With a new cast and feel, this musical about love and ambition is set to excite Malaysians.
Hopes and dreams. Heartache and love. Jealousy and betrayal. These are the elements that make life unpredictable, dangerous and thrilling.
Without them, life would be boring and mundane.
It is no wonder, then, that the meteoric rise and the ensuing turbulence that is the life of the late legend and national treasure Tan Sri P. Ramlee makes most interesting fodder for a musical.
Malaysians from the yesteryears were mesmerised by his poignant songs, lyrical voice and acting prowess. Last Saturday, audiences were equally captivated by Tony Eusoff’s portrayal of the entertainer in P. Ramlee The Musical.
As the script goes, the musical – which has won multiple Boh Cameronian Arts Awards – details the life and legacy of the late actor, notable for his work in singing, songwriting and acting.
Boasting a revamped cast, the musical by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina’s Enfiniti Vision Media and presented by DRB-Hicom, now in its third restaging at Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur, runs until Sunday.
The musical stars Tony in the titular role, while Lisa Surihani, Tiara and Nadia Aqilah Bajuri play his three wives, Junaidah, Norizan and Saloma, respectively.
When the steam engine rolls in, expect thunderous applause.
The rest of the cast features Datuk Aznil Nawawi (who plays Daeng Harris), Douglas Lim and Reuben Kang (Shaw brothers), Red FM announcer J.J. (B.S. Rajhans) and Tengku Iedil Putra (Sukardi).
To begin with, the sets are enthralling and commanding. The audience is transported to the early part of 20th century Penang, with ubiquitous colonial architecture and roadside stalls. At one point, a steam engine rolls onstage, earning thunderous applause!
Tony takes on the lead role of P. Ramlee with much charisma. He may not be a P. Ramlee doppelganger, but Tony’s diction, enunciation and mannerisms are an excellent reflection of the late actor.
It is evident from the first song about P. Ramlee’s sweetheart, Azizah, that Tony is the right man for the role. One would immediately recognise and appreciate Tony’s diligence in bringing back to life this legendary character for new audiences to savour.
Tony Eusoff commanded the stage with his talent.
One of the most exciting scenes in this two-and-a-half-hour musical is the heated argument between P. Ramlee and his second wife Norizan, played by the enigmatic Tiara. The confrontation of the unhappy couple culminates in a high-octane song, where Norizan lambasts her husband for their failed marriage. Tiara commands the stage in this intense and dramatic number.
With such a commanding cast, it must be noted that it is Nadia Aqilah Bajuri who ends up stealing hearts. She brings a sense of innocence to Saloma’s role and captivates the house with her divine voice.
The original songs are catchy but nothing compares to P. Ramlee’s own numbers. Thanks to his magical lyrics, one is momentarily transported to a realm where emotions are easily accessible and the heart is tugged by words artfully and powerfully pieced together. The song Engkau Laksana Bulan from the moviePenarek Becha (P. Ramlee’s directorial debut) is especially haunting and heart-wrenching.
You may not be one for nostalgia, but give this musical a chance and you will experience the style and flavour of charming old Malaysia, as well as the life of our country’s foremost seniman in this honest and heartfelt retelling of what remains forever a classic.
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