PGL the Musical returns next Feb!

– pinch me, I must be dreaming... YES, IT'S OFFICIAL!

PGL was originally written as a movie, but I always envisioned it as a musical. I’ve always been a huge fan of musicals and have always dreamed of the day Malaysia would have a Miss Saigon, Wicked or Phantom of the Opera of our own.

The film had seen enormous success beyond our expectations when it became Malaysia’s first entry to be considered for an Academy Award and Malaysia’s first film to be screened at the Venice Film Festival. PGL the Movie has now been screened in more than 20 countries worldwide. However, a brief meeting with Singapore’s own Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dick Lee, convinced me that creating PGL as a musical would give this story its richest fulfillment. This begun our wonderful journey into the magical world of musicals.

Through Dick’s captivating score, Roslan Aziz’s mind-blowing musical direction, Adlin Aman Ramlie’s moving and poetic lyrics and script, and the imaginative and innovative directing, staging, design and choreography by the creative team comprising of co-directors Adlin Aman Ramlie and Zahim Albakri, Set Designer Raja Malek and choreographer Pat Ibrahim, PGL The Musical transports its audience into a magical world that transcends time, uniquely reinventing the world of majestic kings, gallant warriors and a mythical princess who followed her heart.

Beyond the enchantment of watching well-loved characters such as Puteri and Hang Tuah tell the story of their love, longing and pain through powerful ballads, and watching the Sultan of Malacca sing and dance along with the rest of his kingdom, the story of PGL explores ideas and themes of loyalty, destiny and following one’s heart which resonate through time.

Every time I watch a video recording of the show, I am struck by the enormity of the production, and still cannot believe that we managed to put on this show!

I am continually amazed by the vision, talent and tenacity of our team of over 100 dedicated and gifted cast, technical and stage crew, management team and creative team – the success of PGL The Musical is the fruition of the collective hard work and commitment of all these people onstage as well as backstage.

However, as I wear two hats on this production, I must say that nothing in the whole wide world can compare to the experience of the audience’s appreciative response to PGL the Musical, from where I am onstage as well as after the show, night after night. The standing ovations and thunderous applause and the rock-concert style enthusiasm during every performance and the love and appreciation from the fans who have watched the show over and over again, have made this whole adventure so worth the effort, and has been our greatest encouragement to want to do better and better and to give more, every time.

We are humbled and grateful to be recognized for our work by receiving 8 awards at the 2007 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards for Best Director, Best Original Script, Best Lighting design, Best Set Design, Best Costumes, Best Music, Best Supporting Actor, and the coveted Audience’s Choice Awards. Isn’t it wonderful that you can follow your dream and be recognized for it too? Someone pinch me, because I must be dreaming!