a poster of A Day in Hollywood/A Night in Ukraine
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Arjun Sajnani is bringing back the charm and chaos of the Golden Age of Hollywood A Day in Hollywood/A Night in UkraineA famous two-act musical that has earned the appreciation of many audiences since its debut in 1979. With a touch of nostalgia and a heavy dose of Marx Brothers’ wisdom, the presentation will be held on December 11 at Chaudia Memorial Hall. And 12.
The play’s first act is a musical tribute to the Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s, featuring the iconic swing jazz tunes and ballads that defined the era. Its second half turns into a fiery Marx Brothers-inspired farce, mixing slapstick humor, wit and satire in a way that remains timeless. “Comedy is timeless,” says Arjun, “This generation has not experienced the fun of this show.”
However, this iteration is not just a revival but a reinvention. The Hollywood portion has been completely recast for the Marx Brothers segment, while retaining some of the original cast from Arjun’s previous production (about 30 years ago). The director credits advances in technology for breathing new life into the spectacle. “The music is amazing – classic Hollywood, 1940s swing jazz, romance, all that. With modern technology, I thought I could make it come alive for this audience too,” he says.
He says the production is also a celebration of young theater talent in Bengaluru, with a new generation of actors, singers and dancers taking center stage. “These are kids who have grown up in Bengaluru and are headed for big careers if they pursue the music world.”
The relevance of retro themes to contemporary audiences is not lost on the director. “Comedy is comedy,” says Arjun, “The script is very good – there is nothing old, stale or unoriginal in it.” You can laugh at it today the same way you did 30, 40 or 50 years ago.” The play’s universal appeal lies not only in its humor but also in its music, which Arjun believes resonates across generations. He sees the production as a lesson in comedy and performance, mixing wit and slapstick in ways that remain relevant.
The staging, costumes and choreography have been carefully designed to reflect the glamor of the Golden Age of Hollywood. “The pianist and my musical team are incredible. Maya Mascarenhas, my music director, and Lourdes Vijay, who handled the choreography, are amazing. The confidence I get from having such talented people handling different departments is something I hope I will never have to do without.”
Despite the extensive planning and effort required for music, Arjun finds joy in collaboration. “Music is completely a collaborative effort,” he says, “in this case, Maya and I saw each other from the beginning. I think it’s just a matter of trust.
For Arjun, the most rewarding aspect of the production lies ahead – the audience reactions. “This is my reward,” he says. “When it’s time for the credits, I want them to get it all [the cast and crew] Because they work very hard. It’s his voice and concentration that make the production what it is.”
A part of the month-long BLR Hubba Utsav, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in Ukraine It will be staged at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleshwaram on 11th and 12th December. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.
published – December 10, 2024 at 10:30 am IST
