Rediscover retro with this Hollywood-themed musical in Bengaluru

A poster of A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Arjun Sajnani is bringing back the charm and chaos of Hollywood’s golden age with A Day In Hollywood/A Night In The Ukraine, a celebrated two-act musical that has earned the applause of many audiences since its debut in 1979. With a touch of nostalgia and a hefty dose of Marx Brothers’ wit, the production is set to be staged at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on December 11 and 12.

The play’s first act is a musical homage to Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s, featuring iconic swing jazz tunes and ballads that defined the era. Its second act transitions into an uproarious Marx Brothers-inspired farce, blending slapstick humour, wit, and sarcasm in a way that remains timeless. “The comedy is everlasting,” Arjun says, “This generation has not experienced the fun of this show.”

This iteration, however, isn’t a mere revival but a reinvention. While retaining some of the original cast members from Arjun’s earlier production (about 30 years ago) for the Marx Brothers segment, the Hollywood portion has been entirely reimagined. The director credits advancements in technology for breathing new life into the spectacle. “The music is wonderful — classic Hollywood, 1940s swing jazz, romance, all that. With modern technology, I thought I could bring it to life for this audience as well,” he says.

The production, he adds, is also a celebration of young theatre talent in Bengaluru, with a fresh crop of actors, singers, and dancers taking centre stage. “These are kids who have grown up in Bangalore and are headed for big careers in the world of music if they pursue it.”

The relatability of retro themes for contemporary audiences isn’t lost on the director. “Comedy is comedy,” Arjun says, “The script is so good — there’s nothing archaic, old, or unapproachable about it. You can laugh at it today just as you did 30, 40, or 50 years ago.” The play’s universal appeal lies not only in its humour but also in its music, which Arjun believes resonates across generations. He views the production as a lesson in comedy and performance, blending wit and slapstick in ways that remain relevant.

The staging, costumes, and choreography have been meticulously designed to reflect the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. “The pianist and my music team are incredible. Maya Mascarenhas, my music director, and Lourd Vijay, who handled the choreography, are amazing. The confidence I get from having such talented people handling various departments is something I hope I never have to do without.”

Despite the extensive planning and effort required for a musical, Arjun finds joy in collaboration. “A musical is a totally collaborative effort,” he says, “In this case, Maya and I saw eye to eye from the start. It’s just a matter of trust, I think.”

For Arjun, the most rewarding aspect of the production lies ahead — audience reactions. “That’s my reward,” he says. “When the credit time comes, I want it all to go to them [the cast and crew] because they work so hard. It’s their voices and concentration that make the production what it is.”

A part of the month-long BLR Hubba festival, A Day In Hollywood/A Night In The Ukraine will be staged at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleswaram, on December 11 and 12. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.