KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated local Chinese-language musical ‘Gou Li Hao Xi’ drew a rousing reception at its media premiere, with audiences laughing until their sides hurt before being moved to tears in what some described as an “emotional tsunami”.
Helmed by multi-million box office director Ryon Lee, the production sees him lay bare personal scars, even poking fun at his own box office failures, while weaving his grief over the loss of his mother and lived experiences with mental health into the script. The result is a searing portrayal of how emotional illness has become a pressing social issue, with each scene striking a powerful chord.
The production unfolds across three chapters, weaving its way through waves of laughter and tears. Determined to deliver a stage experience of the highest calibre, executive producer Wong Kok Keong, Ee Lai Cheng and producer Terry Ong spared no expense in bringing the vision to life. Even the music licensing fees alone amounted to a staggering sum, all in the name of reviving beloved Hong Kong and Taiwanese pop classics from the 1990s to the present day. The moment these familiar melodies rang out, they effortlessly stirred memories and emotions deep within the audience.
The cast’s performances were another highlight. Making their musical debut, Rickman Chia, Kopi Lim, Cheryl Lee and Orange Tan won thunderous applause with their lively and uninhibited portrayals. Rickman and Kopi, in particular, leaned into their comedic strengths, drawing belly laughs with several unscripted moments that had the crowd roaring — earning them the title of “next-generation comedy duo”.
Veteran actors Remon Lim and Loo Aye Keng reminded audiences why seasoned performers are irreplaceable. Their sheer stage presence — even a subtle raise of an eyebrow — was enough to trigger tears. Loo’s transformation into an ageing mother with dementia was especially lauded, her ability to inhabit the role instantly bringing the house down in admiration.
Rising talent Richard Tan, though relatively new, shouldered the leading role with aplomb. As Fu Fan, a struggling playwright battling emotional illness amid financial woes, heartbreak and family loss, his gut-wrenching breakdown scene left many in the audience visibly shaken, marking him out as a star in the making.
Behind the scenes, the production was no less impressive. With a cast of 16 and a crew of 80, Wong pulled out all the stops to bring the vision to life. “We hope audiences will rediscover courage through the music and stories, and in that resonance, find renewed faith,” he said.
True to its spirit, Gou Li Hao Xi will also contribute part of its box office proceeds to the Life Line Association Malaysia, a mental health support organisation. The creative team hopes the production sparks more open dialogue on the subject of emotional wellbeing.
