Shine on!
Percival Billimoria’s The Amateur Performers Bureau (APB) unveils The Sunshine Boys which is an adaptation of Neil Simon’s original.
“Our version is contemporary and Indianised,” says Percival Billimoria, a successful lawyer with a philanthropic heart. He adds, “Certain parts of Neil Simon’s Sunshine Boys were lost on audiences due to the rather old fashioned setting. We’ve made it a modern day story.”
Percival’s retains “the play within a play” format where you see two actors rehearsing on stage for their own act. Set amidst the culturally colourful city of Mumbai, this adaptation too is witty and poignant, bringing out an array of emotions in the audience.
Percival adds, “Adapting the script to contemporary Indian times in a setting in Mumbai was achieved over only one long and enjoyable weekend. The actual production proved to be more of a challenge. It takes a lot of hard work and effort to make people laugh! And if only we can all remember our lines it’ll be a laugh a minute performance.”
The best part of the play is that APB has collaborated with four NGO’s — Nanhi Kali, The Education Audiology And Research Society, Mumbai Mobile Crèches and Chip Mumbai — so they could create an opportunity to reach out to those who are unaware of the challenges faced by less privileged children
The proceeds of the play will go to charity as well. Another highlight is that the children from the NGOs will get a chance to participate in a three-day art workshop prior to the show will also attend a children’s book reading — a children’s version of the book by Greg Mortenson Three Cups of Tea.
Entertainment for a good cause… sounds just like our cup of tea.
When & Where November 18 at NCPA, Nariman Point
November 20 at Sophia College, Bhulabhai Desai Road
November 26 at St. Andrews Auditorium,Bandra
Entry `500
— Glynda Alves