Produced by Scenario and directed by Takonkiet Viravan, Gangster 2499 The Musical is a new stage adaptation of the iconic 1997 Thai film Dang Bireley's And Young Gangsters. The musical reimagines the gritty world of 1950s Bangkok gangsters through a dynamic theatrical lens.
Leading the star-studded cast is Naphat "Nai" Siangsomboon, on his musical debut, who steps into the iconic role of Dang Bireley with a well-trained emotional range and commanding physicality, convincingly portraying both the lover and the gangster. Every line delivered, every note sung, and every gesture made shows that he's not just playing a role -- he's immersing himself in the world of the musical, making sure the audience feels every moment alongside him.
Making his debut, Tate Henry Myron impresses as Dum Esso, showing clear dedication through his improved Thai pronunciation. His passion to excel in a world of musical theatre radiates through his performance. Narakorn Nichakulthanachot, as Piak Wisut Kasat, brings solid singing talents to his performance. Meanwhile, Paris Intarakomalyasut as the ferocious Pu Bottle Bomb and Saharat Thiempan as Lam Sing, both in their second musical appearances, look at ease on stage, delivering their roles with confidence in both singing and dancing.
While the story focuses on brotherhood, romance and familial bonds, female roles also add emotional layers, particularly through Tatiya Sonsakul as Wallapa, the love interest caught between Dang Bireley and Pu Bottle Bomb. Also veteran musical actress Patnacha Wipatdejtragoon, who plays the dedicated mother trying to put Dang Bireley on a righteous path.
Gangster 2499 The Musical.
Credit and loud applause should also go to the ensemble and supporting actors, who bring vibrant energy and texture to every scene, elevating the overall experience. Their presence spices up the show, filling the stage with life beyond the main cast. Equally commendable are the costume and set designs, which reflect an immense amount of hard work and attention to detail. Together, they successfully reimagine the ambiance of 1950s Thailand, creating a rich, immersive world that draws the audience deeper into the story and era.
Though Gangster 2499 The Musical is built around a world of revenge, violence and emotional tension, its true focus lies in storytelling about love. At its core, the musical highlights brotherly bonds among gang members, a touch of melodramatic romance and deep son-mother relationships. It transforms the gangster genre into a romantic spectacle, echoing the spirit of musicals like West Side Story and narratives such as The Outsiders, where love and loyalty are central themes. However, the show tends to avoid delving deeply into real conflicts, leading to a weakness in character development.
The characters often remain one-dimensional, and the story leans more on telling through narration rather than showing emotions and relationships through fully realised dramatic scenes. Still, the pace is lively and engaging, keeping the audience glued to the unfolding events. But the musical's fast-paced nature leaves little room for deep character exploration. Instead, it offers a lively, almost joyride-like experience through musical spectacle, favouring brisk storytelling and grand visuals over a more nuanced dive into the characters' inner worlds.
Adding to the allure is the strong visual appeal of the cast. The leading actors, often flexing their muscles and eventually baring their six-packs on stage, bring an undeniable sex appeal that intensifies the themes of love and conflicts. Moments when the main characters remove their shirts are met with audible excitement from the audience, amplifying the show's emotional and sensual pull.
Takonkiet, a leading figure in Thai musical theatre, brings his signature style to Gangster 2499 The Musical, combining epic storytelling with deep emotional layers. Known for adapting historical narratives and iconic Thai works, Takonkiet reimagines the gritty 1950s world of gangsters through a theatrical lens that balances personal drama with broader societal undercurrents. His hallmark fusion of traditional Thai aesthetics -- such as music, dance and visual motifs -- with Western musical theatre techniques is evident here, creating a production that feels both rooted in Thai culture and dynamically modern. True to his approach, Takonkiet also spotlights new and rising talents, ensuring that fresh energy drives the performance.
Gangster 2499 The Musical.
In Gangster 2499, Takonkiet's commitment to high production values and immersive experiences is unmistakable. The musical features elaborate set designs that evoke the era, stylish costuming, and sharp choreography, hallmarks of his visually rich productions. Backed by the state-of-the-art facilities of Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre, the show reflects his broader vision of elevating his personal passion in musical theatre and showcasing local narratives on an international level. Gangster 2499 thus stands not just as a nostalgic retelling but as a testament to Takonkiet's enduring influence on Thailand's contemporary musical theatre scene.
Since the release in 1997, the film -- and now Gangster 2499 The Musical -- has faced controversy over its authenticity. Although inspired by real figures from Bangkok's 1950s underworld in Suriyan Sakthaisong's novel Senthang Mafia (Mafia Paths), many historians and critics argue that the story is more fictionalised than factual. Main characters were romanticised, with events dramatised for cinematic effect rather than historical accuracy. This blending of fact and fiction has sparked ongoing debates about whether the portrayal glamorises gangster life and distorts the reality of that era, turning a violent subculture into a tale of loyalty and romance rather than reflecting its true complexities.
Whether the gist of the story is real or not, Gangster 2499 The Musical surely offers a nostalgic yet innovative take on a classic Thai story, blending historical context with modern theatrical elements. While it might not reach the depth of classic character-driven musicals, its stylish presentation and youthful energy ensure it remains a fun and captivating experience.
Gangsters 2499 The Musical runs until June 29 at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. Showtimes are 7.30pm Wednesday to Sunday with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday. Tickets from 800 to 4,000 baht are available at thaiticketmajor.com.
