Snow Wolf Lake to hit our shores
Peter Yap
SINCE its debut back in 1997, Snow Wolf Lake has been touted as one of the most important Chinese musicals to come out of Hongkong. Lead singer Jacky Cheung gave a record-setting 43 consecutive performances of the musical in Cantonese at Hongkong's Coliseum Stadium. It marked the pinnacle of his career.
The musical tells the tragic love story of Wolf, a poor gardener who falls in love with Snow, a girl from a rich family. Their plans to be together are shattered by the deceptive Liang Zhi, who wants Snow for himself.
Malaysians will finally get to see the multi-million-ringgit production, albeit the Mandarin version, on Nov 25 and 26, at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil as part of the musical's world tour which kicked off last Christmas eve in Beijing. The tour will run until February next year.
Cheung and his co-stars Yvonne Hsu and Nadia Chan recently completed a three-day run of Snow Wolf Lake in Singapore after a series of performances in China's major cities. They were in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 19 to promote the musical here, which is organised by Galaxy Production and presented by DiGi.
Why did it take Snow Wolf Lake so long to arrive in Malaysia?
Cheung: Since my 1997 performances in Hongkong, I had wanted to shift the show to Malaysia but couldn't as our stage props were damaged at that time. Now, we're finally getting a chance to perform in Kuala Lumpur.
Was there any truth to the rumour that you were looking for a successor to play Wolf?
Cheung: Nobody seems to want to take on my role. They worry that people won't come and watch Snow Wolf Lake if I'm not in it. My successor has to be someone who can sing, dance and act. Still it's not easy to train someone.
Are there plans to add another performance?
Cheung: It will depend on the response. However, it's not easy to add another performance as a lot of people are involved, from the cast to the dancers, band members and production team.
What's next for you?
Cheung: This musical is just a start. I hope to perform two more musicals in the coming years. Acting in a movie is another thing. Later this month, I'll start work on my new album.
Nadia, you play another character this time?
Chan: Yes, I play Yoke Fong - Snow's older sister. It's a different character to the one I played six months ago. I'm grateful to Jacky for the experience. I don't want it to end. As for Jacky's replacement, Wolf is a difficult character to portray. It's not just about singing, dancing and acting. To me, Jacky is the real "Wolf".
Yvonne, how does it feel to be performing in the musical?
Hsu: Initially, I didn't know I had an important role. I just thought it would be a chance of a lifetime to work in Jacky's musical. It turned out that I had to play Snow, the rich girl who falls for the gardener played by Jacky.
Is it true you didn't want to cut your hair?
Hsu: Snow and Yoke Fong are sisters. Both have short hair. However, Jacky never asked that I cut my hair. But I wear a wig on stage.
Did Jacky scold you during rehearsals?
Hsu: He was very supportive. He only "scolds" himself.
Chan: Jacky's nice. When he gives me a thumbs-up, I feel great! Still, I always pray there are no last-minute changes on stage.
Jacky, different singers have co-starred with you. Who would you rate as the best?
Cheung: A character is "dead" until it is given life when someone portrays it. Different singers give a different feel to the characters (Snow and Yoke Fong, for instance) ... come watch Snow Wolf Lake and find out for yourself.
Tickets for Snow Wolf Lake at RM140, RM240, RM390, RM490, RM590 and RM690 can be purchased at Sungei Wang Plaza Concourse and Mid Valley City. For details, call Galaxy Production hotline at 03-2282 2020.
Updated: 11:54AM Mon, 03 Oct 2005
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