A Beat of Our Own – Makes a Cultural Connection

Oct 23, 2026 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Sue Weston and Susie Rosenbluth, Two Sues on the Aisle

A Beat of Our Own, an original musical comedy about competitive bhangra dance will be playing at the McCarter Theatre Center until October 25.  The show opens with a high-energy Indian dance as the final team competes in the bhangra dance at the Michigan State Championships. The performance is exuberant, with fast-paced dance numbers, vibrant costumes, and traditional Indian music. It is an introduction to Indian culture, and a reminder to focus on what we have in common.

Rehana Lew Mirza and Mike Lew wrote the story, a lighthearted comedy, that deals with cultural identity and a rivalry that evolves into friendship. Music and lyrics are by Sam Willmott, weaving together South Asian and American influences. It is a feel-good production, an enjoyable evening watching talented performers dancing the ‘bhangra,’ the excitement of the competition, and the drama as the dance troupe struggles to prepare for Nationals. A Beat of Our Own is McCarter Theatre’s largest musical to date, with 18 actors and 10 musicians, filling the theater with the flavor of India, music, and dance. It is family-friendly entertainment, upbeat and spirited, with an underlying message of acceptance and community.

Plot Summary

East Lansing University has advanced to the national bhangra competition, but needs to create a better routine for nationals, and the team is divided on what direction to take. Mary, a senior (Salena Qureshi), suggests infusing traditional dance, while Preeti, a sophomore (Tara Venkataraman), wants to stick to the Punjabi’s stylistic roots, claiming to be an expert, and citing her family vacations in Chandigarh, Punjab.  Team captain, Amit (Rohit Gopal), avoids conflict, allowing Pretti to become the ‘consultant,’ reframing their entire routine, and forcing Mary out, by invalidating her ability, calling her suggestion a ‘white girl idea.’

Mary and her roommate Sunita (Sushma Saha) form a rival, multi-racial bhangra team of inexperienced dancers with heart and the desire to learn. They bring in a coach, Rekha (Sohm Kapila), a former Bollywood star, who runs a Samosa Hut, and teaches the team the movements Karate Kid style working in her kitchen.

A Taste of Indian Culture

Bhangra is a high-energy, traditional folk dance that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It historically celebrated the harvest, but there are no ethnic requirements to participate in the dance. Mary and Sunita create a group that unites the ‘unconnected’ students, even a widowed professor who is looking for a place to belong. Ultimately, giving each person a platform to express him/herself, weaving together ballroom dance, Indian classical Kathak, Bollywood, hip-hop, and modern contemporary dance, into a fun performance.

Indian dance is complex, and so is the Hindi language. Mary was focused on the past, quoting her late mother’s motto “Kal Mein Isq Talaash Kare” as a reminder to remember the past, interpreting it to mean “Seek love in yesterday”. We come to learn that the word Kal means “one day away from today,” which translates to both yesterday and tomorrow. Her mother was encouraging her to step out of the past, embrace creative risk, and look forward and ‘Seek love in tomorrow”

Come Out Smiling

East Lansing is a small town, and the two teams meet at the Samosa Hut in a stylized bollywood style fight, destroying the restaurant. Preeti overhears her teammates complaining about her controlling nature and singular focus. She realizes she is ruining a happy celebratory dance, which was based on family and having fun, by focusing on perfection.

Every performer was a stand-out, bringing amazing vocals and dance to the McCarter stage. The show ends with a big finale, which blends traditional dhol beats (a traditional double-headed barrel drum used in South Asian folk music) with hip-hop, which symbolizes the combination of cultures and backgrounds. Each person recognizes their individualization with a “beat of their own.” Unified through an exuberant dance, and a theater bathed in color, music, streamers, and smiles.