AFTER THE inaugural present of The Nice Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation, a theatrical extravaganza that traces the story of India’s creative and cultural identification, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre rolled out a month-long run of the internationally-acclaimed Broadway musical The Sound of Music. This a number of Tony-award profitable manufacturing is a recent tackle one of many universally-loved Broadway reveals for which Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein created an iconic and hummable rating.
Set within the scenic neighbourhood of Austria’s Nonnberg Abbey in 1938, the story of the spirited postulant Maria and the von Trapp household made its Broadway debut in 1959. Maria, who turns into a governess within the dwelling of a widowed naval captain with seven youngsters, brings love and music into their lives. Within the climactic scene, the von Trapps flee Austria to flee the diktat of the Nazis. Their story was tailored on-screen in 1965 and bagged 5 Academy awards.
Speaking in regards to the musical, Nita M Ambani, founder and chairperson of the cultural centre, mentioned: “We’re delighted to current ‘The Sound of Music’ as the primary ever worldwide Broadway musical in India, on the Cultural Centre…I’ve at all times believed artwork spreads hope and happiness. The Sound of Music is a joyful and timeless traditional. I hope the individuals of Mumbai and India get pleasure from it with their households and kids.” Two distinguished members of this much-travelled manufacturing – actors Sabina Petra (who essays the function of Frau Schmidt/Elsa) and Joshua La Pressure who’s forged as Max Detweiler – shared with The Indian Specific their expertise of performing in India, through mail. Whereas La Pressure’s “pleasure is slightly excessive” over their India tour, Petra says they’re “completely enamoured with the distinctive grace” with which they’re acquired right here.
This immersive present, directed by Jack O’Brien, established a robust reference to the viewers when it opened on the cultural centre. “Taking such a well known, iconic musical to locations the place English will not be the one language, I used to be apprehensive in regards to the reception The Sound of Music would get. I questioned if the jokes would land, would there be a reference to the household dynamic of the von Trapps…I used to be shocked to seek out that audiences laughed in any respect the identical locations, obtained emotional in any respect the moments of deep feeling, and applauded simply as loudly on the curtain name,” mentioned La Pressure. He believes that the underlying emotion within the story and the emotions of its characters are common. So are the themes of affection and hope.
Touring with an enormous manufacturing, nonetheless, has its personal challenges. “For the manufacturing staff, the organisation of getting a 70-person crew to at least one international place and organising their flights, visas and lodging, getting enormous vehicles with set items shipped abroad, establishing a present in a brand new theatre with unfamiliar expertise…I can not even think about how a lot effort and precision that takes,” mentioned Petra.
Each Petra and La Pressure discovered the newly-opened Cultural Centre spectacular. “We’re consistently in awe of its dimension, the facilities, the great thing about the constructing,” mentioned Petra. Describing it “one of many grandest venues” he had carried out in, La Pressure mentioned: “Our Broadway-style manufacturing suits in completely with a spot as pretty as Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in each manner; from the luxurious theatre stalls to the high-tech stage, and particularly the extraordinary dressing rooms and inexperienced room.”
Describing the story of The Sound of Music as “layered”, Petra says: “I at all times discover that theatre is both a mirror or a catalyst: you may recognise your self within the story, or you may see what may very well be — and if the music stirs your coronary heart, it’ll spur you on to a life with extra happiness. That’s the best final result of our present: to ship everyone dwelling holding extra happiness.” The present, during which actors Jill-Christine Wiley and Trevor Martin play the protagonists, showcases riveting performances by the ensemble forged and very good rendition of its ever-popular songs. Additionally it is a robust reminder of individuals standing up for his or her rights and beliefs.
‘The Sound of Music’ reveals on the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre are on until June 4. Tickets obtainable on nmacc.com or bookmyshow.com.