Yao Lee musical gets a revival
Immerse yourself in the life and songs of legendary Chinese singer yao Lee in a tribute musical.
THE iconic Mei Gui Mei Gui Wo Ai Ni (Rose, Rose I Love You) song will once again melt hearts at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) in February in a musical written, composed and directed by Malaysian producer Yang Wei Han.
The show In Memory Of Yao Lee: Her Songs, Her Life pays tribute to the late Shanghai songstress Yao Lee and her life’s work which has left an indelible impression on many fans.
This production is an adaptation of Yang’s musical Yao Lee, The Legendary Rose Musical, which was staged at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) in 2012.
Yao, who died aged 96 in July last year, was present at all 10 stagings. She flew in from Hong Kong to attend that Malaysian tribute show.
The upcoming In Memory Of Yao Lee: Her Songs, Her Life, which runs at DPAC from Feb 12-16, shares a lot in common with the previous show.
Her story – personal and professional – is an inspiring one to take to the stage. Yao Li, called the “silver voice” began singing in the 1930s and became one of the “seven great singing stars” of Shanghai, performing and recording during WWII. Her music, influenced by jazz and Chinese folk, remained popular after she relocated to Hong Kong.
Yao Lee’s upcoming tribute production at DPAC comes with new visual effects and live music from WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble led by pianist Tay Cher Siang.
As with the 2012 musical, there will be an ensemble of dancers and singers led by dancer Foo Siau Yin alongside choreographer/dancer Leng Poh Gee. Yang will also be singing.
“This musical is a tribute to my beloved teacher. She left us beautiful memories – her smile, her words of wisdom, her stories and her warm voice. Yao Lee not only taught me about music, she also taught me respect and dedication to music. She always stressed that there is life in melodies and lyrics, and that as a singer, we have to give soul to the song. She may have left us, but her songs are immortal,” says Yang, who published an autobiography titled Yao Lee, The Rose That Blooms Forever in 2012.
In Memory Of Yao Lee: Her Songs, Her Life offers the audience a glimpse into the story of her life, told through 28 songs performed live. You can count on the WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, one of Malaysia’s hardest working jazz groups, to supply a heartfelt soundtrack to the evening.
Besides the evergreen Rose, Rose I Love You from 1940 – which was later recorded by American singer Frankie Laine with English lyrics – some other well-loved numbers in this musical include Chun Feng Wen Shang Wo De Lian (Spring Breeze Kisses My Face), Mai Xiang Xi (Yearning For Sale), Ai Qing De Mo Li (That’s Amore )and Gong Xi Gong Xi (Wishing You Prosperity And Happiness), among others.
Her groovy, playful cha cha song Ren Sheng Jiu Shi Xi (Life Is Just A Play), which she released in Hong Kong in 1959, was also used in romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians in 2018.
“Yao Lee is not only my teacher, she is like family to me. This musical serves not just as a remembrance of my late teacher, it is also a dedication to all her fans. I sincerely hope that they are here with me during the show,” says Yang.
The musical runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. It will be presented in Mandarin with English surtitles.
Memory Of Yao Lee: Her Songs, Her Life is on at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Petaling Jaya in Selangor from Feb 12-16. Showtime: 8.30pm. There will be an additional 3pm show on Feb 16 only. Tickets are RM88 and RM128. Concession tickets (RM78 and RM108) are available for the disabled and senior citizens. To purchase, call 03-4065 0001/0002 (DPAC) or visit www. dpac.com.my. Facebook: Han Production.