Lao Jiu 《老九》The Musical

Check out this fantastic trailer for Theatre Practice's upcoming musical adaptation of Kuo Pao Kun's classic play Lao Jiu (老九）. This current run is supposedly a completely different work from the 2005 musical adaptation, a completely new reinterpretation of the original play instead of upgrading the first musical attempt. Project Superstar and Taiwanese One Million Superstar alum Sugie (潘嗣敬) plays the title character and indie princess Inch Chua is the female lead. Lim Kay Siu, Marcus Chin and Shi Xin-Hui (石欣卉）form part of the star-studded cast. Our own tenor extraordinaire Lim Shieh Yih even chips in as vocal coach!

Here's more info from their press release:

“One of Kuo Pao Kun’s widely accessible works, Lao Jiu touches many hearts because of its captivating theme - the pursuit of one’s dream.”
Lianhe Zaobao

Kuo Pao Kun Festival 2012


Lao Jiu: The Musical
A Boy. A Dream. A Choice.

Original script by: Kuo Pao Kun
Script Adaptation: Liu Xiaoyi
Director: Kuo Jian Hong
Associate Director & Choreographer: George Chan
Composer: Eric Ng
Lyricist: Xiaohan
Arranger: Bang Wenfu
Puppet Design: Benjamin Ho (Paper Monkey Theatre)

Synopsis:
Lao Jiu is one of Kuo Pao Kun’s most popular and accessible works. In 2005, Lao Jiu was adapted into a dazzling musical for the first time, and this year it will be restaged as an entirely new creative production to be rolled out featuring an exciting new lineup of performers and creative collaborators!

As the only son in the family, Lao Jiu (the ninth born) realises that he should grasp the prestigious scholarship opportunity that has opened up for him; yet, he hesitates at the critical junction of attaining the academic prize. Where his passion lies instead is in mastering the traditional art of puppetry. Will Lao Jiu persist in pursuing his dream, or will he continue upon the well-trodden scholarly path? Caught in between what his heart dictates and what his family desires, what decision will he make?

About Kuo Pao Kun Festival 2012- In Search of Kuo Pao Kun
2012 marks the tenth anniversary of Kuo Pao Kun’s passing. Perhaps best known for pioneering and developing multicultural themes in his body of works, Kuo’s humanistic ideals, integrated into his brand of theatre continue to rouse and inspire theatre-makers today. This festival is open to all who share our passion; beyond honouring him, we wish to explore our intricate relationship with Kuo Pao Kun a decade later.

Lao Jiu: The Musical
Premium Package
Price: $159
1. A pair of top tier tickets valued at $68 (includes $3 sistic fee per ticket)
2. An exclusive EP
3. A copy of Kuo Pao Kun: and love the wind and rain (retail price: $25)
4. Two copies of autographed show programmes

For more information, please visit SISTIC website or call SISTIC hotline +65 63485555

The Little Rascals workshop (age 4-9)
Drops your kids off at our workshop and pick them up after the show! Activities include story-telling and theatre games! Open to ticket holders of 22 July show. Fee: $10/ child.
Call +65 6337 2525 to register.

So will Lao Jiu get to fulfill his dreams of becoming a puppet performer? Get tickets from the Events Page to find out!

And speaking of singing puppets....