The Maxime Follies 1971/2 (International Cast)

The Maxime Follies was the young ‘Jet Set Artists’ of the early 1970s and we were performing at the Ambassadors Hotel in Johannesburg in 1972. This was owned by a Greek gentleman called Johnny Gonatis.

The band had Alan Goldstein on [vocals guitar] Chico on [vocals bass], Vivian Leppens [vocals & Drums] and Vivian’s mother, Elsabie Raats on [Keyboard/piano]. She was the Musical Director of the show.

The performers were Don Stanton, [vocalist, recording artist,] Danny Joseph,[ vocalist Fiddler on the Roof] Steve Ashley [vocalist] John & Michael (dancers), Pam from England [ vocalist who sang Julie Andrews songs and Chim Chim Cheroo] Anita [from France, dancer] and Opal [dancer.]

The pictures below are from the shows and of the party at the hotel which included Marlene September [ Don Stanton’s partner] Daphne Malgas[ Follies dancer] and Jonathan Stevens [vocalist/mime]. Dancer Sylvia Cousins, who backed Steve when he performed, went on to create S.A. Spectacular in 1973 which toured Angola.

The Maxime Follies 1971/2 (International Cast). L to R The late Danny Joseph, Steve Ashley, Jonathan Stevens, Sylvia Cusens, the late Don Stanton, the late Marlene Mannique RIP, the late Elsabie Raats.

L to R Johnny Gonatis [Top ] Steve Ashley, [middle] Daphne Malgas [Bottom,] Jonathan Stevens [centre], Don Stanton [leaning] and Marlene Manique

L to R Opal, Steve Ashley, Sylvia Cousins, Anita

L to R Dee Dee Hepburn, Carol Brand, Jonathan Stevens, Sylvia Cousins & Sandra Weiner S.A. Spectacular 1973 formed by dancer Sylvia Cousins

Photo & Information Credit : Jonathan Stevens (UK)