Car Wars & Tragic Lovers

Heh heh... this series of ads was sent by this colleague of mine and they are too good to not share! So check it out!










On another note, I went to watch Butterfly Lovers yesterday with CY, KG, J and KG's girl. Note below:

Butterfly Lovers The Musical

Dama's latest musical production is based on a very popular Chinese folklore about two ill-fated lovers who could not consummate their relationship due to family backgrounds, but are reunited as butterflies after their death. Under the artistic baton of Dama, this Chinese YENTL cum ROMEO & JULIET classic love story - set in the Eastern Jin Dynasty period (265 - 420 AD) - is given a modern makeover, with the infusion of an exquisite blending of period costumes with the touch of contemporary musical.

I know that it is based on an old folklore and that Shaw Brothers made this movie a very long time ago starring the famous Ling Po - THE LOVE ETERNE (aka LIANG SHAN-PO AND CHU YING-TAI) - a 1963 Hong Kong operetta based on the oft-filmed classic story, "Liang Shan-Po And Chu Ying-Tai," aka "The Butterfly Lovers." A love story in a combination of dialogue and song, focusing on a pair of students at a university in Hangchow, one, Chu Ying-Tai, a female disguised as a man in order to gain entry into the school and the other an older fellow student, Liang Shan-Po.

The musical I must say, I found quite funny at parts. Maybe the language barrier and lack of cultural understanding hinders me from really enjoying the musical but I found it beautiful in some parts and really corny in others. The language was beautiful and Tan Soo Suan voice - and I am talking about her SPEAKING voice was gorgeous. A beautiful quality that I can listen to forever. Her singing voice was of course beautiful (one marvels at a woman who can sing beautifully lying down, in distress, running around ,etc) but I was completely captivated by her speaking voice. The actor who played Shanbo didnt really make an impact on me but I found his manservant, Suji, really charming.
Best scene?
When Ying Tai runs to Shanbo's grave and there was lightning and thunder. A butterfly image "flies down" and Shanbo appears, in silhouette. The lighting effect was superb!

The funniest scene?
Both servants doing a little dance after YingTai called Shanbo a dumb buffalo and he merajuk-ed
AND
When 2 BIG HUGE butterfiles appear after YingTai's suicide. I expected 2 sweet little butterflies, not 2 Big huge-ass monsters!

onehundred&seventysevenminutes

fiftynineminutes.
original short plays and monologues performed within one hour.

“Two friends discover faith, direction and the truth. An actress whom we all like to hate. A bitter past haunts a bitterer couple. A girl finds beauty in ugliness. A man and a woman make love over dinner. A fellow Malaysian makes the country proud. And a group of roommates bring back the dead- all within fiftynineminutes”

When September 28th - October 1st 2006 @ 8.30 pm

Where The Dram Projects, BG06 Happy Mansion Apartments, Jalan 17/13 46400 PJ

I went three times to see Johann in his first ever monologue titled "The World's Smelliest Durian" over the last week at the Dram Projects. Dram Projects is this tiny teeny weeny studio next to the Food Foundry at Section 17. Quite a little gem of a place, really, although in terms of sound insulation, it fails. This effort is put up by the oral stage which is mainly made up of really young actors, directors and writers.

It was great to see the young actors letting their creativity flow and I truly feel that we should have more outlets like this for the youth. Although I felt that most of the actors lacked that connection to their charaters and therefore I had difficulty believing what they were doing or saying, overall I would say that it was a good effort.

But more on the oldest "youth" there, Johann Lim. I know I am biased, but his, was definately my favourite performance. He was a real natural, kept it simple and basically allowed the audience to connect with the script and the character. I really did not know what to expect walking in as I have never seen him do somethig like this before and neither did I see him rehearse his lines. I was even preparing what to say to him incase it sucked. "You were...erm...kinda good...babe.." "Maybe... you erm... didn't have enough time to practice." "It was not bad... for your first time." Anyway...PHEW! He was great! and I told him so. Not that I would have lied and not tell him like it is if he wasn't, (hmm).. but to be fair, I thought the script was one of the better ones. Amongst the other ones which had darker undertones, The World's Smelliest Durian was like a breath of fresh air. I am no expert, but I know what speaks to me and what does not. I AM proud of my world smelliest baby. You rocked babe!
The one I disliked the most? Has to be the final act with 6 girls. It was annoying, messy, lacked clarity and well... just plain annoying... sorry girls... that was what it was for me.

Looks like I will not be able to hold him back now.... hahaha
Check out reviews by other bloggers:
http://kyspeaks.com/2006/09/28/ky-review-fiftynineminutes-by-the-oral-stage/

http://bookofjohn.blogspot.com/

Laziness, dehydration and other ramblings..

Yup so I've been a lazy ass... have not updated on the closing night and what has been going on with me unlike my other half who seems to be suffering from blogrhoea (a rambling disorder characterized by abnormal frequency and fluidity of evacuations). So what did it feel like to perform for 14 nights to more than 2000 audience members? exhilirating, satisfying, and nothing I have ever experienced before. I cried, I laughed, I got emotional, I got pissed off...By the way we will be restaging Broken Bridges in December so again, it's busy days ahead! I know, 2 weeks of shows should deserve more space in this blog but... what the heck, moment over.

Bloody hell, my face is getting worse and worse. My skin is so dehyrated I am getting fine lines on my face due to it.(I can almost hear Johann going "Told you so! Drink more water!") The surface of my skin is so dry and taut whereas it's oily in the lower epidermis. It's getting really imbalanced. I spent RM500 at Aesop today getting re-hydration stuff fro my skin. Hope it helps. Although I DO relise that I have not been drinking enough water in... say the last 2 years.. and I am pretty sure my hormones are changing or something. So better do something about it before the fine lines become wrinkles.. Arrrgghhh....... So i bought the Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque, Daily anti-oxidant moisturiser for oily, combination or sensitive skin and the Parsley seed eye cream. Hope it works.

Casino Royale

On another note, I just saw the trailer to Casino Royale. Looks different from the other Bond film and am looking forward to it. Check it out:
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/casinoroyale/site/

There was a lot of controversy when Daniel Craig was chosen to replace Pierce Brosnon as 007.
Daniel Craig's role as James Bond was a controversial decision that drew protest from a contingent of fans and critics. Opponents of the casting had threatened to boycott Casino Royale, and even set up a website urging others to do the same, at the www.danielcraigisnotbond.com.
But let me just say that he looks HOT HOT HOT in the trailer!! I mean, check out these pics.. he will send temperatures rising...sexy beast that he is... Fuuyoh!

Forbidden City

Went to the Lion City to watch Fobidden City: Portrait of an Empress. Billed as Singapore's most successful musical returns after three years - bigger and better!Held at the Singapore Repertory Theatre at the durian looking Esplanade I thoroughly enjoyed it. The songs were fantastic especially Starting with the eyes, Blood on the Streets, Gentle Touch and the Empress' aria - My only chance. However I was a little frustrated at the start when I could not hear what the ensemble was singing in the opening song : Dragon Lady. In fact, only after listening to the cd that I bought did I really understand the song. My favourite cast members? Prince Tun and Tuan, Yehanara and Morisson. Kit Chan did a great job at Yehanara. I especially love how she subtley changed from an innocent giggly girl in Act 1 to an Empress in Act 2. The lowering of the voice, the poise, the growing confidence.. fabulous. My favourite scene? The closing of Act 1, when the Emperor declared Yehanara as Regent of China, she immediate shouted "BOW!" and the cast members went "Wan Sui, Wan Sui , Wan Wan Sui!" (Ten Thousand years). Cool man.
The set was very simple yet clever and the costumes were beautiful.
It has all the right ingredients of an epic tale - a young concubine in love, a dying Emperor, a heartless traitor, an idealistic artist and an empire that stands to fall. Told through the eyes of American artist Kate Carl, commissioned to paint the empress' portrait, the musical recounts Ci Xi's development from ingenious concubine to ruthless ruler, and unmasks the woman known as the Dragon Lady. Featuring the music of Cultural Medallion winner Dick Lee, the lyrics of Laurence Olivier Award-winner Stephen Clark, and direction from the West End's Steven Dexter, and starring Asian singing sensation Kit Chan.
Go see it if you can!

http://www.srt.com.sg/03/Microsite/ForbiddenCity/index.htm

Opening Night!

Finally! Opening night came and went. Boy what an experience it was. To perform infront of an audience is definately exhilirating. It is true when they say that you definately feed of an audience when you perform. It was all the more meaningful that my family was there for opening night. Sure there were a couple of hiccups and a missed line or two. But what the heck, it was still a great night!

It was obvious that most of the audience were very moved by the show. And how could they not be? The play is full or drama, funny moments, heart wrenching moments and beautiful songs. To hear the loud gasp from half the audience when I deliver that slap is truly rewarding. Many asked- did you do it for real? (of course I did dear audience. You would not have reacted the same if I didnt)

All those months of hard work, missing out on parties, headaches, self doubt, blood, sweat and tears certainly paid of.
One little damper on the whole thing is this... well I dont really want to get into the whole thing but let me pose you a question:
WE know that music can clam a person down, energise them, help them go through difficult times, work better, concentrate more, etc , etc..... so, what is so wrong about listening to music when you exercise? Every yoga class, ballet class, gym, etc that I have ever been to uses music to help motivate their students. However, according to one person, it makes you focus on the music therefore you are unable to warm up properly. A load of bull if I ever heard one.
Looks like my idea of a routine of wanting to use music to calm myself down and refocus myself before a show (after a day's work at Maxis) has been shot down before it began.
That sucks.....

Cheong Soh

It HAS been a coupla weeks. But I have been too busy and too tired to think about what to write.. It is now 5 days til show time and I think I have learnt more about myself in this play in the last few rehearsals then in the last few months. My grasp of the role Cheong Soh has always been a tough one for me. My understanding of her and my interpretation of her has always sat with uncertainty within my psyche. Is she a traditional woman, with a front to show, hard, with walls that have built over the years. Angry at the world because of a man who has left her with a child to bring up on her own at a time where this would be shameful. Or is she a mother who has dreams, a gentle side, saddened and resigned a so called life has been dealt to her. Who is she?
I have struggled with my potrayal of her. On Saturday, my scene (4) with Mei Ling was abruptly cut which left me feeling even more insecure about my ability as an actor and my ability to feel like this woman and become this woman. Joe-" This scene is in trouble....". I asked Johann if I really sucked as an actor. This left me with sleepless nights thinking about what's left of my remainding scenes and how I should play my BIG scene with Mei Ling. A key scene that sets the mood and tone for the rest of the play. A scene whereby if played poorly will leave you cold and unfeeling towards the eventual fate of the character. What was going on? What was I afraid of? What was getting in the way?
I came to certain realisations on Sunday night. I AM IN THE WAY. All my fears are manifested in the form of Cheong Soh. My fears of ending up like this
bitter.. old...ugly...colourless..hard...grey...woman...
I have subconciously rejected this role and have not given Cheong Soh a chance. Right from the start. Yup. My shit is in the way. And once I realised that, I stepped out of the way and allowed Cheong Soh to emerge. I had to put me aside and allow me to be her. To feel the bitterness and anger without fearing how it made me, Maybel, feel. To also recognise my fears and harness that energy towards my performance.

Last night I gave the performance of my life. It was real and honest. I was ok with Cheong Soh and allowed her to step up to the plate.
My cast members were truly moved. Joe said it was a "stunning performance." Carol asked me "Why did you not do this before?".
Because I did not allow it to happen.

Acting is NOT easy...

How To Spot A Fake

As I live in Malaysia, the land of piracy and fake goods, I am naturally an expert when it comes to spotting a fake. Therefore allow me to impart some knowledge to you:

How to spot the Real Juicy bag


The Real Bag


The Fake Bag

Real bag:

1. Leather is darker and not as shiny.
2. Leather is soft and thinner
3. J heart shape is all leather.
4. Inside is made out of cotton - feels smooth and flexible.
5. Leather will never peal of with normal care.

The Fake one:

1. Leather is lighter and shiny.
2. Leather is ruff and thicker.
3. J heart shape is not all leather.
4. The inside is made out of polyester - feels ruff and stiff.
5. Leather will start pealing off after using few times.

How To Spot The Real Angelina Jolie


Real Jolie


Fake Jolie

Aiyah! One can spot cushioned up, air bagged, silicon injected lips from a mile away!


How To Spot The Real Fight Club


The Real Fight Club


The Fake Fight Club

This one is easy. One has Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The other has three Indian actors.


How To Spot The Real Cheong Soh

The Real Cheong Soh


The Fake Cheong Soh

1. Everyone looks more distressed next to the real C.S
2. The real Ah Wong is an Eurasian not a Chinaman!
3. The fake Johann is more concerned with the script than with telling Ah Wong that his son is an ass.
4. The real Calista is grabbing the real C.S on the arms which is correct for pulling back someone who is about the lunge forward!
5. The real C.S is a woman... not a man!

But.. nice try Soon Soon!!!!!

The Supper Club?

My life lately has been dominated by me spending EVERY night with this group of people.
What do you get when you put a group of people from all walks of life together, every night for 4 months, with one single goal, enduring physical challenges, emotional highs and lows, vocal projections and permission to create total arses of themselves if need be? Maybe you will get the cast of Survivor ,ambitious people with hidden desires to overthrow each other. Maybe you'll get a hand holding, kumbaya singing democratic bunch of flowers. Maybe you'll get the breakfast club with mini groups of trampled on nerds, princesses, outcasts, rebels and perfectionists. Or maybe you'll get us- people with love for music, disdain for the drama queen, united by late night munchies, pilates torture, the occasional gossip, a smattering of self-created drama and the fear of "god". Trying to be the Justice League of musical actors but maybe managing to be the Mystery Men.
Joe Hasham said something last night- "All of you have the capacity to be great therefore do not settle of ordinary. It makes me weep when I see you ordinary for i know you are not." Simple truth that reminds me of a wonderful quote by Nelson Mandela that I love but that I have great difficulty living up to most of the time:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Meet the quirky cast/crew of Broken Bridges.


The Tummy Patter
Pats his tummy repeatedly when he is: thinking, focusing, singing, preparing, exercising ,but not when he is hungry.


The One With The Best Song
His last song will make grown men weep for their fathers


The Million Dollar Baby
My miniture Singing Soon Soon Doll will make me a MILLIONAIRE! Muahahahaha!


The Other Father
Durian Seller with the Queen's english


The Aunties Lot
(from left to right) Flutter-A-Lot, SMS-A-Lot, Surprisingly Quiet-A-Lot


The Other Auntie
Away-A -Lot


The SuperGirl
A girl with super powered abilities to:
-Withstand stinging slapping pains
-Cry on cue



(left) The Ringo Suavé
Check out his brother Rico Suavé


The Super Duper Big Mac Combo
An all girl fetish, special voice, a little cheese, wicked humour and some sesame street fun.
(with some apple pie on the side)


The French Argentine Rock Climbing Muscle Bound Dancer


(left) The One With Biggest Muscles & Smallest TEE
(right) The One With The Saddest Face (according to tummy patter)


The Dyslexic Charmer
He may not be able to read, but the girls will still be a-coming.



The Misunderstood Kid
Self-proclaimed misunderstood creature. We bear witness.



The Spinning Super Slut
The chick can spin like a bitch on heat!



The Luscious Lips That Got Him The Job
My resident lover boy


(left) The Chilli Padi Dressed As Innocent Small Town Girl
(right) The Chilli Padi Dressed As A Good Christian Girl


The REAL, Proper, Good Ipoh Girl Dressed As A Model



The Split Personality
Check out her blog: http://retardationation.blogspot.com/



The Observor. The Postman. The MS Tee Horder.



The Siamese Twins




The Alias
Joe: What the fuck is your name? Tony or Leo??


The Enigma



The Tenor



The Princess



The Sopranos



The Slapping, Pen Throwing Soh



The Pink Peppered Pianist



The Alain Boubil


The Claude-Michel Schonberg


The Gatekeeper Of The Abdominal Crunch Hell



The Animal Trainer



The Elusive Music Man





The Hera
The Wife Of Zeus



The God



The God Contender
O' mere mortals fear the analogies, the snorts, the facial experssions