AMID the bustle of Jalan Bukit Bintang is the country's first international-class hotel, built to coincide with Merdeka Day, opening its doors on Aug 28, 1957. Over time, this landmark hotel saw many firsts, including its Bintang Revolving Lounge and restaurant on the 18th floor, its Minnal Family & Fun Club, and luminaries of world government, as well as entertainment gracing its steps.
A "storytelling concert" called Modern Grand Hotel, which began last Friday, celebrates the hotel's Diamond Jubilee and the 60th anniversary of Malaysia's independence. Says its director Loh Kok Man: "We hope to bring the audience back to Malaya of the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
"There were many interesting stories, the development of cultural and entertainment businesses, including films, radio broadcasting, cabaret showcases, amusement parks and such. The Nanyang pop music flourished from the influence of the eastern and western world, with song covers made from each other. The scene was vibrant and modern, and we also have fabulous local compositions."
Nanyang pop music was the rage in 1950s Malaya. The style, which originated from Shanghai, was fused with Malay classics to become cabaret hits. The 45-year-old founder and artistic director of Pentas Project reveals a favourite song in the repertoire. “It’s P. Ramlee's Getaran Jiwa from his film Antara Dua Darjat. Apart from its soothing melody, it's also my favourite movie of his," says the award-winning Loh, who is also an actor and lighting designer.
Loh is aided in Modern Grand Hotel by music director Tay Cher Siang with the WVC Jazz Ensemble, and Chinese dialect conservator Chong Keat Aun as the narrator.
The show is produced by Modern Nanyang and presented by Bukit Bintang Event Spaces with the support of The Federal Kuala Lumpur.
Modern Grand Hotel stars Nanyang Songstress Yudi Yap with an ensemble including actor Goh Wee Ping, from NTV 7's Age Of Glory II, who will play multiple characters.
Pahang-born Yudi used to sing Shi Dai Qu or Chinese oldies since 1999. "I gradually went into the stories behind the song, and I found it really interesting to 'read' about the artiste's life which reflected the humanities of another era, telling the truth of the time, or which revealed the motivation in composing or singing those songs. It encouraged me to do some research about these artistes and composers and the knowledge widened my interpretation on the songs. I started to put some drama elements on stage which I learnt from theatre performances over the years."
Yudi began singing in her Catholic high school in Bentong. "For a singer performer like me, especially a Chinese artiste who does not really follow mainstream music, it’s hard to survive here. I am a firm believer in the arts, which encourages the will to live. Music is a beautiful gift in life."
True to her calling, Yudi says one of her favourites in the show's repertoire is Kopi Susu, a Saloma staple.
"It was the theme of our award-winning concert play (in 2014), and I also translated it into Chinese and recorded it for my album, called Kopisusu. I think the song really has the spirit of muhibbah, a cultural melting pot.
Yudi says of Modern Grand Hotel: "We will tell stories from old Kuala Lumpur to BB Park, the amusement funfair, P. Ramlee and Saloma and the radio station which had influenced and entertained people a lot then.
"There are precious memories to share of a nation that we shouldn't forget."
Fact Box:
Modern Grand Hotel
When: Sept 15-16, 8.30pm; Sept 17, 2.30pm
Where: Ballroom 1, Federal Hotel KL
Admission: RM150 (show alone) & RM212 (dinner or lunch)
Call 03-2148 9166.