The ancient Hindu story of the noble Rama and his trials and triumphs has instructed countless generations of Indians (and millions of others around the world) in the concept of dharma, the virtues such as “duty, vocation, religion and everything that is considered correct, proper or decent behavior (Wikipedia)” that go toward making a just, harmonious and happy society. It is not surprising then that Mount Madonna School incorporates these virtues in its core curriculum and has for the last thirty-four years made the staging of “The Ramayana “the culminating activity of its school year. The entire student body from pre-school to seniors appear on stage in a spectacular, eye-filling retelling of the classic tale in drama, song and dance lavishly costumed, backed by gorgeous sets and supported by excellent musicians. When I first wrote about mount Madonna’s “Ramayana!” some eight years ago I called it “the best school pageant ever” and a great piece of theatre. And what an educational experience for the students some of whom started as pre-school forest animals, graduated to bigger roles with more responsibility and end their careers as principle players all the while being schooled in ethical behavior as they learn the joys of the collaborative art of the theatre.

In this year’s production, the singing and dancing was particularly fine. Strong singers did justice to the Indian infused rock score, the dancers performed with admirable precision in what appears to be authentic Indian style choreography, as well as clearly balletic dance, belly dance and modern styles. Hats off to choreographers Mayana Lisboa, Lorraine Kinnamon, Asha Pandya and Lakshmi Potter and their nine student choreographers.

Fifth grader Samith Lakka performs as a member of the Bheel Tribe.

Photo: Maureen Pramanik.

The cast exuded confidence and radiated a crowd-pleasing elation in performing. As always, the youngest cast members were simply adorable and had such fun as forest animals, jungle creatures and stick wielding martial artists. The eye could not help but dwell on the littlest chick who did her best to keep up helped many, many hands including Prince Rama himself (a noble David Broz) who kneeled down for her.

It may be unfair to single out a few performers from so many but Kabir Ahluwalia and Lulu Morell-Haltom served well as the narrators Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. McKenzie Caborn was lovely as Rama’s faithful wife Princess Sita. Daniel Fust gave a nice intensity to his role as Rama’s devoted brother Lakshmana. Ryan Alfaro was suitably villainous as the evil ten-headed demon King Ravana. And JonJon Blunden stopped me my tracks as I was leaving the auditorium for intermission when he strode onstage from house left in full costume, mask and headdress, plugged in his electric guitar from a lead handed up from the pit and jammed with the band for a brief, smoking’ number – an unscripted delight!

And finally, I heap mounds of praise for Sampad Martin Kachuck who has directed this awesome spectacle for thirty years. “Ramayana! “is an amazing feat of artistry and organization. I salute you General Kachuck!