‘Out of the Ordinary’: Bengaluru’s Kiara Academy music show returns with a cause

Bengaluru’s Kiara Academy of Performing Arts is set to present its annual musical production, ‘Out of the Ordinary’, as part of its long-running ‘In the Mood’ series. The show, which will be held at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall on August 28 and 29, promises an eclectic mix of dance and music genres, while also continuing the academy’s tradition of supporting a local NGO.

The ‘In the Mood’ series has been a staple for the academy for six years, with each edition built around a distinct theme. According to Wendy Dickson, Director of Kiara Academy, this year’s inspiration comes from Alex Warren’s popular song ‘Ordinary’. “We’ve been presenting this series for the last six years, and every year it is centred around a theme. Last year, it was ‘Take Five’ in homage to the popular jazz standard; this year, we’ve chosen ‘Out of the Ordinary’ after Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ which everybody seems to enjoy,” she said.

The title also reflects the academy’s ambition to deliver a show that breaks from the routine. “What we wanted to convey with the title is that our show is out of the ordinary,” Dickson added.

The first half of the event will showcase the various genres taught at the academy. Audiences can expect jazz from the 1920s and 40s, a classical segment featuring Johann Sebastian Bach, a special performance by intermediate students set to a Pink number, and a surprise Latin rock segment. The programme also includes live music, rock, and metal tributes.

“Every year, we present popular rock artistes such as Freddie Mercury and Guns and Roses; this year will see a trio of popular rock favourites which will include a medley of six songs during which the dance team will groove across the stage,” Dickson said.

The second half of ‘Out of the Ordinary’ will feature a Disney-themed segment and a rock musical, ensuring a family-friendly yet energetic evening for all age groups.

One of the notable aspects of the production is the involvement of senior students, many of whom have been with the academy since they were four years old. Dickson, who has trained these young artistes for nearly two decades, says they now bring their own creative interpretations to the stage. “Today, they want to bring their creativity, ideas and interpretations to the show and I let them. They see the world with fresh, new eyes and bring that offbeat and unexpected energy to the stage as well,” she said.

Beyond entertainment, the event serves a charitable purpose. For the past eight years, Kiara Academy has supported the Bosco Rainbow Home for Girls, an NGO that provides shelter and education to girls aged four to sixteen who have been rescued from dangerous situations and are undergoing rehabilitation. A portion of the proceeds from the show will go towards this cause. “Ever since I first visited them and saw how solid this cause is, we have been supporting them,” Dickson said.

The production is curated by the academy’s Assistant Director Tina Dickson Franco and choreographed by her 19-year-old daughter Rachel Ann Franco, bringing a fresh, youthful perspective to the performance.

‘In the Mood: Out of the Ordinary’ will be performed at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on August 28 at 7 pm and August 29 at 6 pm. Tickets start at ₹499 and are available on District, and at Lusitania Stores on Brigade Road and Mosque Road. For more details, call 98808 55688.