Archnopholists beware! Caught in a web of complete and utter fascination the violin was all strung up with a house-full Chowdiah Memorial ready to witness one of the best productions in India to date.
The play directed by Arjun Sajnani, who now carries the seal of excellence with him revolves around Molina, a `gay' prisoner prodigiously played by Joshua Finkel and his immutable enchantment of an actress of the time. Aurora played by the stunning Priscilla Corner is definitely the cre'me de la cre'me.
The plot set in a prison-camp run by a ruthless warden played by Stanley Pinto, Molina is joined in his cell by Christopher Mendens playing Valentine, a key prisoner, the name of who's girlfriend could end a very big underground operation. Molina comes to know of the name and is pressured by the warden to give it up for the sake of seeing his dying mother. Torn between this and deceiving the man he now loves Molina is trapped and finally lies and abets Valentine resulting in his death. (But its "All in the movies"). Valentine views Molina as crazy but gradually becomes addicted to Molina's impersonation of Aurora's roles in different movies and finally seeing the pain he endures for his sake, his dislike turns to love and yes, he does go to bed with him. But, the brilliance with which Sajnani handled the scene discharged any disparities that might have risen.
The wonderful singing by Priscilla, Finkel (who wrote some of the songs himself) and Mendens takes the musical to new heights with some fantastic effects in lighting and a lot of impeccable dancing each scene is topped off by a melodious clip from one of Aurora's roles whose kiss of death taunts Molina through out the play. Finkel's performance has no words worthy to describe it for he was absolutely brilliant (far more, far far more!)
The play as much as it featured an all star-cast featured on all star audience that ranged from fashion connoisseur Prasad Bidappa to news brewer Bachi Karkaria and to the regular play goers of Bangalore. Stark in its essence, the play was extremely well taken in by all with the finale producing a standing ovation webbing the performers with eulogies.
Marked by a dynamic collaboration between Arjun Sajnani and Broadway's finest Joshua Finkel this marked a new strata of drama in India and after five successful shows in Bangalore the play is now on tour in India.
It is most definitely a must watch.
SHONNEL MALANI
