The Papaya Sisters may be the crowd favorite of 881 The Musical but the Angmoh Durian Sisters look set to give them a run for their money.
Contributed By Joshua Chang
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| PHOTOS: Lioniel Lai |
You’ve seen the movie, now relive the magic of 881 through this stage adaptation by award-winning Singaporean playwright and director Goh Boon Teck. The plot remains true to the top-grossing 2007 film about two pairs of rivals, the Papaya Sisters and the Durian Sisters fighting to rule the local getai scene.
It will feature a 20-member cast that includes Joanna Dong, Judee Tan, Nat Ho, Sebastian Tan and others.
Marking the first time ever a local movie has been adapted for the stage, the production promises five new songs and more Hokkien evergreen tunes previously not featured in the movie. Audiences can also expect to see a constantly evolving set that takes them from a HDB estate to the glitz and glamour of a getai arena.
Given that the Papaya Sisters are always in the spotlight, City News gets down to some straight talk with the Angmoh Durian Sisters, Liew Liew (Rayann Condy) and Lian Lian (Kluane Saunders) for a change.
What makes the Angmoh Durian Sisters better than the Papaya Sisters?
Liew Liew: We may be angmoh but durian is the fruit of Singapore ya! We are spiky on the outside but full of surprises on the inside, so don’t get in our way.
Lian Lian: Better song, better style, better looking … better everything!
Tell us about a typical day for the Angmoh Durian Sisters.
Liew Liew: Well, I like to sleep. I get very angry if you wake me up before noon. Then we do the training, dancing, beauty ritual and positive visualization meditations as guided by Duah Gee—“Squish the papaya, mash the papaya!” We are also on a special training diet drinking only juice.
Lian Lian: Everyday, we do the singing and the dancing countless times to make us the best in town! We like to call up getai venues and cancel the Papaya sisters’ gigs! Ha! I like to surf the Internet; update our fan page and our “We Hate Papaya Sisters” Facebook group page.
What do you really think of Duah Gee?
Liew Liew: He is very demanding of us ya! Always making us do the singing, do the dancing, do the smiling, getting up too early … but he makes us lots of money and he also makes very pretty costumes, so we love him much, much, much!
Lian Lian: Duah Gee is always our man! He makes sure we are always beautiful and sounding good (it’s not that hard, ya?!), and he helps us “extinguish” our fiercest competition …
What are your secret beauty tricks?
Liew Liew: Beauty comes from “the calm” inside. Outside tricks are only for ugly girls. But wearing makeup is also good!
Lian Lian: Must say three words: “push-up bra!” Or is that two words?
Who’s the prettier one of you both?
Liew Liew: My sister is the pretty one, I am the stunner!
Lian Lian: I don’t want to say but … I give you clue ya? Answer begins with “M” and ends with “E.”
Tell us what we can expect from the musical.
Liew Liew: “Knock-their-socks-off” show, glitter and sparkle.
Lian Lian: Awesome outfits and songs to make your toes tap. It has the glitz, the glamour and the wow factor!
881 The Musical is showing from Apr. 15 to 24 (except for Apr. 18) at The Esplanade Theatre. Tickets at S$40 to S$100 from SISTIC.
