Aamchi Mumbai makes it musical in Asia

Previously it was AR Rehman getting laurels for India by going international for music and now it is a school from Mumbai which will be hitting the right notes. The Oberoi International school (OIS) at Goregaon East has managed to be the first school in Asia to get a license for the Scottish musical movie "Sunshine on Leith" and will be enacting the same in the school. However, it is trying to make amends on India's image atleast in Asia if not the world.Though it was scheduled on the 3rd December they needed to extend it to two more concluding days on the 4th and 5th on demand.

'Sunshine on Leith' is a contemporary musical, set in Edinburgh, Scotland and follows the return from the Army of best friend Davy and Ally as they try to settle into their new lives. It’s a toe tapping, heart-warming and occasionally heart breaking show which touches on the themes of love, family and home.

Over 100 students from Grade 6 to 12, who have been working hard as cast, crew, choreographers and musicians. Ankoor Apte, Grade 12 student who played role of Rab in the musical said, "This is my third year as a major participant in the musicals. In this year's musical, I think the best aspect is the songs because they're upbeat and modern. The music is universally pleasing, across age and culture."

The play was prepared by students since August and was enacted in a short span of three months.Also they had an audience of 400 people.The play was quite an amusement as it had the taste of humour which left the audience in splits.

The Coach for theatre at OIS, Anne Murray said, "Musicals are incredibly hard work to create; they require dedication, determination, teamwork, commitment and stamina from those onstage and behind the scenes. All that is forgotten from the moment the stage lights are lit to the last of the applause fading away, that time is nothing short of magical and the memories are indelible.

The musical does not rely on playback; instead every performer sings to the accompaniment of live musicians. The event supported by a team of highly talented teachers is essentially led by students taking care of key roles which include technical aspects of theatre.

Elated with the shows running to full houses, Dr Vladimir Kuskovski, Head of School, OIS said, "I think well-rounded education that we keep talking about is not complete without exposure of our students to the arts. Sunshine on Leith is not an easy musical to put on, but our team of dedicated teachers, musicians and support staff worked tirelessly for months to provide this once in a lifetime experience for over 100 kids taking part in the show. Tickets were quickly sold out for 2 out of 3 days of performances. I am really happy that our productions enjoy such a great support from our community."