Tissue Aunty
The Musical by Mario Chan
reviewed by Kenneth Lyen
Mario Chan
Tissue Aunty the musical was produced, directed and choreographed by Mario Chan who also wrote the book, the lyrics, and composed the music. It was quite a shock to learn that he passed away just a couple of days before the premiere of this musical.
The show follows Zac, a student whose mother is ill and he decides to sell packets of tissue paper to earn money to pay for her medical bills. He choses Bedok, an area where three aunties claim it is their territory for selling tissue paper.
For trespassing on their domain, they tie him up, imprison and interrogate him asking where he got his tissue paper from. When two of the aunties go off to sell tissue paper, the auntie left to watch him, takes pity on him when she learns of his mother’s illness, and not only teaches him how to sell tissue paper but lets him go free. In the meantime one learns that mother is actually not ill, and that she is herself involved in selling tissue paper to her own gang. The plot is full of humorous unexpected twists and turns. The songs are melodic and danceable, and reinforce the characters' personality as well as the story line. The singing and acting are arousing and comical. The lyrics utilise Singlish and embed local humour, like “We will tissue a lesson” meaning “we will teach you a lesson”. Non-Singaporeans may not realise that the mention of buying sugarcane drink with extra lemon refers to the deputy prime minister’s speech during the 2020 general elections. The opening song “Three One Dollar” and the closing song “No No No” are catchy and lively, and the song “The Heart Goes” is poignant. Congratulations to the team for a wonderful performance!
Cast and Creative Team
Fiona Chua........................... as Rose
Miriam Cheong..................... as Lily
Miranda Pohlin..................... as Chrys
Glen Lee.............................. as Zav
Sharon Mah ......................... as Mom/Madame General
Danica Elisha Chan ............ as Nurse/Secretary
Viljo Lim .............................. as Agent Conrad
Marissa Vojodi .................... Understudy (Rose/Lily)
Mario Chan.......................... Book, lyrics, music, director, choreographer,
Gail Tay................................. Music Director
Miranda Pohlin..................... Costume and Set Designer
Mario Chan, RIP.
Reviewed by Kenneth Lyen 6 August 2022