Ramayana!, the Mount Madonna School (MMS) sword-and-sorcery epic now in its 37th year, features an original rock-n-roll score and magical characters who encounter danger and love, good versus evil, duty, heroic action and sacrifice. Performances on June 5-7 at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose.
The story of Ramayana, as first told by the poet Valmiki, has endured for 2600 years as one of the world’s most widely-read classics. MMS’ Ramayana!, the longest running production of this timeless Indian story in the western hemisphere, focuses on a small part of the larger saga. It tells the tale of Prince Ram, who, banished from his homeland of Ayodhya, leaves with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to seek a new home. The trio embarks upon an uncertain journey, encountering an array of colorful beings, including: tribal folk and gentle forest animals, giants and wizards, heroic monkeys and bears, an enchanted golden deer, a kingdom of demons led by the evil 10-headed Lord Ravana, and a wild, fire-breathing dragon!
Six years ago MMS brought Ramayana! to San Jose, an ambitious endeavor that has facilitated the introduction of new audiences to this unique theatrical production. The show features a cast of some 200 student actors, ages 3 to 18, accompanied by a choir and adult musicians. It is a story of love, adventure, separation and an eventual joyous reunion, in an ancient allegory of the battle of good and evil. The show is filled with exciting action, spectacular costuming and family humor.
As the story unfolds, relevant, profound and subtle themes emerge — not only the power of goodness and the determination of love —” but also the need for compassion for all beings. A rich performing arts tradition and integrated arts curriculum make MMS performances outstanding. Put aside any stereotypes of what “school play” might bring to mind; think professional quality, phenomenal, authentic costumes, staging, musical talent and dramatic accomplishment. This young cast works hard, and it shows!
Bringing Ramayana! to life each year is a labor of love for the crew as well, with hundreds of faculty, staff, parents and volunteers contributing in myriad ways. This is testament to the robust volunteer spirit and community-building efforts espoused by the small central coast school known for strong academics, performing arts and producing volleyball championships.
Ramayana! 2015:
Performances at the Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, June 5 and 6, 7:00pm; June 7, 2:00pm. Tickets on sale now; All Seats Reserved: $35-$40 adults/$25 children (18 and under). Special Dress Circle tickets available for Saturday and Sunday performances, $85 each ($35 of each Dress Circle ticket is tax-deductible). Dress Circle tickets include a backstage tour, pre-show reception with hors d’oeuvres, intermission treats and the best seats in the house! These seats are limited! All tickets available online at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org/ramayana
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.
