“881 The Musical” proves adaptations can be brilliant too
Who said adaptations always pale in comparison to the originals? Toy Factory’s “881 The Musical” may be based on Singapore director Royston Tan’s hit 2007 movie “881” but it is a very different show and is, in some respects, even better than its film counterpart.
“881 The Musical” revolves around the Papaya Sisters, bubbly Big Papaya Yan Yan (Judee Tan) and the meek Little Papaya Min Min (Joanna Dong) who become students of former getai (Hokkien for ‘Song Stage’) singer-turned seamstress Auntie Ling (Audrey Luo). With the help of Auntie Ling, her mute son Guan Ying (Nat Ho) and the Goddess of Getai (Lindy Chia), the Papaya Sisters struggle against the odds to achieve their dream.
Unfortunately, things get a little messy when Duah Gee (Dennis Chew) and his Angmoh Durian Sisters (Rayann Condy and Klaune Saunders) enter the scene and threaten to turn the Papaya Sisters’ dream into a nightmare.