This March, The Theatre Practice (Practice) is proud to current The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife, an uproariously hilarious Mandarin musical starring Joanna Dong, MengFM’s Cavin Soh and Ric Liu, and Sugie Phua.
Inspired by the standard Yuan opera Qiu Hu Flirts With His Wife, this manufacturing combines lavish Chinese Opera aesthetics with campy musical theatre aptitude and cheeky trendy references. Expect hijinks, humour and harmonies galore!
The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife
Qiu Hu (Cavin Soh) and Mei Ying (Joanna Dong)’s fortunately ever after is in danger when Qiu Hu is conscripted into the military at some point after their marriage ceremony! Meanwhile, ready within the wings is native tyrant Master Li (Ric Liu), who is set to have Mei Ying marry him as an alternative. Can Mei Ying resist her pesky suitor’s schemes? What occurs when Qiu Hu returns dwelling, ten years later? Will the soldier ever be reunited along with his virtuous spouse?
The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife might be helmed by Practice’s Artistic Director and award-winning musical director Kuo Jian Hong (Lao Jiu: The Musical, If There’re Seasons…, Liao Zhai Rocks!), and can mark Practice’s first musical since its 2019 Shanghai tour of Liao Zhai Rocks!, and first mainstage manufacturing because the pandemic.
Originally written by Taiwanese director and actor Lo Pei-An (Greenray Theatre Company), the musical was first staged in 1996 as a part of Practice’s anniversary celebrations — making it certainly one of Singapore’s earliest Mandarin musicals. It was later staged once more in 1998 and 2008. However, Jian Hong is fast to emphasize that the 2023 revival will comprise vital adjustments.
Joining Jian Hong on this bold overhaul is a artistic crew of theatre veterans together with costume designer MAX.TAN (Oiwa – The Ghost Of Yotsuya, Four Horse Road), choreographer Seong Hui Xuan (Liao Zhai Rocks!, Lao Jiu: The Musical), music director August Lum (The Nursery Rhymes Project 3, Four Horse Road), set designer Chen Szu-Feng (Extinction Feast, Lao Jiu: The Musical), and extra.
A Reunion of Old Friends
Making his stage debut as Qiu Hu, is tv actor and MengFM’s singer, Cavin Soh. The Star Awards winner is a well-recognized face in showbiz, and has appeared in dozens of movie and tv works up to now 20 years. Still, he confesses nervousness at tackling his first musical.
Cavin is joined by fellow MengFM member and veteran theatre practitioner Ric Liu, who returns to the world of The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife because the villainous Master Li. Rounding out the trio is Joanna Dong, who will reprise her main position as Mei Ying.
Cast and Creatives
- Director: Kuo Jian Hong
- Playwright: Lo Pei-An
- Music Director: August Lum
- Choreographer: Seong Hui Xuan
- Set Designer: Chen Szu-Feng
- Lighting Designer: Genevieve Peck
- Sound Designer: Shah Tahir
- Costume Designer: MAX.TAN
- Hair Designer: Ashley Lim
- Make Up Designer: The Make Up Room
- Cast: Joanna Dong, Cavin Soh, Ric Liu, Sugie Phua, Ng Mun Poh, Ang Xiao Ting, Yeo Lyle, Katherine Tang, Joel Tan
Show Schedule
The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife runs from 30 March to 16 April 2023, with tickets now accessible on BookMyShow.
- CAT 1: $85 (Preview Show $70)
- CAT 2: $75 (Preview Show $60)
- CAT 3: $55 (Preview Show $40)
- CAT 4: $51 (Preview Show $40)
*Not inclusive of $4 reserving payment
Discounts relevant to CAT 1 and CAT 2 tickets solely. Discounts relevant to all exhibits (excluding preview) until in any other case acknowledged.
- 15% Early Bird Discount (ends 31.01) – Applicable for exhibits between 31.03 – 09.04
- 20% Buddies Package Discount (ends 30.03) – Min. of 4 tickets per order
- 15% Discount for PAssion Card and SAFRA members (ends 12.02)
- 10% Discount for Students/ NSFs/ Senior Citizens (finish 16.04)
Group Bookings accessible: Save as much as 20%, contact [email protected] for extra particulars.
Title: The Soldier & His Virtuous Wife
Dates: 30 March – 16 April 2022
Venue: Drama Centre Theatre (National Library Building, 100 Victoria St, #03-01 National Library, Singapore 188064)
Image Courtesy of The Theatre Practice.