Summer lovin’ comes early this year

PANAJI: In 2011, a group of youngsters got together to celebrate the life of Richie Valens through a unique theatrical spectacle. The musical extravaganza that was staged on a three-dimensional stage created a flurry among theatre lovers and had them wanting more. Bikes and babes shared centre stage, dancers and a choral ensemble made up the wings and the climax of the plot even had a ‘plane crash’ – all happening live at Don Boscos, Panaji.Known for their creative production levels, the makers of ‘La Bamba’ are back, bringing to life another 20th century classic - Grease.
Grease was first staged in the 1950s, but the movie in 1978, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, popularized the story of Danny Zuco and Sandy Olsen. “People will relate to the tunes of the movie and get nostalgic at the familiar medleys, but many of us don’t know that Grease was originally a musical and we decided to adopt that original script. The two-and-a-half hour romantic-comedy will feature song, dance and some powerful story-telling of peer-pressure in college life. Youngsters are continuously forced to change themselves to ‘fit into’ a particular group and this theme, though written in mid-twentieth century, is still relevant,” says Ann Baretto Sousa, a retired teacher, who is co-directing the play with Renee Pinto.
“Besides the two love birds, a dozen other characters play their part in building the suspense of the story. Betty Rizo, who is not too fond of Sandy as she believes the girl is taking her buddy Danny away from her. She tries her best to distract Danny with her charm and gregarious personality,” says Pinto, giving a summary of the storyline. The musical will feature 21 songs (including ‘It’s raining on prom night’, ‘Summer nights’, ‘ We go together’ and ‘Greased lightning) sung live by various members of the cast, who will also get groovy to dance sequences choreographed by Josinho Fernandes and Firdous Rahim.
Pinto says the group has been working hard since December to get their act together and the assorted group of youngsters, many of whom have just begun with their first jobs, have shown a lot of commitment and interest making time for rehearsals. Sousa too commended the perseverance and enthusiasm of her young cast, who she believes made it easier for her with their disciplined effort during practices.
“There is so much talent in Goa but we need to tap it. We need more exposure and opportunities so that those interested in theatre can spend their time more creatively instead of letting it go to waste. We have the ideas, but we need support. Maybe there is a need to form an organization that can bring together theatre groups. This will give stability and help build awareness and create a culture of English theatre in Goa, which is as skilled as the vernacular theatre, but comparatively dormant,” says Sousa, who promises fun-packed entertainment in her first mainstream play as director.
Produced by Fr Ralin De Souza, sdb, for Don Boscos Oratory, Panaji, Grease will be staged at the Don Bosco school campus on March 14 and 15, at 7pm.