Wait a Minim! (1962–68) was a musical revue conceived by Leon Gluckman, with original songs by Jeremy Taylor, and a collection of international folk music arranged by Andrew Tracey. Many authentic instruments were played to accompany dances and pantomimes satirizing the national characteristics and political and social eccentricities of many different countries. The only spoken words were when the cast was introduced, and in the South African scene where apartheid was ridiculed.
The revue originated in South Africa and toured Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and London before opening on Broadway in New York City.
South African debut
The show opened in Johannesburg on January 17, 1962, at the Intimate Theatre.
London production
After more than two years in Africa, the show moved to London, where it opened at the Fortune Theatre on April 9, 1964.
Devised and directed by Leon Gluckman
Musical arrangements and direction by Andrew Tracey
Costumes by Heather MacDonald-Rouse
Choreography by Frank Staff and Kendrew Lascelles
Lighting and design supervised by Klaus Holm
Cast in London
Andrew Tracey
Paul Tracey
Jeremy Taylor
Kendrew Lascelles
Michel Martel
Zelide Jeppe
Jeannette James
Dana Valery
Broadway production
After more than two years in London, the show moved to Broadway, where it opened at the John Golden Theatre on 7 March 1966, and ran for 456 performances until 15 April 1967. The U.S. cast included Sarah Atkinson, Kendrew Lascelles, Michel Martel, April Olrich, Nigel Pegram, Andrew Tracey, Paul Tracey, and Dana Valery. It was directed by Leon Gluckman and choreographed by Frank Staff and Kendrew Lascelles. Scenic design was by Gluckman and Frank Rembach, costume design by Heather Macdonald-Rouse, and lighting design by Rembach and Gluckman. Guitar, drums and other instruments were played by Andrew Tracey, Paul Tracey and Nigel Pegram, and trumpet by Kendrew Lascelles. Other members of the cast played percussion instruments. Olrich and Pegram were married for 46 years after meeting in this production.
Songs on cast recordings
London recording
This is the Land (1) (Ndinosara Nani? - Hoe Ry Die Boere - Chuzi Mama Gwabi Gwabi - Asubuhi Sana - Jikel' Emaweni) Foyo The Crow Lalirette Last Summer Hammer Song Black-White Calypso Opening Knight Table Bay Ag Pleez Deddy This is the Land (2) North of the 'Popo'
Broadway recording
Amasalela
Ndinosara Nani? Jikele Maweni Black-White Calypso I Know Where I'm Going I Gave My Love a Cherry Chuzi Mama Gwabi Gwabi Foyo London Talking Blues Ayama The Gumboot Dance Hammer Song Table Bay A Piece of Ground Dirty Old Town Sir Oswald Sodde Johnny Solier Skalo-Zwi Amasalela