Artists in rehearsal photo Credit:
Every year from July to September, Michael Muthu imagines himself as the Grinch. That’s when the quest for the annual Mello Circle Christmas play begins. He goes through various scripts and never comes out of Grinch mode until he finds the right one. “We’re running out of good plays; there aren’t enough Christmas plays available in the world,” he says, a hint of concern in his tone. This year, he got a drama online. He added, “We had to rework it. It required a lot of editing and rewriting and now we have a play ready.”
its title is Trials, Tribulations and Christmas DecorationsThe two-hour production revolves around John being visited by his daughter Kimberly and her husband, Kimberly wants her father to get into the holiday mood and invites the guys over to John’s house to celebrate the holiday season, When a blizzard arrives, they are all snowed in at once, leading to heartwarming and humorous exchanges,
John, have the perfect smile. But he was not always like this. He used to be a fan of the festive season – his home was ablaze with lights, decorations, and decorated trees, and his doors were always open to friends and strangers. Circumstances changed him. The drama will reveal why this happened, and whether he will become the John of old.
Michael, who directed the play, says, “It’s a good story with a bit of comedy and emotion in it. It also talks about how people have trials and tribulations and how it’s resolved by the love of companions.” The nine-member cast includes Yohan Chacko, Tehzeeb Katari, Roshan Poncha, Anushka Maria, Rohan Philip, Katya Filbert, Larissa Filbert, Arya Saravanan and Sera Jachin.
No Mello Circle play is complete without a choir. The 40-voice choir, directed by Roshni Sharon, will perform around five beautiful songs from the season. This is Mello Circle’s 26th Christmas production, at least 21 of which Michael has directed, he says. This year marks a special milestone for Melo Circle as it launches its new initiative – Pratishtha Home for Destitute Women, a project dedicated to providing shelter, care and dignity to abandoned and vulnerable women in the community. The proceeds from the music will be used to support the operation of this home.
The shows will be held on 28, 29 and 30 November at 6.30 pm at the Museum Theatre, Egmore. Donor passes are available through Premier Tickets, with denominations of ₹400, ₹750 and ₹1,500 for Friday, and ₹500, ₹1,000 and ₹2,500 for Saturday and Sunday. For information contact on WhatsApp 9841074841.
published – November 19, 2025 03:44 PM IST