WINNING Miss Malaysia World 2015 introduced swimming instructor and dancer Brynn Lovett to nationwide fans.
The 24-year-old, who holds a foundation in communications from Taylor’s University in Bandar Sunway, will add one more achievement to her resume in February next year as a cast member of Enfiniti Productions’ Ola Bola The Musical.
“I’m in the ensemble playing several characters who support our heroes, the Malaysian football team,” she said after a press conference to announce the cast at the Malaysia Tourism Information Centre (Matic) in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Lovett, of Murut and Australian parentage from Beaufort, Sabah, loves musicals, especially those with “feel good” and inspiring stories.
“When I heard that producer Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina planned to make Ola Bola into a musical, I was delighted, because I loved the film so much. I wasted no time in auditioning for a role, and I’m delighted to have made it!”
Lovett hopes her appearance in Ola Bola will be a promising start to an acting career.
“It’s great to get your big break by working with a perfectionist in the entertainment industry like Tiara. She brings out the best in me.
“I’m no footballer, but I’ve learnt a little bit about the ‘beautiful game’ during rehearsals — the main actors coached me!” said Lovett, whose favourite sports are Muay Thai, netball and swimming.
Iedil Putra Alaudin, of Interchange, steps into the shoes of Bront Palarae, who starred as sports commentator Rahman in the movie.
“My Rahman has an interesting back story, and while I loved Bront’s version, Tiara wants me to be my own Rahman — he’ll be as passionate about football, but his dialogue will be different.
As for the footballers, only Luqman Hafidz and Lim Jian Wen are reprising their roles as Ahmad Ali and Ong Tiam Cai respectively.
Team captain Chow Kok Keong, goalkeeper Muthu Kumar and defender Eric Yong are played by theatre actors Brian Chan, Abimanyu Masilamani and Kai Chalmers respectively.
“I fell in love with my character, Ali, and thus decided to be him once more. While he’s basically the same in the musical, he also has to sing hip-hop songs and dance,” said Luqman.
To get into the mood, Luqman came to rehearsals with a plaster on his cheek, like United States hip-hop singer Nelly. “Ali’s hip-hop lines are ‘mean’ like Nelly’s, so I needed a psychological boost!”
Lim said: “Tiam Cai of the musical and movie are pretty similar. He’s the ‘cutie pie’ footballer.”
Chan, 23, said: “Being chosen to work alongside such a diverse family is an honour and blessing.”
He has been in theatre for three years in plays such as Cheras The Musical and Uda Dan Dara.
“I am prepared to deliver the performance of a lifetime,” said Abimanyu, 27, who was in P. Ramlee The Musical three years ago.
Chalmers, 23, said Ola Bola was “tailor-made” for him because he loved football.
Tiara said that hip-hop singer, songwriter and composer Altimet would play Sarjan Ahmad. The award-winning artiste also composed 20 songs for the musical and performed the theme Luar Biasa with the cast.
The other actors include Astro host Melissa Ong, dancer Emma Tosh, and dance troupes Giller Battle Crew and Budak Joget.
Tiara said: “We were blown away by the talents who showed up at our casting call in August. Come February, they’ll mesmerise fans when they bring our football heroes’ journey to the stage with a ‘total stadium experience’ made possible by state-of-the-art effects.”
Ola Bola, directed by Tiara, will be at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur, from Feb 8 to March 11.
Ticket sales has commenced on Oct 16.
As an Early Bird promotion, a limited number of tickets, priced ar RM250 will be available for purchase at the discounted price of RM150. This promotion will be available until Nov 16.