Jay Chou fans out there, you’re in for a treat next April. Coming to our shores for the very first time is the stage adaptation of Jay Chou’s critically and commercially acclaimed directorial debut Secret (2007), garnering awards for Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year, Best Original Song and Best Visual Effects at the 44th Golden Horse Awards, along with netting over 10 million USD to the Taiwanese box office.
Secret’s famous ‘Piano Battle’ scene
In the original film, Jay Chou himself starred in the lead role of Yie Xianglun, a piano major who transfers to a prestigious music institute. On the first day of school, he hears a mysterious melody playing from the old piano room and discovers the beautiful Lu Xiaoyu (originally played by Taiwanese actress Gwei Lun-mei), a fellow piano major. What initially appears to be a simple school romance plot quickly turns into something far deeper and complicated than it seems, and Xianglun must unravel the mystery behind Xiaoyu’s song, the old piano and the past before it’s too late.
The eponymous song Secret
Ten years on, Beijing Producer Ivy Zhong of China Broadway Entertainment has decided to revive the mega hit, and invited Jay Chou to take it to the stage. This new adaptation takes the form of a jukebox musical, collecting 25 of Jay Chou’s biggest hits including <<听妈妈的话>>, <<夜曲>>, and <<晴天>>.
This isn’t just some random get-rich-quick scheme either; the musical has been crafted by a stellar Broadway team, directed by Tony award-winning director John Rando, adapted by American scriptwriter Marc Acito, choreographed by Zach Woodlee, set designed by Tony award-winner Beowulf Boritt, sound designed by Kinky Boots and Tony award-winner John Shivers and produced by Tony award-winning producers Marc Routh and Simone Genatt for China’s multi-faceted entertainment company China Broadway Entertainment and JVR Entertainment.
In adapting it for the stage, audiences can also expect some all new theatrical touches as well, including all new ‘secrets’ evident in the props and set, and technologically brilliant special effects to recreate the fantasy elements seen in the film. The Secret seems to have all the pieces in place for it to make a big impact once it premieres at Mastercard Theatres in April, making for a real treat for both fans and newcomers to the Jay Chou fandom, and is sure to move you from laughter to tears as you sing along to these unforgettable tunes.
The Secret plays from 6th – 15th April at Mastercard Theatres. Tickets available from SISTIC
