NUR ARISSA, Teater Muzikal: Sudirmania

 Teater Muzikal: Sudirmania

On 27 December 2024, Teater Muzikal: Sudirmania, directed by Khairunazwan Rodzy and produced by Revolution Stage, opened at Panggung Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, DBKL. The show ran until 29 December 2024 and transported the audience back to the year 1986, inspired by the iconic Sudirman concert at Chow Kit Road. More than just a musical tribute, this production told a powerful fictional story filled with themes of love, family, and fate, set during one of the most unforgettable moments in Malaysian history.

The story follows Ramlan, a young man from a poor and broken family, who falls deeply in love with Zetty, a girl from a wealthy and respected family. However, their relationship faces a serious challenge, Zetty is already engaged to another man through an arranged marriage. As excitement spreads across the nation about Sudirman’s upcoming street concert, Ramlan and Zetty secretly agree to meet at the concert, hoping the night might change their destiny. At the same time, Ramlan’s father also heads to the concert, hoping to reunite with his former wife, who now happens to be Zetty’s stepmother. In another part of Chow Kit, a group of drug addicts unexpectedly cross paths with Ramlan’s father and decide to help him in his search. The story takes a darker turn when Zetty is kidnapped by her fiancé, leading to a violent conflict and the tragic death of Ramlan’s best friend’s brother, Aiman.

What made this musical truly special was the way it blended these emotional and dramatic storylines with Sudirman’s music. Songs such as Chow Kit Road, Pelangi Petang, Salam Akhir, Basikal Tua, and Milik Siapakah Gadis Itu were not only performed beautifully but were placed meaningfully throughout the show to support the characters’ journeys. The most touching moment came during the final scene with Salam Akhir, when the actors reached out to the audience, inviting them to connect with the emotions of the moment. It was a powerful way to share both the pain and hope carried in the music.

The set design was another highlight. Though minimalistic, it was visually stunning and cleverly constructed. Scene changes were smooth and graceful, shifting from offices to streets to alleyways as naturally as flowing water. The use of detailed backdrops and props helped each location come to life without overcrowding the stage, showing how a well-planned simple set can still create a powerful impact.

Costumes and styling were accurate to the 1980s setting. From flared pants and polka-dot dresses to vintage hairstyles, makeup, and jewellery, every element helped recreate the era authentically. Even the actors’ way of speaking reflected how people talked at the time, showing the depth of preparation and research involved in the production.

Lighting also played a big role in building mood and atmosphere. The use of LED screens and dynamic lighting at the back of the stage added dimension and made each scene feel alive. Whether it was a soft romantic moment or an intense fight scene, the lighting matched the tone and helped bring the emotions to the surface.

The cast featured a mix of established and emerging talents in the Malaysian theatre scene. Fimie Don as Ramlan and Puteri Khazeera as Zetty brought heart and maturity to their roles. The entire ensemble performed confidently, with strong vocal delivery and expressive acting. Their performances captured both the struggles and dreams of their characters. Although there were a few moments when some actors’ voices became faint, possibly due to fatigue, and a minor slip where a character hiding in a drum was seen too early, these were small issues that didn’t affect the overall impact of the show.

Director Khairunazwan Rodzy deserves special recognition for weaving so many storylines and emotional layers together so smoothly. The selection and placement of songs felt natural, and each scene flowed well into the next. The musical didn’t just celebrate Sudirman’s music, it invited the audience to live inside it. The signature phrase, “cinta, kasih dan sayang”, became a strong emotional thread that tied the entire story together and left a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Teater Muzikal: Sudirmania is not only a story of love, heartbreak, and reunion, it is also a celebration of Malaysia’s cultural heritage, identity, and musical legacy. It brings audiences back to a time when Sudirman’s voice echoed through the streets and touched countless hearts. Although there are some areas that can be improved, such as voice stamina and minor stage coordination, the overall production is a heartfelt, nostalgic, and beautifully crafted tribute. It reminds us that Sudirman’s songs are more than just melodies, they are part of our nation’s memory, carrying with them the stories of who we were, and who we still are.