Ah Boys To Men: The Musical comes to the stage – an interview with Benjamin Kheng
PUBLISHED March 26th, 2014 01:50 am | UPDATED February 24th, 2019 11:36 am
We bet no Singaporean out there is a stranger to the local box office success that is Ah Boys To Men. The audience follows recruit Ken Chow as he enlists in the army and bears witness to his experiences and adventures while undergoing Basic Military Training. The film’s troop of enthusiastic followers and fans with a voracious appetite for this Jack Neo hit can look forward to Ah Boys To Men: The Musical, adapted from both part one and two of the popular movie. Steady lah!
We had a chance to talk to Benjamin Kheng of local band The Sam Willows, who will be stepping into his role as recruit Ken in the musical, and here’s what he has to say..
Besides ‘Musical-ising’ the movie Ah Boys To Men, what are some differences between this musical and the film?
Well, this musical is bringing the experience of live theatre to Ah Boys To Men fans who have not had a chance to see a) the boys up close, or b) a live theatre performance. What’s amazing about theatre? Everything is live, emotions are palpable, and you’ve got lights, sets and costumes to blazon the action in front of you.
What can the audience expect from the Ah Boys To Men: The Musical?
Singing, dancing, some intense army action, some bald heads, some very familiar faces beside the boys (for instance, Irene Ang, Patricia Mok, Richard Low, Chua Enlai etc.), and lots of fun.
Given the experience you have performing with your band, The Sam Willows, and your involvement in the theatre and as a DJ, is rehearsing for this musical still challenging for you?
Absolutely. You put in as much effort as you deem fit, so what’s the point of not challenging yourself? For me, it’s doing justice to a popular and beloved character, and telling a good story. There’s a bit of expectation that comes with filling in Joshua’s shoes (he does have a sizeable fan base). The challenge lies in making Recruit Ken believable and endearing.
If you were not playing recruit Ken in this musical, which role would you kill to be in?
In a musical? I’d love to be in ONCE (a Broadway musical based off a 2006 film), if they ever stage it here in Singapore or anywhere else for that matter. It marries two of my biggest passions – theatre and folk music, entwined with such a beautiful setting and heartwarming story. I’d love to write a musical like that someday.
Which aspect of this musical are you having the most fun with?
The photoshoots! We’re been having massive fun loading up on promotional material for the run.
We are no doubt looking forward to experience the musical. Ah Boys To Men: The Musical is showing at the Resorts World Theatre from 18 April to 27 April 2014, tickets can be purchased here (https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/abtm0414).
