The search for musical theatre talent in Sri Lanka for an upcoming international production has successfully culminated, resulting in the selection of a talented group of children and adults who will form the local cast for “La Bamba – Song of Veracruz.” This initiative is brought to life by City of Dreams Sri Lanka in collaboration with the John Keells Foundation.
This year, a rigorous audition process was conducted, where aspiring performers showcased their skills in singing, dancing, and acting. Under the mentorship of Local Associate Director Kalakeerthi Jerome De Silva and Local Associate Music Director Soundarie David, candidates were evaluated on their versatility, confidence, charisma, and presence on stage. Ultimately, a vibrant ensemble of performers was chosen, who will soon share the stage with their international counterparts.
The John Keells Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the John Keells Group, plays a pivotal role in promoting initiatives that encourage creativity, cultural interaction, and social unity in Sri Lanka. The foundation emphasizes the arts as a means to nurture local talent and provide access to high-quality cultural experiences.
Carmeline Jayasuriya, Head of CSR at John Keells Group, expressed pride in supporting this groundbreaking production, which merges international expertise with local artistry in a distinctive setting at City of Dreams. She stated, “We are thrilled to see the incredible talent that has emerged for La Bamba! This opportunity not only allows our artists to display their skills but also places Sri Lanka on the global cultural map.”
The final auditions were graced by West End Director Paul Morrissey, founder of a London-based theatre production company and the director of “La Bamba – Song of Veracruz.” Morrissey referred to the musical as “a celebration of cultural collaboration,” emphasizing that the local auditions enable Sri Lankan performers to collaborate with international artists, resulting in an engaging, diverse, and captivating production for audiences.
Morrissey remarked on the uniqueness of this production and the impressive local talent. “This is the first time Sri Lanka has licensed a Western production in this manner, creating something truly multicultural and exceptional. I was astounded by the talent, especially among the younger performers, and the strength of the vocalists. It feels like a natural progression to blend a West End musical with Sri Lankan talent to offer something extraordinary for audiences.”
With the audition phase concluded, the selected local cast has begun rehearsals, combining a lively mix of emerging and seasoned performers. The production is set to elevate as the international cast from London’s West End is expected to arrive in Colombo in the forthcoming weeks, marking a significant step in this unique cross-cultural collaboration. The fusion of local and international talents is anticipated to deliver a truly dynamic and unforgettable theatre experience for Sri Lankan audiences.
Jerome De Silva acknowledged the depth of talent found during auditions, which posed both encouragement and challenges. “We were particularly impressed by the children; even the youngest were already stars. What distinguished them was not only their strong voices and dance skills but also the liveliness and charisma essential for a Latin American musical. It’s about discovering performers who can seamlessly integrate singing, acting, and dancing with personality,” he stated.
Soundarie David echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s inherent connection to rhythm. “Our indigenous music and dance forms are deeply rooted in rhythm, much like Latin music. This connection was very clear during auditions. We witnessed confidence, energy, and passion, all of which are crucial for this production,” she remarked.
The newly selected local cast shared their excitement about the experience, expressing enthusiasm for being part of “La Bamba!” They highlighted the thrill of performing on stage, collaborating with West End actors, and showcasing their local talent to a global audience. One young performer rated their excitement for “La Bamba!” as “11 out of 10,” while another shared her love for singing, noting, “I have a talent for singing, and I really love it. Acting doesn’t make me nervous, but singing does,” she added with a smile.
As rehearsals progress and anticipation builds, the local cast is preparing to join their international colleagues to bring this West End-licensed musical to life in Colombo. Organizers are confident that the stage is set for a spectacular production that combines global excellence with homegrown talent.
Audiences are encouraged to secure their tickets early for this limited engagement, running from April 24th to 28th at The Forum, City of Dreams Sri Lanka. This production promises to deliver the vibrancy of West End theatre in Colombo. The show will feature a new international cast, and any references to the original cast in promotional materials pertain to the original West End production that inspired this presentation.
“La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz” is presented by City of Dreams Sri Lanka and the John Keells Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through www.cinnamonboxoffice.com or by calling +94 71 711 8111, with a 10% early-bird discount available for Nations Trust Bank American Express and Mastercard holders.
