Dozens of viewers will root for Craig Urbani as dedicated journalist Jeremy Domestics recognized, but in fact this actor’s roots lie in musical theatre, and one of these days he will go as capt. Von Trapp to be seen on the stage.
The Sound of Music will play at the Artscape Theater in Cape Town in December this year, and will be seen at the Monte Casino’s Teatro in Johannesburg in January 2024.
This is not the first time that Craig has been chosen to fill these legendary theater shoes. He also played the role of Von Trapp in 2016 The Sound of Music interpret. However, the musical was only shown in KwaZulu-Natal at the time.
“It’s a wonderful role and story. It is a privilege for me that I can play this character in this phase of my life,” Craig told RNews.
“It was really fun before, but I think I’m going to enjoy it even more this time.”
Steven Stead, who in 2016 directed The Sound of Music managed, will once again be the director of this joyous play. He is also the one who approached Craig to take up the reins as the beloved character again.
He looks forward to testing the limits of the character, and believes that there are many more layers beneath the stern exterior of Von Trapp.
Over the decades, Craig has graced numerous world stages in various productions.
In 1994, shortly after completing his degree in drama and journalism at Rhodes University, he was in the South African version of The Buddy Holly Story to see. Little did he know that a British director was sitting in one of the audiences of the show.
He was snapped up by the very same director soon after and for the next 11 years of his life and career, Craig worked in London.
He was in productions like Grease, Fame, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chicago, Contact, Kiss me Kate, Morecambe, West Side Story, Rock of Ages and the Rocky Horror Picture Show to see.
During his time in England, he was also part of two Royal Variety-performances, during which he met the British royal family.
He looks back on this period in his life with fond memories, although today he is at home in the phase in which he finds himself.
Craig has been part of the Afrikaans soap for almost a year now, Domestics. He is grateful that viewers accepted “the Englishman”, as he refers to himself, so easily. Although he does not always speak Afrikaans with ease, he enjoys it when the writers challenge him with a few Afrikaans words and sentences here and there.
It is also of course on the set of Domestics where he met his fiancée, Cindy Swanepoel. He likes to talk about his love life. His infatuation is bubbling over as he talks about Cindy and the role she plays in his life.
These two were initially just good friends, and often spent time together between scenes.
“We laughed so much. She helped and assisted me so well in those first few scenes.”
After completing his first storyline in the soap, he made an Instagram post to thank her for her hospitality and kindness. Today, that very Instagram post still graces his social media, although he says that neither he nor Cindy actually like the photo.
“But it is a very beautiful memory that we cherish.”
On his return to the soap, it was Hykie Berg who encouraged him to ask Cindy out.
“I just replied that I didn’t think of her that way, that she was just a good friend, but then I looked for her… she was outside chatting and laughing with other actors. Then it really hit me.”
Craig says that after that he became quite shy around Cindy, and that in the end she suggested that they go out together.
During that first date, Craig told her: “I’m going to marry you one day.”
Eight months later, he popped the big question, and the couple aim to tie the knot next April.
Craig’s teenage daughter, he says, is crazy about Cindy. He almost can’t believe that his life is so wonderful.
“While we visit possible wedding venues, we often look at each other and realize with surprise that we are actually going to marry each other.”
- Book your tickets for The Sound of Music here.
