CELEB FEATURE
ANEL’ S SWEET ENCORE
BY BYRON LUKAS
If you thought Jaci’ s stilettos were gone for good, think again. This September, Semi- Soet – Die Musiek Blyspel comes to the Teatro at Montecasino, promising more music, more sparkle, and more romantic chaos than ever.
Leading the charge is actress, producer, and Mzansi favourite Anel Alexander, who steps back into the heels of the beloved Jaci for another round of comic mishaps, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud shenanigans.
For Alexander, returning to the character isn’ t just another acting gig. It’ s a reunion more than a decade in the making.
“ My late husband and I started developing Semi- Soet in 2009,” she reflects.“ Jaci was really the first character born from this whole journey.”
Back then, nobody could have predicted that the quirky romantic comedy would become one of South Africa’ s most-loved local films. Fast-forward 14 years, a Netflix sequel, and a successful musical later, and Jaci remains as popular as ever.
“ If you told me five years ago there would be both a sequel and a musical, I would’ ve laughed in your face,” Alexander jokes.“ But it happened, and getting to dust off Jaci’ s shoes again felt like putting on a comfy pair of slippers.”
Well, comfy slippers, but with far better styling. According to Alexander, Jaci’ s wardrobe remains one thing she still envies.
“ She definitely has more style than I do,” she laughs.
While the original film won over audiences with its humour and lovable characters, turning it into a musical was never guaranteed to work. In fact, Alexander admits she was one of the sceptics.
“ I honestly didn’ t know if it would work,” she says.“ What works on screen doesn’ t always work on stage.”
Luckily for everyone involved, it did.
The production became one of last year’ s surprise theatrical hits, selling out 48 performances and attracting audiences of all ages.
What surprised Alexander most wasn’ t only the success, but the emotional connection South Africans still have with the story.
“ For 14 years, people have stopped me and quoted lines from the film. But seeing it live was different. For the first time, I got to experience that joy with the audience.”
And what an audience it was.
Fans shouted iconic lines before the actors could say them. Some knew every punchline. Others arrived with entire families in tow. The atmosphere felt closer to a shared celebration than your usual night at the theatre.
“ It had a little bit of that Rocky Horror energy,” Alexander laughs.“ People knew the words and joined in. It was incredible.”
Part of the magic, she believes, is that Semi-Soet belongs to everyone.
Despite being an Afrikaans production, it has crossed language and cultural barriers in a way few
90 INBOUND SA / JULY 2026