HARARE audiences are set to be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans as M&M Dance Factory presents The Princess and the Frog, a Bayou fairytale filled with music, magic and Mardi Gras at Reps Theatre from July 16 to 19.
More than a stage production, organisers promise an immersive cultural celebration that blends Broadway-inspired dance, live jazz, colourful costumes and the unmistakable spirit of Mardi Gras into an unforgettable family entertainment experience.
M&M Dance Factory has built a reputation for nurturing dancers of all ages while promoting creativity, confidence and discipline through the performing arts. Its latest production features a cast of 50 dancers, singers, actors and musicians who will bring beloved characters, including Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Dr Facilier, Louis the alligator and the frogs, to life.
"The Princess and the Frog is very close to our hearts. I come from a little town southwest of New Orleans. I'm what you call a true Cajun, much like our character Raymond," M&M Dance Factory co-founder Mitzi Carruthers said.
The production promises a rich blend of dance styles, showcasing M&M Dance Factory's versatility through swing, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and spectacular Mardi Gras parade sequences designed to recreate the excitement of Louisiana's famous celebrations.
Adding to the authentic atmosphere is a live 10-piece jazz band performing throughout the production, while vibrant Mardi Gras-inspired costumes and colourful staging will transform Reps Theatre into the sights and sounds of New Orleans' historic French Quarter.
Audiences can also expect a unique pre-show experience featuring live saxophonists, mime artists, painters at work and freshly prepared beignets before entering the theatre.
Selected performances will also feature Tiana's Café, serving authentic New Orleans-inspired cuisine, while Jazz Club evenings will keep the celebrations going long after the curtain falls.
- New Orleans magic comes to Harare
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Carruthers said months of rehearsals had gone into perfecting the production.
"The most magical part of putting this together was having the singers, musicians and dancers all come together," she said.
Beyond its entertainment value, the production carries an uplifting message centred on family, love and believing in oneself.
"At M&M Dance Factory, we believe dance is about so much more than learning steps. It's about building confident, creative and resilient young people," Carruthers said.
She added that every student, whether performing in a leading role or as part of the ensemble, is encouraged to develop teamwork, perseverance, creativity and self-expression.
"Above all, we want every child who walks through our doors to leave believing in themselves a little more than when they arrived. If they gain confidence, friendships, life skills and a lifelong love of movement, then we've achieved exactly what we set out to do," she said.
Beyond its annual theatre productions, M&M Dance Factory offers mixed-style dance classes for children, teenagers and adults of all skill levels, as well as workshops, holiday programmes, yoga sessions and its popular Dinky Dance classes for children aged two to six.
Inviting families to experience the production, Carruthers described it as far more than a traditional musical.
"This isn't just a show; it's a complete New Orleans experience, where Broadway-style dance, music, magic, Tiana's Café and an unforgettable atmosphere bring The Princess and the Frog to life. Once a dancer, always a dancer. We guarantee you'll want to get up and dance with us," she said.
