In praise of royal philosophy

After wowing audiences when it was first staged about a year ago, “Klai Kangwon the Musical on the Beach” returns next week with a new lineup of stars.

“I’m feeling plenty of pressure right now, especially in view of the success of last year’s inaugural production,” says Thisana Duandao, managing director of organiser Mind Matters. “This year, we’ve expanded the stage and our backdrop showing the narrator’s beautiful house is much grander. We’ve adjusted the mixed media projection too to take into account the sound of the waves and, of course, we also have a different cast.”

This musical, which will be performed at Hua Hin’s Queen’s Park from Wednesday through February 1 in honour of His Majesty the King’s 88th birthday, also has the capacity to entertain a bigger audience – up to 1,390 people from 900 last year.

The new cast members include actor and dubber Rong Khaomoonkhadee as the narrator Khun Ta, Arnuttaphol “R The Star” Sirichomsaeng as Fon Luang – a name that makes reference His Majesty the King’s rainmaking project – Pimdao “Mutmee” Panichsamai who plays Roong and Noppon “Glom” Pitaklopanich as Marut, the son of an influential local politician. Chalathit “Ben” Tantiwut stars as Thana while Pijika “Lookwa” Jittaputta and Kwankaew “Lookkaew the Voice” Kongnisai are among the 100 supporting players.

“The character of Khun Ta encourages people to love their country, instructs them to follow the sufficiency philosophy and work to benefit society. I’ve been working hard to overcome my anxiety about performing live and especially singing,” says Rong.

“Fon Luang works an academician at the Royal Rainmaking Centre in Hua Hin. She lives a selfsufficient, sustainable life and helps others by providing water to the farmers so they can grow their rice,” says Arnuttaphol. “Actresses have a reputation for being overly material and I try hard to change this perception,” she continues, adding that she has found the singing hard.

“Roong is a new graduate and she’s very enthusiastic and motivated. In this musical, she working on designing the grand opening ceremony of a luxury hotel in Hua Hin. Roong is like many people these days. She’s materialistic and always wants more possessions. Then one day she discovers what she really needs in her life,” says Pimdao.

“My character Marut is the son of an influential politician, who manipulates land sales in Hua Hin simply to raise the price. Marut has been brought up to believe that money buys everything – happiness, fame and friendship,” says Noppon.

Lookkaew portrays Marut’s actress girlfriend Sakao, a woman obsessed with power, prestige and money, while Lookwa plays Sangrawee, an abstract figure who tells the story through such songs as “Ratree Pradub Dao” and “Hua Hin Sin Mon Rak”.

 “One day I discover that I need something more than money or possessions and I find myself asking if Marut loves me or the fact that I am famous,” says Lookkaew.

While not all his artists have acting experience, director and scriptwriter Punnasak Sukhee says he’s pleased with his choice of cast. “Our first job was, of course, to see how they did on stage. Then I worked with Rapeedech [Kulabusaya, the production’s musical director and chief composer] on rearranging the music so that it would suit their voices.

“I’ve also made a few changes to the script. For example, I’ve revamped the dialogue mocking the political situation in the ‘Khao Ron’ [‘Hot News’] segment. The overall tone is brighter with more of a focus on the love story. But the musical still reflects the great love His Majesty the King has for his subjects,” says Punnasak. 

The musical features 21 songs, of which 17 are newly penned. The other four are “Ratree Pradub Dao” and “Tamnak Mai Klai Kangwon (Mon Doo Dao)” penned by King Rama VII, and “Klai Kangwon” by King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Salai Krailert's “Hua Hin Sin Mon Rak”.

This story is based on historical events and royal stories that are particular to Hua Hin. These highlight the introduction of a railway station to the seaside resort – the cast arrive by train at the beginning of the musical and leave by rail at the end. It also talks of the summer retreat Klai Kangwon, meaning far from worry, which was built by King Rama VII and is still in use today by the Royal Family.

“The musical reflects the way people lived, their simplicity and moderation, as outlined in His Majesty the King’s sufficiency economy philosophy,” says Soithip Trisuddhi, permanent secretary for transport. 

“Audience members will be given a postcard with a very rare picture of Their Majesties the King and the Queen.”

 Efforts are also being put into controlling the traffic – a perennial headache in the Hua Hin Municipality – as well as ensuring the setting is clean and tidy.

“We are making the road entrance to the park one way. Those driving will need to turn left into Hua Hin Soi 35 and leave via Hua Hin Soi 19. We are also preparing 19 rai of parking for 500 vehicles and there will be room for a further 200 vehicles on Hua Hin Soi 35,” says Hua Hin City Mayor Nopporn Wuthikul.

Visitors can also take in the exhibition “The Love of the King for the Happiness of His People”. This is divided into nine parts:  “The Cradle of Life and Love”, “Love of a Lifetime”, “The Passion of Creativity”, “The Pleasure of Learning”, “A Beacon of Faith and Hope”, “The Great Devotion toward His Subjects”, “The Routes from Royal Guidance”, “The Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy” and “Treasuring a Simple Life.”

 

Sound and light

 

“Klai Kangwon the Musical on the Beach” runs from Wednesday to February 1 at Queen’s Park Hua Hin.

Admission is free but seats must be reserved. Call (090) 237 5950 and (090) 237 5960 or check www.Facebook.com/KlaiKangwonMusicalontheBeach.