A Musical '2nd Chances' Part 1

This is the day all of us were looking forward to for the past few months…. Months of practices, the emotional trauma we experienced, the time and effort we put in…. today it would all be over!

We reached the auditorium at 3pm as instructed.  Irene, Karen and Kathleen are our make-up artists.  Thank you so much for availing yourselves to transform us from ugly duckling into beautiful swans.  I was one of the first to have my make up done.  Irene did a marvelous job!  I am not sure how long it took but when I looked at the mirror I was stunned as I looked so different.  Well, it’s a good different coz my eyes are bigger.  And I guess, I do look prettier.  Still, it took me awhile to adjust to how I looked.  But a close up will tell how thick the make up was.  That shows how much flaws needed to be covered up.  Yup, I am no Snow White.  

After the make up, each of us stood on the stage under the spot light to past the ‘make-up test’ with Susanne as the judge.  She commented a few areas that needed to be touched up so I went back to Irene again.  

Next, I went to the hair stylist for my hair do.  De Reve has graciously sponsored all the hair-do for this musical.  A million thanks to them.  The director, Alvin, saw me and for a moment he was wondering who am I.  Finally, another hair stylist asked am I one of the dancers and I told her I am Dianne, my role in the musical, then only Alvin realized.  He said I look so different before and after the make up.  Well, make up can really do wonders!  My hair-do was quite simple.  It didn’t take long before I was released.  

Taking turn to do up our hair

Back to the stage, I was testing my mic.  It was pretty straight forward.  I just needed to walk around the stage repeating my lines and sing a chorus of one of the songs and it was done.  Well, I sure hope there won’t be any problem this time.  Yesterday during the rehearsal there was a bit of disturbance.  Somehow whenever I turned to the left or right, my voice was not captured into the mic.

When all of us were ready, Susanne requested to rehearse two or three scenes that we have messed up yesterday at the full dress rehearsal.  After that, Daniel and I practiced our duet and we called it a day. 

 

One of our prompters, Iris - without their help, there won't be a great show

Mrs Chen graciously assisting us in our pronunciation even till the last minute

 
The rest of the time, we took photos, we chitchat, we ate and we rested.  It wasn’t long before all of us were requested to put on our mics and retreat to the backstage to wait for the moment.

I just love their smile

Two beauty queens

 

Siang Ling's bodyguards???

  To be continued...

The Musical - Part 2

Scene 1: Shaun and Jennifer with her bridesmaids

Scene 2: A solo by Dianne - On My Own

Scene 4: Michael and friends in a party

Scene 6: Young adult Dianne with her colleague

Scene 8: A duet by Dianne and Michael - You Raised Me Up

The finale

The end of man is the beginning of God.  Ever heard of this phrase before?  God miraculously brought Susanne Siegert to us, who has directed several musicals back in Germany.  The project took a new turn as she stepped in and gently guided us through every scene. 

The days of practice were no longer boring but full of laughter and enthusiasm.  We were challenged to reach greater height in our singing, dancing and acting.  Though the actual performance date was drawing nearer and we were running out of time, Susanne did not compromise in her training with us.  She took care of every single detail.

The second miracle occurred when hubby was invited to preach in another church.  He met the PIC of the Oriental Hospital after the service.  Few days later, we checked out the auditorium of the hospital and the venue of the musical was confirmed.  A special thanks to the management as we have troubled them umpteen times for the usage of the auditorium with minimum charges.  I hope our church is not black-listed for that matter.

In less than 2 weeks’ time we would be performing.  Finally, we brought in various talented people to help us with the background music, the props, the costume, the make-up and hair-do.  That is the third miracle.  In such a short time, everything falls into place.  It is definitely God’s grace (hubby says “mercy”).

Last but not least, the musical was staged and I would not hesitate to comment that was the best performance we ever had throughout our practices.  The day before was the full dress rehearsal.  But it was still in a mess.  The mics were not working properly; my singing sucked; the lighting and background sound were not switched on/turned on correctly in a few scenes; the dance routine for the Opening still lacked the enthusiasm/excitement… and etc. 

Two spectators came up to me the day after the musical and told me that they were there during the rehearsal.  After the rehearsal, they were so worried.  Indeed, we were not ready.  But that’s where we experienced the miracles – God’s divine intervention. 

All in all, we give thanks to God for a good performance.  The seed was sown and we pray that in due time people may encounter the second chance in life – a chance to live the abundance life that God has promised for all who come to Him.  That is the center theme of this musical: To know Christ and to make Him known.


p/s: All of the above photos are reproduced courtesy of Khai Chew.
 

The Musical - Part 1

I always loved musicals.  Back in KL, every Easter or Christmas, I would look out for musicals organized by the local churches and make my way there rain or shine.  But personally I have never involved in any of the productions.  I missed the opportunity twice to participate in the local church musicals due to distance and pregnancy.

Two years ago the idea of organizing a musical was birthed at the LCEC planning retreat.  I was excited when I heard about it but did not take any further step.  This musical was meant for the youth and I am way past my youthful years.  Yes, have to admit I am aging gracefully (I hope). 

So, when I was approached to take up one of the roles I was thrilled.  I gladly accepted it without knowing the storm which followed.  For months, I waited for the script but there was no sign of it.  Found out later that the script was written by a professional scriptwriter in Sri Lanka.  Hubby passed me the outline of the script after pestering him for weeks.  The delay in script written was the first storm.

Soon, I was hit by the second wave.  There were some hiccups in getting the church members to be involved in this musical.  There weren’t many casts in fact, yet not many are willing to sacrifice their time for this cause. 

The third storm swept us as quickly as the second.  The youth encountered problem with the choreography for the dance movement for the songs.  Finally, a dance studio was contacted and they had agreed to conduct 10 sessions of dance practices with the youth.

Up to this point, the excitement was gone and all that was left is disappointment, discouragement and many unresolved issues. 

When the script was finally completed, the light of hope was rekindled.  To my horror, that only leads to the next hurricane.  The director of the musical was reluctant to move on from there due to personal reasons. 

We were all left alone like a sheep without its shepherd.  I was all ready to walk away and throw in the towel.  The only reason that kept me there is because of the youth – they have spent countless hours and energy and effort in practicing for the musical.  How could we disappoint them just like that?!!  Hubby was ready to write a letter of apology to call off the entire project.     

... To be continued

Scene 1: The Wedding

Scene 3: Mom and child Dianne

Scene 4: The Party

Scene 5: Mom and Dianne

Scene 6: The office

Scene 6: Michael and young adult Dianne

Scene 6: The song 'People need the Lord'

Scene 6: Shaun and Jennifer

Scene 8: Michael and Dianne

Dissendium Theatre Malacca

Do you like magic tricks?  There’s something in it that always captured the eyes of the audience.  The surprise element that intrigue our hearts and blow your mind of.

The first time I came across Dissendium Theater was on my way to fetch my girl to her tuition.  I was rather amused and sceptical when I saw the sign: ‘Magic Show – Dissendium Theater’.  What type of magic show do they perform in Malacca?  That was my exact thought.  I apologize for my ignorance. 

Weeks later I discovered this offer in Groupon on magic performance.  Out of curiosity, I did some research and realize that many people commented and gave excellent review on it.  After discussing with hubby, we’ve decided to give it a try and bought the tickets.

 

I called up to enquire.  Apparently the shows are only available from Thursday to Sunday evening.  Booking was done and we looked forward for a fun time.

Dissendium Theater is located next to a Nyonya Cuisine restaurant in the town center.  They provide a vast parking space.  FOC.  We reached there 30 minutes before the show in order to get good seats.  Surprisingly there was no one except us! 

The auditorium opened 15 minutes before the show starts.  We choose the front rows and subsequently a few more families joined us.  Though the theatre caters for an audience of 280 pax, there were only around 10 of us.

As the shows took place, our full attention was on this group of young, talented magic enthusiasts.  Our eyes were feast on the spectacular display of magic shows and illusions.  The props and the articulations of each magic is indeed awesome.  Our dear daddy was even invited to the stage to ‘help’ in one of the tricks they performed.

The show lasted for about 70 minutes.  I lost count of the number of magic tricks they performed.  Though we figured out some of the tricks (thanks to the show – The Magician Code aired on Astro years ago) - although the daddy claims he figured out all of it.  Overall the show did not disappoint us and we were impress by the quality and professionalism of the performance. 

Information about Dissendium Theater:
Address: No.178, Jalan Parameswara, 75000 Melaka
General Line 06-5125 055 / 088
Reservation Hotline 017-260 2088

Titi Eco Farm

I was very hesitated to write this blog.  Nevertheless, I convinced myself to do so.  After all, life is full of ups and downs.  And this retreat is not sooo bad after all.

Our DG voted to go to Titi Eco Farm for our retreat.  After much research, I lowered my expectation and was just hoping that my kids would be able to survive these 3 days 2 nights with the company of the many 'gor gor' and 'jie jie'.

Since hubby was driving, I had the luxury of packing as many stuff as I wanted to.  One luggage for clothing, one for food and one for kid's entertainment.  Upon arriving, to our horror, we were greeted by swarms of mosquitoes.  They were everywhere!!!  Within minutes, all of us, especially my kids, were bitten from head to toe.

We checked into our rooms followed by the welcome tea.  The kids roamed around the place exploring while feeding more mosquitoes.  Oh yes, I sprayed repellent on the kiddos but it doesn't seem to work.  These irritating blood-sucking insects would not let us go.

 A map of the entire farm

 A giant log for the kids to swing around

 another one served as a see-saw

sliding your way down...

Chinese chess and checkers are also available

We did not do much on Day 1 as the place was not condusive to conduct any sessions nor devotions.  Some of us attended the Talk on Healthy Tips in the evening.  The rest of us would rather stay in the room and call it a night.

The next day, after the adventurous breakfast meal which included a serving of hibiscus flower, raw corn, black sesame seed, aloe vera and etc, we participated in the farm tour.

 All set.  Ready to go....

The only thing throughout the tour that captured my children's attention are the goats...

and the tortoise...

 and the rabbits... They all looked so hungry.

The final showdown - flying fox

My girl was eager to try it out but Daddy was a bit reluctant.  But she did it anywhere.   Bravo, my girl!

As for my boy, he crossed the tiny stream by walking on this hanging bridge.  Good job, son!  Hubby followed the boy closely.  How about yours sincerely?  Needless to say, flying fox, of course!

After a tiring morning, we were looking forward to the afternoon session at the hall.  The hall was supposed to be the main attraction as it is the only air-conditioned place in the resort. The guest rooms only has fans - some are ceiling fans, some are wall fans.

However it was another big disappointment as the air-cond in the hall doesn't cood down the hall at all.  The stuffiness, the tiredness, the humid and warm weather, and the sleepless night - Andrew has no choice but to shorten the session and let the sheep go free.

Personally I find the teaching very good.  It was such a pity that many of us couldn't absorb much spiritual truth.

As for this place, I wouldn't recommend it unless you are not a mozzie magnet (ahh... so jealous!), your body temperature are low (basicaly, you don't mind to sweat), and you are a dare devil in food tasting.

However, I do enjoy hanging out with my DG members.  Sadly we didn't have much time fellowshiping other than meal times.   Most of the other free time we hid in our rooms as there was no better place free from the mosquitoes and the heat.

All in all, the food experience was a once in a lifetime experience.  In my entire life, I have never tried so many unique types of food as I did in the past three days.  Nevertheless, I believe God was working among us as heard in the sharing of the members.