Review - The Broadway Funnies!

It isn't everyday that you're invited to a musical. So, it was a rather normal evening and I was at the Comedy Store at Phoenix Mills, Mumbai to see Delna Mody along with her companions perform Broadway songs - a show called The Broadway Funnies!!!. Not a connoisseur when it comes to musicals, I was fascinated by the prospect nonetheless.

Now Comedy Store with its incredible ambience always assures a good evening. The comfortable seating, the compact auditorium and the neat lighting means that you are at the right place.

It was at around 5:30 pm that Delna Mody stepped on the stage along with her crew. The cosy stage was equipped with a Piano and some props strewn neatly across the floor. I could feel the subtle excitement as I grabbed a seat. In came Delna, looking ravishing in a red dress and wearing a merry smile on her face. The piano was taken over by a lovely Nadine Jo Crasto. Also on stage was Winston Travasso, supporting Delna with the songs

Delna Mody

Theatre and musical fanatics will surely identify Delna Mody. The talented singer, actor and dancer has worked in Canada as well as Mumbai in productions like Raell Padamsee's Sound of Music, Stop-Gaps in Widening the Street and Good Morning Miss Kathya, to name a few.

Delna elegantly introduced us to the concept of the show-a collection of 16 songs from famous Broadway musicals, which were sure to tickle your funny bone.

The artistes started off with the song Paris Makes me Horny. It was a snazzy song with a titillating tune, sharp rhymes and witty lyrics. All that coming from a blonde character in Paris. As if the first number wasn't joyous enough, what followed was a treat to the senses. We were entertained by amusing songs like 100 ways to lose a man, National Brotherhood Week, Good thing he can't read my mind among several others. The idiosyncrasies, the puns and the impeccable satire all served on a sumptuous plate made my evening.

The beauty of the songs aside, what struck me most was the vigour with which Delna and her crew performed. Delna with her charming voice and nuances will keep your eyes firmly rooted to the stage, while the ears are given a sweet treatment. Winston was majestic as well; with a booming voice and a magnificent presence, the man sure possesses a great gift. There is no song without music, and Nadine on the Piano could not have done a better job.

But like all good things, the musical had to end. End it did, but not without a bagful of hearty laughters, and rib tickling humour. A sweet showing indeed.

So, musical lovers will surely be there. But for the others, go for this, go for a change. Experience music and acting live on the stage in stead of white screens.

It isn't everyday that you're invited to a musical. But it sure is an indication that you will go for many more...