Close Menu
    What's Hot
    – 20230173bccc501cd5ca1cb6d4e1a55309c444

    Child mental health forum to be held in Norristown

    May 13, 2024
    – 202309651575b3861327.14722519

    GameStop's stock prices surged when Roaring Kitty made a comeback on social media

    May 13, 2024
    – 202303van Jones 2023

    Van Jones criticized possible Trump VP candidates for avoiding 2024 election questions, saying it's like failing kindergarten

    May 13, 2024
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Telegram
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Plaza JournalThe Plaza Journal
    Subscribe
    Wednesday, June 25
    • Sports
      • American Football
      • Basketball
      • Baseball
      • Boxing
      • Cricket
      • Football
      • Hockey
      • Tennis
    • Politics
      – 2023102

      John Dean believes the hush money case against Trump is very strong

      May 13, 2024
      – 202405my screenshots 2024 05 13 at 85135am e1715608366191

      “Cruel and unfeeling” Trump assistant boasts about causing innocent homeless people to be arrested

      May 13, 2024
      – 202305stopthestealrally 01062021 getty

      Only 5 percent of people mention January 6th as the most important memory from Trump's presidency: Survey

      May 13, 2024
      – 202405AP24082659643362 e1714510107248

      7 in 10 say they’ve given a lot of thought to election: Gallup

      May 13, 2024
      – 202405AP24133009758539

      Trump: ‘Hannibal Lecter is a wonderful man’

      May 13, 2024
    • Technology
    • United States
    • United Kingdom
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Science
      1. Archaeology
      2. Anthropology
      3. Space
      4. Biology
      5. Ecology
      6. Geology
      7. Nanotechnology
      8. Neurology
      9. Paleontology
      10. Psychology
      11. Mathematics
      12. Geography
      13. Astrophysics
      14. Oceanography
      15. Physics
      Featured
      – 20240513unesco hunting cave

      How perspiration and endurance helped humans become excellent runners and hunters

      Biology May 13, 20244 Mins Read
      Recent
      – 20240513unesco hunting cave

      How perspiration and endurance helped humans become excellent runners and hunters

      May 13, 2024
      – 202405112024 aurora photos

      Amazing photos of colorful skies around the world as auroras shine in bright colors

      May 11, 2024
      – 20240510mosquitoes scotland

      Scotland has suddenly seen a large increase in mosquitoes

      May 10, 2024
    • Health
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Plaza JournalThe Plaza Journal
    Home»Culture

    Bangkok students perform Thai adaptation of Chicago musical

    By Carlos HansenMay 4, 2024 Culture 5 Mins Read
    – 202405wa1
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Starting with excitement, surprise, and numerous musical performances, Bangkok University will present its version of the popular 1975 Broadway musical Chicago at the M Theatre in Bangkok on May 10.

    Thai PBS World went behind the scenes at Bangkok University’s Performing Arts Faculty theatre space to meet the cast and production crew.

    Under the direction of Pansak Sukhee and translated by Rattanachai Lueangwongngam,

    Chicago in Bangkok presents unique challenges due to the contrast with traditional Thai values, according to Chatree Tangwongpimook, the manager of BU Theatre Company.

    “Integrating the crime thriller elements with conservative Thai values was difficult,” he said.

    Without revealing too much of the story, the rivalry between two female murderers, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, will captivate and shock the Thai audience, according to Chatree.

    Considering that in Thai culture, criminals are expected to face consequences, the portrayal of the scenes in Chicago will be particularly impactful.

    “However, Thai people have a great sense of humor and can engage the audience while conveying the serious messages of the show,” Chatree mentioned.

    – upload

    Chatree hopes that Bangkok University’s performance will set a new standard for musical theatre in Thailand.

    He believes that theatre should not only be for the top celebrities but also accessible for students aspiring to shine on the global stage.

    “For this production, we have chosen the most talented students, who may not be famous or have financial support, but they possess significant talent,” Chatree explained.

    “They can sing, act, and dance proficiently, which highlights the strength of our company… We aim to showcase these actors within the performing arts industry, so that future leaders can identify talent from the early stages of their career.”

    The production team for Chicago includes around 100 designers, stage support staff, casting crew, and understudies. BU Theatre Company’s department comprises 800 performing art students, actors, and dancers, which is no small accomplishment.

    “Our department is the most popular performing arts faculty in Thailand,” Chatree expressed.

    He also emphasized the high regard for theatre nationwide, with comprehensive curriculum provided in every province, covering traditional, avant-garde, and modern production styles.

    The character of Mary Sunshine in Chicago is portrayed by BU Performing Arts student Alina Angelina Mittleman (Lina), who feels anxious about singing in a play for the first time.

    – upload 1

    “This is my debut in a musical… As one of the professional companies in the country, we emphasize practice and professional guidance,” she stated.

    “We collaborate with experienced professionals, including the set, costume, and lighting designers,” Alina added.

    The rehearsal schedule is divided into three parts, focusing on dance, acting, and singing.

    “We work with a choreographer and a dance captain to maintain the artistic standards of all choreography and staging, while Director Pansak Sukhee supervises the acting quality,” Alina explained.

    The singing part is refined by a trained vocal coach and a music director.

    We have been rehearsing for months, more recently every day, and usually scene-by-scene. Everyone’s working hard and I feel lucky to be working with a committed group of talented people.

    The humor of the Thai people is very important according to BU Theatre Company manager Chatree.

    Thai language has many levels that convey more emotions than the American version, and the audience can recognize their local news stories, jokes, and family members in our translations,

    Screen actor Varintorn Yaroojjanont (Bloom Varin) plays the high-priced lawyer character Billy Flynn in Chicago.

    Varintorn said, 'To pull off a stage play successfully, you must not make any mistakes from start to finish.'

    In Thailand, musicals like Chicago are rare and usually come from global companies from Broadway or the West End.

    Everything in musicals is live – not only the actors but also the musicians. Each time we perform, it’s a new experience for the audience.

    According to Varintorn, the classic nature of the infamous crime thriller production makes Chicago unique.

    Varintorn mentioned, 'Everyone who’s big in the music world knows the story and the end, but it’s still enjoyable to watch.'

    The Thai translation of Chicago reflects the way news is consumed as entertainment, which is the heart of the story, according to Varintorn.

    BU Theatre Company aims to make the performing arts accessible to all Thai people.

    Tickets start at 800BHT (US$21) with the best and most expensive seats capped at Bt1500 (US$40 US).

    BU Theatre Company manager Chatree wants to show that Thai people can see shows in their own language at a reasonable price.

    More support is needed from the government and patrons to make Broadway productions accessible to everyone and inspire them with the arts.

    The debut of Bangkok University’s rendition of Chicago will be on May 10 at M Theatre on Bangkok’s Petchburi Road.

    Friday viewings will run from 7.30pm over the next two weeks, and on weekends there will be two performances each day from 2pm to 4pm and from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

    By  Ellie Franco Williams

    BU Performing Arts student Alina Angelina Mittleman BU Theatre Company manager Chatree Tangwongpimook Bangkok University Chicago Pansak Sukhee Rattanachai Lueangwongngam Thailand
    Carlos Hansen

    Keep Reading

    – 20230173bccc501cd5ca1cb6d4e1a55309c444

    Child mental health forum to be held in Norristown

    – 202205jk rowling transgender inmates new jersey scaled 1

    The author JK Rowling insulted a transgender soccer official by calling her a “crossdressing straight man” without a valid reason

    – 2024058 1

    Deciphering Thaksin’s invite to Myanmar’s ethnic groups

    – 202307AP081203023809 e1690573674664

    Record travel anticipated this Memorial Day weekend

    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Must Read
    Latest Posts
    – 20230173bccc501cd5ca1cb6d4e1a55309c444

    Child mental health forum to be held in Norristown

    May 13, 2024
    – 202309651575b3861327.14722519

    GameStop's stock prices surged when Roaring Kitty made a comeback on social media

    May 13, 2024
    – 202303van Jones 2023

    Van Jones criticized possible Trump VP candidates for avoiding 2024 election questions, saying it's like failing kindergarten

    May 13, 2024
    – 20240513Depositphotos 241148346 L

    Chicken fat supercapacitors may be able to store future green energy

    May 13, 2024
    – 202405antisemitism

    Most students at prestigious universities believe that there is an issue with antisemitism, as per a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report

    May 13, 2024
    The Plaza Journal White Logo
    X-twitter Facebook Google Pinterest Telegram

    News

    • World
    • US Politics
    • EU Politics
    • Business
    • Opinions
    • Connections
    • Science

    Company

    • Information
    • Advertising
    • Classified Ads
    • Contact Info
    • Do Not Sell Data
    • GDPR Policy
    • Media Kits

    The Plaza Journal

    • Contact Us
    • Subscription
    • Submit an Anonymous Tip
    • Newsletters
    • Sponsored News
    • Advertise With Us
    • Privacy Notice

    Keep updated

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    Copyright © 2025 The Plaza Journal. All rights reserved.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.