Eight years ago, Jacky Cheung Hok-yau changed the face of the local music scene with Snow.Wolf.Lake, recognised as the first original Chinese musical. Now the Canto- pop singer is bringing his production back for a long-awaited second season.
The musical, which tells the story of an ill-fated love affair between a poor gardener, Wolf, and a tycoon's daughter, Snow, has been staged throughout the mainland in a new Putonghua version during the past few months. But language won't be the only thing that's changed from the original when the show comes to Hong Kong next week.
Local singer Sandy Lam Yik-lin made the role of Snow (Ah Suet) her own back in 1997. This time around, Cheung - who plays Wolf and is also artistic director - is teaming up with rising Taiwanese star eVonne Hsu and mainland folk singer Tang Can. Hsu will star as Snow in the first three shows before handing the role over to Tang for the final three performances.
Hsu (right) says she's thrilled by the opportunity. 'I've always been interested in musicals, and I like singing and dancing,' she says. 'There aren't many Mandarin musicals and it's wonderful to work with Jacky.'
Texas-born Hsu moved to Taiwan in 2001 to launch her career as a singer. She released her debut album, To Be Happy, in early 2002 and won an award for best newcomer at the 14th Taiwan Golden Music Awards.
The 25-year-old says she was drawn in when she first heard the plot for the musical. 'It's a great story,' she says.