`007: A Tribute to James Bond` musical in Cape Town until May 2nd

22-Apr-2009 • Event

He's suave. He's well-dressed. He's a ladykiller. He's Petersen. Kyle Petersen. Or something like that. He is the 24-year-old musical director of 007: A Tribute to James Bond running at On Broadway in Cape Town, South Africa, until May 2.

"I'm not a huge fan of the films," Petersen says. "I enjoyed Casino Royale, but I can't quote along to Thunderball or anything. I have become a fan of the theme music, though. I've been spending a lot of time with the music while preparing for this show.

"We tackle all the best-known Bond songs. I only have a five- piece band to work with, so I've had to put in serious time figuring out how to get as big a sound out of them as possible. These theme songs have such massive arrangements with huge orchestras and what-not.

"It gives me a new appreciation for the music."

Fans can expect favourites like From Russia With Love, For Your Eyes Only, Goldfinger, Licence To Kill and many more. Thankfully, Madonna's abysmal Die Another Day is omitted.

This show marks the first time Petersen is working with Ilse Klink. "She's amazing," he says, "I mean, come on, she's Ilse Klink. She's very warm and professional. She comes in 100 percent committed to perfecting her part."

Petersen is also working with long-time collaborators, director Rafiek Mammon and co-star Gary Naidoo. They've worked together on many shows, including That Crazy Little Thing, Footsteps to Freedom as well as Under the Influence of Love.

"I love working with Gary and Rafiek," Petersen says. "We've done so many shows together now that we have a sort of creative shorthand and work together easily.

"Gary's lots of fun to work with and there's lots of laughter when he's around. Sure, we work hard, but we also have lots of fun."

He goes on to say: "This is different to the other shows we have done. We're dialling back some of the slapstick humour.

"You associate James Bond with martinis and Aston Martins. You expect a certain level of class. You don't want to incorporate gimmicky stuff that will detract from the show."

Petersen's career started while he was in the womb. "My mother was taking piano lessons when she fell pregnant with me. So when I was born there was already a piano in the house. I started playing by ear when I was about two or three. I then took lessons and I was hooked.

"I started out playing in church. I also performed in Evita and operas like La Boheme, Turando and Tosca."

Petersen is keen on achieving major success as a solo recording artist. He has a hit single playing on radio and is in the studio recording his debut release, which has received positive feedback from major labels.

007: A Tribute to James Bond runs until May 2 at On Broadway. Tickets: R85. Tel: 021-424-1194