“Chi Pheo’s Dream” is Vietnam’s first Broadway-style musical, inspired by the short story by renowned writer Nam Cao. This piece is a labor of love, crafted by composer and producer Duong Cam, playwright Dinh Tien Dung, stage director and Meritorious artist Phung Tien Minh, and produced by Thang Long Song and Dance Theatre under the artistic direction of People’s Artist Huynh Tan Minh.
With a runtime of 90 minutes, the musical brings to life the intense struggle of Chi Pheo against the tragic fate that befalls him. Chi Pheo’s background and appearance closely align with the original literary work. However, Chi Pheo’s Dream does not dwell on psychological heaviness or explore the harsh realities of the lower class in feudal society. Instead, it highlights the romantic elements of the love story between Chi Pheo and Thi No.
The musical “Chi Pheo’s Dream” features a talented cast from Thang Long Song and Dance Theatre, not only young and vibrant but also gifted singers with groundbreaking performance abilities. Notable among them are the powerful and heartfelt voice of singer Dong Hung (playing Chi Pheo) and the fresh, youthful voice of Hoang Thai Phuong in the role of Thi No.
At the 2024 National Song and Dance Festival in Vinh Phuc in late November, Chi Pheo’s Dream was recognized for its many breakthroughs and creative achievements. After watching the performance, audiences were thrilled to witness “Chi Pheo” in a musical setting, exclaiming, “So this is how exciting a musical can be!” Thanks to its success, the musical brought home two outstanding awards for Best Work and Best Composer, along with three Gold Medals and three Silver Medals for the Thang Long Song and Dance Theatre.
On the evening of December 23, 2024, Chi Pheo’s Dream officially premiered at Ho Guom Theatre in Hanoi. News of the performance had generated much anticipation among the capital’s audience. Tickets were sold out well in advance of the opening night, a testament to the work’s appeal. This is a recognition of the work’s appeal, as said by People’s Artist Tan Minh, the Director of Thang Long Song and Dance Theatre: Chi Pheo’s Dream will serve as a milestone in establishing the brand “Broadway Musical Made In Vietnam”, not only for domestic audiences but also spreading widely to bring Vietnamese musicals to the global stage.
Reporter