The cast of In Perfect Harmony are passionate about their preparation for the musical.
TWENTY-four -year-old Hannah Kamal glances at her watch ... 6.30pm. Quickly wrapping up her work and gathering her things, she makes for her car and scoots off to rehearsal.
The marketing and communications executive enjoys her full-time job at the bank, but like her cast mates in the musical In Perfect Harmony, Hannah eagerly anticipates vocal practice sessions.
It is the time of day when they immerse themselves fully in their artistic passions.
The upcoming production, presented by The Star and produced by Dama Orchestra, comprises an ensemble of 40 from diverse backgrounds.
Apart from several music graduates who are committed full-time, most of them, like Hannah, juggle between their day jobs and the production’s rigorous training schedule.
Rehearsal runs from 8pm to 11pm on weekdays, and 11am to 6pm on weekends.
Practise makes Perfect: Dama Orchestra vocal coach Tan Soo Suan (on piano) working on an upbeat number with (from left) Joshua Gui, Rachel Tan and Hannah Kamal for the upcoming In Perfect Harmony – A Malaysian Musical Journey. It’s quite a sacrifice, but a commitment that these music and dance enthusiasts have gladly undertaken.
Their enthusiasm at a recent vocal training session was evident.
It was led by Dama Orchestra vocal coach Tan Soo Suan, a performing arts veteran with a powerful voice, who has been in the industry for over 10 years.
“This musical is about revamping original versions of popular hits over the past four decades,” Soo Suan explained, her nimble fingers dancing across the piano keys.
Practice typically begins with drills, such as scales to warm up the vocal chords.
Hannah and two key singers, music graduates 21-year-old Joshua Gui and 29-year-old Rachel Tan, were with Soo Suan that afternoon.
“We are very excited about this musical. It’s got a fantastic script and a great opportunity for music enthusiasts,” said Gui, a music major who recently graduated from The Australia International Conservatorium of Music, Sydney.
If you find the idea of singing evergreen hits such as Bee Gees’ Tragedy opera-style a little too old school, let me assure you that the change is refreshing.
The quartet launched into a quick-tempo medley, breaking into parts. The singers’ voices were fluid, strong and their diction, clear.
Rachel, who graduated with a Master of Music from Birmingham Conservatoire, Britain, often assists Soo Suan with the vocal training, and works with the singers in small groups.
Her waif-like figure betrays her strong vocals.
“Theoretically, we ought to stand still while singing, so it’s a great challenge to have to sing, act and dance. My reward is having realised that I can do all three at once!” Rachel said with a laugh.
She demonstrated an entertaining parody of Korean pop hit Nobody But You made famous by The Wonder Girls.
Currently, the nightly full rehearsals are held at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre where the actual performances will take place.
Soo Suan had explained earlier how she gives her team parts to learn at home. “They are to show up at practice familiar with their parts,” she explained.
Needless to say their initiative and hard work was apparent throughout the rehearsal session this reporter attended.
The catchy old songs invoked a pleasant sense of nostalgia. I remember thinking of my father’s love for music. I often hear him humming or whistling to tunes from the 1960s and 70s as he bustles around the house.
“We’ve looked into these songs thoroughly, analysed the lyrics to fit in with the actions and a storyline to make things interesting. Expect humour, comedy and wit,” the vocal coach said with a twinkle in her eyes. “It’s a very feel-good family show.”
As the 50-plus songs comprise hits from across four decades, there will be contemporary ones such as Justin Bieber’s Baby and Avril Lavigne’s Complicated, which have been scripted due to popularity.
“We have incorporated so many movements and such interesting storylines that it has changed my perception of music,” Hannah quipped.
To ensure proper pronunciation, English, Mandarin and Malay diction coaches work with them.
“Patrick Teoh (former radio deejay) makes us practise pronunciation drills for 20 minutes everyday!” Gui says with a laugh. “And he corrects many mispronunciations Malaysians tend to make, such as the word ‘perfect’. We tend to say it ‘per-fact’, but it is meant to read ‘per-fect’.”
Coordinating such a large ensemble requires discernment and planning on the producers’ part.
“Everyone has different strengths. Some of us are stronger in a particular field,” Soo Suan explained. “For instance, my voice is stronger than my ability to dance, so I have more singing parts. Hannah is a natural dancer, so we’ve given her more dance roles (than singing).”
Being able to do all three was one of the main criteria at the auditions, which took place in July.
Selected candidates then attended a series of workshops that covered the basics before the three-month rehearsal period before the first screening in October.
And what of challenges in managing such a large cast? “Oh, it’s hard work!” she exclaimed. “Inevitably, some show up at practice after a difficult day at work and it can be hard for them to quickly adjust to the group’s energy. We are understanding but firm about it; if they need five minutes to unwind, that’s fine, they can take a breather.”
But the show must go on. The musical is meant to be as enchanting an experience for the cast as it is for the audience.
“Anyone who wants to take up performing arts ought to gain exposure by watching more musicals,” she said. “We are always looking out for talents in the younger generation.”
In Perfect Harmony – A Malaysian Musical Journey is a Dama musical production presented by The Star with SP Setia Bhd Group as the gold sponsor and UOB as the official bank. It will run from Oct 6 to 23 at Pentas 1, KLPac, Sentul Park in KL. Contact the KLPac box office ( 03-4047 9000) for tickets.
No comments:
Post a Comment