#SHOWBIZ: 'GLHX The Musical' tackles emotional stress in society

New Straits Times

17-07-2025

ANOTHER theatrical production is set to debut in the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama E, Petaling Jaya, which zooms in on the topic of mental health awareness.
'Guo Li Hao Xi (GLHX) The Musical' is a live musical production which combines theatrical storytelling and a touch of Malaysian comedy.
To be staged at 8pm and 3pm from Sept 26 to 28, it was created to highlight the growing emotional stress faced by people today.
PAUSE
In a recent interview, executive producer K.K. Wong said: "It invites us to pause, reflect, and realise that it's okay to not be okay. The production will be held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day."
He added that the 100-minute musical which will be in Mandarin, Cantonese and English was a "call for empathy, awareness and connection."
"It raises awareness of depression and mental health issues, and is to support Life Line Association Malaysia, an organisation that helps people who are affected."
The story is about Fu Fan and Mike who run a drama company, Gao Li Hao Xi, which offers immersive performances to help customers express their emotions.
When their first customer Mark asks for help reaching his emotionally distant fiancee, the team stages a custom drama to uncover what has been buried inside her.
What starts as a quirky show slowly unravels into a deeper reflection on authenticity, emotional pressure and the power of storytelling.
LIFE
The musical stars Terry Ong, Richard Tan, KK Wong, Loo Aye Keng, Cheryl Lee, Orange Tan, Kopi Lim, Rickman Chia and Reno Lee, and is directed by Ryon Lee.
Wong said: "The musical is about life and how one can overcome stress, depression, anxiety and other challenges by reaching out for help.
"While it does feature mental health issues, Ryon wants to focus on love, hope and how there is no shame in asking for help.
"We all face challenges, but tomorrow offers a fresh start and a chance to begin again.
"Ryon and I are already in our early 50s. I feel that as I grow older, I want to help more.
"At one point in my life I went through a really tough time emotionally and nearly fell into depression."
"Now that I've come out on the other side, I want to give back in a small way, and I hope to be able to reach out to others through this musical."
Ryon said: "I feel that the person who smiles the brightest and laughs the loudest usually carries the heaviest of burdens and deepest pain in their heart.
"So it's important to treat everyone with care and respect as we never know what is going on in their lives.
"I want to showcase that life is worth living. All you need is some help along the way."
Ryon added that the characters are not based on any real persons.
"They're shaped by a mix of stories we've read, heard, or seen in people we know."
Wong said: "Live performances allow the audience to feel raw emotions, without any filters.
"Through this musical, we hope people will disconnect from the illusions of screen life and reconnect with something more human."
TALENTS
It has been a long time since Ryon worked on a production.
He said: "It's been 15 years since my last stage production, but I believe that telling a story through a musical can open hearts and minds.
"It's a powerful way to raise awareness about mental health and to encourage empathy — reminding audiences to be more kind, more patient, and more understanding toward those who may be struggling."
Wong said that some of the cast members had worked with Ryon and himself over the years.
"For example, Cheryl and I have worked together on radio. The actors are all excited and are raring to showcase the stories and their talents."
He added that one of the biggest misconceptions about mental health is the belief that those who struggle with it are "crazy" or somehow broken.
"There's still a stigma around seeking help — like if you go to a counsellor, it means you are weird or something is seriously wrong.
"But often, it's simply about needing someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, or even just someone to share a meal with."
MOVIE
Ryon said that the play might be made into a movie if audience feedback was good.
"The musical will feature a combination of some specially written songs by Jiahui Wu, our music director, and also a collection of some familiar tunes."
Producer Terry Ong said: "My team is here to bring greater awareness, not just to the story we're telling, but to the incredible talent we have in our local creative scene."