Bend It Like Beckham, the musical, scores a hit

By SHAGORIKA EASWAR

If proof were needed that Bend it Like Beckham retains its universal appeal across ethnicities and generations, it was to be found in the lobby of Bluma Appel Theater on a recent cold winter evening.

Among the those waiting for the doors to open were people of all ethnicities, large multi-generational groups – one lady lining up everyone and counting to make sure all 11 were present! – and young couples with little kids. A giant poster with a thoughtfully provided football was a great draw for selfies. 

The show retained the enduring appeal of the 2002 movie that endeared itself to fans worldwide for its depiction of “football-shootball” vs a “respectable” career in law and then some. It captured the essence of intergenerational conflict, sociocultural issues, young love and more in the rollicking stage version. 

When a movie is such a great hit, it is sometimes difficult to imagine anyone else reprise the roles. For instance, I was convinced I was never going to be able to accept anyone else in Christopher Plummer’s and Julie Andrew’s roles in the stage version of The Sound of Music. Until I saw it. 

Similarly, Laila Zaidi and Catarina Ciccone are superb as Jess and Jules, delivering pitch-perfect performances. Ashley Emerson is a very believable Joe and they even have the character throw in a nod to the setting when he admonishes Jess to “Stop saying sorry like a Canadian”!

The Bhamra family and the motley crew of uncles and aunties are also all perfectly cast, and dance and sing in and out of situations in a delightful manner.
Speaking of which... I had wondered how the movie would actually work as a musical. It works very well, as it turns out, with the songs driving the narrative forward. 

Particularly Glorious, in which Jess wonders if someone can have the glory, why can’t it be her; Look At Us Now in which her parents sing, “This is what our slaving, scrimping, saving and dreaming was for”; and People Like Us, in which her father shares his experience as a new immigrant. The wedding song was also a huge hit with the audience joining the cast members who danced down the aisles.

I had also wondered how a movie on football would translate on stage, but all the drama and excitement of the matches comes alive with creative lighting and backdrops. 

It’s a rollicking, rousing fun musical, one that is sure to generate its own loyal following.

When and where: On stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, December 7, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

Tickets: $49.95 to $299.90. For more information and tickets visit www.benditmusical.com.

INTERVIEW: STAGE IT LIKE GURINDER!

By SHAGORIKA EASWAR

Bend It Like Beckham is running in Toronto this month as a musical.

An immigrant tale, one of inter-generational conflict, a coming of age story and one that addresses sociocultural issues, Bend it Like Beckham is a many-layered experience.

It was the breakthrough film for Keira Knightley and launched the career of Parminder Nagra and more than any other of her much-loved films, defines Gurinder Chadha’s work. Ask anyone to name one of her films, and it will be Bend It Like Beckham.

Gurinder Chadha spoke to Desi News about turning an iconic movie into a musical.

“People had been asking me for a sequel for years, but I didn’t really want to do one. When the idea of a stage production was floated, I thought, what a great idea. And when we began working on it, it was incredible how the story of a girl, her family, her dreams, took shape with songs and dances. It’s got my Punjabi music, theatre music, it is culturally rich.”

What I had loved particularly about the film when I watched it all those years ago – and again, on a rewatch before the interview! – was that the parents weren’t the bad guys. They were protective of their daughter, they were working off of their experiences as immigrants. Anupam Kher’s character comes from Nairobi. Chadha’s family moved to England from Kenya. Did some of the scenes in the movie stem for her experiences growing up? Is there a Jess Bhamra in Gurinder Chadha?

“Of course there is!” says Chadha. “The rebellion of a young girl trying to realize her dreams. And the father is based on my dad. In the film, he has a few scenes. In the musical, he gets to sing about his life, his background, about his efforts to reconcile his experience with trying to help his daughter achieve her dreams. I would say it is better than the film in this aspect because the parents get to speak and sing and present their perspective.

“As in the film, Guru Nanak Ji is very present on stage. Presenting a Punjabi family on stage is quite radical, I would say even revolutionary. It’s a very different form of telling our stories.”

The film touches upon several sociocultural issues. When Jess tells her team mates that her sister is getting married, they assume it’s an arranged marriage. It’s a love match, she tells them and they want to know what that means. Also whether in a so-called love match, a girl would be allowed to marry a white guy. No, says Jess. Black? Absolutely not. Muslim? Again, a very firm negative. Or when her friend Tony tells her he is gay, Jess is shocked. “But you’re Indian!” she exclaims.

These themes are retained in the musical and developed further.

“Tony comes out as gay and plus there’s more,” says Chadha, without giving the rest away.

The critically acclaimed musical with a cast of 25 received 5-star reviews in London, England, and was hailed as a most important, rich musical winning the Best Musical – UK Critics’ Circle Theatre Award.

For those who loved the film, Chadha promises a richer emotional experience.

“The stage play is deeper, more entertaining. It’s very theatrical, a combination of music and dance. There’s the bhangra beat, the music of the girls playing football...It’s musical theatre with a Punjabi feel. Like Fiddler on the Roof with are our drums and songs! It’s a cultural combination that works very well.”

So come on out and watch the performers score a winning goal!

Based on the book by Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges, the musical has lyrics by Charles Hart and music by Howard Goodhall.

Rising stars Catarina Ciccone and Laila Zaidi lead the cast as Jules and Jess, joined by Nicola Dawn Brooks, Ashley Emerson, Sorab Wadia, Zorana Sadiq, Matt Nethersole, Blythe Jandoo, and Krystal Kiran.

Internationally-renowned choreographers include Daniel Ezralow (Sochi Olympics) and Longinus Fernandes (Slumdog Millionaire). 

When and where: On stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre at the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, December 7, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

Tickets: $49.95 to $299.90.

For more information and tickets visit www.benditmusical.com.

WHAT’S ON THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Dec 2: The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) publishes Cloth that Changed the World: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz. New book explores the story of India’s richly coloured textiles. The collection of essays explores the far-reaching influence this vividly printed and painted cotton cloth has had on the world, from its origins 5,000 years ago to its place in fashion and home décor today. The volume is the official companion to the ROM-original exhibition The Cloth that Changed the World: India’s Painted and Printed Cottons, which runs from April 4 to September 27. The exhibition will explore thought-provoking themes, including the ingenuity, skill and technique of Indian artisans; the adaptation of chintz for international markets; and the environmental impact of the global textile industry over time. With a focus on attire and home furnishings, the exhibition features 80 objects spanning 10 centuries and four continents. Religious and court banners for India, monumental gilded wall hangings for elite homes in Europe and Thailand, and luxury women’s dress for England showcase the versatility and far-reaching desire for Indian Chintz.

Dec 14: G Pinto in concert with live band and special guests. Featuring the brand new album Escape with six brand-new, original songs plus four cover songs (Sweet Child O’ Mine and Hotel California). Track #1 was shot on location in Northern Greece. Portion of the proceeds go to the Arthritis Society. 7:30 pm at St. Michael’s College School, Toronto. For details and info, visit www.gpinto.com or call 416-296-9494.

Dec 14: The Ontario Pops presents a three-concert season: The Sounds of Christmas, Spanish Flair and From Hollywood to Broadway. Gabrielle Turgeon, Canadian composer James Moffett and the Swansea Dance School showcase Christmas favourites like Tchaikov-sky’s Nutcracker Suite as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Ave Maria. 8 pm at Humber Valley United Church. Spanish Flair on March 28, 8 pm and From Hollywood to Broadway on May 30 at 8 pm, both at Humber Valley United Church. More info at www.ontariopops.com.

REVIEW: SOAK UP THE FUN AT SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL!

By TAPAS EASWAR

I have to admit, going into the Spongebob Musical, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, especially since I hadn’t watched the cartoon since I was a kid myself.

I can now safely say that the Spongebob Musical is an absolute delight. Yes, it’s very much catered to the childhood audience that the cartoon does, but if you are an adult that grew up with the show, there are many small throwback references that will make you smile from ear to ear.

You’ll also find more adult themes of race relations (gills vs. land mammals) right next to infantile humour, such as when the town’s corrupt mayor declares, “It won’t be long until we kiss our Bikini Bottom goodbye.”

The show doesn’t rely on flashy theatrics or fancy props (the kelp are pool noodles and there’s quite a bit of interaction with the musical director, including a particularly funny scene involving the use of small action figures), but rather, relies on the sheer talent of the actors. Lorzeno Pugliese embodies the titular character perfectly, so much so that I genuinely forgot I was watching actors for a moment and was able to get lost in the show. Squidward’s show-stopping musical number in the second act, along with Patrick Star’s brief stint as a Pope-like figure, are centrepieces to how silly and entertaining the show can be.

The Spongebob Musical is pure, delightful chaos, and something I definitely want to take my six-year-old nephew to see. If you have a young one, this is a perfect night out for them.

When and where: Until December 22. Celebrate the Holiday Season at a musical explodes with energy and features an original pop and rock-infused score by a legendary roster of award-winning songwriters: Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper & Rob Hyman, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., Domani & Lil’C and songs by David Bowie & Brian Eno, and by Tom Kenny & Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton with additional music by Tom Kitt. At Meridian Hall (formerly the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts), 1 Front Street East. Single tickets from $35 - $150 (Additional fees may apply). Available online at www.meridianhall.com, by calling  416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754, or in person at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Box Office, 27 Front St. E. or Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St.

Dec 20-29: Torrent Productions’ Jack And The Beanstalk – A Merry Magical Pantomime premieres at the Royal Canadian Legion. Packed with action and zingers with a couple of magical surprises tossed in  for good measure! Tickets: adults, $38; children up to age 12, $28. Call 1-800-838-3006, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4216259, or at the door.

Jan 9-12: A Brimful of Asha stars real-life mother and son Asha and Ravi Jain as they take the stage to tell the true (and very Canadian) story of generational and cultural class. When Ravi takes a trip to India, his parents decide it’s the perfect time to introduce him to potential brides. Ravi is not sold on the idea, but Asha fears that his time is running out. RBC Theatre at the Living Arts Centre. Tickets: $40 to 50. Call 905-306-6000 or visit www.livingartscentre.ca.

Ancient wisdom meets the modern age

June 20, 21: Ancient Wisdom Meets the Modern Age, symposium on Jainism and mathematics. Inviting scholars from all over the world who have conducted original research in studying Jain scriptures, specifically for their mathematical contributions.

Also seeking  papers on newly researched subject matter such as on transmission between Arabic, Greek, Chinese, and Jain mathematics; unpublished Jain mathematical texts in Tamil, Kannada, and other Indian languages and their antiquity; Jain number theory and its uniqueness; earliest positional notations, Jaina concept of infinity and modern infinity; unique and independent contributions of Jain mathematics in the outside world. Date of submission: December 31, 2019.

The scientific organization committee (SOC) of the symposium will go through all abstracts received and select several most relevant for presentation in person at the symposium at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All selected original articles will be edited and are likely to be published as a monograph. All travel, visa, boarding, and lodging expenses will be arranged and paid by the organizers at no cost to the invited scholars.

Send all responses and inquiries to CONTACT@Jainmath.org and magnuseng@comast.net. More info at www.Jainmath.org.   

Free Desi Diary listings. List your event for free in Desi News and e-desinews. com. E-mail: desinews@rogers.com. Deadline for Jan. 2020 listings: Dec. 20, 2019.