Aug 02 2012.
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Art is a sense of magic and all that is good art really is magic. The performing arts division of the International Institute of Mystical Rose is out to make that memorable connection aligning the two as they take on their annual production, this time with Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”.
The cast of fifty four comprising an age range as diverse as their credentials and back stories, seem perfectly suited for their roles, composed of fresh talent alongside well established thespians who each contribute in their own unique way to the overall texture of what is guaranteed to be an awe inspiring theatrical phenomena.
Indu Dharmasena leads both the production and its cast, taking on the responsibilities of direction as well as the lead role. His vast experience in the field is a blatantly obvious guiding force for the entire cast. Indu’s casual yet confident direction is one half of the efficient direction process completed by Soundarie David of “Soul Sounds” fame, leading the choral direction and accompaniment.
“The greatest challenge is in preparing the cast for the vocals” Soundarie was quoted saying in reference to the cast who had little or no background in music even though most were accomplished actors. Exceptions were members of Soul Sounds; the crème of the local musical crop, and a very talented Thisuri Ranatunga who plays Madame La Grande Bouche.
Thisuri an award winner from last year’s British Festivals in the solo category is just 15 years old but has the temperament and vocal range of a much older singer. Also possessing formal music training under his belt is Gehan Cooray, who plays Gaston the lead antagonist. His vocal prowess is obvious whenever he belts out a rather lengthy vibrato with little margin for error, a true treat in store for the audience.
Two lead spots, that of Lumiere and the French maid turned duster, are played by two aspiring thespians in the form of Shane Jesudason and Annmarie De Silva. The 18 year olds who are taking to the theatre under the guidance of Soundarie and Indu couldn’t have found a better platform for their careers nor better teachers. Both youngsters are committed to their roles and do an excellent job in finding their place among the other more experienced leads.
Annmarie and Shane aren’t the only fresh talent fostered by the production; the performing arts division of the Mystical Rose is a proud contributor to the majority of the cast in the form of their students who will gain much needed exposure and a prestigious launching pad through the Beauty and the Beast.
Indu also revealed plans of conducting continuous theatre workshops at the Mystical Rose, which in time will lead to more productions. Asha Illeperuma, the head of the Institute is an avid supporter of theatre and is confident in the production and its crew, her support with regard to the performing arts division is held in high regard by Indu and his cast.
Rehearsals for the Beauty and the Beast have been underway since June and the hardworking cast is relentless in their pursuit of attaining perfection. The timeless musical is fully licensed and follows the exact story of the Disney original complete with original script and music.
The lengthy production places a rather heavy strain on the actors and crew, as made evident by the engrossing rehearsals which leave all who are involved breathless. The challenge however is embraced with passion. Sanwada Dharmasena, Indu’s wife plays Belle the role of the beauty, a fitting portrayal of her energetic personality. Sanwada also leads the rehearsals lending a supportive hand to the cast in perfecting the choreography given her background as a dancer.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” as told by Indu and the Mystical Rose cast takes to stage on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August at the Lionel Wendt. Tickets priced Rs.2000/-, Rs.1500/-, Rs.1000/-, Rs.800/- and Rs.500/-(unreserved balcony seats) will be available at the Wendt from the 6th of August.
By Dilshan Senaratne
Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana
0 Comments
Troy M says:
Aug 03, 2012 at 05:55 amGaston is played by GEHAN Cooray, not Dehan Cooray, but other than that, this article was a treat to behold.