Brian Jeffrey
The art of musical theater combines various elements like songs, dialogue, acting, and dance. Originating in Italy in the 16th-17th centuries, it has spread globally with renowned theaters such as Broadway and West End producing acclaimed musicals like “The Black Crook,” “The White Fawn,” “Le Barbe Bleue,” and “Evangeline.”
Vietnam’s introduction to musical theater began with “Co Sao” in 1965, followed by “La Do” (Red Leaves) in 2011, which was the first original Vietnamese musical in 40 years, receiving praise for its local talent.
Recent years have seen a rise in Vietnamese musical projects like the HOPE project by director Nguyen Phi Phi Anh and performances of classics like “Les Misérables” by the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, as well as entirely Vietnamese productions such as “De Men Phieu Luu Ky,” “Tien Nga,” and “Hanoi Xua Va Nay.”
Professor Do Hong Quan highlights the emotional impact of music in musicals and the evolution of the art form to cater to a broader audience by blending local and global influences. Musicians like Luu Quang Minh and Tran Le Chien foresee a promising future for Vietnamese musicals, emphasizing the need for innovation, diverse themes, and international collaborations.
Despite the potential growth, challenges remain in finding triple-threat actors, nurturing local talent, meeting production standards, and securing investments. Meritorious Artist Cao Ngoc Anh stresses the importance of dedicated individuals to drive the development and sustainability of Vietnamese musical theater.
