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Music director Tran Nhat Minh, husband of supermodel Thanh Hang.

Viet Anh, known for his beloved ballads like Dòng sông lơ đãng (The Dreamy River), Đêm nằm mơ phố (Night Dreaming of the City), and Không còn mùa thu (No More Autumn), is no stranger to musical theater.

This new production, De Men Ngoai Truyen (Cricket: The Untold Story), marks one of his most ambitious and heartfelt projects to date. The musical is set to premiere on October 25 at the Military Zone 7 Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

In this work, Viet Anh not only composed the score but also opened a new creative chapter for himself by integrating music with stage performance to craft an immersive experience. His dream is to transform “De Men” (The Cricket) from a national literary figure into a cultural ambassador representing Vietnam on the international stage.

Over the years, Viet Anh has pursued unique musical elements, opting for an experimental blend of romantic classical tones with a modern, youthful edge. The resulting music is rich in musical theater influences while remaining accessible to contemporary audiences.

Joining him in this endeavor is music director and conductor Tran Nhat Minh, who is also the husband of supermodel Thanh Hang. Viet Anh described their collaboration as “a delicate symphony.”

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Musician Viet Anh returns to Vietnam after years of absence.

While Viet Anh brings lyrical emotion and musical depth to the production, Tran Nhat Minh adds precision, creativity, and power in orchestration and arrangement.

The two artists, though distinct in personality, share a common goal: to make music the lifeblood of each character so that “De Men” is not only conveyed through lines and actions, but also through every note and breath of the score.

“Our biggest challenge,” Viet Anh shared, “is making musical theater feel close and relatable - especially to children - rather than distant or unfamiliar.”

To meet this challenge, he designed the entire score as a journey. The production opens with pure, nostalgic melodies, climbs to dramatic peaks, and settles into reflective moments of introspection.

Through this performance, Viet Anh and his team hope to nurture a grand dream: to elevate De Men into a symbol of Vietnam’s educational and entertainment culture that can travel the world.

While “De Men” is a nostalgic childhood figure for Vietnamese audiences, Viet Anh believes he could become a vibrant cultural greeting from Vietnam to the global stage.

Tuan Chieu