Previews: JOSHUA OH JOSHUA to Combine Nostalgia, Entertainment, and Philantrophy

The theater community Cerita Beda Hak Sama (CBHS) held a press conference on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Galeri Indonesia Kaya. CBHS announced their upcoming musical, Joshua Oh Joshua (JOJ) which will run for four shows on July 6 and 7 at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta.

JOJ will be CBHS’ first show with an adapted script, after previously producing fully original shows. JOJ is based on the film of the same name. Released in 2001, it featured Joshua Suherman, a child singer and actor, at the peak of his popularity. The story revolves around Joshua, a child living on the streets, and his determination and optimism in pursuing his dream.

The decision to adapt the film into a musical is due to its popularity among the generation born in the 90s. “The story is also very close to the social reality around us, with the hope that the audience can emulate Jojo's spirit of never giving up in pursuing his dreams,” explained Palka Kojansow, Script Writer of Teater Musikal Joshua Oh Joshua.
Gerry Gerardo, Director of Teater Musikal Joshua Oh Joshua, explained, “Preparations for Teater Musikal Joshua Oh Joshua have been underway since last year, starting from script development, as well as song and choreography creation.” It’s also Gerry’s first time directing, as he’s currently known as a prolific musical theater actor.

Promotional activities were also organized through several pre-event activities, including a roadshow watching the film version together, which was held in Yogyakarta and Bandung, a thrift bazaar called 'Ini Pasar Joshua' in Jakarta, as well as a roadshow to various elementary schools to promote the single 'Pergi Ke Sekolah.'

According to Arvan Fadhlurrahman, General Director of Teater Musikal Joshua Oh Joshua, this production is larger compared to previous productions by Cerita Beda Hak Sama. Besides its larger scale, similar to the character Jojo in the film and this musical theater performance, this production also has big hopes.

Said hope is the production's plan to open Sekolah Bakat Dengan Cerita using the show’s ticket proceeds. Sekolah Bakat Dengan Cerita will be dedicated specifically to teaching non-formal skills such as music, culinary arts, waste management, and others to street children and scavengers. This is done with the aim that they can have the capacity and ability to improve their quality of life and achieve their dreams in the future.

The casting process for this production began with auditions that began in January 2024. In addition to being performed by cast members from the audition process, Teater Musikal Joshua will also feature several guest cast members including Andovi Da Lopez, Teuku Ryzki, and Ingrid Widjanarko.

According to Ingrid Widjanarko, who was also in the cast of the 2001 film, “This Teater Musikal Joshua Oh Joshua is expected to be a nostalgic platform for people who watched the film Joshua Oh Joshua in their childhood.” Moreover, this production is expected to inspire children to express themselves and create, as the cast also includes many child actors.

The show has also released their musical album to music streaming platforms, called Teater Musikal Joshua Oh Joshua (Original Cast Recording). The album currently includes 7 songs out of the 24 songs featured in the show.

During the press conference, the cast also performed three songs, including two ensemble numbers: Pergi Ke Sekolah and Peta Dunia. The performances showcase the child ensemble’s infectious joy and energy, singing and dancing alongside the catchy ditty written by Felita Kezia.

There was also a surprise appearance at the press conference, as Joshua Suherman himself attended the press conference by happenstance. He reunited with his former co-star Ingrid Wijanarko.

Tickets for Joshua Oh Joshua are available now on Kiostix.

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