Screenshots

Produced by the same people behind Puteri Gunung Ledang... The Musical, the 3-hour show attempts to portray the life, the loves and the inspiration brought forth and left behind by Seniman Agong, P. Ramlee.

P. Ramlee's Penang and the cendul man

Catch it if you can, P. Ramlee The Musical is currently playing at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur, until November 3.

The score was by Dick Lee, who produced one of the best arrangements for Gelora that I have heard, notably the intro that stylised percussions from the Malay world . But Dick Lee, being Dick Lee for who he is, always rises to give you his tested formula of Pocahontas-like melodies to literally wax lyrical of what a Broadway musical should be.

One big regret, however, was neither P. Ramlee portrayed with his signature saxophone, nor reprised Getaran Jiwa that signifies the sensual tantrums of the most multi-talented artisan Malaysia has ever produced.

The set was luxuriously designed by Raja Maliq, and its visual impact was fully delivered by the meticulous lighting design, under the capable hands of Teo Kuang Han, that was really world-class.

The old train station, Butterworth, Penang

I must say the violinist/s, who played and reprised Azizah several times on solo, had the most tormenting lingers on my ears. Thank you for the music, folks!

All pictures by Jeff Ooi

It's good to see Melissa Saila coming out from her hiatus and back in action as Norizan though her vocal was the weakest and it showed glaringly during the separation scene from P. Ramlee.

Melissa Saila as Norizan

I wonder if Atilla, who played Junaidah, is related to jingle queen, Salamiah Hassan. Her vocal was most voluptuous and sensuously powerful.

P. Ramlee and three wives in his life, one at a time... Junaidah, Saloma and Norizan

The biggest disappointment was the plot and I will write about it in a detailed review soon. I feel dejected because of the facets of P Ramlee's legend chosen by the writers that didn't do much justice to the great man he was.

(Thank you to our hosts for giving us the best seats for the night. That put paid to the photo-opps and forced me to sit back and enjoy the show the way it was intended.)