CHENNAI: The mere mention of words like genie, lamp, the Arabian nights or Iago brings in flashes of the story, Aladdin, doesn’t it? You may have read the book and watched the Disney film, now it’s time for a musical play, right here in the city. Studio 360 and Record Productions brings to you Aladdin – A Musical Journey on September 4.
Though the play was performed a couple of years back, you are bound to find new surprises to tickle your bones. From a new Jafar who spent his time dedicated to attempting ventriloquism, a new carpet with her new moves to a whole lot of Pokemon Go and Trump jokes thrown into the 90-minute script. They haven’t left you any room for disappointment.
City Express popped in an early visit to one of their rehearsal nights, chatting up with the actors who were working on their jazz moves and breaking into song too. Theatre is their passion and though they have their day jobs or college to attend, they make sure to rehearse at least five times a week, perfecting their characters, their moves and hitting the right pitch in every song.
Mark your calendar and be part of the Arabian Night at Sir Mutha Concert Hall on September 4. Tickets are available at bookmyshow and eventjini. For details, call 9884664333
Vaishwath Shankar aka Aladdin
As a kid, while watching Aladdin and Jasmine on screen, I thought to myself that I would want to do that someday and here I am, doing just that. I’ve been into theatre since school days; my first role was a devil. I am 25 and I take care of my family business but theatre is my passion. Two years ago, when I was offered the role, I took it up at once. I still remember all my lines! One challenging scene is a dance move, where Carpet slides under me and I pull her up. Being a lanky person, I had to practice hard to figure out the right technique. I am more an actor than a singer or a dancer. So, for a song with a half note shift in the first verse, took me a while to get it right. Rehearsals are fun and it’s great to be back!
Yohan Chakko aka Jafar
My daughter has been helping me with lines as she ends up learning all the dialogues of each play I act in and for Aladdin. YouTube has been another guide. I have been learning the art of ventriloquism. Having Iago (as a puppet), playing his role along with mine has been quite an experience! Speaking without ‘moving your lips’ is a tad difficult. I’ve played Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, Fagin from Oliver, Anaias from Jesus Christ Superstar….I guess I’ve played billions all the way. Playing Jafar is no different than any evil character but it’s great to be a villain with magical powers (grins). I like the challenge that I have to work really hard for the audience to detest me. If not on stage, I am a dentist. I teach at Asan Memorial Dental College. Watch out for my monologue with Iago about pigeons being evil.
Sangita Santosham aka Jasmine
Jasmine is unlike any other Disney princess. She is confident, and feisty. She is the only one who says ‘No! I am going to wait until I find the right man’, and she doesn’t immediately fall in love. All in all, she has a great personality and I am so much like her. She was raised in a protected environment, so was I and I wait to get what I want. I love playing her character and since I studied psychology, I am able to apply that too. I got into theatre because my classical dance teacher told me I had a knack for musicals. Aladdin has been a great platform for me. My costume is beautiful but I guess my mother was a little concerned by the amount of skin it reveals around my waist (laughs)
Nora Alexy aka Carpet
I am the third carpet and let me tell you it’s been quite a challenge. I have no dialogues, so I have to express everything through gestures and facial expressions. Plus, wearing a carpet-like costume only complicates things. The character requires a lot of flexibility and I would do the same warm up moves that the main dancers do. Having said all this, the experience has been amazing and the cast has been very supportive. I am 17 and this is my second show on the big stage. I am more excited than nervous!
Sandeep John aka Genie
Who wouldn’t anyone want to be the Genie? He is the most fun character one could ask for. I need not abide by theatre rules. Whatever I do will be accepted by my audience as long as I keep them entertained. Last production, a kid came to me and asked for my autograph. Happily, I signed ‘Sandeep John’ and gave it back. The kid walked back and told me ‘Not this, Genie!’ So I had to strike Sandeep and sign as Genie. That’s the charm Genie holds. My only source was a video clip because I refused to watch the film. Why? It’s Robin Williams! I can’t imagine competing with him. Apart from being a sales guy, singer and an RJ, I’ve been into theatre for the last eight years. I love live performances and Aladdin is a lot of fun. Watch out for the last scene between Aladdin and I – it’s pretty interesting. And well, I am blue – my face, hands, a blue suit and a Mohawk. That should be entertaining. (laughs)