If There're Seasons...

Caught the chinese musical - If There're Seasons... by The Theatre Practice yesterday night.

Billed as 'the musical extravaganza that features the legendary hit songs of Liang Wern Fook and the remarkable writing talents of Raymong To... a moving story of love, courage, dreams and journeys...', this is its 2nd run since it debuted in 2007. And the verdict - I LOVE IT!

There is a believable storyline, there are nostalgia-laden xing(1) yao(2) songs with meaningful lyrics, there is good chemistry between 'Rose' and 'Ah Le', and a SUPERB showcase of singing (and acting) prowess by some actors & actresses - my runaway favorites are 'Rose'(Joanna Dong) and 'A-Qiang' (by Jeffrey Low). Was moved enough at some parts to get all teary-eyed. [A pity though, that Sing Chew who plays the role of 'Xiao Jing' was often too giggly (when she acted) and too nasal (when she sang). Had anticipated a more sterling performance from her.]

Nevertheless, it's still all good. What better way to end a busy work week than to get lost in a moving, local creation.

p.s. Also caught the internationally acclaimed musical CATS a couple of weeks back. The west end version. For me, it's the 'Seasons' over 'CATs' anytime. Not because of blind support for local productions, but for something more than just a glitzy feline song & dance.

p.s.2. OH! And I passed the freaking driving test!! Wahahahaha. Jus hung up those oh-so-beautiful fluorescent yellow-red P plates.

Are you AWARE?

How interesting, but how very very sad, this whole raging controversy over AWARE's recent election.

So much speculation about the real intentions of this group of unknown but qualified (and may I add iron-willed and tight-lipped) ladies who form the 'new guards'. Who are they? What do they stand for? Was it an open coup that they have just staged?

I was following the news over these couple of weeks, and thought the 'Talking Point' segment that was just screened on ChannelNewsAsia (19 Apr, 10.10-10.30pm) would be the best platform for them to clear the air and make use of the opportunity to convince all opposition by clearly and convincingly articulate their vision and mission for the organization, as well as the values and principles that they'd use to guide the organization's future direction. But... what a big let down!

At the end of the interview, the impression is that the President does not know what she is talking about/dealing with. Everything was covered in such vague and non-contextual terms, and she was clearly reliant on her Honorary Treasurer for some meat to fill up the skeleton. Her facial expressions, her tone and the hesitation when it came to answering 'sensitive' qns (e.g. on sexual discrimination) reeked of suppressed impatience, insincerity and forced agreement. Very disappointing.

AWARE is (used to be?) a well-respected organization. It's a pity things have turned out this way. One worries about the extent of disintegration that is forthcoming.