By Sanchia Nazareth
Mangaluru, Apr 11: The Hakuna Matata club along with The Theatre Bugs presented their first musical production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at St Agnes College Auditorium, Mangaluru on Sunday, April 9.
The play was enacted by the 'Theatre Bugs' children ranging from ages 4 to 10 and witnessed splendid performances which was met with cheer and encouragement from an audience filled with parents, grandparents, friends and well-wishers.
The Wizard of Oz is an American classic, written by Frank L Baum, which was well adapted and portrayed by all the little artists. The children showed full potential and did not hesitate at any instance on stage. All the members of the team were cast well and worked hard towards portraying their character.
Gabrielle Veigas who portrayed Dorothy and Shriya Pradeep Nair who played the Wicked Witch of the West performed par excellence, Lamar Vas as Tin Man, Steve D’souza as the lion and the scarecrow played by Evana D’souza, were mesmerising. Other impressive performances were from Shaurya Shetty as Uncle Henry, Kimberly D’Souza as Aunty Em, Thwishaa Pai as Miss Gulch, Faye Pais as Glinda, the good witch of the North, Aadya Nair as professor Marvel’s assistant, Tarun Pai as Emerald city gatekeeper, Tanvi Kudva as Esmeralda and the wonderful Wizard of Oz, Jaden Pinto.
The talking crows, the little Munchkins, the Emerald citizens and the witch’s army soldiers were highlights of the show.
Play narrators Kashvi Bansal and Daniel Veigas entertained the audience with an apt explanation of the different scenes of the play.
This production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was adapted and directed by Rajni Lobo Patrao. The children received musical guidance from Joe Rasquinha, and they grooved to the dance tunes with choreography by Meural Furtado.
Vinaya D’Souza eloquently welcomed the gathering.
Phyllis D’costa, was called upon to award the main organizers with a memento. She took the opportunity to encourage and congratulate the children on their wonderful performance.
Ajeet Khare, proprietor of Canara Lighting, the main sponsor of the play, graced the occasion with his presence. On behalf of Hakuna Matata – Theatre bugs, he presented each child with a certificate and trophy for their splendid performance.
The Theatre Bugs team includes able leaders Gloria Veigas as co-ordinator, makeup and stage setter Vinaya D’souza, costumes by Sharon Pinto, vocal training and sound in-charge was Asha D’Souza Menezes and the graphic designer was Neha Khare.
The official sponsors of the event were Grooves and Joints. Canara Lighting sponsored the lighting equipment. Vanyas studio sponsored the makeup, Sushma and Khushboo Bansal, Avalon and Rajni Patrao sponsored the trophies for all the little stars.
The Hakuna Matata Club began its journey in 2015 led by Anjana Kamath.It is a platform for children unlike any other. From sports to art, cooking, music and dance, children are given an opportunity to have fun and learn at the same time.
Theatre Bugs helps children bring forth their varied talents, in acting, singing and dancing, to inculcate a love for theatre and thereby to overcome stage fear. Theatre bugs strives to give the children a real experience of theatre with all its elements. The play was complete with colourful costumes, elaborate stage settings, effective lighting, background music and professional stage makeup.