Jehan Aloysius and his dynamic theatre troupe, CentreStage Productions launched their most ambitious project – the spectacular production of ‘Rag – The Musical’ on Sunday 11 March at their rehearsal venue, ‘CentreStage Space’.  The event was attended by the entire cast and production team.

 

The production team

 

The cast of 'Rag'

 

Highlights of the event included a mini performance of some of the solos and duets from the musical, as well as the cutting of the ‘Rag’ cake by the production team led by Jehan Aloysius and his long time creative partner, Avanti Perera. Eshantha Peiris was introduced as the choral director, who will also be writing some new arrangements for the production. The music tracks for the musical are performed by Avanti Perera, who also handled the orchestrations.  The production is written and composed by Jehan Aloysius, who also revealed that he will be returning to musical theatre with this production, playing the role of Joseph.

 

 

Other key singing roles are played by classical soprano Kumudini David, TNL Onstage winner Dilini Perera, Damien Fernando, Anushiya Bastianpillai, Amandhi Caldera, Shenal Perera and Trevis de Silva. Dulika Jayamanne, Stephen Anoj, Keshiya Leitch and Dinara Punchihewa play lead acting roles.

 

Jehan explained that the cast includes singers, actors, dancers and acrobats who will all be initially given training workshops in all aspects of musical theatre – from singing and dancing to creativity and character analysis.  They will also be given training in stage-fighting and learn choreography. The cast is quite excited about the new skills they hope to develop and are looking forward to the workshops.     

 

Jehan states, “When we previewed the show in 2004 & 2005 it received standing ovations and rave reviews. It was also possibly Sri Lanka’s first home-grown musical to take the stage. It is now time to finally go ahead with the full production that many have been waiting for. I am thankful to the production team, the brilliant actors and the support or Cargills and One Trust Sri Lanka for making this possible.”  

 

‘Rag’ is a dramatic musical that deals with the topical issue of ragging sensitively and intelligently. The musical, which is filled with memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics, presents a positive message of non-violence and unity which is relevant to students in all educational institutions. ‘Rag’ will take the stage at the end of October at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The performance which is supported by Cargills and One Trust Sri Lanka, will be a fund-raiser for theatre-based humanitarian work conducted through the troupe’s StageHands Project.