[asiaone] December Rains - a musical with memorable ballads
Karen Lim
Sun, Aug 08, 2010
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20100805-
230683.html
December Rains - a musical with memorable ballads
A MUSICAL proudly made and staged in Singapore, December Rains is a Mandarin
production that boasts a stellar cast with a beautiful score and moving
ballads.
Staging its first performance at the Esplanade Theatre on Friday night,
December Rains proved to its audience that its plot transcends all language
and cultural barriers.
Attending the gala night was my Indian colleague, who for the first time, was
watching a Chinese play. Thank goodness for English surtitles.
Almost moved to tears at the end of the musical, she quipped: "I actually
enjoyed it."
December Rains, directed by Toy Factory's Goh Boon Teck, tells of a love
story which is set in Singapore's turbulent 1950s and 80s.
The protagonist, Li Qing, who is played by Singapore's veteran singer Kit
Chan, falls in love with politically-conscious student Ying Xiong, played by
veteran performer George Chan.
The love story is delivered clearly throughout the two and a half hours - the
pain of losing someone, of unrequited love, the dilemma between chasing one's
dream and one's love - is delivered strongly by the various ballads, penned
by the talented lyricist and composer Liang Wern Fook.
Set against a beautiful backdrop with clever usage of lighting to deliver the
mood, Goh's display of creative talent and minimalistic approach is evident.
After a six-year hiatus, Kit's acting is moderate but her fantastic vocals
make up for it and definitely wowed the audience, while George took to the
stage with Broadway finesse and musical-like singing.
The ballads and score are also probably one of strongest aspects of the
entire production - Liang and Jimmy Ye's combined work in this musical dubbed
as "Singapore's first home-grown musical" is not to be underestimated.
But what really left an impression on us both was Jeffery Low's performance,
who plays Ming Li, a third party who waits in vain for Li Qing.
He managed to deliver an impressing performance, evident in his role as the
aged Ming Li in the second half of the performance after the 20-minute
interval.
As for the rest of the cast, it was a tad bit of a hit and miss, with awkward
pauses spotted twice throughout the production, leaving the audience
wandering what was amiss.
December Rain's plot also falls a bit flat - if you're looking for unexpected
twists and surprises, this musical is definitely not it - in fact, its love
story is predictable and very much like the mainstream Chinese, Korean and
even Indian (that's what my colleague said) love stories.
However, the restaging of December Rains and the way it has been modernised
with new songs and score is once again proof that a local production should
not be undermined.
Catering to the mainstream audience and encompassing many facets of a
successful musical - from memorable ballads to a touching storyline, December
Rains will be remembered by many as the play that left them reminiscing about
the "what ifs" and "what-could-have-beens" of life.
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