Legendary local composer Dick Lee brings HOTPANTS back to the stage
Most know Singaporean musical maven Dick Lee as the “Mad Chinaman” (from his album name) or as a key judge on Singapore Idol, or as the one who penned a slew of musical hits, such as “Home”, one of our favourite national songs.
This talented composer has also written songs for many plays such as Beauty World, Fried Rice Paradise, and the recently-revived HOTPANTS the musical.
We spoke to this creative genius.
What can audiences expect from the revived HOTPANTS the musical?
A fun-filled toe-tapping night out!
You’re also in the process of remaking a darker version of Beauty World. How dark is it going to get and when can we expect it?
It will be a very different version, from the set to the characters. The revival will take place in Nov/Dec 2015.
Do you ever look back on your days of wearing hot pants and cringe or feel proud?
There is nothing to feel proud about wearing hot pants (a ladies’ garment), which I, unfortunately, did at my debut in Japan in 1990.
The audience had only seen me via my Mad Chinaman CD cover, where I was dressed in Chinese opera costume with full makeup, so they had no idea what I really looked like. I decided to shock the audience by looking as outrageous as possible, and when I first walked on stage the cheering room suddenly fell silent for a second, and then continued cheering… or were they laughing?
Any future plans you can share with us?
I’ve been busy with the National Day Parade and working on several exciting projects, which are part of SG50 celebrations.
I’m also working on three other musicals, and I am preparing to direct my first movie, which begins filming in January next year.
Speaking of SG50, what are your favourite National Day songs and did you compose one this year?
“Stand Up for Singapore” is one of my favourites, as it was the one that kicked it off. I appeared in the music video that launched it in 1984. This year’s NDP committee decided not to have a theme song as I felt that there are so many that deserve repeated hearings so, instead of one theme song, three are featured.
If you would say one thing to Singaporeans, what would it be?
We are very fortunate to live during this period of history, here in Singapore, particularly, so let’s be thankful and enjoy the stability and peace, and contribute what we can to maintain what we have for future generations.
HOTPANTS the musical is on until Aug 30 at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.
By Cheryl Chia
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