PROMISING actor and classically trained singer Matthias Cheah is honoured to play Kapitan Yap Ah Loy in 'Kapitan The Musical' for the second time this Oct 24 and 25.
The 23-year-old from Petaling Jaya shared that Yap is his second non-fictional stage role.
His first was in 'Solace Of Papan', staged at SEGi University two years ago, where he played a World War 2 Japanese military officer interrogating the heroic nurse and martyr Sybil Kathigasu.
In a recent interview at The Toffee in Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, the Sunway University music student said he has been acting for two years and singing for five.
"It's truly an honour to play an important historical figure who played a major role in making our capital city Kuala Lumpur the world-class destination that it is today," said Cheah.
"While Yap may not have imagined KL becoming as sophisticated as it is now, he was still a man ahead of his time, as he embraced modernity and equipped KL with state-of-the-art basic amenities such as a modern school, modern market, brick buildings and shophouses and modern roads and streets."
Cheah first took on the role last December, when 'Kapitan The Musical' debuted at the Thean Hou Temple in Bukit Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur.
"What I like about 'Kapitan The Musical' is that it is a play with lots of room for imagination and is thus good for the younger generation," he said. "And I'm sure many young theatre and musical fans will be inspired by his life journey, from rags to riches and nationwide fame."
A VISION DECADES IN THE MAKING
Production director Chin San Sooi explained that the original production brings together large-scale symphonic music, powerful vocal performances, and rich historical storytelling to bring Yap's extraordinary journey to life.
"Back in 1984, I met a family member of Yap and thought of a play about the great man himself after learning so much about him in our interesting conversation," said Chin.
"I then wrote a play titled 'Yap Ah Loy The Play' that same year, so that it would be ready for a 1985 staging. Not many know that 1985 marked the 100th anniversary of Yap's demise."
Over time, Chin felt the original play could be refreshed to engage audiences better.
"I decided to make a musical as it would be more stimulating for young audiences. In addition, I chose to create an imaginative play since it helps the younger generation cultivate their imaginative skills," Chin said.
He added that Malaysians who admire Yap will learn several fascinating details about his family life.
"There will be many interesting facts, including his marriage to a Peranakan wife, and once again the brilliant Yiling Chaing is playing her," Chin explained, adding that the story captures both humorous and serious moments.
"Also, some of the dialogue will be different from last year in certain scenes. Apart from that, its second season stays true to its predecessor."
GRAND SCALE AND HISTORICAL DETAIL
Chin described the show as a grand historical musical blending full symphonic orchestrations, vocal arias, and narrative theatrical staging.
"A total of 25 people will form the main cast and will be backed by an orchestra. About 80 per cent of the singers are in their 20s, and there are 17 musicians plus 20 singers," said Chin.
"There will also be 30 martial artistes and some of the cast members will be playing multiple roles, as in the first season.
"The musical chronicles the epic life of one of the most influential pioneers in the early history of Kuala Lumpur. Leaving China for Nanyang at the age of 17, he overcame years of intense hardship and setbacks to become the Third Kapitan Cina of Kuala Lumpur in 1868."
The musical highlights Yap's determination and leadership in rebuilding Kuala Lumpur from the ruins of the Selangor Civil War (1866–1877), laying the foundations of the modern capital.
Chin, who serves as the librettist, lyricist, and director, is also the president of the Opus Harmonia Association (OHA) and a veteran of Malaysian theatre with a career spanning over six decades.
Working alongside him is composer and principal arranger Lam Siu Chong — principal of the L&J Conservatory of Music and founder-conductor of the 43-year-old Petaling Jaya Philharmonic Orchestra.
"There are 19 original songs and the dialogue in English has a sprinkling of Hakka. No traditional musical instruments are involved, though,"" Lam noted, adding that the two-hour show is an ideal introduction for young Malaysians to learn about local history.
Conductor and artistic director Lily Woo Pui Lai, a seasoned performing arts advocate with over 25 years in music education, leads the dynamic collaboration between the orchestra and the stage cast.
AUTHENTIC COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISATION
Award-winning costume designer Beatrice Looi carefully researched the period to ensure authentic attire for the cast.
"Yap Ah Loy's Qing Dynasty era costume had to be precise with its choice of colours and design, right up to the pointed hat," said Looi.
Meanwhile, main actress Yiling Chaing portrays Yap's wife, Kok Kang Kweon, mother to his five children.
"There was not much historical information about Kok, and that means that the director and I had to sculpt a believable characterisation of the woman behind the Kapitan," said Chaing, describing Kok as a loving wife who kept the family together during difficult times.
HONOURING THE FATHER OF MODERN KL
Yap's great-grandson, Glenn Yap, served as the family representative advising the production team.
He noted that the musical arrives at a fitting moment as Malaysia celebrates its rich national history.
"While not the sole founder of Kuala Lumpur, as we should also honour Raja Abdullah the Orang Besar of Klang as well as Yap's predecessor Kapitan Cina Hui Siew, Yap is known for single-handedly modernising the future Malaysian capital by introducing its earliest police stations, markets and schools. It was also in his lifetime that Sultan Abdul Samad Shah of Selangor made KL the state capital, replacing Klang," said Glenn.
"As the third Kapitan Cina, Yap rebuilt KL after a great fire and a great flood. He gave KL its first modern amenities and brick buildings, and established the city's first brick kiln.
"Modern KL owes it all to Yap Ah Loy, a visionary ahead of his time, deserving of the title City Father, which Malaysians often call him," he added.
Presented by the Opus Harmonia Association (OHA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), 'Kapitan The Musical' will be staged at D' Theatre in Hextar World at Empire City, Petaling Jaya, on Oct 24 and 25 with shows at 4pm and 7.30pm.
dchua@nst.com.my
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