The Malay Mail
20th June 2005

They will sing, dance and act alongside experienced actors such as Radhi Khalid and Sodhy herself, among others.

According to Sodhy, Jalan Impian, was choreographed by Farah was one of the ways to allow children ‘to work with an adult professional cast’.

Sodhy is also the musical theatre’s playwright, executive director, speech and acting trainer.

“Generally, Farah and I believe that children are capable of performing fantastically when given the opportunity and guidance.

“Performing in Jalan Impian would help them boost their confidence and improve their concentration,” she said.

Mustering the guts to go on stage wasn’t easy for the children.

“They had to learn to develop thick skins, and overcome their fear of performing for an audience."

Sodhy was quick to point out that despite the involvement of children, Jalan Impian is not an amateur quality production.

“In the professionally conducted auditions, over 200 children turned up to act, sing and dance to prepared pieces. 47 children made it to the cast.”

Jalan Impian – The Musical revolves around Joe (played by 17-year-old Lim V. Co) who wants to be a pop singer, and Suzie (16-year-old Sarah Lim Beng Chee) who wants to dance like Baryshnikov.

However, they cannot afford classes, so they spend their free time after school outside the Stars of Tomorrow School of Stage and Screen on Jalan Impian.

And so the journey to achieve their dreams starts.

“Jalan Impian is a professionally-staged show, and the kids have put in a lot of effort."

How did it all come about in the first place?

“Farah had wanted to do a show and asked if I could write a script. I was very happy to help out even though I was really busy with other projects. However, getting involved in Jalan Impian is something close to my heart,” Sodhy said.

Sodhy’s long-time acquaintance with Farah also determined the latter’s involvement with Jalan Impian. “I’ve known her as she was well-known on TV, since my secondary school years. Farah was also acquainted with my circle of friends then, but we didn’t know each other well.

“I got to know Farah better in my late teens and became very familiar with her when she started giving my daughter dance lessons,” Sodhy said.

Now the show is supported by the Ministry of Education and is under the Tun Dato’ Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali’s patronage.

Part of its ticket proceeds will go to the Persatuan Kanak-kanak Istimewa (PKKI) Hulu Langat, Selangor.

“We hope to raise as much money as possible so the PKKI children can live better lives.

“Most of all, I hope the children involved would be more aware of and sensitive to the needs of children and adults in difficult circumstances,” Sodhy added.

‘Jalan Impian the Musical’ is on from July 13 to 17 at the KL Performing Arts Centre, Sentul West. Tickets are priced from RM32-RM152 (charity gala). Call KLPAC box-office at 03-4047-9000 for reservations.

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