Cashing in on stage

A few years ago, I explained to an American friend how "Big Brother" had been merged with "American Idol" to become the Thai reality TV phenomenon known as "Academy Fantasia". Her response: "I'm sorry American TV did that to you."

But even she was amazed that we could watch the lives of these "dream chasers" round the clock, that many of us purchased a second mobile phone number simply to vote for them and that within weeks of the programme coming off the air the youngsters had released an album.

Recently, I told her about "AF the Musical", by far the year's best selling theatrical event. And when I mentioned the title, "Ngern, Ngern, Ngern" - literally, "Money, Money, Money" - she burst out laughing. "Surprise, surprise," she commented.

Adapted from the 1970's musical by Euthana Mukdasanit by Dreambox's resident playwright Daraka Wongsiri, the stage version of "Ngern, Ngern, Ngern" was originally scheduled to be performed as a charity event in support of the Senior Artists Foundation. That production was first postponed, then cancelled.

A little later, True Fantasia, the subsidiary of True Corporation that supervises all "AF" activities, came on board. The script - by now out of Daraka's hands - was further adapted, characters and subplots were added and new musical numbers composed. This was, one assumes, to make sure that almost all the "AF" artists had solid parts and individual moments to shine in their theatrical debuts.

Unfortunately, this resulted in the dilution of dramatic suspense and damaged the natural flow of the story. For example, after the climax, the musical runs on for about another 20 minutes to allow all the happy couples - and there are four of them - to reprise their love duets one final time.

As a result of this "star-driven" production, the first show last Saturday afternoon ran for a whopping 200 minutes, on top of the 20-minute intermission and a delayed start of 50 minutes.

Some members of the audience were none too happy about the choice of venue. The multi-purpose Royal Paragon Hall was not designed for musical theatre. The seat stands are not raked, and many audience members don't get a clear view of the action. The whole experience brings back not-so-fond memories of the once-popular concert venue, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre's Plenary Hall.

Acoustically, music director and conductor Piti Keyunphan has a solid command of the ever-vibrant Laithai Orchestra, and even helps smooth out some scene transition miscues. Yet, the sound engineers, whose motto maybe "the louder, the better", ruin this by making sure the audience feel like they are at a concert.

These pitfalls aside, "Ngern, Ngern, Ngern" is a fun-filled musical with strong messages about capitalism that are both universal and timeless.

The show also features many stellar performances by both aspiring and veteran actors, thanks in part to seasoned director Suwandee Jakravoravudh.

The four leading cast members - Phitsanu "Boy" Nimsakun, Padcha Anekanuwat, Minthita "Mint" Watthanakul, and Kiatkamon "Tui" Latha - are capable of carrying the show with their acting and singing skills.

Most commendable is Tui whose humility and sincerity make him a perfect fit for the role of a penniless piano teacher in love. His poignant rendition of classic tune "Yat Phet" ("Drop of Diamond") is a highlight.

Stealing the show and the hearts of many audience members despite her limited stage time is Sara Hohler, whose portrayal of an adventure-seeking rich girl is both natural and comical, and is complemented by a strong stage presence and well-honed energy.

Her veteran counterpart is Nilubon "Padthai" Amonwitthawat in the role of her loan shark of a mother. Padthai's solo number in which she mocks Tui's popular song "Okhak Maiwa" ("It Doesn't Matter If You Break My Heart") was rewarded by cheers so wild that the lyrics were all but drowned out.

If you are a die-hard fan of AF, then "Ngern, Ngern, Ngern" will definitely entertain you. This was well evidenced by the number of laughs, drawn-out applause and ear-deafening cheers last Saturday.

But if you are a musical aficionado who doesn't know why the leader of the Black Dress Gang is played by an actress, or can't tell the difference between Apple and Cherry from "AF3", then you may be better saving your time and money for the revival of "Khu Kam: The Musical" being staged in July at the Thailand Cultural Centre.