By Tiranya Yalindee Ranasinghe

Colombo is anticipating the arrival of the West End–licensed musical ‘La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz’ at Cinnamon Life, presented by City of Dreams Sri Lanka in collaboration with the John Keells Foundation. Bringing together an international cast alongside Sri Lankan performers, the production, directed by Paul Morrissey, promises a dynamic blend of music and storytelling.

Leading the cast are Joseph Hewlett and Charlotte Dos Santos Chabi, joined by acclaimed West End performer Madalena Alberto and international stage actor Eduardo Enrikez. Also featuring Mychele LeBrun in a dual role, the production combines global experience with local talent under the direction of Jerome De Silva, creating a cross-cultural theatrical experience that extends beyond the stage.

Ahead of the show, we sat down with members of the visiting cast to talk about their experience in Sri Lanka, working with local performers, and why live theatre continues to hold its place in an increasingly digital world.

1. How has your experience in Sri Lanka been so far?

Joseph: It’s been incredible. Sometimes you land somewhere and instantly feel at home, and that’s exactly what it’s been like here. That feeling is rar,e but Sri Lanka has that warmth. It’s beautiful, and the energy has been so welcoming that, honestly, I could see myself living here.

2. What has it been like collaborating with a Sri Lankan cast? Have you noticed any differences?

Madalena: The biggest difference is the sheer passion. The local cast brings such joy and enthusiasm to the process; it’s really inspiring. In places like London, where theatre is everywhere, it can sometimes be taken for granted. But here, there’s a genuine love for the craft that feels refreshing and humbling.
Mychele: For many of us still training or early in our careers, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of booking jobs and building a career. But working here reminded us of why we started in the first place. 

3. What can audiences expect from La Bamba as a production?

Madalena: It’s a vibrant mix. The show brings together original compositions, contemporary pop influences, and traditional Latin American sounds, creating a layered musical experience. There are even subtle nods to globally recognisable artists, which adds an unexpected, modern edge.
Charlotte: What makes it particularly compelling is how intentional everything feels as the music isn’t just there for spectacle. Each song has been carefully chosen to reflect the characters and move the story forward. It’s not one singular style, but rather a fusion that elevates the narrative and keeps the audience engaged throughout.

4. How has the rehearsal process shaped the final production?

Mychelle: It’s been fast-paced and dynamic. With a limited rehearsal period, much of the process involved adaptability, sometimes even rehearsing without the full ensemble and imagining scenes before they fully came together.

5. There’s an ongoing conversation about theatre being a “dying art,” especially in the age of social media. What are your thoughts?

Eduardo: Theatre is actually more important now than ever. In a world where we’re constantly on our phones, live performance offers something we’re missing - a real human connection. Sitting in an audience, sharing a story together, feeling something collectively, that’s something you simply can’t replicate digitally.
Madalena: Social media has its place, and it creates opportunities, but it can also isolate us. Theatre reminds us how to connect, how to empathise, and how to be present. Those shared experiences are invaluable.

6. With platforms like TikTok shaping how audiences consume art, do you feel pressure to tailor performances to audience expectations?

Charlotte: There’s always an awareness of how an audience might respond, but ultimately, performance has to come from a place of authenticity. If you focus too much on catering to expectations, you lose the essence of the art. The goal is to stay truthful to the story and the character because that’s what audiences connect with most.

7. What has this experience taught you, personally and professionally?

Joseph: It’s been a reminder of humility and appreciation, both for the opportunity to perform and for the people you meet along the way. More than anything, it’s reinforced the importance of joy in what we do. Seeing that reflected so strongly in the Sri Lankan cast has been incredibly grounding.

8. What will you take away from your time in Sri Lanka?

Madalena: Beyond the work, it’s the people and the experience. The warmth, the culture, the connections, it’s something we’ll carry with us long after the show ends.