Support those with Down Syndrome at this song-and-dance extravaganza

Chong Ne Fong is one of eight performers from Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia. (Creative Match Studio pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to end the month, “Musical Treasures”, the latest show by Malaysian choreographer and producer Farah Sulaiman, is a terrific way to do it.

Slated to run on Sept 28 at The Platform Performing Arts Theatre in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here, the fundraising event promises a foot-tapping good time with Broadway songs from musicals such as “Mamma Mia!”, “The Sound of Music”, and “Hamilton”.

Over 50 performers, including dancers from the Sayang Academy of Dancing founded by Farah, will sing and dance to her choreography. The show is written and directed by musical theatre performer and dancer Sabrina Hassan, while Alesia Dhana from local band Tiga Soul serves as the ensemble’s vocal coach.

More than just a good time, the musical will be staged for a good cause: Farah hopes to raise RM300,000 to help Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM). This would be her third time raising funds for the association, following “Sparks of Broadway” in 2010 and “Get on Your Feet” last year.

“In 2010, the funds were used to expand PSDM’s centre and services. Last year, we raised funds to set up and operate Anisd Café by PSDM, which employs individuals with Down Syndrome,” Farah, 66, shared with FMT Lifestyle.

Writer-director Sabrina Hassan (left) and Farah Sulaiman. (Creative Match Studio pic)

This year, they plan to use the funds to help PSDM further expand its services by building multisensory rooms, therapeutic clinics, and an independent living centre at its Putrajaya premises, which would provide vocation and training for individuals with Down Syndrome.

London-trained Farah was one of the choreographers for the first season of “So You Think You Can Dance”. She has previously choreographed for local celebrities including Anita Sarawak, Francissca Peter and DJ Dave.

Uniquely, eight of the performers in “Musical Treasures” are from PSDM. “After watching the show, we hope the audience leaves with a deep sense of connection, compassion and understanding towards individuals with Down Syndrome. We want them to feel inspired by the performances,” Farah added.

“Our hope is that the audience will see the potential of these individuals and be motivated to support inclusion in all areas of life.”

‘Musical Treasures’

When:
Sept 28 (Saturday) @ 3pm & 8.30pm

Where:
The Platform Performing Arts Theatre,
Level G, Menara Ken,
37, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

Get your tickets here.

Follow ‘Musical Treasures’ on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia here.

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Support those with Down Syndrome at this song-and-dance extravaganza

'Musical Treasures' on Sept 28 aims to raise RM300,000 for Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia.