The musical would be performed on a 44 feet heigh hydraulic stage, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who is the mentor of the event and Jose Thomas, Chairman of Jose Thomas Performing Arts Centre (JTPAC), organisers of the programme, told reporters here.
Mohanlal said the show would be taken to different cities in India-- Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. It would also be staged in two-tier cities which had not yet been identified. Total cost of the stage show was estimated at Rs 1.5 crore.
The organisers want to take India together through art through children, he said, adding, this would be a never before experience. The lights, sounds and other technical perfections was of such high standards that such a show was being held for the first time in the country.
The cast consists of over 450 children, close to 100 students lending backstage support for the two hour live musical programme.
Sixteen main characters of the musical will be taken to different cities for the performance while local children would be picked up for performing in their respective cities, he said.
The musical which is being brought out by the Choice School in association with JTPAC, will be mega production peppered with colourful dances choreographed by professional trainers, a live musical score and a grand multi level design for the sets among many other festivities.
The show is directed by Mumbai based Silly Point Productions.
Lal said strenuous practice sessions have toned up the talent of the young actors. The fleet footed gazelles, the wild stampede of the wild beast, the majestic pacing of lionesses are being aesthetically replicated on stage by the students who are being trained by the 'Steps' dance team from Mumbai.
The choir, singing all the tracks live are undergoing intense training by Joe Peter. There were 20 songs, most of them in Swahili, the actor said.
