IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR
Still On My Mind The Musical finds a fresh way to celebrate timeless values
Aworkaholic husband who just got laid off. A wife whose direct-sale career is soaring. Two teens devoting their time to friends and mobile phones. Here is the recipe for a broken home, and an ordinary-yet-spicy plot for Still On My Mind The Musical from director Takolkiat Viravan.
Believing that such a social institution as close-knit family in contemporary Thai society is under threat of new collective norms and technological disruption, the director stressed the value of perseverance and patience, flavoured by love and understanding within a family. Inspired by a royal song by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the musical leaves a lesson that one should actualise the value of the much-loved institution before it is too late.
While the feel-good storytelling, mainly filled with decent characters, is plainly predictable and barely climatic, the attraction still lies in the introduction of hip-hop to its libretto, and teamwork performance that keeps the show going on. The first two songs — Tookwan ( Daily) and Mai Mee Khwam Wa Pae You Nai Huajai ( No Losing In The Mind) — capture audiences with blank-verse hip-hop, catching up with the vibe of the young generation and giving new flavour to contemporary Thai show tunes.
This is probably inspiration from Hamilton, a Broadway musical that incorporates hip-hop, R&B and pop, yet keeps traditional-style show tunes. Such mixand-match surprisingly spellbinds in Still
On My Mind. Not only does it help recount the story effectively; it speaks the language of modern times.
Popster/actor Songsit “Kob” Rungnoppakunsri, as Phol, a workhorse executive who got sacked but later reinvented his team to sell steamed buns, gives a typical portrayal of Mr Nice Guy. But he manages to perform hip-hop lyrics so masterfully, it’s as if he could carry on to do rap. Clearly, practice makes perfect.
A musical star is born. Panwa “Tawan” Phromtep, 16, as Anol, is a teen son who treats his parents almost like friends. First seen in his debut performance in jukebox musical Fan Ja, the former contestant of
The Voice Kid manages to amaze audience members varying from youngsters to senior citizens with his powerful and wide-ranging articulation, more or less reminiscent of singer/actor Sukrit “Bie” Wisetkaew and Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre.
A scene stealer is veteran actor Suprawat Patamasut, who plays a grandpa whose true love stands the test of time even after a death-do-us-part moment with his character wife, played by diva Suda Chueanbaan. He showed how good timing is a key to humour on the live stage, while retaining his personal charisma and jocularity.
Likewise, crooner Radklao Amaradhisha, as green-with-envy manager Kung, who appears in just a few scenes, offers her usual musical tricks and practical jokes to entertain the audience. Meanwhile, singer/actress Nicole Theriault, in a more grown-up role as a responsible, hopeful mother and wife, takes control of her singing and movement, showing confidence on stage. They both gave hilarious performances in Chewit Thi Took Riak Wa Mia
( Life Of A Wife).
Deservedly lauded for its attempt to be original, especially with new sounds for Thai musical theatre, Still On My Mind has just closed its curtain after a three-weekend run.
But such timeless substance that values industriousness and family bonds could make a comeback sometime soon.