Director's Notes for Shout! The Mod Musical. 2010.

SHOUT! The Mod Musical

@KLPAC Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Director's Notes

THIS IS AN unfulfilled dream coming true – a 20-year wait to direct a full fledge musical after returning home to Malaysia in 1990. Soon after recovering from a fractured femur and since late 2009, everything slowly aligned when God-sent angels dropped at least 5 musicals on my lap to direct. This is the first to come true. Foremost, I must thank God for His love, gifts, care and grace. Secondly I would like to thank Aylwin Santiago for initiating the spark and Casey Koh on trusting me with this maiden production.

The music of "Shout!" simply rings throughout our lives. I fondly recall the many vinyl records my parents (Johnny & Mary Voon) and Aunty Ernestine Voon had bought - especially Lulu's "To Sir With Love". My mum used to tell me how puzzled she was of me when I was under 4 years old. Before I could read, I was already proficient in placing the needle on the exact track of a song I had wanted to hear. Tonight, all 3 of them are coming to watch live musicals for the first time! Love you Mum, Dad, Aunty and family.

"Shout!" also marks my re-debut in directing choreography since "HipHopera" ('98/'99) which was the longest running musical in KL up till that time - 39 shows. The one before that was "Snoopy" (Colorado '86) and my very first, "Charlie's Angels - Pantomime" (Ipoh '78)! 32 years - WOW! Thanks Verner, Ann, Bill, MaeBeth and many others... for giving me all the opportunities in the US and beyond. "Destry Rides Again", "The Boy Friend", "Cinderella", "A Chorus Line", "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"... my precious memories in American Musical Theatre.

As I fondly remember my many trips ('81-'83) to the Lincoln Resource Centre at the American Embassy in KL for borrowing VHS tapes such as West Side Story, I must thank Jerome Robbins, Michael Bennett and Bob Fosse for inspiring me. I was also a pop-music-chart freak! But my family and friends inspire me more! Especially those who have encouraged me to direct musicals, teach and keep dancing... you know who you are.... God Bless You!

To the Producers, Cast and Creative/Production teams:

There were times during rehearsals that I had cried while listening to the songs. Most of the songs in Shout! are tongue-in-cheek hilarious but with such a dream cast of great talent, they managed to make songs tug at my heartstrings too: Ning, Tria, Shanel, Tisha, Nikki, Stephanie, Joanna, Chelsia, Nadia... deepest heartfelt thanks! To the producers along with creative and production members - peace, prayers and gratitude for your gentle hearts of utmost dedication. It is now time to celebrate the fruit of your labours. Congratulations!

And to the Audience:

Musical Theatre is MAGIC. Allow yourself to be transported by the aura of the 60's and beyond! Music that defined ourselves along the soundtrack of our lives. I think of Tussy flower stickers, 45's, strawbags, mini skirts and even Beano & Dandy comic-books!

"Those were the days my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way."

"Prayer is the Dance of God"

Michael Xavier Voon

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