A chilling and captivating musical adaptation of a timeless novel and a TV sensation, Pitsawat is sending shivers down the spines of its audience. This ghostly tale -- in which a beheaded spirit from the past returns to the living realm to seek justice -- combines haunting melodies and eerie performances to immerse spectators in a world of mystery and supernatural intrigue.
But lingering in the air is also an enduring love story with mesmerising lyrics and melodies that spare us all from the ghostly vengeance that spans oceans of time for two centuries. Embracing a love-hate relationship that offers solace and enchantment throughout a 150-minute performance, we find ourselves captivated and entertained by the timeless allure of memorable music and the power of love.
Deserving of resounding applause, the music composition thrives on seamless teamwork. Over three years of preparation, lyricist Wichian Tuntipimolphun skilfully crafted the words while composers Sarawut Lertpanyanuch and Apisit Wongchot wove the enchanting melodies to imbue the composition with profound meaning, taking it to the pinnacle of its potential.
A reprise, or the repetition of a musical theme within a composition, is put to its best use in this new production. It skilfully utilises reprises, both short and long, to strengthen the emotional impact, highlight central themes, and drive character development. The music composition team builds momentum, creates dramatic contrast and evokes nostalgia. With strategic placement and variations, this show tune shows how reprises can be a powerful tool to uplift the overall musical experience.
Act 1 radiates a profound sense of maturity and authenticity, heralding a fresh and invigorating taste for Scenario's musical production. Through its well-planned and artful crafts of theatrical elements, it engages the audience and excites them with delightful surprises and spine-tingling moments here and there, firmly distinguishing itself from the myriad of prior musical productions.
Scenes from the musical adaption of Pitsawat. (Photos: Scenario)
Alas, the enchantment that graced the stage in Act 1 seemed to dissipate in Act 2, where an ambitious drive to hasten the narrative left the audience bereft of emotional engagement. The conclusion, instead of culminating in a profound resolution imbued with mindful contemplation, bore an air of lamentation and whining from the main characters
Despite such minor shortcomings, they can be easily overlooked, as the star-studded cast's brilliance shines like a shimmering gem, adding an entrancing allure to the performance.
Singer-turned-actor Popetorn "Two" Soontornyanakij is an absolute delight to watch, as he skilfully builds up his vocal stamina and seamlessly blends it with his acting prowess in the role of a warrior/archaeologist torn between loyalty to the nation and personal love.
Meanwhile Kulkornpat "Kamm" Menard, with her impressive West End and Broadway experience, shines as a potential musical star. Although her portrayal of the role could benefit from more depth in characterisation, particularly during the vengeful moments, her talent is undeniable.
With a sprinkling of musical theatre credits under their belts, actors Chatayodom "Chai" Hiranyatithi and Chinawut "Chin" Indracusin proved to be crowd-pleasers, captivating the audience effortlessly. Chai, in particular, stands out brilliantly as the crooked politician, offering a striking contrast to the portrayal of the ideal counterpart portrayed by Thanongsak Supasup. Moreover, Nathapatsorn "Dao" Simasthien adds an exquisite touch to the show with unmatched vocal talent, infusing it with an extra dash of spice and brilliance.
Indeed, art often imitates life, and this production fearlessly delves into the realm of politics on stage. It sheds a spotlight on both virtuous and corrupt politicians, emphasising their solemn pledges to protect the nation versus their insatiable greed for a national treasure. Throughout the performance, the idyllic vision of a homeland free from the barriers of fear and corruption is perpetuated, weaving a narrative that appears to be more than mere preaching but rather a compelling political statement.
But when art imitates other art, it can lead to a conundrum. In the case of this musical adaptation, it became entrapped in the success of the TV series produced back in 2016 by Scenario. Regrettably, the entire musical was reproduced, with the storyline interpreted in the same manner. The result was a replication of scenes from the popular TV series, affecting the narrative by telling the audience rather than showing the character insights and the story's essence -- which would mark this production as a new original musical in its own right.
While the original novel authored by Tamayanti in early 1970s primarily centres around the conflicts arising from duties and personal love, the TV series enriches the storyline with additional layers, introducing a compelling love triangle and the lead character's crucial mistakes. These additions provide a deeper rationale for the pursuit of justice and the thirst for vengeance within the narrative.
Under the careful direction of Takonkiat "Boy" Virawan, this musical arrived like a refreshing breeze, breathing new life into the theatrical realm. The intricately woven tapestry of the performance left the audience yearning for the ineffable magic that bewitched their souls.
Pitsawat is now staging at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre until Sunday. Tickets are priced from 4,000-800 baht. For showtimes and reservations, visit the Thai Ticket Major website or call 02-262-3456.
