I went to watch this play without knowing much about the storyline. i went because it was a play written by a friend of mine and since i've been reading all his reviews for the longest time, i wanted to know how his own play would turn out to be.
It turned out pretty well actually despite the fact that i was not in my calm self when i stepped into the hall 15 mins late (had prob finding where KLPac was located; yes, blur me).
Anyway, here's a brief of what the 2-hour musical was about as found in http://www.klpac.com/Welcome.asp?=whatsontheatreview&theatreID=51&theatrecatID=7:
BROKEN BRIDGES is set in Ipoh in the 1950's. The protagonist, Ming, seeks to chart his own destiny while his father, Wong, has his own ideas for his son. Wong is the quintessential Chinese towkay, to the extent of arranging his son's marriage. Ming's best friend and neighbour, Leong, plays the obedient son. The stark contrast in these two characters begs the question: 'So what's wrong with the old ways?', and on the other hand, 'So what's wrong with the new ways?' With a persuasive cousin from the big city, Ringo, appearing on the scene, Ming finally decides to go against his father's wishes and leaves for Kuala Lumpur.
10 years later, Ming returns as a successful contractor, whose project is to tear down the marketplace and in its place, erect a new building. Problems occur; an unhappy relationship with the beautiful head-strong and self-opinionated Mei Ling; construction problems; promised sums of compensation never arriving...the townsfolk become troubled and angry. Wong, in a final act of fatherly love, makes a sacrifice for his son, totally unknown to Ming. Ming leaves Ipoh, humiliated, disappointed and totally ashamed of his father.
In the epilogue, Ming returns 30 years later, and only then discovers the fate of his father.
Cast wise, there were some impressive acting from several actors especially those who played Meng, his father unca Wong, his best friend Leong and the three ah sohs respectively.
There were several very funny moments. i laughed real hard during the scene when Meng had to go out with Siew Yee on an arranged date because both fathers wanted them to bethroned each other. Siew Yee got advice from the three ah sohs who told her, among others, that she should never let her legs be apart as wide as four fingers :-) still put a smile to my face when i recalled that scene :)
Plot wise, i guess it could be improved. somehow i didn't get caught in the father-son conflict as much as i should since it was the main theme of the story. even tho' unca Wong made a sacrifice for Meng's sake, i didn't find myself moved to tears. apparently, there were several who were caught wiping down their tears in the previous few shows.
I enjoyed the musical for its local scene. Ipoh, a town that i was familiar with. and of course it is also a very Malaysian play and as such, it was easily identified.
It always amazes me of how people could be so talented in producing their own plays, or those who can act, sing and dance. there's something magical about these talents.
