Tale of a lifetime
P. ramleetheMusical is back with a new cast.
WHEN Tony Eusoff took on the role of the renowned P. Ramlee in last year’s staging of P. Ramlee The Musical in Kuching, he described it as both an honour and a challenge.
“He was an exceptional singer and musician,” Tony says of the late P. Ramlee. “So playing him in the musical is quite a tall order. But I am always up for a good challenge.”
The award-winning production by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina’s Enfiniti Vision Media, with a revamped cast this year, will commence its run at Istana Budaya starting Friday.
Presented by DRB-Hicom, P. Ramlee The Musical charts the life and legacy of Malaysia’s most well-loved composer, actor, singer and entertainer.
Tony will once again play P. Ramlee; wives Junaidah, Norizan and Saloma will be played by Lisa Surihani, Tiara and Nadia Aqilah Bajuri respectively; Daeng Harris by Aznil Nawawi, the Shaw brothers by Douglas Lim and Reuben Kang; B.S. Rajhans by J.J. From Red FM; and Sukardi by Tengku Iedil Putra.
Of his title role, Tony says that the most obvious challenge is simply that he looks nothing like P. Ramlee.
“Secondly, I was definitely no connoisseur of the traditional ‘asli music’ that he championed through his works,” he says. “This meant that I had to immerse myself in a genre of music that was absolutely foreign to me, singing P. Ramlee classics like Senandung Kasih and Di Mana Kan Ku Cari Ganti over and over again until I got the style right.”
Due to limited footage of P. Ramlee outside his acting and singing persona, Tony watched the man’s movies on repeat to study the actor’s mannerisms and gestures.
“I managed to find one video of a 10-second interview of him, but that’s about it,” he says. “So I had to watch as many movies as possible.”
J.J., a self-professed fan of P. Ramlee, says that he remembers lines from his movies. “I am a huge fan of P. Ramlee. His movies are timeless. He reminds us about what it is to be a true Malaysian.”
He recalls that when he was first asked to audition, he didn’t quite think that he would get the part.
“But when I got it, I thought, ‘Yes! Something new to add to my memories!’ I get to play the person who convinces P. Ramlee to take that giant leap from Penang to Singapore to begin his legacy. I hope I do it justice.”
About preparations in the months leading up to the show, J.J. says that he has learned a lot.
“I’m enjoying every moment learning new things and pushing myself,” he says. “I can’t wait for opening night ... and I already dread the last show as I know I’ll miss everything!”
Aznil Nawawi, who will take on the character of Daeng Harris shares that he had watched the musical before and never imagined that he would be in it one day.
“Daeng Harris is a fun character to play, but the fact that I have to sound old is a bit challenging,” he says. “I am a very energetic person and I don’t sound my age at all. The fact that Daeng Harris has two grown up daughters will remind me to be extra less energetic!”
On the story of P. Ramlee, Tony comments that it is a tale that has to be told.
“Because P. Ramlee was more than his films or his songs. He was a generous artiste who gave himself to an entire legion of fans. He was widely known to be generous to his friends and colleagues, to his family,” he says, musing that this role will likely be “the most important character” that he will play for a long time to come.
“I am most grateful to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity to play the title role,” he says. “And I hope the audience will enjoy my interpretation of this musical genius, the comedic icon, the legend – the irreplaceable P. Ramlee.”
P. Ramlee The Musical will be staged at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpu from Oct 3 to Oct 12 for a total of 14 performances. Evening performances start at 8.30pm every day and additional matinees are at 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are priced at RM33, RM53, RM153, RM203 and RM253. Visit tickethotline.com.my or ticket2u.biz or call the ticketing hotline at 03-7725 1177 / 03-4147 8600. Tickets can also be purchased at Istana Budaya’s box office.