SINGAPORE, July 20 — Singer-songwriter Tay Kewei joins a growing list of singers who are trying out their acting chops onstage.
She makes her theatre debut in Toy Factory’s upcoming new Mandarin musical Innamorati, which features songs by popular composer Eric Moo.
Comprising seven stories by seven aspiring singers, you’ll expect to see Tay’s real life story in it.
“It’s based on our true stories, but with a generous dash of fictional romance and drama,” she shared.
“I play a repressed, and rather reserved, self-sacrificial character, who tries to play the role of a good daughter and a good friend, but struggles when her heart tells her otherwise.”
It’s been a pretty busy year for her. She recorded a piano jazz album in Tokyo, which was released exclusively in Japan last month.
“To finally work in Japan was a dream come true for me. It topped the charts, which is really encouraging,” she shared.
She’s also involved in this year’s National Day Parade, and a third album — her first original Mandarin album — is scheduled to be released this year, too.
But right now, Tay is simply stoked about Innamorati. “I felt like I was back in school studying for exams,” she said of rehearsals.
“I’ve been singing for quite some time and this is a very different performing art!”
RANTS
Disposable plastic: I wrote a song called Plastic Mannequin Love, which is a story about The Great Pacific Garbage Patch. More people should know about this issue, about the plastic trash that is swirling in the ocean, destroying our marine ecosystem. It’s time we pay more attention to the trash we create.
Writers block: Creativity can be elusive. You can never rely on sporadic streaks of creativity so I have tried to carefully nurture it with a routine schedule. It doesn’t help that I am also my own worst critic and I frequently reject my own melodies.
Silly music videos: Why are they getting all the attention? It’s sometimes depressing.
RAVES
Island retreats: I need to connect with nature once in a while. I love exploring Thai islands, riding on a scooter in search of a waterfall or a temple, or going on island-hopping boat rides. I just went for a yoga retreat and woke up every morning for sunrise yoga. It’s calming and beautiful, and I miss it! I blogged about this retreat at Koh Lipe on http://taykewei.blogspot.sg.
Little Twin Stars: This is my embarrassing guilty pleasure! When I walk past a Sanrio shop in Japan, it takes a lot for me not to walk in. And, of course, I went to the Kiki Lala Cafe in Shibuya Parco in Tokyo. Twice.
Loose one-piece clothing: I have tonnes of these! Firstly, they are great for quick changes during a performance. I don’t have to deal with too many items of clothing. Secondly, they are convenient as I don’t need to think of matching tops to bottoms. Thirdly, they are comfortable and casual, yet can be rather stylish. a
Innamorati: The Musical runs from July 24 to Aug 3, 8pm, Drama Centre Theatre. With 3pm shows. Tickets from S$49 to S$69 (RM127 to RM179) at SISTIC.
In Mandarin with English subtitles. — Today
