…in a previous post I have highlighted the original South African stage production and LP release of “King Kong, All African Jazz Opera“. Now here is an alternative version released in 1961 that surprisingly has far more production numbers and new songs than the original play and LP of 1959
Recorded in Johannesburg , South Africa by the original cast of King Kong, without Miriam Makeba, whose musical opened at the Princes Theatre, London, on 23 February 1961, after having taking South Africa by storm.
The sleeve carries this message on the back: “No theatrical venture in South Africa has had the sensational success of King Kong. This musical, capturing the life, colour and effervescence – as well as the poignancy and sadness – of township life, has come as a revelation to many South Africans that art does not recognise racial barriers.”
Décor and costumes for the King Kong musical were by Arthur Goldreich, who also designed the LP cover. Goldreich was a leading architect and visual designer living in Johannesburg, a Jewish Communist who was arrested by the Apartheid regime in one of the clampdowns in the early 60’s.
Also the orchestral arrangements and vocals have been altered, probably to suit European tastes and preferences and to add more drama and dynamics to the new stage version. The credit “Jack Hylton presents” on the cover seems to have been added simply as some assurance of quality entertainment. Later pressings of this LP have the subtitle ‘All African Opera’ without mentioning the word ‘Jazz’…
King Kong 1961 -Be smart, be wise
King Kong 1961 -Sad times, bad times
Jack Hylton presents ‘King Kong’ Decca stereo SKL 4132 UK first issued 1961
Soul Safari 
where can i download these casts , or where can i buy them thanks
not sure about downloads for sale, but you can find the original vinyl records sometimes on eBay.
hope this helps,
Eddy@Soul Safari
does anyone know who duncan aretering or duncan catering is in relation to any of this production, i have a copy of the album signed by duncan someone and dont know who it could be ..any clues would be very welcome ..thank you
if the LP was signed by any of the members of the cast or production, the name would be traceable via the names on the cast and production.
See
are you sure it is not the signature of the previous owner ?