Looking back with love

THE BIG band sounds of Suntharaporn returned to M Theatre on New Petchaburi Road last weekend in “Khor Hai Muean Derm the Musical” starring Kelly Tanapat, Amy Klinprathum, Wongsakorn “New” Poramathakorn, Thisanat “Now” Sonsuek, Thikamporn “Cheer” Ritta-apinan, Premsinee “Cream” Ratanasopha, and Pisanu “Boy” Nimsakul.

“‘Suntharaporn the Musical’ has been organised for five years in a row and this time we’ve set it around ‘Khor Hai Muean Derm’, the most popular song by Euea Sunthornsanan. It has penned in 1965 but is still heard today,” says Vachara Vaewuthinand, chief executive of JSL Global Media and also the screenwriter and producer of the musical.

 “A virtuoso musician and songwriter, Euea has been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation [Unesco] as a World Historic Important Figure, along with 61 others including Mother Teresa and Chopin.”

This year’s musical marks the 105th anniversary of Euea’s birth as well as JSL’s 35th anniversary, and is loosely based on the story of Euea and his wife Arporn.

It focuses on garage owner Thongchat (Siwat “C” Chotchaicharin) and Namtal (Ausadaporn “Green” Siriwattanakul), a rich man’s daughter. The relationship falters when Namtal leaves for Bangkok.

Other artists include Methus “Jack” Treerattanawareesin, an architect who falls in love with Namtal, Pakamon “Lukpong” Boonyapooti, Thanasit “Ton AF8” Jaturaputch, Parapak “Lynn AF8” Yaemmontha, Putthida “Eve” Sirachaya, Daraneenuch “Top” Pohpiti, Padthai Deejai, and Klot “Moo” Atthaseri. 

Wachara Pan-Iom directs, Sobchai “Ford” Kraiyoonsen returns as music director and Tannatonn Palakawong Na Ayudha is the arranger.

Celebrities and the press rubbed shoulders at the preview last week before taking their seats to enjoy 23 songs including “Khang Khuen Duean Ngai”, “Ban Khong Rao”, “Tharn Nam Rak”, “Khoi Lom”, “Krungthep Ratree”, “Fah Khlum Fon”, “Bua Klang Bueng”, and “Dokmai Klai Mue”.

A fascinating mix of tears and laughter, the three-hour musical warmed the hearts of all those present. Applause was particularly loud in the scene where Namtal sings “Fak Mon” to console Thongchat about her departure for Bangkok. 

 

NOSTALGIC WEEKENDS

 

“Khor Hai Muean Derm the Musical” is being performed every Saturday and Sunday until February 22 at 2pm.

 

Tickets costing Bt1,000 to Bt2,500 are available at Thai Ticket Major outlets. Call (02) 262 3456 or visit www.ThaiTicketMajor.com