Pierre Png is brave enough to be in Mulan musical
Local actor Pierre Png still gets the butterflies when performing in front of a crowd.
The 43-year-old will play an army camp's intimidating company sergeant major in the local version of successful Taiwanese musical comedy Mulan The Musical.
He will star alongside local actress Ann Kok and Taiwanese singers Li Chien-na and Chou Ting-wei.
"I don't think it is easy to grow out of being nervous. I am more comfortable in front of the screen than in person, as I think I am quite boring," Png told The New Paper yesterday .
Initially cast as Mulan's father, Png was told that he is more suited to play the company sergeant major.
Performing in the musical means he has to sing in Mandarin while dancing and acting.
It was challenging at first, but he managed to get the hang of it after spending 28 days in Taiwan rehearsing
"It was tough in the first two weeks to learn everything, especially the dancing. It was like dancing with two left feet.
"Singing in Mandarin was all right but understanding what some words meant was difficult.
I was lucky to receive the script two weeks in advance, so it is all scribbled with hanyu pinyin. I managed to pull it together somehow.
"I was lucky to receive the script two weeks in advance, so it is all scribbled with hanyu pinyin. I managed to pull it together somehow.
"Everyone told me to watch the 2011 version of the musical, so I knew what I was getting myself into. I am not known to steer away from challenges."
BE BOLD
Overcoming nervousness meant Png had to "grow a thick skin and be daring".
"I am thankful for the training I received from many people, such as the singing coaches and dance instructors. The training I had as a comedian also definitely helped.
"I've always wanted to be in a stage production as I love the burst of energy before and after the performance.
"I will not shy away from stage performances in the future, but I'll take things one step at a time," Png said.
FYI
What: Mulan The Musical
When: Dec 16 to Feb 5 on selected nights, 8pm
Where: Resorts World Theatre
Tickets: $38, $68, $98 and $128 from Sistic and Resorts World Theatre box office
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