Showtune songs and all that jazz

Showtune songs and all that jazz

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Showtune songs and all that jazz
Dutch musical superstar Pia Douwes performs her first concert in Bangkok on Aug 1.

At first, it seemed like an unsuitable decision to stage a concert of Pia Douwes, a musical diva from Europe, at the Small Auditorium of Thailand Cultural Centre. But it turned out that the 300-pax space allowed the powerfully-lunged songstress to offer a cozy and intimate night, with a spice of musical variety.

The concert aimed to promote her debut solo album, After All This Time, featuring musical songs which mirrored her professional journey that spanned 32 years in Europe. The Dutch-born actress kicked off the night with Milady Is A Phoenix from Three Musketeers, in which she played the lead role Milady de Winter. Then briefly in Thai, she welcomed the audience consisting of elites, stars, ambassadors and musical theatre lovers. In awe, she introduced band members and conductor Taweewate "Paye" Srinarong from VieTrio, and her competent pianist Bernd van den Bos.

Then she carried on with famous musical numbers, such as I Dreamed A Dream, With One Look, Memory, Maybe This Time and All That Jazz, effortlessly taking the audience on a musical joyride. With her commanding vocal talents and signature choreography, she belted out these big tunes and transported the audience into the theatrical world. The stage was passed to Thai bands, VieTrio, three siblings flaunting their flair in violin and cello, and Sound of Siam (SOS) led by Koh Mr Saxman. Talented as they are, it gradually became strange as the atmosphere turned from a musical theatre ambience to contemporary classic, and jazz and blues mini-concerts that lasted for about 25 minutes.

The emotional intermission ended when Pia Douwes reappeared on stage in a red gown for more diva numbers, beginning with Diva's Lament (Whatever Happened To My Part?), and Don't Cry For Me, Argentina, to take back her throne.

But the highlight of the night that showed Pia Douwes at her best was when she enthralled the audience with the demanding Rebecca, a German-language musical in which she performed ferocious Mrs Danvers. With boundless vocal range and strong vocalisation, the number proved that this first-class performer must not be underestimated as a second-class actress for West End and Broadway roles.

Another momentous number was I Live My Life For Me, translated from a theme song of the musical Elisabeth, which marked her for stardom in 1992 and which she still returns to perform even at 54.

"This musical is the role that made me famous. It is part of my life," she recounted, singing her heart out for this sweet yet powerful song.

The third act appeared as a mix and match. Following the VieMus Orchestra, the audience heard Lao Duang Duan (My Love), with Douwes humming along during the refrain. Douwes paid respect to the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej by performing one of his much-loved songs, Still On My Mind, or Nai Duangjai Nirun in Thai, refraining from colourising the song to keep it solemn and simply beautiful.

She offered some new flavours together with pianist van den Bos' improvisation, Why Does He Choose To Stay, and Wish I Was Single, and finished off with Suddenly and Anyway. The night ended with an encore of I Live My Life for Me, in seven languages including Polish and Japanese.

Afterwards, Douwes touchingly arranged some time for autographs and photo opportunities with her fans, including those who had flown from Taiwan and Germany particularly for this concert.

Despite the emotional ups-and-downs, the charity concert that lasted for three hours without intermission was actually like a gathering of goodwill, of performers who chipped in their repertoires to create a musical joyride. It also opened a space for Thai musicians to work with a renowned singer, who showed that she has not only unique talents, but also a philanthropic spirit.

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