An evening of music and dance and some nostalgia at BLR Habba

BLR Habba 2024 spread immense excitement with its line-up and spectacular performances. A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine, a production by Arjun Sajnani, was staged at the Chowdiah Hall in Bengaluru in December as part of the productions. Sajnani first produced this show 32 years ago.

Comprising two unrelated acts, the first act was a musical homage to 1930s Hollywood, when it dominated the dreams and aspirations of young optimists. In the play, the actors of the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater come on stage, imitate their screen idols, sing and live out their aspirations.

The medley of 1930s songs was enjoyable, and musical director Maya Mascarenhas’ group of singers did justice to the songs. However, only those over the age of 95 will be familiar with them. Therefore, it probably wasn’t as meaningful to the current generation of viewers. Familiarity greatly increases a person’s enjoyment of music, as people often hum a well-known song. The fact that ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ was the most popular part of the piece confirms this. Because, even the younger generation knows the song which, like a rainbow, has been lighting up the musical sky for decades.

Without betraying the period, older unfamiliar songs could be replaced with “classics” such as ‘Summertime’, ‘Blue Moon’ and Cole Porter’s favourites, which stuck around, increasing audience enjoyment.

The songs fell into place seamlessly, helped by the vibrant visuals of the period. Technology was definitely the mainstay of this first part. One wonders how this show appeared 32 years ago, with only traditional static stage sets and without the benefit of technologically projected scenery. Clay Kelton’s well-crafted visuals recreate that era with depictions of film clips and song lyrics.

Scenes of a scaly dragon set the scene for the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and piano keyboards fluttering across the stage were particularly appropriate for the fast, catchy piano pieces.

It was a pleasure to see so much young singing talent in Bengaluru, especially Priya Mendens, who displayed excellent control and modulation in her solo, ‘The Best in the World’.

Unfortunately, as good as the music was, this segment lacked the essential spontaneity that is the essence of a Hollywood musical. Rather than a brilliantly executed dance, the choreography here was rather basic, rather self-consciously executed. But, this is understandable, as this artist was clearly chosen for his singing voice. And, it is rare to find local amateurs who excel in both singing and dancing.

The dull and baggy usherettes’ costumes were another sore point. They did not convey the grandeur of the time when Grauman’s Theater was a magnet for chic and sophisticated moviegoers.

Tribute to Marx Brothers

second act, a night in ukraineBased on the story by Chekov, was a wonderful tribute to the Marx Brothers. Despite a gap of 32 years, the original cast of actors in the Ukraine segment is still active and reprized their roles admirably.

It was a ridiculous nonsense consisting of the Marx Brothers’ famous one-liners, slapstick and vaudeville. Tuffy Taraporevala was superb as Samovar. Without attempting physical resemblance to Groucho, he nevertheless embodied the spirit of the great comedian. He can even sing! His “Tango” duet with Priya Mendens as Mrs. Pavlenko was absolutely mesmerizing. The romantic interest was provided by a young couple played by Vidya Samuel and Satvik Chenjeri, whose musical exchanges were also of high vocal standard.

Vivek Shah added his vocal voice and authoritative presence to the role of Gino, based on the “dumb” mute Harpo Marx. He enjoyed doing justice to a difficult role that did not involve any form of voice acting and instead relied on animation. His antics were welcomed with joyful screams by the children present in the audience.

Being a famous presence, Ashok Mandanna was welcomed with cheers. Unfortunately, his lack of clarity was further hampered by the accent he adopted as Carlo.

Sajnani is an experienced producer, who has been active in Bengaluru’s English theater scene and comes up with productions almost every year. It is heartening to see that the young generation of the city is being given a chance to showcase their talent. Perhaps, Bengaluru can look forward to an annual musical theater production in the future.