The University of Performing Arts Platform’s musical production this year was Sweeney Todd’s Barbershop. Based on Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, the original tale of Sweeney was adapted from the Victorian tale of “The String of Pearls”. The on-campus showdates were from 18 – 20th March, at the Great Hall, from 7:30 – 10:30pm. The show was also staged in The Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur.

The musical is arranged and orchestrated by Elynn and Dr Sergio, for a 45-musician blended Western and Chinese Orchestra, a really unique feature of choice!

A dark and yet beautiful gothic horror musical (yes, it’s a genre of musicals!), was one of my first ever musicals I participated in back in high-school. I was part of the ensemble, and it marked one of my first experiences of being part of an ensemble. In this, post we explore a podcast of two ensemble members – Chad and Chloe, both final year students at UNM, as they share their experiences backstage and on stage.

What made you join Sweeney Todd?

Both have always wanted to take part in a musical, and said that it was because of the feelings of the final-year-blues that prompted them to make the decision. Chloe expressed how she always watched musicals, but “never had the confidence” to take part until final year.

In the case of Chad, I personally had encouraged him to join the musical and was able to set up another audition for him to join. Since the performance shows, Chad and Chloe both suffer from what I call a post-production effect, where you long for rehearsals, and can only listen and sing to Sweeney Todd songs. (Bless my ears, they both sing wonderfully!)

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT BEING PART OF THE PRODUCTION?

The camaraderie built amongst cast and crew is what truly marks the best aspect of being part of any production. Making memories amongst people who are also just as passionate as is the highlight of being part of a production.

how was it like acting?

Chloe expressed how she felt self-conscious when she acted. I understand that completely, acting can be difficult, and you can feel exposed. It can be also hard when you’re given criticisms because you more vulnerable. Despite this, I can say for sure that Chloe is an amazing actress who gave her all whenever she was on stage.

How did you balance workload?

Any musical is a lot of work. That can’t be denied. As Chloe and Chad informed, rehearsals take up the entire evening/night, from 6pm, and oftentimes went past 11pm. With the additional stresses and responsibilities that entails a final year, ensuring that you were up-to-date with your assignments and studies is crucial. Rehearsals are flexible, but that also means that the production team can suddenly call you in on days you didn’t expect to be in. Luckily, the organisers were very understanding, and accommodated the best they could to their casts’ student schedules as well.

What advice would you give to others who want to join the musical next year?

Musicals should never be seen as something easy. Therefore, Chad and Chloe both said that it was imperative those who are involved learn to time-manage between rehearsals, the performance day itself, and their own studies.

The experiences of being part of a musical is always indescribable. Some things can only be known once you experience it for yourself. The sense of camaraderie, the excitement of being on stage, there is a sense of belonging. What is most beautiful part is the bond you make with your cast/crew, and the sea of wonderful memories you’ve made with the people around you – ones that you will always cherish and look back on.