Last month, of course, was our 4th year anniversary and we went to Sydney where I lived for 2 1/2 years. So what did 2 performing artists do in Sydney?
Show #1
Wednesday afternoon we watched the matinee show "Driving Miss Daisy" at Theatre Royal. It's the play not to be missed because it featured Angela Lansbury & James Earl Jones. Imagine seeing Mrs Potts & Darth Vader in person!
Should've known. Watching 2 seasoned performers in the afternoon means that we'll be watching it with retirees.Suddenly I feel so young.
Feels like I'm in a show for geriatric ward
The theatre was a small one and we were seated quite close to the stage.
Simple set with minimal movement
Don't think there's more than 10 people aged below 40
The play was very well done. Delivery of the 3 actors were top class. But what really delighted me was how fantastic the two main stars were. Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones are both in their 80s but their performance didn't show it at all.
The same day evening we went to Capitol Theatre for The Addams Family. We were very fortunate to get really cheap tix because it was their final preview week. The theatre lobby was decorated to fit the theme of the show, with famous musical songs in minor played over the PA. Love the song arrangement!
A bit far but still can see everything
It was a fun-filled musical for the family with loads of funny moments. Songs were nice and quite memorable but there's one song I thought was not necessary. "The Moon & Me" by Fester sounded cute but doesn't progress the story. I like the opening song"When You're An Addam"- it was really a good number to set the mood of the show. I also like the overture, which is now my phone ringtone.
Show #3
Friday night it was time for War Horse at Sydney Lyric. A play about a horse named Joey. Joey is played by a puppet, controlled by 3 people. Sounds weird but the puppeteers were so good that I hardly notice them at all.
Wifey saw the play in May 2012 in New York & loved it. So she is basically accompanying me to see the show. Still, she said, it was very moving for her. Even though the performers spoke with Irish accent, every word was clear & crisp. Visually a very good show with the puppet horses & lightings.
Entrance to the theatre
Me with the star of the play:)
The view of the city from Sydney Lyric
We could've gone for show #4 which is the final of Short+Sweet Sydney on Saturday, but decided not to because tix prices for shows in Australia is rather expensive, and we need to take a breather from watching shows also:)
I'm flying back to KL in 7 hours. I will have to wake up in about 4 hours, and here I am, wide awake.
I blame the weather. We arrive Tuesday morning and it was nice & cozy. However, last few days it's been a wee bit too warm for my liking.
Sydney has stayed pretty much the same since 1999, albeit some minor changes. I managed to to catch up with a few friends, two of whom got married in 2003 and are now blessed with 2 beautiful girls.
I also managed to go around Sydney as a tourist since I first came here in 1996. Wifey was right to point out that I hardly travelled around Sydney- guess I'm not that adventurous. I just like to stick around my uni, have my north indian butter chicken, pizza & ice cream, and occasionally visit Chinatown for Penang Sar Hor Fun. Incidentally, the pizza joint in Newtown I used to patron for pizzas & chocolate ice cream and the Malaysian Chinese restaurant in Chinatown are no longer there. Even Sydney Christian Life Centre, my home church in Sydney, is now a part of Hillsongs Church.
I still love the busses & trains, and how friendly most Aussies are to tourists. If only we can have a bit of sensible infrastructure planning & courtesy.
Sydney is still my favourite place to migrate to, if given the opportunity. Funny thing is, I would have stayed back after my graduation if not for my rebound GF then. Imagine what kind of life it would have been; I reckon there would be no GX or performing arts for me here. Defintely I would not have met Wifey.
Still not sure what the point of this entry is. Perhaps I just want to put my thoughts down in words before I get lazy to write.
I've had my fair bit of good & bad memories during my 2 1/2 year stay in Sydney. I'm glad that this time I'm bringing back just good memories shared with wifey.
And so yesterday I went to Han Chiang to attend the hotly discussed BN CNY open house. Originally I had planned to the bus, but since I was having breakfast with wifey, she dropped me off at the state mosque at 930am.
Traffic was already quite bad by then
Some Ani-Lynas Penangites, I presumed
Some stalls selling PSY, BN merchandise were set up along the small lane to Han Chiang
I'm quite sure they are not official merchandise
When I reached the entrance of Han Chiang, I was surprised to see that the place was so crowded. The last time I saw such a huge crowd was back in April 2012's Bersih 3.0 in KL.
I was waiting for Willie, Terry & Wann King to join me, so I stood and waited at the school building, away from the heat and the huge stage which was set up at the end of the field. On stage, there were some drums and dance performances but the crowd around me were not paying attention the to TV screens set up around the place.
A die-hard BN supporter waiting the shit to start
The guys reached Han Chiang around 10.15am and we tried to move closer to the stage so that we can see Psy closer. In between some singers from some Astro competitions were performing but we didn't really pay much attention. Nothing impressive - some were a bit pitchy here and there.
The MCs were not that great as well. The female MC who spoke in Bahasa Melayu was super annoying. It sounded as if she was shouting into the microphone all the time and she kept shouting "Satu!!!" for the crowd to respond with "Malaysia" and "We Love!" for "BN!". She was more successful with "Satu Malaysia" then "I Love BN" but either response was really nothing to shout(no pun instead) about, considering there were thousands of people there.
Things got more exciting when Shila Amzah's turn came to entertain the crowd. She sang 4 song; 1st song was the famous "Zheng Fu", 2nd was Adele's "Fire to the Rain", 3rd was a Malay song and she ended with another mandarin number. She was really good.
Willie, Wann King & Terry, adhering to the CM's advice on dress code
Food wise, I was expecting a buffet style lunch, but I was sort of disappointed to find that people were lining up for food on a paper plate or put in a paper box. Looking around the stations, I think the main dishes were fried rice, fried mee & fried bee hoon.
Crowd watching the side shows from afar
I got a bee hoon box
I woke up early for this shit
One of the stations serving boxed food
the child in the pic is holding the paper box for food
The BN leaders came around 11 plus with the PM and his wife in front of course. Couldn't really see them walking to their VVIP table but the MCs mentioned that former PM Tun Abdullah and some component parties leaders were there with the PM. Throughout the walk-in, the annoying MC was still shouting "Satu Malaysia" "We Love BN!" until they sat down. She asked us to welcome the leaders but the claps from the crowd, at best, was just half hearted, The claps went up a little bit when the MC incorrectly mentioned that the CM & his wife were in the group.(Turns out, the CM couldn't make it because he had to go to the airport to receive the real First Lady of Malaysia.)
Before the real Psy came on stage, some sais had to make some speeches. First it was the Pg State BN head Teng Chang Yeow, who came up and mentioned something about how BN will continue to bring the best to Penang, and will give the best to Penang, etc. Not buying the crap.
Then the PM came up with his son and made one of the funniest moments at the open house. His son said something in Mandarin which doesn't have anything to do with CNY. He then wished us happy CNY and passed the rostrum to his father. Najib reiterated Teng's claim that BN will bring the best to Penang. He promised that he would solve Penang's 2 main issues: housing & transportation. I could hear some murmuring among the crowd around me when he mentioned "monorail". Willie mentioned, "Why now? Monorail was promised before the 12th election and nothing happened after that"
The PM also said that he was considering Han Chiang's application to become a university college. Unfortunately, he got Han Chiang's name wrong and numerous time referred to it as "Han Yang". Then Teng, who was still on stage behind him, walked to his side and whispered the right name into his ear. Embarrassing that you don't even know the name of the venue host.
Towards the end of his speech, he said that he was sure everyone was excited about what is about to happen next. So he made the BIG mistake of asking the now-famous questions. I shall not elaborate. Please see the video below:
I couldn't believe that he asked it thrice, and the response of "NO!" got louder each time. The people beside me were quick to response to his questions. After his speech was over, the MC announced that before Psy was to perform, the PMs wife was going to sing us CNY songs. Again the crowd went "NO!!!!!"
Unfortunately, we had to bear with bad singing:
After 2 songs, I thought it was time for Psy but instead it was the lou sang session which turned out into the most confusing moment for the people and embarrassing moment for BN. The annoying MC announced that Psy would be tossing with the BN leaders and of course the crowd went nuts(in a good way). After numerous annoucement, Psy didn't appear and the BN leaders toss the food themselves and the crowd went nuts(in a bad way). Then the leaders waited on stage for a while, hoping for Psy to come out I suppose. Eventually, sheepishly one by one left the stage when it was obvious he wasn't coming out.
Not sure what happened, but there are 2 possibilities:
A) Psy was not told of the lou sang and was not ready to join the leaders.
B) Psy wanted to stay apolitical and not to be seen with the political leaders.
After waiting for another 5-10 minutes, finally Psy appeared with his dancers and did his famous song. Of course everyone cheered and the noise level was definitely higher than the cheers for any of the performers or politicians. After one song, he left the stage and the crowd was asking for more. After numerous "Encore" cheers, he came back and repeated "Oppa Gangnam Style" to everyone's delight.
Once Psy finished his performance, almost 90% of the crowd headed for the exit, even though there were still some other performances.
Just one small exit for 50k ppl
suddenly so many empty seats.
Overall, I think in terms of numbers, BN successfully got the number they wanted. People from all walks of life came for the open house. However, I seriously doubt that they would be pleased with the reaction after Psy's performance. The MCs didn't say that the event was over but people just left like that. And with the videos of people saying "NO" to Najib's questions, BN would need re-examine their chances to win back Penang.
A new year, a new resolution, a new beginning, a new hope...
Somehow every time we start the new year, there's always something to look forward to,... well, at least for me. For example in January 2008, I was in the midst of preparing my wedding proposal. 2009, I was busy preparing for a wedding. 2010, I was getting ready to start my rehearsals for Adam: The Musical. 2011, I was preparing for my audition for Bars & Bedrooms. 2012, I was optimistic with my new position at a gym.. You get the idea, right?
This year seems different. Today, as I type this entry, I am uncertain of what will be happening to me in the next few months. It seems that I have been cornered into making a decision: stay and live a mundane life, or launch out to the deep & live my passion.
You know what? This feels like 2005 all over again:)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
10 years ago, I tendered my resignation letter to GSK and went to work in BBraun, that would forever change my life for good.
10 years ago, I experienced my major boo-boon on stage when I signalled to sing the chorus of "You Are My King" slowly, and the drummer thought I asked him to go straight into the marching beat of "Go Tell It On the Mountain". It didn't help when I ended the service singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" in the wrong key.
10 years ago, I was annoyed when my dad called me from his barber and asked me where I was. Later I fetched him there, I discovered that he had suffered a stroke.
10 years ago, I had to make the most difficult phone call to my sister in Beijing, telling her to come back immediately as dad was not going to make it.
Last year at around this time, I was halfway through the "Malaysian Girls" run in klpac and also cleaning up my table in FF Menara Manulife. This year, I am sort of in a similar situation, as I prepare for SIBKL's Christmas musical "EVERWORLD":)
However, looking back this year, I feel that this year I have done more than I did last year.
Last year, it was basically more about getting on stage. This year, while I still get to do that, I managed to find time to explore the other aspects of performing arts in song & script writing, and collaborating with the missus. I am extremely proud of "The Geongxi is a Vamp" cast & crew for the work they have put into making the musical a huge success.
Also, I get to do the very thing I wanted to do when I started doing shows in KL - taking what I have learned and use it in church ministry. Thanks to Tabitha, we went for the audition in Apr(or was it May?) and we were picked for the musical. Although I had to forgo the chance to audition for Christopher Ling's "Kiss of the Spider Woman", I still believe in my higher calling for this.
While it has been a long and occasionally frustrating journey, as I looked back, I am thankful for the friends I have made over the last few months in this production. And when we start our run on 19 Dec at Sunway Mas Community Centre, I am certain that everyone will put in their very best for God.
Something to be thankful for was I got to take part in Christopher Ling's "Dead Man's Cell Phone". It was a wonderful experience working with Alexis, Anrie & Sandee again while making new acquaintances in Payal & Amir. My only regret is that I only had 2 weeks to prepare for the show. Given 1 more week or so, I could be better at playing Gordon. Also I really hope to work with Christopher in a full production(as in with full preparation) one day.
I am glad to be performing in Dama Orchestra's "Empress Wu", another awesome experience. Kai Loon & Seng Chew have great vision for the musical and they have managed to pulled in all expertise they have and made the musical successful. Kai Loon's attention to details was something I salute and next year when they restage "Butterfly Lovers", I hope I get to be part of again.
So what do I hope to see in 2013?
1. When I tendered my resignation with Fitness First, I told my fellow GX managers that I would work toward finding a career that would allow me to do both GX & performing arts. So I hope that I will be able to do something like that in 2013.
2. After doing 2 musicals, I think it is time to go back to theatre and do a play. So, no musical for me in the first 6 months of 2013 - hopefully something will pop up for me:)
3. I am still thinking of whether to try writing a play for S+S 2013 instead of a musical. The musical I had wanted to write this year is beginning to feel more suitable as a play than a musical. However, with so much competition in S+S Theatre, I don't think my play would be selected. So it may be a safer bet to submit a musical still:)
4. I am contemplating if I should do stage managing in 2013. Though I prefer to be a performer than a SM, perhaps it is good to do it so that I don't lose what I have learned in 2011.
5. Yes, a musical with Christopher Ling please.(Chris, I hope you are reading this!)
And so the missus & I took a break from work/performance/cats/KL and went to Patong beach in Phuket.
I shall not blog much about it, since most of the time was spent eating the oh-so-expensive food there. Instead I shall just share some photos I took. For more pics you can head on to the missus' blog, by the way.
First, I really don't understand how one can give such a discount:
We went for Thai massage twice at this nice little place which was conveniently situated directly across the road from our hotel. The place is called Sweet Lemongrass Massage.
This is where we stayed for 4 days- Seeka Boutique Resort. Quite convenient since they provide free transportation to the beach or the main shopping mall Jungceylon Shopping Mall.
The reception desk.
Another shot of Sweet Lemongrass Massage, at night. I do recommend this if you stay nearby. It's got great ambiance.
The beach in the evening...
Traffic is quite heavy most of the time.
This is the famous Bangla Road, where all the pubs are located. The road is closed to vehicles daily from 6pm.
Jungceylon Shopping Mall. I wonder why bother shopping there...
If anyone wants to buy some genuine imitation clothes in Patong, this is the place to go.
Interestingly, there is a bar on wheels.
We had our last dinner in Patong at Hard Rock Cafe. IMHO, the place is just overpriced.
In case you couldn't see it in the earlier picture, the place to go shopping in Patong is the OTOP Shopping Paradise.
Note: If you go to this restaurant, they will "paksa" to eat.
The pool at our hotel.
Yes, you can rent motorcycles & even big vehicles!
The beautiful beach: no sign of the damages made by the tsunami in 2004.
What language is this? Saw a lot of signs in this language over there.
We took the bus from Patong to Phuket Town bus terminal for 35 baht each. Then we hopped on the Airport bus for 90 baht each to the airport. The expensive alternative would be taking a taxi from Patong to the airport for 700 baht.
Anyhow, it allowed us to spend a few hours walking around Phuket town. To be honest, Phuket town is SO QUIET. Good thing, though, that the food is so much cheaper.
The Phad Thai is only 40 baht. Good luck finding food that cheap in Patong. Even the sweet coconuts there cost 50-60 baht.
We also chanced upon this fashion expo near the bus terminal. With more options & better pricing, I reckon tourists should just forget about shopping in Patong & come to Phuket town instead.
We spent about 2 hours in town before we took the bus to the airport.
