Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat back in Bengaluru, courtesy Kevin Oliver
'I've always wanted to bring out my version of this musical. There's nothing more challenging than taking a piece that has been so overused and transforming it completely,' says Kevin.
Well, the upcoming musical has certainly piqued interest with news of its 100-strong, all-male choir ('Potiphar's wife is the only female part,' adds Kevin) and its spectacular dreamcoat doing the rounds.
Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was first produced as a musical in 1972, and went on to become one of the most popular pieces to be staged, adapted and reimagined.
Back to the beginning
'Bangalore', as Kevin remembers it, 'used to be a city of music and art' and he was quite active on its cultural scene. 'I studied under Savitha Yates (a popular theatre personality in Bengaluru during the '80s) who advised me to try every genre of theatre, before going into musicals.' The training has held him in good stead.
And train he did. Apart from music, which he was always passionate about, Kevin combined his background of theatre and dance with choreography and fashion. Soon, Dubai came calling and though he was heading a music school there and staging productions, it was also where he got a chance to hone his fashion skills.
'I've worked with some amazing designers there such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, dressing the likes of Hugh Jackman, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Andreas Bocelli, among others,' says Kevin. However, he adds, 'One of the most ambitious and beautiful things I created was a 1,000-strong, girls choir which went viral for their performance of AR Rahman's Vande Mataram.'
Home again
Kevin says despite being away from Bengaluru, he always felt the need to give back to the community that gave him his start. 'I roped in Oum Pradutt, a former student of mine, and this collaboration fell into place.'
'I had left Bengaluru 35 years ago and wasn't sure if singers of today would even want to be a part of this musical, but I had to try. Then, at the audition as many as 450 people turned up and though they were all wonderful, I had to choose 100 for the cast.'
'We've got a range of voices — from a bass to a countertenor — literally every sound you can get with singers aged between 16 and 60.'
Apart from having an all-male cast, Kevin's Joseph stands out for having with nine narrators, instead of a single female voice as in the original. And of course, the dreamcoat which has generated quite a buzz.
'Two of my friends from Dubai, who've done amazing work in the field of fashion, lent me garments that suited the characters. The dreamcoat, designed by Michael Cinco and Furne One Amato, weighs over 21 kilograms. It is made with different fabrics and covered with Swarovski crystals. It's like a chandelier on a guy's back.'
Kevin says he is doubtful whether the likes of Broadway or West End have done something as elaborate and fashion conscious as his reimagining of Joseph. 'I'm hoping people love it as much as I do,' he says, even as he admits the creation is what his mind's eye had conjured up as Joseph's coat of many colours,
Full circle
And Oum Pradutt, the former student Kevin roped in? As a schoolboy in Frank Anthony's, he played a part in Catch, a musical Kevin had presented. 'I had no idea about musicals at the time, but auditioned all the same. Kevin thought I was a better dancer than a singer,' laughs Oum.
As part of the main cast, Oum performed in a string of shows in Mumbai too, and was again cast as a dancer in Joseph when it was produced, travelling with the troupe wherever they performed. 'It was an incredible experience to gain such an exposure at that age, and at a time when engineering and medicine were considered the only avenues for a career.'
Apart from the thrill of the spotlight, Oum says the experience gave him a chance to observe Kevin and his style of working at close quarters. 'He would not only look at the costumes, makeup, music and choreography personally, but also be involved in areas such as prompts, props, light and design. It was amazing to see what happened on stage and behind the scenes. That stayed with me for the longest time.'
Oum went on to found Phase I in 1995, blending his corporate expertise with his passion for the creative arts and entertainment. 'I credit the existence of my company, now in its 30th year to Kevin's musicals, so I was truly glad of the chance to collaborate with him on Joseph.'
'We both saw this as a chance to give back to this city,' says Oum, adding that though there are a lot of events taking place in Bengaluru, musicals are quite rare.
Going by his own lived experience, Oum and Phase I are ensuring school children will get a chance to witness the magic of a musical with discounted tickets. 'In other parts of the world, schools send their students to such events, providing them with experiential learning rather a textbook one. We are also bringing students from the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) to watch the show for free,' he says, adding theirs is a cause close to his heart.
'Growing up, I did not have such resources and if it were not for the exposure I gained at school, I would not be where I am today. Hopefully, these children too will be excited and inspired and pursue something amazing one day.'
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be staged at Good Shepherd Auditorium on July 17, 18 and 19. Tickets from ₹999 on bookmyshow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
What Sydney Sweeney's fashion formula can teach you about everyday glam
Image credits: X Sydney Sweeney has quickly become one of Hollywood's most-watched style stars and not just on the red carpet. Whether she's serving old Hollywood glam at Cannes or showing off a more relaxed, Gen Z aesthetic on the streets of New York, her fashion choices are always on point. There's a playfulness to her wardrobe, but also a sense of control. She dresses for herself, not the trends. And that's exactly what makes her style so worth borrowing from. If you're looking to level up your fashion game with a bit of Sydney's charm, here are some style lessons to steal from her closet. Embrace feminine silhouettes unapologetically Sydney doesn't shy away from dressing like a woman. She leans into hourglass shapes, corseted waists, and soft, romantic fabrics. Whether she's in a Dolce & Gabbana bustier or a vintage-inspired slip dress, her wardrobe celebrates her curves instead of hiding them. What you can borrow: Invest in a structured corset top or a well-fitted midi dress that hugs you in all the right places. Don't be afraid of florals, lace, or a delicate neckline. Feminine doesn't mean fragile, it means powerful, and Sydney wears that message loud and clear. Play with pastels and soft colors While many celebrities opt for blacks and neutrals, Sydney often goes in the opposite direction, championing pale blues, dusty pinks, lilacs, and soft creams. These colors flatter her skin tone and add a softness to her overall vibe, making even structured outfits look dreamy. What you can borrow: If your wardrobe is full of blacks and greys, try switching out one staple for a pastel version, maybe a blush blazer or a sky-blue tank. You'll be surprised how refreshing it feels, and how well it pairs with your existing basics. Don't underestimate the power of denim Off the red carpet, Sydney keeps it real with cropped denim jackets, oversized jeans, and slouchy vintage cuts. She styles them with baby tees, bodysuits, or sometimes even lingerie-inspired tops. The result? An outfit that feels both laidback and intentional. What you can borrow: Look for vintage denim that feels lived-in. Pair your go-to jeans with something unexpected like a silk camisole or a structured blazer. Sydney's off-duty style proves that denim doesn't have to be basic; it can be bold, cool, and even elegant when styled right. Add a touch of retro without going full costume Sydney knows how to pull influence from the past without looking like she's stepped out of a time machine. Her wardrobe often nods to the '50s and '60s, with cat-eye sunglasses, cardigan sets, high-waisted shorts, or Mary Jane heels, but always with a modern twist. What you can borrow: Instead of going head-to-toe vintage, pick one retro-inspired piece and mix it with something contemporary. A vintage purse with wide-leg trousers. A cardigan over a crop top. Retro doesn't mean outdated, it's just another way to show personality. Show skin strategically, not for attention One of Sydney's most powerful fashion traits is how confidently she owns her body without ever looking like she's trying too hard. She'll wear a sheer dress or a deep neckline, but it's always balanced by clean styling and an effortless attitude. Her outfits feel sexy because they're authentic, not because they're loud. What you can borrow: Next time you're dressing up, try revealing one area and keeping the rest covered. A crop top with wide trousers. A high-slit skirt with a modest top. Sexy doesn't have to scream; it can whisper and still turn heads. Trust the tailoring Even when Sydney wears something oversized like a slouchy suit or boyfriend jeans, there's intention behind the fit. Her clothes never drown her. She's mastered the balance between comfort and structure. That only happens when you know how important tailoring is. What you can borrow: Take your clothes to a tailor. Seriously. Even a simple alteration like hemming a pair of jeans or adjusting the waist of a jacket can make you look more polished. Tailoring doesn't have to be expensive. It just has to make the piece yours. Finish strong with accessories Sydney doesn't overdo it with accessories, but she doesn't ignore them either. She loves a statement shoe, a bold handbag, or a timeless pair of sunglasses. Even when her outfit is simple, she finishes it with something memorable. What you can borrow: Build your outfit around one standout accessory. Let your bag, shoes, or earrings do the talking. You don't need a dozen pieces, just one that adds flavor. Sydney Sweeney's style works because it feels real. It's not overly polished or trend-obsessed. It's about confidence, ease, and knowing what flatters you, whether it's a pastel mini dress or a vintage tee. The real secret? She wears the clothes. They don't wear her. And that's the best fashion tip of all. ( source of image Pinterest)
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Time of India
THE BOYZ face backlash for cultural appropriation; members reveal stylists ignored concerns over outfits
THE BOYZ have recently found themselves at the centre of many controversies. From being accused of drinking and smoking with minors to former member Haknyeon's scandal with an adult actress, they have been making headlines for quite some time now. Recently, the group announced that they will be making a comeback soon with their next EP titled 'a;effect.' They also shared the first photo teasers for the comeback as well, which started receiving a lot of backlash as well. The members soon responded to the criticism online too, shocking fans. THE BOYZ under fire for using a durag in new comeback teasers The boy group dropped a series of teaser photos and videos, including individual as well as group shots for their upcoming comeback. One of the members, New, however, started receiving a lot of backlash after his teaser photo went viral. In the photo, he can be seen wearing a popular headpiece called a 'Durag,' which is a common part of Black culture and is usually worn by them only. 더보이즈 (THE BOYZ) The 10th Mini Album [a;effect] 'Stylish' MV Teaser #1 2025. 07. 28. 6PM (KST) #THEBOYZ #더보이즈 #aeffect #Stylish — 더보이즈 (THE BOYZ) (@THEBOYZ_officl) July 24, 2025 Fans of the group started calling him out for not being careful enough, especially after all the group had already been through. The members, however, soon went live on a popular fan forum and shared their side of the story regarding the headpiece, sending a wave of shock and disappointment through fans. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo THE BOYZ respond to cultural appropriation allegations On July 25, members of the popular boy group revealed that they were well aware of the cultural significance of Durga and had earlier raised concerns about the styling for the concept of their comeback. Jacob and Kevin from THE BOYZ started a live stream on one of their social media platforms to connect with fans. They shared during the live that they had raised concerns about the outfit with their management agency as well as stylist. At the time, however, their concerns over the matter were dismissed, as the stylist labelled the headpiece to be a "beanie with legs," sending a wave of shock through fans, who had continuously been emailing the company about the cultural appropriation. Fans react to the shocking news As soon as the video went viral, fans as well as netizens expressed their shock over the matter. Many called the company out for not being careful and for ignoring warnings from the idols themselves. Many even pointed out the fact that there had been no comments from the company, and instead the English-speaking members had to issue a statement amid continuous backlash. One fan commented, "This entire situation is so ridiculous and could've been avoided so easily, and it also sucks knowing Kevin and Jacob felt the need to address it because they know 100 won't," while another shared that, "Why would you not listen to your artist's feedback? Especially over something being perceived as a durag. Poor decision by both the stylists and the management team."
News18
26-07-2025
- News18
Bharat Bala Recalls AR Rahman Recording Vande Mataram At 2 AM: ‘Woke Up, Lit A Candle'
Last Updated: Filmmaker Bharat Bala revealed that AR Rahman made a separate studio to record the song. AR Rahman's iconic 1997 rendition of Vande Mataram remains a classic hit to this day. Reminiscing about the old times, filmmaker Bharat Bala shared behind-the-scenes stories of recording this iconic track. Bala, who directed the music video, shocked fans as he revealed that AR Rahman recorded the track past midnight. AR Rahman Recorded The Song At 2 AM During an interview with The Lallantop, Bala revealed that AR Rahman made a separate studio to record the song. 'He made a separate studio on the second floor for this project. We were trying, but nothing was working out till six months," Bala recalled, sharing that one day AR Rahman woke up at 2 am and wanted to record the song. 'He suddenly woke up at 2 am. He made everything spiritual. He lit a candle that came from Ajmer Dargah and woke me up. He asked me to call the sound engineer, but there was no one," he added, revealing that he was the one who recorded the track with Rahman without anyone else present at the studio. Bala further stated that Rahman wanted him to sit down with him and work on the song. 'I didn't want to take responsibility for recording in those 15 minutes. But nobody was there. He went into the recording studio and started singing. 'Maa Tujhe Salaam.' That emotion…I was in tears!" Bala narrated the whole event. Filmmaker Bharat Bala's Vision Behind Vande Mataram Music Video Bala was also seen sharing his thoughts behind making the music video. While talking about the song, Bala shared that he wanted to go for a more romantic vibe than making it purely patriotic. 'I wanted to make an idea called Vande Mataram, not just a music video," he stated, revealing that he worked on it for nearly six months. 'Uss zamaane mein vo All India Radio mein aata tha, ek purana sa scratch tha. There was no feeling as such; I wanted to change that. Even though we took the idea of creating that for India, we wanted to keep it romantic. It's a love song for your country, your mother. That's why it's much deeper and stays like that even today," he said. Additionally, Bala confessed that there was no prior planning or storyboarding involved; he just wanted to capture the real people. 'I was clear about one thing: I will film with real people; there will be flags, and people of every village and landscape will be filmed artistically," he stated. 'Jahan bhi jayenge, ek bada jhanda rakhenge, logon ko ikkattha karenge, and we will shoot it. No makeup, no choreography, but it should be epic," Bala revealed about his vision. The music video was ultimately filmed within 20-25 days and was out in another ten days. First Published: July 26, 2025, 13:20 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
