KATHMANDU: Performers from Nepal and American Voices teamed up to present in the first-ever Broadway performance in Nepal ‘Broadway Bridges to Kathmandu’ at Moksh auditorium on April 3.

Michael Parks Masterson and John Ferguson from American Voices, an American organisation involved in sharing the American culture throughout the world, together with Nepali youngsters gave the audience a taste of Broadway through songs and dances from different musicals. Despite the small space, the performers were able to provide the Nepali audience a flavour of Broadway.

The audience enjoyed this unique collaboration of artistes from two countries to the fullest. The show started off with a Jazz dance by Nepali dancers to This Joint Is Jumping from Ain’t Misbehavin followed by a song Will I from Rent by participants from the music workshop.

Masterson’s rendition of Rain from Once On This Island, She’s a Woman from Kiss of the Spider Woman, River in the Rain from Big River stole the whole show. His voice echoed throughout the hall as he perfected all those various scales.

Ferguson’s solo on the piano was equally entertaining. As his fingers danced swiftly on the keys, the tunes of Dizzy Fingers and Maple Leaf Rag— performed after special a request from a member of the audience — were able to enthral the audience throughout his performance.

A scene from Annie in the song I think I’m going to like it here was also presented. The last performance Hand Jive from Grease by the full cast was a special treat as B-Boying was included in a Broadway performance for the first time. The performance was accompanied by KJC band including musical instruments like tabala and saxophone.

Pratigya Nepal, one of the audience expressed, “It is totally a new but a nice experience to experience a Broadway show.”

Meanwhile, theatre artist Saugat Malla also found the show interesting, “This show has provided an opportunity to understand a new form of theatrical performance.”

Director of Actor’s Studio and theatre artist Anup Baral opined, “We have been performing such kind of music performances from long before — but according to our folk culture. It has been an opportunity for participants to learn things in a new way.”

The event organised by US Embassy in Nepal in partnership with American Voices and Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory was the outcome of four -day long workshop conducted with Nepali youngsters.