A multi-hyphenate performer of stage, screen and studio, who will be starring in Mamma Mia! at the Artscape would love it if members of the audience would come up to her and say: “Hey, I’m also from Strandfontein.”
Chantal Stanfield told the Plainsman during an interview in between Mamma Mia! rehearsals at the Artscape Opera House last week this is so, “We can support each other and know that we are worthy of achieving greatness.”
She returned to her childhood Strandfontein family home with her husband and their two children, from Johannesburg, in January to begin rehearsing for the star-studded musical, which starts today, Wednesday March 6.
The story takes place on a Greek island. On the evening of her wedding, daughter and bride-to-be Sophie invites three men from her mother’s past back to the island they visited 20 years ago in the hope of discovering which one is her father.
Stanfield has been hard at work being the understudy of lead actress Ilse Klink, who plays Rosie, a friend of the mother-of-the bride, Donna Sheridan.
“I have to remember her accent, costume, movements, singing, harmony and her tracks in the event of her not being able to perform,” she said.
Stanfield is also a member of the ensemble which brings to life songs of pop group ABBA, and additional music composed by its band member Benny Andersson.
As an ensemble member Ms Stanfield plays the role of an “old aunty”, a widow – who according to Greek culture remains resilient and single long after her spouse dies.
The Plainsman asked whether there was a part of Strandfontein in the characters that she plays.
In one role Ms Stanfield plays a young party girl, who is multi-faceted and has the energy of Strandfontein.
“There is always something happening and there is a buzz,” she said.
She said there were things constantly changing in the area and that residents had aspirations for more and “nice things”.
“We know what we are capable of and worth other people catching up to us,” she said.
Ms Stanfield said during her career she had met fine actors, from in and around Strandfontein with whom she connected and “immediately clicked”, including stunt performer and actor Grant Powell and opera singer, singer and performer Cindy-Ann Abrahams.
“We immediately recognised circumstances in which we had grown up with – this vibe and energy. There is something intangible about Strandfontein and yes, we can be posh about ourselves but there is also a pride that we exude as to where we come from,” she said.
Ms Stanfield said when she steps off the aeroplane at Cape Town International Airport people recognise her.
“I am appreciative of the community, who know my work and appreciate it,” she said.
She would advise Strandfontein youth to “just go for it”.
“I’ve realised people expect so little of you, when they hear where you come from and they may have a negative associations with the place,” she said.
She encouraged Strandfontein youth to do what they loved or at least enjoyed rather than doing something that would hurt or kill their spirit.
“Bet on yourself and fall forward, knowing that the world will continue and that you do what you want to do and what you love,” she said.
As she and the rest of Mamma Mia! crew take to the stage for opening night, Ms Stanfield said she is usually nervous for the first few shows before settling in.
“It is our job to serve the audience and the show is guaranteed to be a feel-good musical,” she said.
She said it would be an evening out – an investment for one’s happiness to step out or escape from the problems of everyday life.
“Just come out and enjoy the music. It is just a touchstone for people to relate with,” she said.
Ms Stanfield recalled rehearsing to a group of teenagers who sang along to music which had been written decades ago.
“It is timeless and it is an escape,” she said.
The new look production of Mamma Mia! with an all-South African cast will be staged at the Artscape Opera House from Wednesday March 6 to Sunday April 7.
Tickets cost from R200. Book through www.showtime.co.za or Ticketmaster. There are discounts on Tuesdays; for groups of more than 20; and for school student groups via sales@showtime.co.za or call Jill Somers during office hours from 9am to 5pm, on 079 218 1658.
