A good ole dose of nostalgia
Getting into the swing of the 1930s. A scene from the play. Pic by Amila Gamage
It’s no revelation that Colombo’s theatre-goers love a good musical. In two weeks time, a mixed bag of new young faces alongside veteran musical theatre personalities hope to shake up local audiences with a very different style of musical. Geared to turn heads in more than one way is “Divorce Me Darling” a joint production between the Past Pupils Association of Bishop’s College and the Old Boys’ Association of S. Thomas’ College.
Written by Sandy Wilson in the 1960s, the play is a sequel to “The Boy Friend”; a romantic spoof based during the glitzy 1920s. Moving ahead ten years after “The Boy Friend”, Divorce Me Darling foxtrots into the 1930s; the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Director Thushara Hettihamu
Producer’s Jith Peiris and (below) Nafeesa Amiruddeen
For producers Nafeesa Amiruddeen and Jith Peiris, past pupils themselves, the play embodies the theatre tradition of their alma maters. “STC and BC are both known for their period dramas,” says Jith. Both producers have been stalwarts in their respective school theatre scenes, progressing from the school stage to becoming veterans on the local English theatre stage. For Jith, the unobtrusive onlooker, seated on the side of the noisy rehearsal room, the experience is nostalgic. He takes us back to school productions between brother and sister schools including the still talked about production of South Pacific back in 1994. The schoolboys and girls then are now established singers and actors in the local scene.
The 12 lead cast follows the lives of different couples as they wade through the murky waters of marriage after the honeymoon stage.The Directors agree that one of their reasons for selecting the play was the variety of characters. The plot follows a cross section of storylines and characters all gathered at the same Hotel.
This is also the first time that both the PPA and the OBA are teaming up for a production, says Sonali Dias, the former President of the PPA who spearheaded the project.
Music director: Dmitri Gunatilake. Pix by Andre Perera
Half of the musical’s obvious appeal is in the nostalgic score. For music director Dmitri Gunatilake the diversity of the music adds to its storytelling vibe that makes each scene distinct and different. Although they are toe-tappingly catchy, their nuanced details make the play’s songs some of the hardest to sing, making Dmitri’s job especially challenging.
Choreographing the snappy numbers is up Menik Neydorff’s alley. While her choreography includes the stylised Charleston and swing, Menik has somehow incorporated the Robot and Jazz into the play as well. The idea to go back in time to give theatre lovers something new keeps in line with the current revival of old musicals, Jith tells us. Keeping with the essence of the period is the main focal point. For adults who grew up watching Judy Garland skip down the yellow brick road or remember Gene Kelley’s iconic moment as he splashed through a downpour in “Singing in the Rain”, the play is a chance to recapture the simplicity and light heartedness of their childhood.
Choreographer Menik Neydorff
For director Thushara Hettihamu, the play is just that. With a repertoire of diverse productions under his belt, Hetti doesn’t mind occasionally stepping away from the dark, macabre dramas he relishes. Hetti remembers watching productions like South Pacific, as a schoolboy. “I have no sense of musicality,” he admits very comfortably. While the cast twirl their walking canes and practise their jazz steps, the play offers Hetti a learning experience as well, working alongside the directors who once coached him. Although it’s set in the 30’s the characters are unexpectedly modern, Nafeesa feels, especially the women, who tend to dominate their husbands. Hidden in between the smooth dance numbers and doo whops, is a subtle look at relationships. “They are all very conscious of each other,” she says.
The Past Pupils Association of Bishop’s College and the Old Boys Association of S. Thomas’ College present – ‘Divorce Me, Darling!’ by Sandy Wilson on March 18, 19 and 20 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Tickets are priced at Rs. 3000, 2000, 1500, 1000 and 750 and are available at the Bishop’s College Auditorium.