The Unstoppable Noni Mkhonto: A Tale of Theatre, Laughter, and Love!

Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary artistry of Nonhlanhla ‘Noni’ Mkhonto, a theatrical phenomenon whose enchanting presence has taken the stage by storm. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of her live performances, you’re in for a treat that promises to leave you spellbound. Noni’s boundless energy, charisma, and natural talent have solidified her status as a true luminary in the theatre world.

From her unforgettable portrayals in beloved classics like “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Pinocchio” to her show-stopping turns in Aspoestertjie, Snow White, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Sister Act, to some of her most recent work in Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR and Little Mermaid JR.

Noni’s diverse and expansive repertoire demonstrates her remarkable versatility as a performer. Immerse yourself in the world of Nonhlanhla ‘Noni’ Mkhonto, where theatrical dreams come alive and every moment on stage is a dazzling spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Excitingly, Noni was also nominated for Best Performance in a Production for Young Audiences at the prestigious Naledi Theatre Awards. This nomination is for her portrayal of Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr – People’s Theatre at The Joburg Theatre.

To celebrate her nomination and share her journey with you, I had the absolute honour of interviewing Noni. Read on to discover her love for musical theatre and secret talents that’ll make you fall head over heels for her even more!

Noni, tell us how you first fell head over heels in love with musical theatre. Was it a specific show, or did the magic find you through some other enchanting experience?

“I don’t remember the exact age but I was a little girl and fell in love with the sound of music ask the song Do-Re-Me, then in my teens, my dad took me to the theatre to watch Chicago, and then I watched the Lion King and one day my dad came home with an African Footprint DVD. Seeing those musicals is when I knew. And fell head over heels for musical theatre.”

You’ve recently been making audiences go wild in Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR as well as Little Mermaid JR. Can you share a hilarious backstage story or a memorable onstage mishap that had everyone in stitches?

“So far during the run of Madagascar, things have been smooth “ touch wood “ … I do remember while I was doing Sister Act I wore this one disco halter neck body suit and it would just never behave, always popping from the press studs at the most fun part of the dance and I would always have to mince off stage to fix myself. Imagine this one tiny dancing queen with a big Afro just wandering off while the others look fabulous lol. It always got the crew and the dressers because they would see it all.”

Let’s take a trip down memory lane! What was your very first performance like, and how does it compare to your current level of theatre awesomeness?

“I was discovered in high school. I went to Northcliff High school and our major productions were on a very professional level. My first professional musical job was at The Peoples Theatre in 2007 (I had just matriculated from high school), Jill Girard and Keith Smith cast me for Alice in wonderland in which I played Alice. When I look back my performance was small with this tiny voice and I knew I had so much to learn, though Jill Girard would always remind me that I have such a natural gift that’s untouched and that I should always grow and learn. So I learnt as I was working in the industry, the industry was my varsity and still is because we never stop learning and growing. When I look at my performances now I’ve grown tones and I’m more sure of myself as an artist/ performer, my voice is not the same as before, and how I interpret characters is not the same as before. I guess maturity always plays a big part in understanding who you are as an individual and what life experiences you can take to use to build your character.”

If you could create your own dream theatre character, what would they be like? What kind of a show would it be?

“Ooh I would love to play a meaty character, something deep and nasty and a bit broken but has a beautiful ending with a silver lining. It would be along the lines of The Colour Purple/ Four Coloured Girls. I’d really like to slow down on stage. Lol I’m always cast for fun sassy quick energetic roles. I’d like to have my feet earthed and bit and feel and make audiences feel deep emotional things.”

You’ve got the magic touch when it comes to bringing characters to life on stage. Can you share some of your top-secret tips and tricks for getting into character and really making them sparkle?

“Now if I told you my severer you know what they say lol, lol I’m kidding. I guess it’s about understanding the script and the relationship your character has with other characters who is she or he in the story. Then how do you see her or him, what’s the relationship between you and your character, what part of your life matches her or him, what emotions do you feel for her or him, and what does your character remind you of in life? How do you relate to the character? I’m saying you need to bring yourself into building your character because that’s the only person you know is you but which part of you relates to the character.”

Noni, we know you’re a multi-talented queen. What other hidden talents or hobbies do you have that might surprise your adoring fans?

“I love driving, I’m such a good driver. Driving is my hobby.”

If you could teleport yourself to any musical theatre production in history for just one night, which show would you choose, and why? Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.

“The lion king, I would love to play Nala and the music is just to darn stunning and timeless! / or Dream Girls, I missed it when it came to the country, I regret turning at the door and not going in to audition. I lacked confidence at the period in my career.”

You’ve conquered the stage, but what about the screen? Are there any TV shows or movies you’d love to sprinkle your musical theatre magic on?

“Definitely would love to be on screen and build on that craft because is so much more different from being on stage, on screen you’re required to be small and internalise a lot. I’m not sure what movie or tv show. For now though I know theatre is my first love and I still have so much more to give and do, my heart is on stage I love love performances still, but I have not really as yet thought of crossing over.”

It’s time for a fun, rapid-fire round! Describe each of these in just one word:

1: Auditions: ‘Nerves’

2: Rehearsals: ‘Education’

3: Opening night: ‘Emotional’

4: Stage makeup: ‘Transformation’

5: Curtain call: ‘Satisfaction’

If you could have a fantastical dinner party with any three theatre legends, who would you invite, and what would you serve?

“Let’s keep it proudly South African, Kate Normington, Desmond Dube and Ilse Klink. An array of seafood and wine and crème brûlée for dessert, yum!!!!”

You’ve dazzled us with your musical theatre skills, but what’s next for the unstoppable Noni? Are there any upcoming projects or secret dreams you’re itching to share with the world?

“Oooh, I’m tapping into voiceovers now and voice dubbing and recording here and there. There are some secret missions I’m working on that I would like to have flourished when I turn 40 is not so far from now lol eeeeek lol … the secret dreams I cannot mention at the moment. But I’m enjoying my new journey in doing voice things.”

A massive shout-out to Noni for doing this interview with me, and taking the time out of her busy schedule. Your openness, warmth and enthusiasm is such a delight! You are not only an incredibly talented performer, but also a role model to countless people who look up to you. have no doubt that you will continue to shine bright and captivate audiences everywhere you go. Keep doing what you love, Noni, and never lose that magical spark that makes you so special. Wishing you endless success, happiness, and an even brighter future ahead.

Make sure to Follow her Journey on:

Instagram | Facebook | Contractors Artists

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