I am The Shai.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

The Muse

I know that she doesn't really read my blog but I just had to say this.

After a looooong while, I went out with The Muse on Sunday and though we didn't go to our usual place, I have reason to smile.
The Muse has always inspired me and will continue to do so.

I want to thank her for making me smile again.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Dissecting the PCK Musical again...


"There are no pirated DVDs of our musical in JB?" Posted by Hello


Yes, I've talked about this before but I felt that after finding a particular quote, I must review what I had written. I'll get to the quote later. Meanwhile...

For a local production to have received so much flak is pretty saddening.
The mention of a $3 million budget certainly brought much promise and hope that Singapore would be able to produce a world-class musical that could be on par with the likes of Phantom of the Opera and Rent. Afterall, 'tis not wrong to dream right?

And yes, I was secretly going to buy a ticket. That was until we got it for free.
And somehow, all the hopes that everyone had for the production started with a spark and ended with a fizzle.
There was much talking in the audience, the lack of laughter was apparent and some of us were sleeping even.
The direction, dancing, singing and acting were alright but the script made me wince.

Seriously.
PCK thinks his family has forgotten his 40th birthday but they are actually planning a surprise party. Well, fair enough. But really, didn't it occur to everyone in the production that this part of the plot alone would be something out of a primary school textbook.
To add some spice to the plot, PCK discovers his long lost brother, his mother immediately thinks her late husband cheated on her and PCK conveniently decides to bequeath his properties to the long lost brother when a Feng Shui master tells him that he's going to die tomorrow.
The problem is that these incidents all occur too quickly and is pretty much unbelievable.
And then, in the 3rd act, we discover that Frankie Foo was behind everything, he has a heart attack and PCK helps him. What happens next is pretty obvious, Frankie Foo returns everything and they almost make up. Of course, the show closes with everyone remembering PCK's birthday and the fact that our nation's birthday is coming up.

In all honesty, the 2 hour musical could have been compressed into a 45 minute vehicle and could go from school to school instead.

And Mark Lee, as quoted in the papers, "Perfect!" I rolled my eyes.

Granted, no production is perfect and cannot suit everyone's palates.
Hell, I fear what reviews our musical will receive come August.

Thus, we can slam and critic, but we will always fail to realise the effort everyone in the production has put in. The amount of sweat, tears and maybe even blood shed during every rehearsal to get every bit right truly must be commended.
There were genuinely heartwarming moments and there were sincere laughs.
As much as I cringed throughout, I can understand the pain the cast and crew is going through with all the negative feedback in the media.

So, to the cast and crew, I have something to say.
As cliched as it always may sound, keep trying.
Just like in Batman Begins, when Thomas Wayne said to his son Bruce, "Why do we fall? So that we might better learn to pick ourselves up."
And this, was echoed by his butler, Alfred too.
Let it all pass. Come back stronger than before and prove your worth.

And thus, the quote,
"If the production pleases everyone, then consider it a total failure. If, on the other hand, everyone criticizes your work, then perhaps there's something worthwhile in it. Real success comes when people argue about your work, when half the audience is in raptures and the other half is ready to tear you apart"
(Vsevolod Emilyevich Meyerhold)

Coming from the late Russian theatre pioneer and practicioner, Vsevolod Emilyevich Meyerhold. And I think, anyone who wants to put up a show should think this through.

Hmm...exactly 2 months more to this date.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Movie Previews: War of the Worlds

Yes, finally...War is coming!
After the excellemente Batman Begins which rocked my socks, War of the Worlds is top priority right now!
All set for a worldwide release on June 29th, I believe its the only movie that'll be released nationwide on that date. As you can see, other distributors are not going to challenge Cruise and Spielberg.

The only known premiere was held in Japan on June 13th and somehow, Germany had a premiere too and rave reviews (though standing at only 2 currently) have come in.
The chemistry with the leads are great, the effects outstanding and the movie, as a whole, mind-blowing. Regardless, I'm buying my ticket for this one.




War of the Worlds

A contemporary retelling of H.G. Wells's seminal classic, the sci-fi adventure thriller reveals the extraordinary battle for the future of humankind through the eyes of one American family fighting to survive it.
(Courtesy of www.waroftheworlds.com)

Short? Yeah. This is the exact brief of the film from the film website itself, http://www.waroftheworlds.com

And oh, my lovely desktop background below, also comes from the same website. Do check it out! There are quite a number of designs to choose from and they're all ooze coolness!


Desktop Posted by Hello

June 29th. Mark that date in your organiser will ya?
I've been waking up wishing that tomorrow would be June 29th. Hyped baby, Hyped!!!!

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Rushes...

"If only we can give them faith that mountains can be moved, they will accept the illusion that mountains are moveable, and thus an illusion may become reality."
(Benito Mussolini)

Ahhh...faith. 'Tis true what Mussolini believes. If we dare to dream and hold on firmly to the faith we have in our dream, it will become a reality...........................


A hectic Saturday with little rest to begin with.
Shuttling between two rehearsals in the morning.

Rushing off to the Indoor Stadium to catch the Phua Chu Kang Musical.
I'm sorry to say that the show was a big letdown. Thankfully, the tickets were free.
$3 million dollars spent and I wonder how much the playwright was paid and I'm still wondering if the Government endorsed the musical.
The dance sequences were alright, the singing was ok-ok (Why did PCK sing as Gurmit?) and the sound system was horrendously loud.

The major thing that irked me was........
They didn't have to go around the bush and use Phua Chu Kang as a subtle (yeah right) reminder that the nation's 40th birthday is coming. Or how safety and total defence was blatantly promoted!
If you want to have a musical in celebration of the nation's 40th birthday, then do something better lah! Maybe a story of a protagonist exploring and revisiting the nation's history and perhaps, the future of the nation? Or a reminder as to who were the people who made Singapore who she is today?
Give the nation some face! (And no, singing Singapura Oh Singapura at the end doesn't count!)

I'll stop here. Any more feedback regarding the show, read Edwina's or Joyce's blogs.
The rest who went have yet to update I guess. Hahaha.

And then, there was the mad rush back to NP.
Can't help it that I "kanchionged". I'm the host!

Reached NP at a good time. Got ready to redeem myself. And that I did.
Funvies was a blast for me and Amanda.
I've not had that much fun hosting in quite a while now (wells, the shows have mainly been formal.)
Of all the darndest things that happened, I sang "An Jing" live.
If its any consolation, I sing clearer than Jay Chou! Wahahaha.

Ahhhh...off to a good rest now.

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life."
(Albert Camus)

And I presume, the same goes for love too, aye?

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Movie Previews: A Lot Like Love

Hahahkz...Guess some of my friends will be pretty divided about promoting A Lot Like Love instead of Initial D. Hahaha...
But, really, If I had to choose between this and Initial D, I'd rather watch this. Not particularly interested in the latter lah.

Tya and Anna should be very pleased to know that A Lot Like Love is coming out on June 23rd.



A Lot Like Love Posted by Hello

It takes some people years to fall in love at first sight… A LOT LIKE LOVE is a romantic comedy about destiny, connection and the frequently fuzzy line between chance friendships and happily ever after. A LOT LIKE LOVE traces the relationship of Oliver (ASHTON KUTCHER) and Emily (AMANDA PEET) who meet on a flight from Los Angeles to New York seven years ago – each of them declaring that they couldn’t be more wrong for each other.

Life keeps bringing them back together over the next seven years, but the timing never seems right. As they struggle with their different partners, careers and breakups, they turn from casual acquaintances into trusted friends who can say anything to one another.

As they each search for love and a relationship that’s not fated for disaster, it takes seven years for Oliver and Emily to figure out that maybe what they really have is something…a lot like love.
(Synopsis courtesy of moviexclusive.com)


I don't know why I'm giving this movie much of a chance but I think I need a bit of love in my life aye? Wahahaha...

I can't wait to promote next week's movie!!! Woohoo!

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

10 Random Happenings

The following entry would just be about 10 random happenings in my life.

1. I am smitten by Felicia Chin. Sadly, I'm only able to watch her latest show ONLY on Mondays. Anyone nice enough to videotape or record the show on DVD for me? I'll pay for the tapes or the DVD-Rs. Really. Or any Bit Torrent sites which has Channel 8 shows? Bahhh...

2. PSF training was absolutely fun! Our new trainer, Alin, is great! And Suria artiste Sharon Ismail was around too. Imagine if Sharon's coming again for future sessions. Woohoo! It's such an honour to be in the company of theatre/tv "veterans"(coz they experienced and damn good mah!) I kept saying "Thank you" over and over again.
One of the most "funnest" sessions I've had and I dare say for most if not all of those who were in attendance yesterday. Brudder, right choice indeed. Hehehe.

3. The production is shifting into a higher gear as we are left with 2 and a half more months. Things will pick up and 19th August will be a blast! Bookings anyone?

4. Have I already mentioned that I'm smitten by Felicia Chin?

5. Classes for the semester are wayyyy boring! But hey, I'm fine with the pacing. Not wishing for anything more. Always gotta be prepared for the consequences of your wishes.

6. I've been assigned to "teach" at NTUC Childcare Changi Airport come Mid-July. Blessing in disguise I hope. Was posted to a Pasir Ris centre, but the mentor prefers a female student teacher instead. Lucky them perhaps?

7. My schedule as of late (or always been) has disallowed me from being an active participant in the dating arena. Hahaha. *flips through schedule* Hmmm... I might just be able to work something out here. Hahakz.

8. I have friends who have taken up the 50 films challenge (exclusively for LJ users, but you can start your own list. All you gotta do is to keep a list of movies you've seen for the first time, whether at the theatres, at home, etc. ONLY MOVIES YOU'VE NEVER SEEN APPLY.) and completed theirs. I was beaming at having achieved that back in early May with House of Wax. Onwards to 100!

9. I'm in dire need to write again although I've said time and time again that I'm not much of a scriptwriter. 3 scripts to write (no Shakespeare for the moment. Whew~) Still trying to conjure songs for the musical. And I miss my poetry. Boohoo.

10. And of course, I am smitten by Felicia Chin. (Oh gees, I've confessed that for the 3rd time! And I dare "scold" Chooi M and Ingrid P for being 'Bloomies' and 'X-Filies')

Monday, June 06, 2005

Bertrand Lee Fundraising Screening

The guy in the picture below is Bertrand Lee, a filmmaker, whose legs were crushed by a 20 ton truck in India back in January.
He is still in the hospital. Royston did his part and now FMS students from NP are helping out.


Bertrand Lee Posted by Hello

Date: 17th June 2005
Venue: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, LT 68E
Time: 6:45pm
Tickets: $5 (Students), $10 (Adults)
Tickets are available at the door.

Bertrand's documentary entitled Sojourn as well as his 2 movies, Trishaw and the very recent, critically acclaimed, Birthday will be screened.

For more details about the screening please visit:
http://www.moviem.com/bertrandlee.html

To read about the Bertrand Lee Appeal launched by SFC, please visit:
http://www.sfc.org.sg/the_bertrand_lee_appeal.htm

Do your part to help and support!
Hope you bounce back Bertrand!

"That which does not kill me, makes me stronger"
(Friedrich Nietzsche)

Indeed, hang in there and come back even stronger!

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Movie Previews: Batman Begins

Oh, how I hope June 16th will come quickly. The next movie on the list will be Batman Begins!
Also scheduled for a June 16th release are kiwi film, In My Father's Den and the re-scheduled Ghost Train (previously June 9th).

Truth is, I'm not a fan of the comic or character but I'm hyped for this movie.

If you're up for an action packed ride, this is the movie.
Don't believe it?
Watch the most recent trailer for yourself.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/batman_begins/trailer4/

With such a stellar cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Sir Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and of course Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, comic book adaptations couldn't come any better.
And with Christopher Nolan at the helm, this should be a hit!

(And no rubber nipples on the suit or Robin to go along!)


Batman Begins

Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.

He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.
(Synopsis courtesy of batmanbegins-asia.com)

And to top it off, look at my desktop! How uber cool is that?
Rise the knight!

The desktop can also be obtained at batmanbegins-asia.com



Batman Desktop Posted by Hello

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Glee!

Short entry. I just had to say this...

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO KNOWS FELICIA CHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

(And no, I'm not referring to you a certain Ms. Fairuz)

*faints*

 
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