In celebration of SG50, Toy Factory Productions is bringing back the grandest Mandarin musical production for the third time; December Rains 雨季. This titular work from the company’s illustrious 25-year portfolio is one of the best-watched local Chinese theatre productions, with 16,500 filling up the seats of Esplanade Theatre back in 2010.
[UPDATE] Check out our writer Jessica’s review of the show here.
Penned by renowned Singapore songwriter Liang Wern Fook back in 1996, it makes an epic comeback with unforgettable songs jointly written by Liang, and composer-singer Jimmy Ye. They set a dramatic tone, telling the tale of an elegiac love story between two students of vastly different backgrounds; Chen Li Qing (played by Chriz Tong) and Zhou Ying Xiong (Andie Chen) during the tumultuous and illustrious 1950s. The plot thickens with Li Qing’s good friend and admirer Zhang Ming Li (Sugie Phua), which eventually brings the story forward to 1980s, where – like the metaphor of rain which falls relentlessly on the trio – they delve into the themes of love, friendship and kinship in their endless pursuit for happiness.
This rendition will also witness the debut of an original new song titled “What Am I Waiting For”, a masterpiece composed by Ye, written by Liang and performed by Sugie Phua and Ann Lek. The press conference was also graced with performances from the title tracks of the musical, previously performed by the likes of Kit Chan and Xiang Yun.
Fans will also be delighted to know that, this time round, there will be a refreshing new arrangement by veteran Bang Wen Fu and musical direction led by Musical Director, Vocal Coach and Conductor Elaine Chan – the mesmerizing and evocative ballads will, no doubt, captivate the audience regardless of age.
Then again, it is the jubilee year after all, and Toy Factory Productions has pulled out all the stops – they have revamped not only the music, but also the stage, wardrobe and will feature an all-new 26 cast filled with rising stars from the region. Starting from the stage, Theatre Awards (awarded Best Set Design in 2011) will once again conjure the backdrop with Manuel Garrido Freire (of Glass Anatomy fame) as the lightning designer. Wardrobe wise, if you have already noticed from the pictures, will feature a lot of watercolour motifs in the simple yet classy cuttings reminiscent of the era – thanks to Saksit Pisalasupongs and Phisit Jongnarangsin of Tube Gallery, Bangkok. Interestingly, the casts’ wardrobe even included an additional step – crumpling, to perhaps signify the tumultuous journey the characters are braving through during our founding era, where tough choices had to be made, and love have to be sacrificed.
December Rains 雨季 not only marks the incredible success of the talents in Singapore, but also as a way for younger Singaporeans to witness some of the greatest moments of our brave forefathers, who became leaders in their own right. As we all march into a new chapter of our history, we should always be reminded of where we came from, and who we really are. This dramatic musical production, will help connect people like me (born in the 90s) to a Singapore I never truly knew – quite fitting for the jubilee year celebrations, wouldn’t you agree?
December Rains will be available from the 28 August to 6 September 2015 (no shows on Monday) at The Esplanade Theatre at prices ranging from S$49 to S$129. The Musical will be in Mandarin with English Subtitles. For more information, you may check SISTIC ticketing website from now onwards.
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