The Indian Express is reporting that everyone’s favorite Bollywood inspired Broadway musical will be heading to the city that named it, Bombay. The show, which did a lot better in the UK, than it did in New York, will be heading to Bombay before heading to China and Hong Kong.
A.R. Rahman, the genius behind some amazing Bollywood soundtracks and the music for Bombay Dreams, sounded a bit annoyed by the response his show received in the States, suggesting that we Americans aren’t as able to think outside of our culture.
‘‘Americans are always talking about their own culture, so they can never be at the receiving-end and accept something from outside,’’ he said, adding that the musical moved to America at the wrong time. ‘‘This was the time when Americans felt that Indians were stealing their jobs, though I’m not at all disappointed.’’
I wonder if Star and Buc Wild saw Bombay Dreams?
If their performance in the Macy’s parade was any indication (and I admit I haven’t been following BD’s success in NYC), one drawback might have been their casting of a R&B singer as the female lead. A desi girl was good enough for London, why not for New York?
Tamyra Gray was the female lead for only the last couple of months. I think it was just too unironic for the critics, though many of those who actually turned out loved it.
Thanks for the info. I saw it and loved it in London (especially the spoof on Hindi film fight scenes — which would, probably, look stupid to people not familiar with the genre), and was unaware that there were script changes made here. The marketing I saw in London was more along the “look at ALW’s new musical!” than “see funny brown people!” lines as well.
In an odd twist of fate, I predict that the play will be a big hit in Bombay. Don’t ask me how I know. I just do.
Also: at least in India they can go back to doing “Chaiya Chaiya” in Hindi.
Did they change that in NYC as well? (it was the one song in Hindi in London)
I seem to remember that it was in Hindi in NYC too, but I may be wrong. The chorus was definitely in Hindi.