Rosemary Magid, who recently turned 100 and lives in Cape Town, is a granddaughter of Jack Stodel. Growing up with the theatre and the stories about it left an indelible mark on her. Recalling her grandparents with fondness, she has numerous memories of good times. “Grandpa was Choirmaster of the Gardens Shul choir,” she recalls. “He used to hand out free tickets to the latest show at the Tivoli Theatre to the choirboys so they would attend the choir practices!”
Other memories of the numerous international showbiz people who visited Cape Town abound. “Gracie Fields came here to perform, and she went up Table Mountain in the cable car. Everyone who came out to see her ascent sang, ‘Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye’!”
Rosemary also recalls the charitable nature of the family. Having learned from the earlier generation, this focus on charity has continued. For instance, the Golden Tivoli Follies – originally established by Rosemary’s aunt, Nita Marcus (who was one of Harry’s daughters) – played at the Barbizon Plaza Hotel for a full week in the 1960s to raise funds for a deserving charity. In addition, for 42 years, the Tivoli Group provided an annual show to entertain 1 000 seniors and the underprivileged – an event synonymous with the Temple Israel, where these concerts were held.
The Golden Follies subsequently became the Tivoli Follies, and the group put on numerous free concerts for Capetonians from all sectors of society. The Follies continued with their shows over many decades, bringing in the next generations of Stodels, such as June Magid Hayman and her three children, Warren Weinburg, Donna Kesler and Daniella Levin, and Rosemary’s great-grandson, Jonathan Kesler.
This is an incredible story of a family so integral to bringing entertainment to our city.
Read more: The audience is waiting: let the show begin!
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