Following its successful adaptation of Broadway musical Fame last year, Dreambox is taking the audience on another exciting journey, Dreamgirls, a hit musical from 1981 that tells the story behind the American R&B music industry of the 1960s-70s. This time, however, the lyrics _ and the drama _ are in Thai.
Thanaporn, Pijika and Nattapat are starring in Dreamgirls.
For theatre-goers, its translation into Thai by playwright Daraka Wongsiri and the vision of producer Suwandee should guarantee the quality of the adaptation.
After developing its repertoire for musical theatre with local stories _ Ku Kham, Namsai Jaijing and Prisana among others, Dreambox has produced more musicals each year in addition to comedy theatre.
But the real challenge now is the upcoming production, Dreamgirls.
"We only realised how heavy this project is after we obtained the copyright and studied the score and production guidelines. Still we want to take a challenge to reinvent this legendary musical," said the producer.
The musical tells the story of the showbiz industry in which African-American soul and R&B music merged with the mainstream by so-called white audience.
It features the journey of three black girl singers to a dream land, in a cut-throat business paved with fierce competition that gradually undermines their friendship.
This caused an art-imitating-life controversy when many saw several similarities between the musical and true events that occurred with The Supremes and the professional life of diva Diana Ross _ though the creators Michael Bennett, Henry Krieger, Tom Eyen, and the producers denied any connection.
"The scandal behind this musical sounds so juicy and realistic that we think it would fit the Thai audience," Suwandee added. Dreambox will rely on the popularity of the cinematic version of this musical starring Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson and Grammy-winning Beyonce Knowles.
The movie has led to a theatrical revival in the US and national tours, as well as adaptations in South Africa and Malaysia featuring local stars in 2011; and 2012 is a proper time for Dreambox to present a Thai version of this musical gem.
"Lovers of musicals would relate to the setting of 1960s-70s and the emergence of black music. But for the general public, the companionship will be appealing," Suwandee said.
The cast of Thai version of Dreamgirls featuring three female vocalists in the role of hopeful singers introduced at a press conference last month drew ooohs and aaahs.
Their promotional clips released on YouTube has caused a sensation among theatre-goers.
Despite a decade-long well-established singing career, pop star Thanaporn Vakprayoon, aka Pan, from RS Promotion is excited about her theatrical debut, especially in the role of Effie White, made legendary by Tony-winning Jennifer Holiday in its Broadway version, and later by Jennifer Hudson in a 2004 movie.
"I've always been interested in the art of musical theatre and wanted to give it a try, but my busy schedule did not allow me," Thanaporn said.
Handpicked by Dreambox to perform the character that belts out masochistic yet heart-wrenching And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going, at the end of Act 1, the experienced Thanaporn called it the most challenging part in her life.
"It is a tough role to perform as it is not my cup of tea. But I'd like to prove myself with the musical," she said.
Undoubtedly, she said the role is quite demanding in terms of singing and acting, yet she finds herself in tune with the character through its humanistic nature in which the character is quite expressive and honest about what she wants to achieve in life.
"I am attracted to the challenge of musical numbers and a juicy story that requires well-crafted acting and singing skills," she said.
Brimful of musical and acting credentials is Pijika Jittaputta, who portrays Deena Jones who rises to stardom from a back-up to lead singer. The role is performed by Beyonce Knowles in the 2006 film.
Rising to fame from amateur acting while at university to a professional career with Dreambox in Khu Kham the musical, and Viva Cabaret, this return to the stage is another step to mark herself as a musical actor.
"I'm so excited to be cast as one of the trio. I have been doing more exercise lately as the role demands singing and dancing most of the time. I need to build up some stamina," she said.
As a fan of Motown artists, she has a great connection with the music of yesteryear through this performance.
"I've become more appreciative with the journey of American music during the 60s and 70s," she said
Another powerful crooner-cum-actress is Nattapat Vipatakorntrakul, aka Puifai AF4, who portrays Laurel Robinson, another back-up singer who witnesses how characters can be changed by the dark side of the showbiz.
With her high pitch and sweet vocalisation, Nattapat joined Dreambox for a third time after previous musicals Mae Nak and Namsai Jaijing.
"When Dreambox announced the production of Dreamgirls, I asked for an audition because I wanted to be a part of it. The musical is tough yet challenging for me.
"This is another step to develop my acting and singing repertoire especially for my much-beloved musical performance," she said.
The cast also includes actor Voravit Fuengaromya, Sarun Thongpan, Chris Degon, and two aspiring young performers from Academy Fantasia, Thanasit Juturaput (AF8) and Kritmongkol Silapee (AF6).
