“Let’s go to see a show!” is a statement you can
use in London or New York on a typical Saturday night. In Chiang Mai,
however, it’s typically, “Let’s go to dinner/party/gallery
opening/charity event!”, but last week we were allowed to substitute SHOW,
as Broadway came to Chiang Mai.
MC’s
Donjai Srivichainanda from Mae-Rim Ceramic Studio, and Michael Vogt from
Chiangmai Mail interviewing Joan Eubank.
Hundreds gathered at the Kad Theatre to witness The
Musical Concert, Episode 3, presented by the Northern Symphony Orchestra,
Voice Studio and Kad Theatre. On the program were all time favorite musicals
including Jesus Christ Super Star, Aida, South Pacific and Mamma Mia. The
crowds which showed up with high expectations were not disappointed.
To kick off the night was an Overture Medley from the
Phantom of the Opera which served as the first introduction of the Northern
Symphony Orchestra to the public. Under the conduction of Ajarn Kittikul
Sodprasert, the orchestra played wonders and led the performance throughout
the night, and even though a technical glitch caused some delay, MC’s
Donjai Srivichainanda from Mae-Rim Ceramic Studio, and Michael Vogt from
Chiangmai Mail, managed to lead the crowd through the evening with a
lighthearted flow as they reminded the audience that the performance is live
and things can go wrong, go wrong, go wrong.
Book
Kitavadhana sang pieces from the renowned Phantom of the Opera, and Sarisa
Hongtong was wonderful as Aida and as Donna from ‘Mamma Mia’.
The first act featured well-known songs from the musicals
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Evita, Phantom of the
Opera and Mamma Mia, a rollercoaster of impressions. Dramatic performances,
included the dancers of the Voice Studio, brought the desperation of the
people of Argentina across to the audience, together with Christopher
Thomas, performing Oh What A Circus!, with just the right level of arrogance
and haughtiness shown by Che in the original performance.
The duet from Panit Somana and Book Kitavadhana in the
renowned ‘Phantom of the Opera’, left the crowd thunderstruck, and
Richie Castro ended the first act with an amazing performance of the song
‘Superstar’ from Jesus Christ Superstar, leaving the crowds hungering
for more after the intermission.
Nong
Penny, already known to Chiang Mai after her performances in the Nutcracker
and Sleeping Beauty, has the makings of a future star.
The second act started with 10 year old Phattarawadee
Fongket and her delightful little ‘ballet orphans’ from the Voice Studio
singing ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie. Songs from Aida followed with a
performance that left goose bumps on the skins, and Broadway actress Joan
Eubank, a longtime Chiang Maian, performed as Nora Desmond taking us back in
time to Sunset Boulevard with a huge photograph of herself as backdrop.
After her cheerful commentary in which she included a special solo for the
audience, she took off her shoes, stuck a flower in her hair, and carried
the crowd to the South Pacific, with her powerful voice and wonderful,
professional expression.
Six songs from Les Miserables ended the evening and
included young performers such as Nong Ning and Nong Penny who already have
the makings of future star performers. The performers took their final bow
to a standing ovation.
Producer Tianchai Sooktiang and his cast were congratulated by all on an
amazing show. Nobody left the theatre disappointed as the concert included
something for everyone and leaves Chiang Mai waiting for the next episode of
The Musical Concert.
Broadway
actress Joan Eubank took us back in time to Sunset Boulevard.
10 year
old Phattarawadee Fongket and her delightful little ‘ballet orphans’
from the Voice Studio.
Dancers
from the Voice Studio.
Some of
the stars of the night including (from left), Christopher Thomas, Richie
Castro, Yuthana Lorpunpaiboon, and (far right) Sue Eubank.
Christopher
Thomas, performing ‘Oh What A Circus!’ from the rock opera Evita.
Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat performed by Vongthoncha Itarawat and
over 50 children, from as far as Chiang Rai and Phayao.
Pure
drama when the body of Evita Peron was carried in, followed by ‘The
crowds’ and ‘Che’.
The
dancers from the Voice Studio with the opening dance from A Chorus Line.
Tianchai
Sooktiang (second left), as Valjean, singing ‘One day more’, the final
song of the three hour variety performance.
Revolution
in France around 1832. The cast showing the unpleasant situation which is
the central theme of Les Miserables.
The pop
version of Verdi’s Aida by Sir Elton John, (from left) Ong-ard Kanchaisak
interpreting Mereb, Richie Castro as Radames and (right) Kai Pannipa and
Piyanan Churchomkul.
Songs by
the Swedish super group Abba are the trademarks of ‘Mamma Mia’ with
Sarisa Hongtong as Donna.
The
Northern Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Ajarn Kittikul Sodprasert,
celebrated their one year anniversary that evening. Almost 1,500 people
joined in song when the birthday cake arrived.
