Xirlo

A scene from Xirlo

‘Xirlo’, the latest production by Menezes Theatre, refers to the chameleon that is known to change its colours. Written and directed by Mario Menezes, ‘Xirlo’ is the tale of a man who does the same to achieve his selfish and evil longings.

The story has a rich businessman whose daughter Crisel is married to Rio. He also has a son, Jonas, who does not have any interest in his father’s business and just wants to enjoy life. Rio is thus the heir. Fortunately for Jonas, the girl he marries, Princey encourages him to help in the father’s business. Princey is loved by the entire family, however, Rio and Crisel feel threatened, as now the son is likely to take over the family business.

A game of cat and mouse soon begins and the two try to trap the innocent girl.

The rest should be watched on stage. The play has many twists and increasing suspense leaves the audience anxiously awaiting the next twist in the play.

It is not only suspense that makes it a good play. The comedy too contributes to the good script. Laugh riots are the highlights of the play. From the opening song rendered in style by Lawry, the play moves at a brisk pace till it reaches its climax. The cast is just right for the roles they play. Rosy Alvares as Crisel is suitably evil and jealous. Jessica in the role of the loving Princey has done a good job in every act. Lawry Travasso as Jonas and Mario de Vasco as the father do justice to their roles. Mario Menezes as the evil Rio is simply superb. Good to see Mario in a different role after all those tragedies. Tony de Ribandar and Bobet lend good comic support in the opening act. Joanna as Claudia and Ben Evangelisto as Alvares had the crowd in splits. Comedy formed a part of the main story, with a few diversions.

In between acts there are good solos, duets, and trios by Jessica, Rosy, Joanna, Ben, Mario de Vasco, Mario Menezes, Lawry Travasso and Tony de Ribandar. A duet from Rosy and Lawry for aged parents is performed very well. The music deserves a word of praise. Augusto de Panchwadi (trumpet), Mariano (bass), Manuel (drums) and James (keyboard) combined well to back the songs with some great arrangements and punchy music. James provided a good background score during acts.