Musical presentation on the life of Tun Dr Mahathir

KUALA LUMPUR: Three people, including child actor Mohd Shafieq Shazwan, will take the role of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a musical that traces his young life to being an elder statesman.

The RM2mil production, “Tun Mahathir – The Musical”, will be staged at Istana Budaya here from Sept 24 to Oct 4.

The actors who will portray the country’s fourth prime minister at different stages of his life are Zizan Nin, playing Dr Mahathir in his youth, and Esma Daniel, who will take Dr Mahathir’s role as prime minister and statesman.

Mohd Shafieq, the 2008 winner of TV3’s talent search show, “Idola Kecil”, will play Dr Mahathir in his childhood.

The names of the three actors in the biographical musical were announced by producer Siti Rohaya Attan and director Rosmi­nah Mohd Tahir at Istana Budaya yesterday.

They also announced that award-winning dramatist and singer Erra Fazira will act as Dr Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Ali.

Present at the event was the show’s patron Puan Sri Noorainee Rahman, wife of Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Speaking at a press conrerence, Siti Rohaya said: “Many interesting things during Tun’s life are not written in any book or blog. The musical allows the public to know more about the Father of Modern Malaysia.

She added that Dr Siti Hasmah “can’t wait” to watch the musical as it would likely bring back memories of her youth and her love life with Dr Mahathir.

“The musical is divided into a few parts, such as his childhood, university life with Dr Siti Hasmah, the struggle for independence and his days as the fourth prime minister,” said Siti Rohaya, who added that some 200 people will be taking part in the production.

Tickets for the musical, priced at RM30, RM50, RM80, RM100 and RM150, are available from Box Office, Istana Budaya, TRIWAYS Travel Network shop at Suria KLCC and Sriamera Holidays(M) Sdn Bhd in Shah Alam.