Turn On The Arclights...

As celebs and rugby players revive the rugger review, the traditional musical spectacle at Bombay Gym
''One two three four, wave two three four!'' The energy is infectious at the rehearsal of the rugger review, at the Bombay Gymkhana, as boys with flags (rugger rookies, all) attempt dance movements. And the fuss is because, after 12 years, the powers-that-be are reviving tradition, bringing the song ''n'' dance affair back and enthusiastic members of the gym are giving it their all.
Scheduled for December 17 and 18, the two hour performance, in the true tradition of team spirit, will bring together not just aficionados of the game, but all those who wish to celebrate the sport."The spectacle has been revived to encourage community spirit all around. Of course, that''s besides promoting the sport!" informs Salim Tyebjee, Honorary Secretary of the gym''s rugby section. "There will be a dance, rugby songs, skits — basically two hours of entertainment and laughter."
In an effort to give the spectacle that distinguishing edge, established names have been pulled in by the organisers. Producing and directing the spectacle is theatre veteran Hosi Vasunia, who had also helped put together a similar production 12 years ago.
"In the old days, the rugger review used to be a celebration by the rugby boys after tournaments ended," reminisces Vasunia. "It used to have bawdy jokes, antics..." And then the tradition evolved to an annual event.
Scripting the resurrected spectacle is adman Kunal Vijaykar. And to add further glamour to the venture, performing along with the amateurs, are some well known names from the city. Actor Rahul Bose, VJ Cyrus Broacha, St Xavier''s college professor Nandini Sardesai, theatre man Farid Currim et al.
Notwithstanding the regular theatre frat, Ms Sardesai will be displaying her acting skills, playing Chairperson of the Balloting committee who interviews Laloo Prasad Yadav, played by Broacha! "I try to stick to the script, but Cyrus keeps improvising at rehearsals," Sardesai mock- complains. Sharing an interesting legend, Tyebjee says, "When it used to be an annual event, way back in the ''70''s, the rehearsals used to stretch out for a month. In fact, some couples actually met during that time, and eventually got married !"
Rugger history apart, there is a palpable anticipation in the air. "I''m nervous," says Pramod Khanna, President, Indian Rugby and Football Union, who will be compering the event. "But I''m looking forward to it. The earlier ones ran to packed houses with people actually waiting outside. To revive it has been a dream come true!"
gauri.sinh@timesgroup.com