Starting with excitement, surprise, and numerous musical performances, Bangkok University will present its version of the popular 1975 Broadway musical Chicago at the M Theatre in Bangkok on May 10.
Thai PBS World went behind the scenes at Bangkok University’s Performing Arts Faculty theatre space to meet the cast and production crew.
Under the direction of Pansak Sukhee and translated by Rattanachai Lueangwongngam,
Chicago in Bangkok presents unique challenges due to the contrast with traditional Thai values, according to Chatree Tangwongpimook, the manager of BU Theatre Company.
“Integrating the crime thriller elements with conservative Thai values was difficult,” he said.
Without revealing too much of the story, the rivalry between two female murderers, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, will captivate and shock the Thai audience, according to Chatree.
Considering that in Thai culture, criminals are expected to face consequences, the portrayal of the scenes in Chicago will be particularly impactful.
“However, Thai people have a great sense of humor and can engage the audience while conveying the serious messages of the show,” Chatree mentioned.
Chatree hopes that Bangkok University’s performance will set a new standard for musical theatre in Thailand.
He believes that theatre should not only be for the top celebrities but also accessible for students aspiring to shine on the global stage.
“For this production, we have chosen the most talented students, who may not be famous or have financial support, but they possess significant talent,” Chatree explained.
“They can sing, act, and dance proficiently, which highlights the strength of our company… We aim to showcase these actors within the performing arts industry, so that future leaders can identify talent from the early stages of their career.”
The production team for Chicago includes around 100 designers, stage support staff, casting crew, and understudies. BU Theatre Company’s department comprises 800 performing art students, actors, and dancers, which is no small accomplishment.
“Our department is the most popular performing arts faculty in Thailand,” Chatree expressed.
He also emphasized the high regard for theatre nationwide, with comprehensive curriculum provided in every province, covering traditional, avant-garde, and modern production styles.
The character of Mary Sunshine in Chicago is portrayed by BU Performing Arts student Alina Angelina Mittleman (Lina), who feels anxious about singing in a play for the first time.
“This is my debut in a musical… As one of the professional companies in the country, we emphasize practice and professional guidance,” she stated.
“We collaborate with experienced professionals, including the set, costume, and lighting designers,” Alina added.
The rehearsal schedule is divided into three parts, focusing on dance, acting, and singing.
“We work with a choreographer and a dance captain to maintain the artistic standards of all choreography and staging, while Director Pansak Sukhee supervises the acting quality,” Alina explained.
The singing part is refined by a trained vocal coach and a music director.
We have been rehearsing for months, more recently every day, and usually scene-by-scene. Everyone’s working hard and I feel lucky to be working with a committed group of talented people.
The humor of the Thai people is very important according to BU Theatre Company manager Chatree.
Thai language has many levels that convey more emotions than the American version, and the audience can recognize their local news stories, jokes, and family members in our translations,
Screen actor Varintorn Yaroojjanont (Bloom Varin) plays the high-priced lawyer character Billy Flynn in Chicago.
Varintorn said, 'To pull off a stage play successfully, you must not make any mistakes from start to finish.'
In Thailand, musicals like Chicago are rare and usually come from global companies from Broadway or the West End.
Everything in musicals is live – not only the actors but also the musicians. Each time we perform, it’s a new experience for the audience.
According to Varintorn, the classic nature of the infamous crime thriller production makes Chicago unique.
Varintorn mentioned, 'Everyone who’s big in the music world knows the story and the end, but it’s still enjoyable to watch.'
The Thai translation of Chicago reflects the way news is consumed as entertainment, which is the heart of the story, according to Varintorn.
BU Theatre Company aims to make the performing arts accessible to all Thai people.
Tickets start at 800BHT (US$21) with the best and most expensive seats capped at Bt1500 (US$40 US).
BU Theatre Company manager Chatree wants to show that Thai people can see shows in their own language at a reasonable price.
More support is needed from the government and patrons to make Broadway productions accessible to everyone and inspire them with the arts.
The debut of Bangkok University’s rendition of Chicago will be on May 10 at M Theatre on Bangkok’s Petchburi Road.
Friday viewings will run from 7.30pm over the next two weeks, and on weekends there will be two performances each day from 2pm to 4pm and from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
By Ellie Franco Williams
