomparable Tobie Cronjé, who combines his vast comedy and theatrical talents with his astute musical sensibility to produce a knockout entertainment experience.

If it’s not love, it will be after seeing this show!

Book at the venues or at Computicket.