Jehan Aloysius and his team are hard at work rehearsing for an exciting musical theatre event for the whole family. The show, titled ‘Centre Stage Musicals’ is a one-night-only musical celebration to mark the 22nd anniversary of Jehan’s amateur drama group, Centre Stage Productions. It will be staged at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on July 14.
‘Centre Stage Musicals’ features excerpts from several of Jehan Aloysius’ original musicals ‘Rag - The Musical’, ‘Frankenstein’, ‘Venus United” and ‘Serendipity’. The star-studded lineup of soloists includes Sean Amarasekara, Dinushka (Bola) Jayawickreme, Bhanu Prabhasha, Dion Nanayakkara, Christina Franke and others.
Jehan, who composed and directs the performance will also make a much-awaited appearance since his memorable performances in “The Phantom of The Opera’ and ‘Les Miserables’.
Jehan promises an evening of entertainment for the entire family with staged scenes and superlative performances. The soloists, dancers and ensemble have been hard at work perfecting each excerpt. Many Centre Stage alumni, such as Sajad Shabdeen, Upekha Daniel and Roshni Bond, are also making cameo appearances in the show.
The excerpts from two musicals in development - ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Serendipity’ - will be specially showcased with detailed staging, so audiences can taste what is to come. Jehan’s musicals are meaningful and emotional, with often excellent choreography and production values.
Each featured musical is unique and presents a range of musical styles and performances. From the dark Gothic tones of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’, to the student conflicts of ‘Rag - The Musical’, to the East-meets-West romance of ‘Serendipity’, to the bold and empowering ‘Venus United’, the show is a roller coaster of emotions and musical melodies. Jehan’s musical compositions are performed by Avanti Perera, Eshantha Peiris and Jehan Aloysius himself.