地下鐵 - 2004 Original Taiwan Cast
Sammas wrote on April 8, 2014
Among Taiwan's development of musicals, local materials are frequently used. Adapted from world famous artist Jimmy's picture book, 地下鐵 (or "Subway", literally) marked the first collaboration of the director, musical director as well as Jimmy. Eventually, 3 musicals were made by this trio.
While gaining full support from Jimmy (and his fans), and an enthusiastic sold-out runs, the musical has got mixed reviews from regular theatregoers/ critics. While there is unanimous praise for its score, which creates a dream-like, magical, bittersweet, melancholy tone throughout the play; the book and the cast alongside with direction are greeted with harsh pans by non-Jimmy aficionados.
Although there is a story line, it appears to be very blurred and inconclusive. One may love the poetic lyrics when separated from the play, yet it is no more than poems, and lacks to theatrical element that keep the show going. In the end of the show, nobody know if the whole thing is just the fantasy of our blind heroine, or it carries something deeper to follow.
Back to the recording. As mentioned the score is beautiful. It involves different composers and even using excerpts from Maurice Ravel. Voices provided by the cast is marvelous especially for our protagonist, portrayed by Cheer Chen. The other star Robert Fan, who is casted as "guy with black clothings/ magician" proved that he could not sing well during the live shows, but luckily in this recording he managed to sing the notes correctly. Thank god for that.
While gaining full support from Jimmy (and his fans), and an enthusiastic sold-out runs, the musical has got mixed reviews from regular theatregoers/ critics. While there is unanimous praise for its score, which creates a dream-like, magical, bittersweet, melancholy tone throughout the play; the book and the cast alongside with direction are greeted with harsh pans by non-Jimmy aficionados.
Although there is a story line, it appears to be very blurred and inconclusive. One may love the poetic lyrics when separated from the play, yet it is no more than poems, and lacks to theatrical element that keep the show going. In the end of the show, nobody know if the whole thing is just the fantasy of our blind heroine, or it carries something deeper to follow.
Back to the recording. As mentioned the score is beautiful. It involves different composers and even using excerpts from Maurice Ravel. Voices provided by the cast is marvelous especially for our protagonist, portrayed by Cheer Chen. The other star Robert Fan, who is casted as "guy with black clothings/ magician" proved that he could not sing well during the live shows, but luckily in this recording he managed to sing the notes correctly. Thank god for that.
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