What started as a jazzy dance ensemble performance “This Joint is Jumping” from Ain’t Misbehavin’ ended with the lively and bouncing “Hand Jive” from Grease. And the end was as dramatic as it could get with the three days rehearsals.[break]
During “Hand Jive,” the cast of approximately 50 took on the floor and adding flair was the live band comprising of piano, drums, guitar, saxophone and tabla, which gave a local twang to the act. A fun-filled performance, where both the artists and the audience were enjoying, it was an entertaining way to wrap the show.
But it wasn’t only the end that was entertaining. The American Voices Association led the one-hour show that was a mixed bag of acts from various Broadway shows and performances, gave the Nepali audience a flavor of Broadway.
John Ferguson, pianist and executive director of the Association that promotes performing arts in developing countries, mesmerized the full house as his fingers promenaded the piano to the tunes of “Dizzy Fingers” and “Maple Leaf Rag,” which he said was a “jet-lagged version” just to erupt some laughter from the crowd.
And with his voice, Michael Parks Masterson, whose credits include Broadway shows like Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, thrilled the crowd. With songs from plays like Kiss of the Spiderwoman and Once on this Island, he showed the versatility of his singing style topping it with his hand gestures and facial expressions, which ran throughout the performance.
The masters stole the show but the local artists captivated the hearts. In “I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here,” the artists put together a singing and dancing delight. For someone who has watched Annie on television or theater, it would have been a delight to see it in Kathmandu. And ditto for Grease and Rent. The vocal coordination for “Will I” from Rent was something to appreciate.
At instances, especially with large ensembles, the limited space, it seemed they wouldn’t be able to move freely while dancing. But the lack of space was hardly an issue; it was overshadowed by their performance and the power to put together a good show.
The show cannot be compared with any other—the actual Broadway or local theater— but it can certainly be admired. With only about three days’ rehearsal time, the team has given the Nepali audience a slice of Broadway, its first taste that will have a lasting effect.
And maybe when the Ferguson-Masterson duo come back again, which they’ve wished, this show can then can be compared to that. Until then, those who were present at Moksh will have the memories of a different kind of a show, of Broadway.
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