Budiey
The Kitchen Musical to premiere in Malaysia on ntv7
Stephen Rahman Hughes to star in TV musical extravaganza
If there are two things universally appreciated by all, it would be good food and good music. Malaysian TV viewers will get the best of both worlds with the upcoming premiere of The Kitchen Musical on ntv7. The free-to-air station is the first to air the musical drama series in October, to be followed by 17 other countries.
“We are always searching for new and creative productions at ntv7,” said Airin Zainul, Group General Manager of ntv7 & 8TV. “We loved the idea of musical television series that draws on the Asian passion for food. A show that combines drama, romance, comedy, music AND cooking to our audience is guaranteed to be a hit.”
Cooking up the musical storm soon to be released on Asia’s TV screens is Singapore-based production powerhouse, The Group Entertainment. An original concept, the musical drama series features some of the region’s best in front of and behind the cameras. Headlining the 13-episode musical is multi-talented Malay-English actor, Stephen Rahman Hughes, alongside Filipino stars Christian Bautista and Karylle Tatlonghari.
The epicurean musical extravaganza is the brainchild of The Group Entertainment’s Penang-born Executive Vice-President and Creative Director, known as CheeK. On his production, CheeK commented, “The idea of a musical television series that hones in on Asia’s passion for food has never been done before. We wanted to create a fresh and original concept for the global audience and still well identifiable within the region.”
Fresh from his musical showcase as part of UK vocal group, Teatro, and lead role in local major motion film Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, Stephen will star in The Kitchen Musical as a tyrannical head chef. It will be the West End actor’s first Asian TV series. The musical drama is the perfect vehicle for Stephen’s all-round talents of singing, acting and dancing.
On his upcoming role, Stephen said, “I am proud to be representing Malaysia as the lead actor in this ground-breaking regional production. To be seen across Asia by millions in a first-of-its-kind TV musical drama series is a new milestone in my career. I will do my best in The Kitchen Musical for Malaysian fans and to win over viewers beyond that.”
Playing Stephen’s love-hate interest in the series is Filipino chanteuse and actress, Karylle Tatlonghari, whose role is of a rich, young Cordon Bleu-trained chef struggling to make her mark in the restaurant world. It will be the award-winning singer songwriter and acclaimed actress’ first foray in an international production.
The Kitchen Musical is also set to showcase the vocal prowess, good looks, and acting chops of Filipino singing sensation Christian Bautista. The balladeer, who has a strong fanbase in Asia, is set to light the international small screen as a sous chef in the series.
The spectacular TV musical production features a talented team behind the scenes such as top Australian choreographer and current judge of Australia’s So You Think You Can Dance, Jason Coleman, and well-known Filipino music director, Gerard Salonga. International make-up artist, Massimiliano Della Maggesa, also known as Max the Joker, who has worked with Alexandra McQueen, Donna Karen and Chloé, is also part of the creative dream team.
All cast members will be housed in Singapore for a 3-month filming period along with boot camp sessions starting June to extensively immerse them in the world of culinary arts. In line with The Group Entertainment’s objective of producing high-quality content with international standard, the multi-million dollar franchise is produced in HD quality with a special camera for all the food shots to feature the beautiful details of each frame.
For more info on ntv7 shows, log on to www.ntv7.com.my or www.tonton.com.my, or follow the ntv7 Facebook page and Twitter.
Karylie
