A theatre production entitled Tam Cam Musical will debut at Ben Thanh Theatre to entertain local audiences during the Tet Lunar New Year.

Actresses (from left to right) Hanh Thao, Cat Tuong and My Hanh will be performed in Tam Cam Musical. -- Photo facebook of Buffalo Theatre Club. 

To be held from February 9 to 14, the Broadway-style performance has been produced by the Buffalo Theatre Club, featuring Tam Cam – one of the best-known Vietnamese fairy tales. It is considered to be the Vietnamese version of the Cinderella story.

The story tells the life of an orphan girl named Tam, who is beautiful and hard working, and has a kind word for the people and animals in her life. But she lives with her stepmother and half-sister Cam, who always finds ways to harm her.

After facing many challenges, Tam finally marries the Prince and lives happily.

This is the first time the Tam Cam fairy tale will be performed as a musical theatre by artists from the Buffalo Theatre Club.

"We are known for making very flexible Vietnamese versions translated from original musical works, such as Chicago, Red Snow and High School Music. Now we want to establish a musical theatre that is based on Vietnamese tales," said Hoang Quan, producer and actor at Tam Cam Musical.

Quan will act as the Prince in Tam Cam Musical, while two young artists, Hanh Thao and My Hanh, will play half-sisters Tam and Cam. Veteran actor Cong Ninh and Cat Tuong will be the King and stepmother.

However, the end of the musical performance will not be a tragedy, as in the Vietnamese tale. "Nobody has to die. The ending will be a reunion of the family members," said Quan. "We want to stress love among family members".

Tam Cam Musical was established by director Nguyen Khac Duy, to promote a funny style and human values. The director will portray Tam Cam fairy tale as an adventure in which Tam, Cam and the Prince have to overcome many difficulties to win their lovers' hearts.

Director Duy composed 15 songs for Tam Cam Musical. The songs will be arranged by musician Nguyen Dan. The actors spent three months rehearsing the musical play, which will last some 2 hours.

The stage will be decorated with models of the Lotus, the national flower, along with purples and pastel pink.

Buffalo Theatre Club was created in 2013 to support young actors and bring musical theatre closer to audiences.

Tam Cam Musical will be performed at 8pm nightly from February 9 to 13, and at 4pm on February 14, at No6 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1. 

VNS