Murder mysteries have the ability to keep you on the edge of your seat. The ‘whodunit’ question will keep pestering you until the killer is revealed. But when comedy is added to the mix, it’s a whole other story. Based on the novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth, Lucky Stiff directed by Leila Alvares will get you high on comedy and on music. The show is set to open on August 31 at Chowdiah and on September 1 at MLR Convention Centre.
Leila Alvares, who is quite well known for her musicals, wanted the music to be the focal point. “I always choose musicals that have melodious tunes and songs. I wanted to do a comedy as I wanted people to walk out feeling happy,” Leila shares, adding that including the cast and crew, this show will have over 30 people. The storyline follows the life of Harry Witherspoon, a shoe salesman who is tasked with condition that he has to take his dead uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo in order for him to get his six million-dollar inheritance.
Talking about the cast for this musical, she says, “This show features people like Arvind Kasturi, Prem Koshy, Rahael Thomas and many others.” Though the musical is set in the 1980s, Leila says that it is not a period story. She shares, “The costumes that we will be using are not what you call period costumes. All of our sets are hand painted as I do not believe in things merely being projected.”
The original musical score was written to incorporate only a pianist. But Leila worked with her live band to take it to the next level. She says, “We were given permission to take it to the next level. My music director —Vivek Menzel — has added elements to make it better.” Talking about how the Bengaluru crowd have become more open to musicals she says, “When we first started, it was a challenge to get people to come watch. But nowadays, people are more open and educated towards Western musicals.”
Rahael Thomas, who plays the role of Harry Witherspoon says that this character was challenging. He says, “Harry is the complete opposite of what I am. He is subdued, not a risk-taker, and a very safe person. But as the show progresses, he gains confidence and changes his life. I found it challenging to play a very calm and safe person as it goes against my character.” Playing his love interest in the musical is Trina Dutt. Talking about her character, he says, ‘Annabel is an independent, caring socialist who will do anything for the welfare of her dogs. She and Harry share a sort of love-hate relationship. She is easily irritated by Harry’s antics. But in the end, like all love stories, they end up together,” Leila laughs.
