Interview: Cyrus F Dastur on weaving SONGS OF FRANK SINATRA AND DORIS DAY for the musical 'Strangers In The Night'

Even though we are way past Valentines Day, but for all of those who believe that love should be celebrated every day, it's just the right time to book their tickets for the most romantic musical of the season. Strangers in the Night, an upcoming Broadway style musical that will be staged in Mumbai this weekend promises to be all things mush.

The musical is based along some of the most loved romantic songs in the history. Film maker and theatre artist Cyrus F Dastur is the producer along with Shreya Valecha who is the associate producer of the show. It is directed by Shreyas Porus Pardiwala, the musical is set along songs of Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Dean Martin and many others. The musical production seems intriguing not just in terms of its conceptualization but also in the way it is being publicized.

The city of Mumbai is sporting some bus hoardings that light up in the night, advertising the musical currently setting a new tone for getting theatre into mainstream in India. Brought to the audience by Shamiana the artists of this interesting spectacle include Dean Sequeira, Shriya Rao and Astrid Alphonso amongst others.

Set in a New York cafe during the 60's, the musical with its costumes and sets is promising to evoke the nostalgia of the romantic era.

Broadway World spoke to the producer Cyrus F Dastur about the musical, the theatre scene in India and lots more.

BWW: Is it the debut showcase of the musical Strangers in the Night?

Cyrus: Yes this is the opening night for the play. We did a few shows in a school last year but this is the big night.

BWW: Sounds like an interesting concept. How is it set around iconic songs. Can you tell bit more?

Cyrus: t's a love story woven around these songs. Something like Mamma Mia... Where you had songs and then a story around them

BWW: Was it difficult to look for the cast for a show of such calibre?

Cyrus: So we have out an open casting call on Social media and invited people to audition and the response was really good. So, yes all actors have come through auditions and am open call including some actors I already knew. Some of them are first time actors but all of them are very fine singers with lots of stage experience

BWW: What would you say about the theatre scene in India? Also what about the trend of musicals, are the audience ready for it?

Cyrus: The theatre scene is alive and kicking. Not sure why people keep saying it's dying. The interest in Musicals is increasing and it's the in thing right now.

BWW: Tell us about your future/forthcoming projects?

Cyrus: As for future projects, SHAMIANA - the production company does a lot of stuff including Short film screenings all the time across India. For now all my focus is on the current musical.

Strangers in the Night will be staged on March 30 at St Andrews Auditorium, Bandra W, Mumbai

Another showing will be held at Royal Opera House, Mumbai in April

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