Webber & I live in Knysna
Schedule
Sun, 05 Apr, 2026 at 05:30 pm
UTC+02:00Location
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa | Knysna, WC
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South African singer and actor André Schwartz has a deep, career-long connection to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music, notably starring as the first South African Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. His 2026 production, "My Pad met Webber" explores his life through raw, stripped-down performances of Lloyd Webber’s hits.
Webber & I- Any dream will do performed by Andre Schwartz
In this production, Schwartz explores his relationship with all that is Andrew Lloyd Webber. A relationship that started when he encountered Andrew’s work for the first time at the age of 12 upon seeing Joseph and his amazing technicolor Dreamcoat. He utilizes this connection with Webber as well as further interactions as a platform from which to tell his own life story. Stripped. Raw. Vulnerable.
Schwartz’ Mother, who had a substantial influence on his life is quoted as saying: “Weave your coat and create a tapestry of colors, let it shine as brightly as you want it to, dream whatever you want, even if dreams and reality become indistinguishable. You decide your own truth, but always remember your way home.”
Home is where the truth lies for Andre. Varying between moments when his coat shone vividly becoming the first Phantom in South Africa with Webber’s seal of approval, to moments where every hint of colour faded from his coat, upon receiving a diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease.
The narrative as well as songs, such as Any Dream will Do, You must love Me, Music of the Night, No Matter What, Memory and Send in the Clowns, weave together forming a unit that places this piece firmly in the genre of pure theatre. If you are expecting a “lounge music” version of any of these favorites, then you are coming to the wrong show.
Send in the Clowns is the only song in the production that is not written by Webber. “I marvel at the insolence of young artists who think they have owned the right to interpret this song. Their waltz with time is brimming with life. Whereas we, from whom youth has deserted, realize the ultimate clown” says Schwartz.
The songs are presented unguarded, stripped and shamelessly honest - as is Schwartz’s life story.
The show moves between moments of immense pain experienced by the artist, to exalted moments of hope and inspiration – the key message of the show.
Humor is omnipresent and razor-sharp – very often self-demeaning.
Packed houses, standing ovations, rave reviews and theatre nominations around the country are testament to the success of this production.
My Pad met Webber – Any Dream will do.
Waar begin en eindig drome , wat doen jy as die kleure van jou lewensjas verander?
Sedert Phantom of the Opera is daar ‘n persepsie dat ek en Andrew Lloyd Webber kuiermaats is.
Die storielyn is ‘n verhandeling wat hierdie wisselwerking ontgun, d.m.v musiek en gesprek.
Schwartz deel lewenslesse geleer deur musiek-ervarings. Soms seer. Soms grappig. Hy bespreek sy lewenspad in naakte kwesbaarheid met Webber as narratief.
Met baie humor en eerlike waarheid kry jy ‘n blik in Schwartz se lewe asook ook ‘n ontdekking in jou eie.
Liedere soos: Any dream will do, Love Changes everything, You must love me, Send in the Clowns, Music of the Night, Memory, Pie Jesu.
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Where is it happening?
Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa, The PRO SHOP-Simola, Knysna, 6571, South AfricaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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