By Rashida Rehmanjee
AIS’ adaption of the 1980’s hit musical debuted on the 10th at the Lionel Wendt, and it’s safe to say that an ensemble of talented actors, dancers and singers have come together to put on something magical.
So, I talked to some of the leads about their experiences, feelings and all things ‘Fame’ to give you an exclusive backstage experience. Here’s how it went.
From the bat one thing was clear - with so many months spent together, the cast had really started to embody their roles. Tashiyana Devarajan and Celina Randeniya who played Carmen Diaz, a charismatic young actress who dreams to make it big in The Show Biz, agreed that they both relate to their character to great extents.
Celina said that, “Carmen is someone who kind of has to pave her own way through, which I definitely relate to.”
She went on to say that her character has had a tough life, and that she thinks Carmen finally deserves her big break. Tashiyana similarly responded saying, “Carmen’s a very passionate, level headed person. She’s kind of a go-getter.”
David Maurice and Saniru Perera, who played musician Schlomo, also say they relate to their character. They both produce their own music (awesome stuff, trust me), which helped them better understand Schlomo’s character.
But it’s not just the characters that the cast loved about the play. Umul Mustansir, who played a bubbly dancer named Mabel, and ‘teachers’ Haroun Rasheed and Keesha Tranchell, say they all bonded with the cast by jamming out to music during rehearsal, taking pictures and just enjoying each other’s company.
They reminisce on specific parts of the musical, too. Celina mentioned that she teared up the first time she watched the ending scene of the musical.
Most of the cast agree that their favourite character in the play would have to be ‘bad boy’ Joe Vegas, the comedic relief, played by Nathan Maurice.
Even after watching the production, the remarkable talent of all the members of the cast hasn’t been made clear enough. A handful of leads have prior experience in the arts, from Tashiyana playing Brigitta Von Trapp in the western version of ‘The Sound of Music’ to Keesha and Umul winning the annual school singing competitions!
They all stress on how excited they were to be given the opportunity to perform at the Wendt. However, having taken a four year long break after AIS’ last production ‘Rock of Ages’ (due to the pandemic), they also felt anxious to take the stage again.
Tashiyana, being among the few to star in both ‘Fame Jr.’ and ‘‘Rock of Ages’, compared the two experiences.
“After a four year hiatus, we finally got the opportunity to perform on a stage in front of a live audience, and we are beyond grateful to be in one room together creating magic. It's truly a blessing to be up there again.”
She also stressed on how excited and privileged she felt to work with 3 of the most qualified directors in Sri Lanka once again! The cast thanks Anusha Senanayaka, Natasha Senanayaka and Umeshi Rajeendra for guiding them through what turned out to be an awesome experience.
A production is hard work, and takes a lot of effort and commitment. David says although it's difficult to balance at times, he didn’t see it as a chore, and more like something he looks forward to. He says ‘Fame’ was somewhat of a substitute for his free time, so instead of taking that time as a break, he used it for rehearsal. It goes without saying that the cast has made many sacrifices for the production to come together.
Umul says that she took a break from rowing, and opted out of rowing in The 15th Annual Karachi Boat Club Inter-school Regatta 2023, held in Karachi in order to prioritise her role in the musical. She says that it was a tough decision but it was worth it.
It’s bitter-sweet though, because for most of the cast, ‘Fame Jr.’ will be their final production at school.
They all hope you enjoyed the show on the 10th and 11th of February 2023 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, and they all look forward to the next one when they say ‘Bring On Tomorrow’!
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