With just weeks to the much awaited remake of Rag – The Musical on November 2, 4 and 5, the cast and production team are busily refining and rehearsing for their 3 night limited engagement at the Lionel Wendt theatre. The musical has already created quite a buzz, both, locally and abroad due to the show’s message and content. Hence, the cast is determined to create another ground-breaking new production in true CentreStage style!
Rag is a work of fiction inspired by the experiences of its creator Jehan Aloysius and his University batch-mates, and deals with the topical issue of ragging sensitively and intelligently. The musical, which is filled with memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics, presents a positive message of non-violence and unity, relevant to students in all educational institutions. Each of the previous workshop-preview, ‘Rag’ preview versions, and the full scale production in 2012 received standing ovations and rave reviews.It was also possibly Sri Lanka’s first home-grown musical to take the stage. The cast and production team are excited to present the brand new version of this musical to the audience.
Costumes, props, scaffolding and an immense amount of energy and talent fill the rehearsal venue, fondly called the ‘CentreStage Space’ these days, while multiple groups harmonizing in various corners create a surreal soundscape.
The show’s creator, Jehan says, “The cast has come a long way over the last few months. CentreStage Productions always promote new talent in the lead roles, rather than relying on a star system of regular leads. As a result, we feel we’re constantly adding to the talent pool of performers of the English and Sinhala theatre by training new performers to become stars. It’s a risk, and extremely hard work for the director. Yet, it’s one worth taking – especially, when the new talent finally blossoms by delivering an excellent performance! The absence of the star-system also allows for a generous sharing of ideas, skills and advice without any barriers of egos.”
The cast believes, ‘Rag’, being a home-grown original musical, would be a radical counterpoint to the more glitzy foreign imports.
The musical is written and composed by Jehan Aloysius. Avanti Perera performed the music tracks and orchestrated Jehan’s melodies and score. The choral arrangements are by Deshan Cooray and Eshantha Peiris. The key singing roles are played by newcomers, Dion Nanayakkara, Julian Anderson and Keminda Heethawaka Arachchi, and experienced performers such as, Stigmata Frontman Suresh, Jazz sensation Tanuja Perera and classical soprano Dmitri Gunatilake. As usual, with CentreStage Productions, the cast is a vibrant mix of singers, actors, dancers and acrobats who have been given training at workshops in various aspects of musical theatre – from singing, dancing and acting. Many of the newcomers who have never danced or sung before, have discovered that they have been able to pick up the complex choreography, stage fighting and choral singing essential for this musical. Visit and join the Facebook Page and Event for Rag – The Musical for more details, and behind-the scenes information.
So don’t miss Rag – The Musical when it takes the stage on November 2, 4 and 5 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
Cargills Magic and The British Council are Co-Sponsors of the production. The Exclusive Radio Sponsors for the show are TNL Radio and Lite FM. The show will be a fund-raiser for theatre-based humanitarian work conducted through the troupe’s StageHands and Power of One projects, which include volunteer workshops for students on the issue of bullying and ragging.
Box office at lionel wendt theatre.