I watched the premier show of Evam‘s “Doubles, Triples and Quadruples” at Rangashankara last evening. The play was a fun ride combined with lots of laughs, some touching moments and some surprises.

I had personally a memorable and delightful evening thanks to EVAM and the crowd present there… But before I talk about that here are my thoughts about the play.

Frankly I went into the play assuming its going to be full length play, similar to “Chapter Two”, “Art” or “The Odd Couple” all previously brilliantly executed by the same group. So when I realized it was going to be a series of sketches I was a bit disappointed… The plays were in themselves very hilarious and well done, the acting was top quality and the monologues, well they were simply captivating.

Among the plays, I loved the newly wed couple sketch the most. The Russian drowner, Call waiting, Russian therapist and Father/Son-Manhood sketch were a laugh riot. Some of the sketches seemed a little too dragged but considering it was the first performance, they will only get better ;)

The monologues were really well done. I dont know about the way it was planned but it seemed like the actors had the freedom to tell their stories, something that truly brought out the honesty in the performance. Karthik Kumar’s monologue about “Romance-Wines-Plays” was heartwarming and beautiful. Its a heavy line to say “I understand what he means”, but considering I just finished working with an amazing group of people on a play a week back, I guess I can say that :P

TMK’s “First Love”, (I apologize as I dont know all the actor’s names :P ) “Movies” and the “Birthday” monologue were well put forward. First Love and Birthday monologues had me thinking how we can find humor in the bad fortune of others… then again if we can look back at our experiences and laugh we are not looking at the “Bright side of life” :P

Finally the acting, well Evam has an amazing set of actors that just light up the stage. This time I will be partial towards the female leads coz it was the first time I have seen them perform(hope that was right :P ) and they were simply excellent. From the abusive phone call in the first play to the heartwarming dance in the last one, every actor did a spectacular job. My favorite performer has to be TMK – the Russian Drowner and the 19 year old boy were brilliant characters!

Finally about the it being a memorable evening for me. Well it just happens that I was the guy in the audience yest whose birthday happens to be this week :P Well so Karthik Kumar and the crowd (including my friends who poked me to get my hand up) sang me a premature “Happy Birthday to Chandrahasa”… What was amazing was that Karthik got my name right in the first shot! Well thank you guys :) it made my night

All in all, Play wise: Evam, The play was good but Its not the best from you guys :( The entertainment value was there but I am still waiting for that EVAM experience… The people seemed to have enjoyed it so who knows, maybe that opinion is just mine. But great job guys… thanks for the laughs and everything else.