And that’s exactly what Drusilla, the lead character in “Spooks, the Musical” goes through at Transylvania High, where the story is set.

She tries her best to find her footing in this spooky world known as Monster Realm as she encounters Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman, and other terrifying figures. And it’s not made easier when a mysterious shadowy character threatens to destroy the Monster Realm forever.

The family-friendly musical is produced and presented by the award-winning Cempaka Performing Arts Company (CPAC) established in 2000 to manage the performing arts curriculum of Cempaka Schools.

Speaking to FMT, Scott McQuaid, the musical’s writer and director, said: “I have always been interested in the gothic genre, and in fact, Halloween is my favourite holiday! I thought it would be fun to set the musical in the monster realm but make it a comedy.”

The audience can also look forward to a live orchestra performing music by local composer Nick Choo. The songs, which McQuaid described as “fang-tastic”, cover different genres – ballads, contemporary pop/rock – all with a fun and creepy edge, of course!

Apart from the performances, music, and special effects, another highlight of the musical, McQuaid shared, is its “alternative ending”.

“There is a big finale to the ending which is different in the first and second week. So, that’s a good reason for people to come and see the show twice,” said the 47-year-old.

The musical runs for 105 minutes with a 15-minute intermission, and includes more than 80 performers comprising Cempaka students.

“CPAC has always been a training ground where we’ve tried to groom our students for our performances,” shared McQuaid.

One of those students is Lauren Ho, who plays the lead character, Drusilla.

Speaking with FMT, the 17-year-old shared that she started singing in the Cempaka primary school choir before involving herself in CPAC’s musical theatre productions. “It’s something I love to do, and I really enjoy being onstage,” she told FMT with a smile.

“Spooks, the Musical” marks Ho’s eighth production with McQuaid. “She is a triple threat because she is great at singing, dancing, and acting. There is also an innocence to Lauren which is in line with the character,” McQuaid said.

According to Ho, she shares some similarities with Drusilla. “She is reserved and quiet, and that is how I am in real life.”

A fan of ballads, she is also looking forward to performing a solo titled, “Vampire Lullaby”. “I am trying not to be biased, but that’s my favourite song in the musical.”

A three-year journey

For producer Andrew Chan, 43, finally being able to present the musical is a relief. He said the musical was originally slated to be staged in March 2020. However, the pandemic put plans on hold.

Chan, who is also the chief executive officer of CPAC, added that they have been staging Broadway-level musical theatre productions like “West Side Story”, “Fame”, and “Hairspray” since 2005.

In 2017, CPAC staged its first ever original musical, “Alice’s Wonderland”, that was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as “the first school to stage an original musical at a professional level”.

This was followed by another original musical, “Dames & Dimes”, in 2019. The music for both of these productions was composed by Choo.

“Dames & Dimes” also bagged the “best costume design, styling and makeup” and “best set design” awards during the 17th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards held in 2020.

“We also did a virtual musical called ‘Practically Perfect, A Poppins Adventure’ in 2021,” Chan added.

And now, with only days away until their three-year wait is over, Chan is excited. “I hope that the audience will leave in awe,” he said.

‘Spooks the Musical’ (suitable for ages five and above)

Venue:
North Hall Theatre
Cempaka Cheras, Persiaran Awana
Taman Cheras Permata 2
43200 Selangor

Showtimes:

• March 24-26 (Friday to Sunday)
• March 31-April 2 (Friday to Sunday)
• Shows start at 8.15pm

Ticket prices:

• RM138
• RM108
• RM88

Book your tickets here.

Learn more about Cempaka Performing Arts Company on its website, Facebook, and Instagram. Get to know Nick Choo via his website, Facebook, and Instagram.