Grace Lee is the Managing Director at Milestone Production – the award-winning Malaysian event and entertainment company established almost two decades ago with the aim of bringing in world-class shows, and helping to put Malaysia on the performing arts map. Underscoring this is the goal of spreading awareness on theatre and educating the younger generation.
Some of their previous shows include Mamma Mia: The Musical, Jersey Boys: The Musical, The Mouse Trap, Thriller: Live Music Celebration and Saturday Night Fever: The Musical. This month, they present the extravagance of Madagscar: The Musical at the Plenary Hall!
We had the pleasure of interviewing Grace about the planning of the show, the lead up to it and their plans for the near future.
1. What was the motivation behind bringing Madagascar: The Musical to Kuala Lumpur?
I’m pretty sure that every young kid and even adult has watched Madagascar before and sang along to the famous I like to Move it, Move it song! We thought that it would be a great idea to bring the cast to Malaysia upon looking at the success it has had in the UK. We figured it would also be a great way to showcase theatre and performing arts through entertainment and memorable shows like this one.
2. What are the major challenges you’ve faced in bringing this production here?
The biggest limitation would be the varying sizes of stages and their technical capabilities. This show has played at some of the biggest venues in the UK as well as some of the smaller ones, which means it has had to upscale and downscale countless times to adapt to the many different venues. However, we are privileged to have worked with such a hardworking and dedicated team that goes above and beyond in what they do and are guaranteed to treat the audience to a spectacular performance!
3. And what has been the most enjoyable part of it?
Seeing the movie coming alive in a musical has got to be the most enjoyable part! With all the hard work that has been put into the show by every cast member and the production crew, I am definitely looking forward to celebrating the success of this show with the entire team!
4. Describe what it’s like, working with Madagascar: The Musical cast and crew.
It has been very fun! Each and every one of the cast member has shown nothing but pure dedication to their individual roles. They each have a very unique style and flair, and it leaves me in complete awe to see it all come to life on stage.
5. Name your top three favourite theatrical productions.
Peter Pan: The Musical as this is the show that kicked off our journey in the theatrical world. Hence, it holds a special place in my heart. The other two would be Mamma Mia: The Musical and Jersey Boys: The Musical.
6. In the near future, what are some of the productions that you aspire to collaborate with?
Definitely Cirque Du Soleil, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon with Lea Salonga!
Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and the rest of the crew this month as they make their way to Madagascar for the adventure of a lifetime! The show is playing at the Plenary Hall, KLCC from 5 to 8 December. Tickets are priced from RM98 to RM498. Grab yours now!
Click here to find out more about the show!