In celebration of its silver jubilee this year, leading bilingual theatre company Toy Factory Productions is proud to present the grandest Mandarin production of 2015; the well-loved classic of December Rains 雨季, widely-regarded as Singapore’s first original Mandarin musical.
A titular work from the stalwart company’s illustrious 25-year portfolio, December Rains 雨季 was last staged by Toy Factory Productions in 2010 and played to an audience of 16,500 during its run at The Esplanade Theatre – making it one of the best-watched local Chinese theatre productions.
Written by renowned Singapore songwriter Liang Wern Fook, December Rains 雨季 boasts an epic score and unforgettable songs jointly-written by Liang and composer-singer Jimmy Ye. Helmed by Chief Artistic Director Goh Boon Teck, who directs an all-new dynamic cast comprising the likes of Andie Chen, Chriz Tong and Sugie Phua, this much-anticipated musical is set to enrapture the audience with its highly-charged and emotional storyline that delves into the themes of love, friendship and kinship, as well as the endless pursuit for happiness.
A notable highlight in this third re-staging is the debut of an original new song, ‘我在等什么’ (What am I waiting for) with music composed by Ye, lyrics by Liang and sung by Sugie Phua and Ann Lek.
‘History must be remembered; especially the tumultuous and illustrious 1950s. This era witnessed some of the greatest heart-breaking love stories and the bravest young Singaporeans who became leaders in their own right. Audience can gain an insight into these moments through December Rains 雨季. As we march into a new chapter of Singapore history, we will be singing you the most meaningful songs which remind us of who we really are’ enthuses Boon Teck.
The tale unfolds in the turbulent 1950s, when anti-colonial sentiments and Maoist fervour among Chinese school students are running high. Two students from vastly-different backgrounds; Chen Li Qing (Chriz Tong) and Zhou Ying Xiong (Andie Chen), fall in love. Their relationship is beset by many challenges, including social unrest at the time and parental objection. At a pivotal moment, Li Qing’s good friend and admirer Zhang Ming Li (Sugie Phua) holds on to a letter entrusted to him from her, to pass to Ying Xiong. This undelivered message leads to the inevitable separation of Li Qing and Ying Xiong, and subsequently brings sorrow, regret and pain to all three characters.
Like the metaphor of rain which falls relentlessly on the pair of star-crossed lovers and Ming Li, December Rains 雨季 continues into the 1980s, when their paths cross once again and they come face to face with unresolved issues. Will the rain ever let up or stop?
(Source: City Nomads Website)