Golden Lotus (musical)
| Golden Lotus | |
|---|---|
Golden Lotus Film Poster | |
| Music | George Chiang |
| Lyrics | George Chiang |
| Book | George Chiang |
| Basis | Jin Ping Mei (The Golden Lotus) |
| Premiere | September 12, 2014: Y-Theatre, Youth Square, Hong Kong |
| Productions | 2014 Hong Kong |
Golden Lotus is a stage musical written and composed by Canadian actor and writer George Chiang. It is an English-language adaptation of the 17th-century Chinese novel Jin Ping Mei. The musical premiered in Hong Kong in 2014 and was later released as a filmed live-capture version that screened at numerous international film festivals.
Background and stage production
George Chiang began developing Golden Lotus in the early 2000s as a contemporary musical adaptation of Jin Ping Mei. During its early development, the musical participated in the ASCAP Foundation/Disney Theatrical Productions Musical Theatre Workshop in New York City, and workshops were also held in Toronto. The production premiered at the Y-Theatre, Youth Square, Hong Kong, on September 12, 2014.[1][2]
Harriet Chung starred in the title role, with Boon Ho Sung, Billy Sy and Scott Watanabe among the principal cast members highlighted by reviewers.[3][4]
The production won the Best Original Work award at the Hong Kong English Drama Awards (Hecklers Awards), and Harriet Chung received a nomination for Best Actress.[5]
Synopsis
The musical follows Golden Lotus (Pan Jinlian), who is trapped in an unhappy marriage to the street-seller Wu Da. Her involvement with Wu Sung and later with the wealthy and influential playboy Xi Men draws her into betrayal, conflict and political intrigue. Reviews noted that the musical softens the explicit material of the novel and portrays the protagonist more sympathetically.[3][4]
Reception of the film version
A filmed version of the Hong Kong stage production was later edited into a feature-length release and submitted to international film festivals.[6][7] Local Canadian coverage has reported that the film has won over 60 film festival awards.[8]
Festival reporting noted major distinctions, including Best Picture of the Festival at the 2023 World Independent Cinema Awards.[6] The film also received awards at the Barcelona International Film Festival[9] and the Prague Independent Film Festival.[10]
Film criticism and streaming
Several online film publications reviewed the cinematic version of "Golden Lotus". FilmmakerLife described the film as "vibrant, energetic and powerful" and "a tour de force of great performances and stunning choreography."[11] Cult Critic characterised the production as "a visceral treat", emphasising the impact of the live-capture staging.[12]
In April 2024, Stratford Today reported that the film would begin streaming on the digital platform Stratfest@Home.[13] The platform listing also notes the film’s extensive festival awards.[14]
Recordings
A studio cast album, Golden Lotus: Sounds from the Musical, was released digitally in 2015. A deluxe edition with additional tracks followed in 2023.[15]
In 2020, Harriet Chung released "A World Away (Remix)", a single version of "A World Away" from Golden Lotus, transformed into a more pop-driven, radio-ready track.[16] In 2023, she followed with the single "As Each Day Goes By", a solo adaptation of a duet from Golden Lotus, updated and arranged by George Chiang.[17] The single and its music video won Best Original Song and Best Music Video at the International Gold Awards.[18]
References
- ^ Lee, Raymond (September 11, 2014). "Golden Lotus – The Musical: 'Hong Kong's First Musical'". MadbuzzHK.
- ^ "Mr George Chiang". Asia Ballet Academy.
- ^ a b Gong, Lynn (September 16, 2014). "Centre Stage: Golden Lotus the Musical earns slightly clichéd but successful world premiere in Hong Kong". Coconuts Hong Kong.
- ^ a b Lee, Raymond (September 13, 2014). "Review: 'Golden Lotus: The Musical'". MadbuzzHK.
- ^ "Award-winning Canadian artist Harriet Chung takes a musical journey of the heart". BKonthescene. May 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "Golden Lotus is Crowned Best Picture at the World Independent Cinema Awards". Business Wire. February 16, 2023.
- ^ "Stouffville composer wins accolades for Golden Lotus film". thestar.com. February 20, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ "Stouffville's George Chiang is Recognized Internationally for 'Golden Lotus'". Bullet Point News. February 13, 2023.
- ^ "Golden Lotus Leads The Pack With 4 Award Wins At The Barcelona International Film Festival". Business Wire. February 9, 2022.
- ^ "Canadian Artist George Chiang Wins The Filmmaker Of The Year Award For Golden Lotus". Business Wire. July 12, 2022.
- ^ "Golden Lotus – Review". FilmmakerLife. May 14, 2023.
- ^ ""A Visceral Treat" – Film Review by Cult Critic". Cult Critic. January 21, 2022.
- ^ "Golden Lotus begins streaming on Stratfest@Home". Stratford Today. April 23, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ "Golden Lotus". Stratfest@Home.
- ^ "Golden Lotus (Sounds from the Musical)". Apple Music.
- ^ "Award-Winning Singer, Harriet Chung & Songwriter, George Chiang Release Newly Remastered Single "A World Away"". Golden Lotus The Musical. August 18, 2020.
- ^ Sterdan, Darryl (October 19, 2023). "Harriet Chung Loves You More As Each Day Goes By". Tinnitist.
- ^ Awards, International Gold. "International Gold Awards". International Gold Awards. Retrieved October 1, 2023.