This question lies at the heart of “The Working Dead”, a musical by KuLT Productions that first shuffled onto the stage in 2019.
“It was our company’s first baby – the first story we ever wrote, created, and produced,” said Terence Toh, the show’s writer and lyricist. “It’s always had a special place in our hearts.”
Now, the BOH Cameronian Arts Award-winning musical is clawing its way back for a revival, complete with fresh faces and familiar talents.
Returning to the stage are director Nicole-Ann Thomas, choreographer Kenny Shim and production designer Christopher Ling to ensure the magic – and mayhem – remain alive.
“It’s exciting to grow from the last time, especially with new cast members bringing fresh energy to the characters,” Thomas shared.
“The Working Dead”, composed by Kelvin Loh and Lydia Tong, follows Edwin, a hardworking employee who dies unexpectedly on the job. But instead of letting Edwin rest in peace, his boss Mr Chan hires a corporate bomoh to bring him back as a zombie to finish his work.
Even though the story is playful, it invites audiences to reflect on serious issues – like mental health, burnout, and hustle culture.
“Sometimes, we need to slow down, smell the bunga raya, and ask ourselves: why exactly are we working so hard? Are we leaving time for the things that matter most?” Toh mused.
Thomas said the musical’s message is more relevant now than ever. “Even during Covid, people never stopped working. In fact, some became ‘work-from-home zombies’, with no boundaries between home and office,” she said.
“Now that things are back to normal, we still need to ask – are we striking the right balance?”
This reanimated production breathes new life into the cast. Ronnie, who plays Edwin this time, offers a more empathetic take on the character.
“He’s a different kind of Edwin – more compassionate as both a human and a zombie,” said Thomas.
Meanwhile, songstress Ida Mariana joins as the bomoh, summoning regional influences to her role.
Colin Kirton reprises his role as Mr Chan, one of only two returning cast members from 2019. “I totally enjoyed playing this character the first time around,” Kirton enthused. “The show was so well-received that it deserved another round, so I was honoured to be part of it again.”
Despite hoping for a reunion with the original cast, Kirton said working with a new ensemble has been a refreshing experience “to see the show and its characters from a fresh perspective”.
With Thomas tweaking some elements of his performance, Kirton promises that Mr Chan will remain “as hilariously absurd, nasty, and campy as ever”.
Beyond the razzmatazz, Thomas said she hoped the show would resonate with audiences, especially the younger generation.
“I hear it from them all the time – no time for holidays, not earning enough, and always chasing something. ‘The Working Dead’ is a reminder: if you work too much, you will become a corporate zombie. And nobody wants that.”
Beyond its eerie charm, this production has a heart, partnering with the Dignity for Children Foundation, an NGO that provides care and education for marginalised children in Kuala Lumpur.
A portion of the musical’s profits will support the foundation, with some of its young beneficiaries making their professional stage debut during the show.
With its undead charm, catchy tunes, and local flavour, “The Working Dead” promises a night of both laughs and introspection.
As Toh put it: “It’s a fun, all-Malaysian musical filled with talent. Come and have a good time – and maybe take a moment to think: have you been putting emphasis on the right things?”
‘The Working Dead’
Where:
Stage 1 Theatre, PJPAC,
1 Utama E, Lebuh Bandar Utama,
Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
When:
Nov 8 & 9 @ 8pm
Nov 9 & 10 @ 3pm
Tickets: RM250, RM150, RM130, RM110, RM80
Tickets can be purchased here. Follow KuLT Productions on Facebook and Instagram.