Performances of Daniel the Musical, a South African production which just premiered in Jerusalem last week, were postponed after the lead actor was rushed to the hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Organizers suspended all shows after Andile Gumbi, 36, fell suddenly ill on Tuesday and suffered a cardiac arrest. According to a press release posted by the organizers, “the medical personnel at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre managed to successfully resuscitate him.”
“His present condition is critical. Medical professionals are trying to determine the cause of his condition. We further ask that people pray for his speedy and full recovery.”
After cancelling the initial shows due to Gumbi’s hospitalization, organizers rescheduled additional shows for next week, according to producer Joe Niemand’s Facebook page.
“We, the cast and production team of DTM, have decided to keep going to see the vision, of blessing Israel in friendship, through to the end and also now to honor our beloved Andile who is still in ICU in critical condition. Our director will step in for Andile, as King Nebu.”
The new shows will take place Oct. 19-22.
Daniel The Musical premiered on Oct. 10 at the Jerusalem Theater. “The amazing story of Daniel as an African adventure” is comprised of a cast of 30 performers from South Africa.
Niemand, who is a Christian, said the musical was written to show solidarity with, and love towards, Israel and the Jewish people.
Here is the press release as posted on the Daniel the Musical’s Facebook page:
PRESS RELEASE: DANIEL THE MUSICAL 16 10 2019 – ALL SHOWS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
The South African actor and cast member of Daniel The Musical, Andile Gumbi (36), currently playing at the Jerusalem Theatre in Jerusalem, fell ill suddenly on Tuesday and was taken to hospital.
In the early morning he deteriorated and suffered a cardiac arrest, but the medical personnel at Shaare Zedek Medical Centre managed to successfully resuscitate him. His present condition is critical.
It is comforting to know that Andile is receiving the best medical care in the world as he is fighting for his life and the medical professionals are trying to determine the cause of his condition. We further ask that people pray for his speedy and full recovery.
All performances of Daniel The Musical have been suspended until further notice.
Our main priority now is to get Andile’s wife to him from South Africa and to ensure that we support him to the best of our ability.
Thank you to all those who have supported us with prayers, words of encouragement. We came here to be a blessing to Israel and now find ourselves being blessed by Israel.
We want to thank the Deputy Director General of the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Dr Ofer Merin and his dedicated staff for the great care they are giving Andile. We are deeply indebted to you.
All media enquiries can be directed to Michelle Harding at +27727284908
All ticketing enquiries can be directed to the relevant outlets. We will keep everyone updated on the way forward.
