It will be a Gold Night at Blue Frog tomorrow when a bunch of artistes bring New York's theatre district to life right here in aamchi Mumbai
It will be a Gold Night at Blue Frog tomorrow when a bunch of artistes bring New York's theatre district to life right here in aamchi Mumbai
Admit it. We are crazy about musicals. Whether in our movies or on stage, a dash of music can liven up an auditorium like nothing else. That's probably why despite financial constraints, every now and then, Mumbai audiences are treated to some great musical performances -- from Pearl Padamsee's The Wiz and Godspell, Alyque Padamsee's Evita, Rahul Da Cunha's Jesus Christ Superstar to Ramu Ramanathan's Jazz. This weekend, Gold Night brings a collection of popular and not-so-popular songs, peppered with the glitz and glamour associated with Broadway.u00a0 
Asif Ali Beg, Caralisa Monteiro, Merlin DeSouza, Neuman Pinto and
Delna Mody rehearse for the show
The idea came to musician Merlin DeSouza and theatre actors Asif Ali Beg and Delna Mody. The three got together a team of singer-actors -- Caralisa Monteiro and Neuman Pinto -- and musicians -- Cassy Fernandes, Kenneth D'Souza, Ashley Quinley, Shirish Malhotra and Rhys Sebastian -- for the show. Delna and Asif decided to take care of the logistics of drama and acting, while music director Merlin and her band have been busy arranging the right sort of music. "When we decided to work on Broadway musicals, we knew it had to be glitzy. But we haven't gone all out with the costumes; that would be over the top. But we have a hat here, a little bit of tinsel there, a bow, some feathers. We have also created a marquee that has been done up in lights," says Asif.
The line-up for the night includes songs from Cabaret, The Lion King, Grease, Cats andu00a0 much more. There are also some peculiar picks like Paris Makes Me Horny from Victor Victoria, a contemporary version of Raindrops On Roses, and a song from the musical Avenue Q titled, If You Were Gay, whichu00a0 Neuman and Asif will perform using live-hand puppets. "We've chosen songs that everyone will connect with. Even if you aren't familiar with the numbers, the songs are nothing but entertaining stories, so you are bound to love them," promises Merlin.
Despite their enthusiasm, the team knows it's up against serious odds. "Broadway needs a full orchestra and we don't have access to that kind of arrangement, so the band has put in extra effort to re-arrange the music and make it sound grand," says Asif.
On: August 1, 9 pm onwards
At: Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel.
Call: 61586158 Entry: Rs 300
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