Bumbug the Musical
| Bumbug the Musical | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster for limited engagement | |
| Music | Samrat Chakrabarti |
| Lyrics | Samrat Chakrabarti Sanjiv Jhaveri |
| Book | Samrat Chakrabarti Sanjiv Jhaveri |
| Setting | A New York City delicatessen |
| Basis | A Christmas Carol |
| Premiere | December 5, 2012: The Clurman Theatre |
Bumbug the Musical is a 2012 rock musical and contemporary update of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.[1][2][3]
The show’s book and lyrics were by creators Samrat Chakrabarti and Sanjiv Jhaveri with music by Chakrabarti.[1][4]
Plot
During Christmastime in New York City, Scroogewala, a disillusioned Indian immigrant and delicatessen owner that hates the holidays is visited by spirits who guide him toward redemption.[5]
History
The show premiered at The Clurman Theatre in New York City on December 5, 2012.[2][6]
Show creator Samrat Chakrabarti told The Wall Street Journal, "We wanted to explore the immigrant experience of leaving their country with hopes and dreams, then something happens and they become closed. What makes a scrooge? Someone has to be closed and then open up again."[6]
Bumbug the Musical was reported in the media as being the first full length musical produced and authored by the Indian American diaspora in New York City.[2]
Critical reception
The New York Times, "Mostly the music is straight-ahead theater rock, pleasant but undistinguished," adding, "The show, directed by Mercedes Murphy, feels thin from the start."[1]
Bibi Magazine, "This rock opera is what A Christmas Carol would look like after it got thrown in a blender along with MTV, ABC, NBC and Indian ITV all strained through the mistletoe of immigrant life in modern day America. Presented by LAUGHistan, Bumbug the Musical is a Must-See this holiday season."[7]
References
- ^ a b c Saltz, Rachel (December 17, 2012). "Scroogewala, a Deli Worker, Looks for Love in New Land". The New York Times.
- ^ a b c BWW News Desk (November 13, 2012). "LAUGHistan Presents World Premiere of BUMBUG THE MUSICAL, 12/5-22". BroadwayWorld.
- ^ The New Yorker (November 30, 2012). "BUMBUG the Musical". The New Yorker.
- ^ Swamy, Prakash M. (December 14, 2012). "Samrat, Samjiv create a new rock opera 'Bumbug The Musical'". The Indian Express. Internet Archive.
- ^ "Bumbug the Musical". Time Out. November 29, 2012.
- ^ a b Catton, Pia (December 9, 2012). "Wrap a New Present In Fables of the Past". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on February 27, 2013.
- ^ "Say Bumbug! to Christmas!". December 15, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2013.
External links