When It’s Spring Again – a long awaited concert directed and produced by the extremely well known theatre personality Jith Pieris, will showcase a group of artistes who will bring to the stage some amazing performances.
The evening will start off with a 12 minute piano recital by the wizard on piano, Eshantha Peiris. This is certain to set the tone for the rest of the acts to follow. “I will be playing a few pieces by George Gershwin and a Latin American piece for two pianos by William Bolcom titled “Recuerdos,” this man of few words, said. The recital will also consist of a duet with his brother Johann.
“I am hoping to sing two numbers for the evening,” said Peshali Yapa, “And they will be more or less light stuff from musicals,” she said. “I think the show will be very interesting because of the variety of artistes and their different styles.”
Another interesting and lively touch to the evening will be brought on by The Meneka Singers. “They will be singing a couple of Disney number in the form of a medley,” Meneka de Fonseka Sahabandu said, “And three of the girls will also be performing an item. The practices are coming along well, the kids are enjoying it very much and are looking forward to getting on stage,” she say, adding that it’s always a wonderful opportunity for the children to get on stage and perform.
“I’m thrilled to be doing a show after taking a long break,” said the veteran himself. And added, “I am keen to show off the new people whom I am hoping the audience will be fascinated with.” The programme will consist of songs and dances both old and new, while the kids will create a lively, party type atmosphere.
The dance troupe Les Trois, will be performing few Rock n Roll and Jive numbers, said member Tarja de Silva “We will be fusing these and giving it a small tweak and a new twist to it,” she says. She is also part of the dance troupe The Steppers, who were formed recently and they will be performing a jazz infused dance routine for the song “What a Feeling” from the hit 80’s movie, Flashdance. The Steppers includes Baratha, Tharini, Kalpa, Supun, Kushan along with the three that form Les Trois – Rukshika, Natasha and Tarja herself. “From what I know, the show will definitely be a good one to watch,” Tarja added.
Shanelle Fernando – yet another artiste for the night – will be performing a medley of ABBA numbers, “I feel these will appeal to the audience, and they will give an upbeat and retro feel to the already variety-filled evening! Jith’s shows have always been something to look forward to, and I am sure he will do a brilliant job on this too,” she said.
Toni Fernandez’s dancers too, will be another dance act for the evening. “We will be doing two items which will consist of the Viennese Waltz as well as a Rumba formation,” he said, adding that the Waltz will be to the “Blue Danube.” “With not many shows being organised these days, it’s great that Jith is coming back after a long break and doing this,” he said.
When It’s Spring Again, with the variety that Jith has brought together, will definitely be worth noting down in your diary! The show will go on the boards at The Lionel Wendt Theatre on Friday March 20, 2009, at 7.30pm. Tickets for the show are currently available at the Yamaha Centre, 296, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 and will be available later on at The Wendt.
The media sponsors for When It’s Spring Again are The Daily Mirror, Hi Magazine and The Sunday Times.
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