PETALING JAYA – “We spend money that we do not have, on things we do not need, to impress people who do not care.”
These words by Hollywood superstar Will Smith are extremely timely. All kinds of financial schemes and scams are flourishing nowadays, each of them promising to help us get rich quick. Most of them, however, only lead to tragic endings: why do so many people do crazy, irrational things, just so they can look or feel successful?
Such is the theme of Fortune Kooky, an all-new Malaysian musical comedy, which takes a look at the ridiculous things people do for money.
Set in Kuala Lumpur, the musical is the tale of Jared, son of a hawker, who aspires to become rich by developing a new fitness app. All he wants is a better life for his mother Anne, girlfriend Rachel and best friend/business partner Arvind. When Jared receives a blessing from the God of Wealth, all his dreams seem to come true.
Unfortunately, he soon discovers that money doesn’t always mean happiness: soon, things go terribly wrong for him and his loved ones. Will Jared be able to fix everything? And in his pursuit of wealth, will he end up losing what really matters in life?
The writers of Fortune Kooky were inspired by their own experiences, and the stories of people they knew, in coming up with the musical’s plot.
“Whether we like it or not, money plays a major role in anyone’s life. I don’t think there’s anyone on Earth, no matter how rich or poor, who isn’t concerned about their finances to some degree,” said writer and executive producer Terence Toh.
“Many of us are great at earning money but are clueless at spending it wisely. I know I’ve wasted my money on frivolous, useless things before. And it's so easy to get into serious trouble after making major financial mistakes.”
Fortune Kooky is presented by Kult Productions. Their maiden production, 2019’s The Working Dead was nominated for 13 awards at the 2019 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards, eventually winning three (Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical Direction).
This musical comedy’s script is written by Terence Toh and Lydia Tong, with music by Tong and Kelvin Loh.
The production is directed by Nicole-Ann Thomas, and brought to life by a talented ensemble comprising Alvin Looi, Angie Cheah, Kirthana Kuhendran, Lakshmi Ahrunagiry, Nikkhil Menon, Rachel Liu and Ronnie.
Its music, featuring more than 12 original songs specially written for the show, will be performed live by a five-piece band. Every aspect of Fortune Kooky, from the creative to the technical, is proudly 100% Malaysian made.
This production of Fortune Kooky is made possible thanks to a grant from Penjana, My Creative and Cendana. It is also supported by Lot’Ng, Richie's Peanut Butter, Sylk Music Development and theatrethreesixty.
Fortune Kooky will be showing from April 7-10 at Nero Event Space, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. Showtimes are 8.30pm.
Tickets are RM65 (students, the disabled, senior citizens), RM70 (April 7-8 shows) and RM80 (April 9-10 shows). They can be purchased from OneTix.com. – The Vibes,
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