Review: TAJ EXPRESS at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

In this Bollywood spectacular, we follow the adventure of Shankar, (Mikhail Sen), a struggling, young Indian composer of modest means, who has a shot at making the big time, scoring a new film titled, Taj Express. We join him in his studio where he and his small team of musicians collaborate to write a compelling composition for their boss, the film's hard-to-please producer, who occasionally checks in via threatening phone calls. To inspire his musicians for their creative assignment, and to help the audience along with the storyline, Shankar describes the scenes of the film, and they are acted out in a variety of colorful costumes, elaborate dance moves and outstanding instrumentation. Although the plot is somewhat disjointed and doesn't follow an orderly series of events, the audience will focus on the beautiful production, festive music and athletic dancers.

The love story that unfolds between the alluring actress, Kareena, (Tanvi Patil), and her dashing street-smart suitor Arjun, (Hiten Shah), comes to life à la West Side Story, complete with dance fights scenes between rival gangs and impassioned love between people from opposite sides of the track.

Kareena longs to be free from the burden of celebrity and leaves material possessions behind seeking knowledge of fulfillment. Arjun accompanies her on her quest as they travel via train from the film studios in Mumbai to the Temples of Varanasi and the fields of Punjab. An Underground Mob Boss, Shakaal, is on their trail with a quest of his own - to bring Kareena back and destroy Arjun. We soon learn Arjun is an undercover Prince. Shakaal is defeated and Ajun and Kareena have an elaborate Indian wedding.

But what about Shankar and his movie score? In the end, we learn through a newspaper critic's review that the movie was a flop. However, Shankar's score was met with a triumphant review. Kareen and Arjun get married and Shankar is recognized for his brilliant composition. Two happy endings in one musical!

Mikhail plays Shankar with passion. Tanvi is beautiful and regal as Kareena. Hiten is the strong force behind this production as Arjun. A unique trait to Taj Express is the presence of musician/actors playing live within the story. Chandan Raina, (guitarist), Anish Kale, (percussionist), and Avadooth Padke, (flautist), were exceptional. Most of the show is lip-synced to pre-recorded music for the dance numbers. The dancers in this show are more like athletes who flawlessly attack intricate, fast paced moves. All in all, it make for a fun night of uplifting music and beautiful costuming.

Taj Express is produced, directed and choreographed by three members of the renowned Bollywood family, Vaibhavi, Shruti and Pranav Merchant. Oscar winner AR Rahman, Salim & Sulaiman Merchant and Monty Sharma composed many of the songs in the musical. Bollywood is the nickname for India's Hindi-language film industry and is known for its complex dance techniques, multi-colored costumes and flashy set designs.

Kudos to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for bringing such diversity of programming to Sarasota. The audience particularly had a great time, many dressing in East Indian garb, and dancing their way out of the venue to Jai Ho, the engaging song composed by A. R. Rahman for the 2008 film, Slumdog Millionaire.

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