Opera House goes Hannah Montana

HUNDREDS of fans – big and small girls alike – poured into the Port Elizabeth Opera House earlier this month to watch a doppelganger of their heroine Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana live in action.

The girls sang along to their favourite Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus songs at the “Best of both girls” show. The performance, brought to Nelson Mandela Bay by Showtime Australia and Michelle Campbell Publicity, was a huge success selling out its one show.

The Port Elizabeth Opera house took on a new look for the day, shirking its usual austere façade for an audience of little girls dressed in pink and glitter.

The show, which starred the world’s number one Hannah Montana/ Miley Cyrus impersonator, Clasina Preston,  was enjoyed by all, from young to old, moms and grandmothers to even some dads who were caught singing along, said  Campbell.

“Miley Cyrus no longer tours and performs as Hannah Montana, so I am trying to give little girls around the world the next best thing,” said the 21-year-old Preston, who visited several primary schools around the city to promote her show.

Australian born Preston was welcomed to the city by the Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile  - a reception which won her heart and confirmed the city as the Friendly City. “I absolutely loved performing in Nelson Mandela Bay; the crowd was so energetic and vibrant. I will definitely be coming back here,” Preston said.

The second half of the show saw her change over to impersonate Miley Cyrus, singing well known songs such as The Climb. The young audience could hardly stay in their seats with most choosing to stand in front of the stage just to be able to touch their idol.

Preston made time after the show to sign autographs for all her fans, which took over three hours. NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile was also spotted amongst the crowd with her two little girls.

The entire cast and crew of Showtime Australia said Nelson Mandela Bay has definitely been a favourite on their tour and also described the Port Elizabeth Opera House as one of the most beautiful, historic theatres they have seen.

“The people of Nelson Mandela Bay are so fortunate to have such a beautiful Opera House, there are not many left like this in the world,” said Johnny van Grinsen, chief executive and owner of Showtime Australia.

Campbell is hoping to bring more acts of this calibre to the city in the future, she added.