MAHATHIR, THE MUSICAL Hits Malaysia

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, Malaysia has a new hit musical whose subject is the country's former Prime Minister.

MAHATHIR, THE MUSICAL follows the life and rise of Mahathir Mohamad.  The 85-year-old Dr. Mohamad is a physician who led his country to an economic boom during his political term, 1981 - 2003. However, Mahathir was known for spear-heading intense smear campaigns against his opponents and maintains that there is "strong evidence" that the United States orchestrated the September 11 terrorist attacks. "If they can make 'Avatar,'" he has said, "they can make anything."

The musical takes a more inspirational (as opposed to controversial) look at the life of the Malaysian leader, beginning with his rural background through Malaysia's independence from Britain in 1957 and on to Mahathir's enormous success as he first takes a political office during the 1960s. Accompanied by traditional Broadway song and dance numbers, Mahathir defeats his political nemesis Anwar Ibrahim while wielding a dagger. According to reports, there's even a love story - between Mahathir and his wife, Siti Hasmah Ali.

"There's a lot going on," said theater director Rosminah Tahir. "The hard bit was cutting it down to under three hours."

While Dr. Mahathir has not yet seen the show, he admonished producers in December, "I have no objections to plans for a musical about me. My only hope is that it's based on fact."

Dr. Siti Hasmah, Mahathir's wife attended the opening night performance. "I was amazed and fascinated," she said.

The show received such a warm response that producers extended the run by five days. Audience enthusiasm was reflected in the cast. "I know I can't ever be him," said Esma Daniel, one of the three actors portraying Dr. Mahathir, "but I just try to represent him as best I can." 

Photo Credit: Reuters/Bazuki Muhammad

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