Mangalore: Leila Alvares’ Musical for Charity in City

By Viju Mangalore
With inputs from Michael Lobo

Mangalore, Nov 23: English theatre in Mangalore is non-existent ! Hardly a few academic institutions put up plays and so the theatre buffs are always in hibernation.

But every year without fail Leila Alvares and her team have been bringing out productions of famous American musicals of the 1950s and ‘60s such as ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ (2002), ‘My Fair Lady’ (2003), ‘Hello Dolly’ (2004), and ‘The Sound of Music’ (2005). 

This year Leila’s team has ventured into a musical that began life as a Hollywood motion picture.

‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ is based on the story "Sobbin’ Women" by Stephen Vincent Benet.

With an Oscar-winning score by Adolph Deutsch and Saul Chaplin, and songs composed by Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul, the film, directed by Stanley Donen, was brought out by MGM in 1954, starring Howard Keel, Jane Powell, and others. 

The story is set in the Old West. A sweet, old-fashioned love story set in Oregon about six brothers who are so taken up by their eldest brother Adam Pontipee’s mail-order perfect bride Millie that they decide to get wives of their own.

With an arousing collection of songs and spectacular, rambunctious dance sequences, the play promises good old Broadway-style entertainment.  

The play has been directed by Leila Alvares and features Arvind Kasturi (Adam Pontipee), Sharon White (Milly Pontipee), Jude Lazaro, Prem Koshy, and others

Leila’s venture of bringing some young and budding artistes of Bangalore to Mangalore is praiseworthy as she does it for a social cause.

“I only produce musicals.  I love music so much and find drama tedious. Wholesome family entertainment with lots of music and dance is my formula – and it works well, as our shows always run to full houses,” says Leila who will put up ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ in St Agnes College auditorium on Nov 24.

“Getting sponsorship is the toughest hurdle that theatre groups face. Corporates would rather spend huge sums on unknown groups from overseas than fund local talent. Getting the rights to stage a production can be a difficult and expensive business.  Costs range from a couple of thousands to a couple of lac, depending on the size and type of production.  Some producers have ignored this factor and have been forced to shut down their shows of late, as rights infringement has become a major issue," she expresses the challenge before her.

“Putting together a musical with a big cast involves a great deal of multi-tasking and coordination on and off stage.  My music is always played and sung live.  I never use tracks. From the sets and props, sound, backstage management, publicity and ticket-sales, it’s a lot of hard work.  I rely on the goodwill of my supporters," Leila says.

Through her CAUSE Foundation (abbreviation for 'Cooperation of the Arts for the Underprivileged in Society and the Environment'), Leila promotes local amateur talent through various art ventures.

The objectives of this social service organization include putting up musicals, dramas, exhibitions, etc. Any proceeds from these ventures, after deducting all expenses, are given to local, fledgeling (begun by single individuals) but worthy charities, including animal welfare organizations.

The proceeds from any activities of CAUSE are divided in the following manner:

• 50 per cent – to a deserving (fledgling) charity identified by CAUSE.
• 30 per cent – to the CAUSE Corpus Fund to initiate future shows and promote its objectives.
• 20 per cent– to treat stray animals as part of our environmental strategy.

WARDS (Rehabilitation Centre for the mentally backward poor), Prashanth Nivas (Destitute home for battered women and children), Infant Jesus Chay Home (Secular orphanage for street children), CUPA (Animal welfare organization), Devarajeevanahalli (School for destitute street children), SEON Ashram (Destitute home for mentally disabled children), Morning Star (Orphanage for disabled and normal children),  Lisa Home (Home for mentally and physically disabled) and Baijyothi (Home for destitute children) have been financially helped by the ventures of CAUSE Foundation.

Now they are in Mangalore to play ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ in aid of charity.