Waterfall, A New Musical

An amazing theatrical event that should be watched by all! I came here with my mother compliments of Unilocal and had the chance to watch an amazing play. The acting was great, and when I first arrived in the venue, I inquired about the amazing waterfall backdrop and was told that I would find out in the play, and without giving away the plot, the emotions that were brought about and experienced from the memories of dancing in the waterfall and the experience of love was definitely shown through the actors and actresses talents. I really enjoyed this show and would recommend others seeing it.

I loved WATERFALL when I saw it, and it has really stayed with me. I was interested, given my love of Maltby and Shire, but knew little else about the show going in. The show is sheer beauty visually, and emotionally as well. There are many layers to the story, and the show’s balancing of love story and world politics is outstanding. WATERFALL is old-​fashioned in some ways, and some may close themselves off to it for that reason, but it’s old-​fashioned in all of the good ways. I found myself thinking that WATERFALL seemed like a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that had somehow languished undiscovered until now. R&H wrote three hit shows centering on Asian characters and/​or countries, but it’s also the skillful structure, the timeless themes and humanity, that put WATERFALL in that class.

I’m happy I got the tickets for free…
There is almost nothing memorable about this show. The story is boring. The music all sounds the same. Other than a couple stand outs, many of the characters are forgettable. There is almost nothing redeeming about this show.
Don’t get me wrong, the actors were decent but they were dealing with a terribly boring story and the dialogue was equally so. One of the characters were introduced with the line, «I had a Tiffany epiphany!». I should have known that it was going to just get worst. I felt no attachment for any of the characters and even less to their stories. My girlfriend and I dozed off multiple times in the first act alone. At one point, she had her hand on my arm and missed 2 scenes because she was wondering what I did to keep my skin soft. During the «waterfall» scene in the first act, all I could think about is that California is in a drought and all that water they were kicking about better be collecting below the stage so it could be saved for every show. Those two examples shows you that neither of us were invested in the story and we cared more about our lives and not the lives of the characters on stage. And speaking of the end of the first act, was it really necessary to sustain the «kissing» scene for that long? It became voyeuristic and uncomfortable and I was counting the seconds until the screen dropped to end that unromantic make-​out session.
Now the music. The music was drab, unchanging, and somewhat racist. Nearly every song sounded exactly like the one that preceded it and it was like the entire show. I can listen to a soundtrack to a musical that I’ve seen in person on random and tell you what is happening before and after the song (s) in that scene. I cannot say this with the music for this «musical». There were a couple of standouts sung by the Nuan and Kumiko characters but only because of the actors playing those rolls. I wish I could say that the music was forgettable but unfortunately I will never be able to forget that Katherine, «is American» because they made sure to repeat it over and over again. And I’m pretty sure there was a song in the second act about wearing hats and eating with forks on spoons, FORKS AND SPOONS! Another issue I had with the music was that there was no punch at all. There was no song for the actors to belt and wow the audience to keep them intrigued. There was also no big ensemble number to showcase everyone on stage and to get the crowd to feel a part of the story. The actors had good voices but I felt nothing when anyone was singing, no heart at all.
The only saving grace to this show and the reason I didn’t give it negative stars was the set design. It was beautiful and very well done. I was more intrigued by the sets than anything going on on stage but by the big reveal at the last scene of Act 1, I was over it. People clapped for running water and all I could think about was the drought.
I will end this review like this: The first and last scene in Waterfall is exactly the same. As soon as I realized what was happening, I thought I had died in the theater during the show and this was going to be my hell., having to sit in that theater and watching that show for eternity. My girlfriend pulled me out of my head when she grabbed my arm and said, «Let’s get the hell out of here»

Great performance! So proud of Bie and the story line was beautiful. If you have ever been in love this musical touches that sweet spot. The set and costumes were great. It pulls you into Noppon and Katherine’s love and takes you back to an era of innocent love. If you rated this 2 stars, you’re probably a sad, lonely, slob and that’s why you didn’t connect with the story.

I loved the show! Great dancing, music, and set design. This musical was made for the audience who like a sweet, love musical performance.

Still has some rough spots to be worked out, but it’s better than some of the reviews have noted. GO! You will enjoy it; it’s a very interesting premise, gorgeous staging, some good music and singing. All in all very worthwhile.

You’ve gotta be kidding. Four-​and-​a-​half stars? Are LA audiences that unsophisticated? More likely you have many Unilocalers who don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth after receiving their free tickets. Unfortunately, I had to pay for mine.
This thing is so badly realized that it is not yet ready for Equity waiver much less Broadway. Shallow, unlikeable and underdeveloped characters lacking any chemistry, cheesy lyrics, music that is just plain lousy and trite. I could go on and on, but I really don’t want to give this thing any more of my time than I already have.
I have been a supporter of the Pasadena Playhouse for many years and have come to expect more… guess it’s time to lower my expectations. Two stars for the scenic design and vocal competence.

The casts, the music, the dances, the stage settings, the storyline… in fact, everything about this musical was so amazing and wonderfully done!
A love that is unselfish, unconditional and kind.
A definitely MUST SEE!!! Loved it!

I actually took my daughter to see this play because one, I didn’t have date, and 2 she’s a mini artist who likes performing! I’ve taken her to many shows and concerts but never brave enough to take her to anything serious where she had to sit and watch quietly… Well besides a kid movie– Yea doesn’t count lol. So I grabbed a cocktail, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best! I loved the set up, at the entrance, their was a room that gave you a little background on the story and a mini art exhibit. This actually saved my life! My daughter loves to paint, and they had a cool art area where they requested for us to paint a waterfall on a paper and post it on their mural. I thought it was neat inventive idea! Plus it brought her down to complete chill out mode which created a wonderful set up for a higher positive outcome with her watching the play! Now to the play, which I thought was Fantastic! The sets were amazing! I couldn’t help but be captivated by the beautiful lifelike backgrounds, and the costumes were breathtaking! I only wish that the main characters song in a key they wasn’t so child like. Although I’d brought my 7 year old, who loved it and did better than me, I just got a serious Disney vibe from the lead singer’s voices.

TL;DR
Based on the Thai novel «Behind the Painting» by Sriburapha, «Waterfall» is a musical romance set in pre-​World War II Bangkok and Tokyo. It is beautiful. It’s very lush. It’s about a young Thai student who falls in love with the American wife of a Thai diplomat. Book and lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr, music by David Shire, and choreography by Dan Knechtges.
Full review:
I had the pleasure of seeing the play on 3 different occasions. Each time the show continued to amaze me. The director and producers assembled a fine on-​stage and behind-​the-​scenes ensemble who delivered a flawless performance. It is a must-​see! The Tak Viravan-​helmed production will play at the Pasadena Playhouse until Sunday, June 28, 2015.
«Waterfall» is set in Bangkok and Tokyo during the 1930s as the Thai monarchy is crumbling and Japan is on the brink of war. The play centers on Noppon, a 22-​year-​old Thai student studying in Japan who falls in love with Katherine, the American wife of a much older Thai diplomat. Katherine ends up having a love affair with this younger Thai student, who is played by Bie Sukrit. The show is based on «Behind the Painting,» a fictional work from 1936 by the Thai writer Sriburapha.
The show has a book and lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr, a Tony Award winner for directing the Broadway musical «Ain’t Misbehavin’» in 1978, and music by David Shire, who shared an Academy Award for best song for his work on the movie «Norma Rae.» The choreographer of «Waterfall» is Dan Knechtges, a Tony Award nominee for «Xanadu.»
“Waterfall” director Tak Viravan is the leading figure of Thailand’s burgeoning theatre scene, where he has directed 14 musicals and plays and has presented many international touring productions. «Waterfall» is adapted from an earlier musical, «Behind the Painting,» which Viravan directed in Thailand.
Thai superstar Bie Sukrit created the role of Noppon in the musical «Behind the Painting» in 2008. This time Bie reprises his role as Noppon, but the character is quite different. He idealizes American culture and people, and he’s worried that his life will not matter because he came from a humble background. The story emphasizes the difference of cultures and the different perceptions of the world. It also touches upon the sensitive issues of race and discrimination in the US. I had quite a blast watching Kumiko (the beautiful and talented Lisa Helmi Johanson), Santi (Jordan De Leon), and Surin (Colin Miyamoto) warn Noppon against loving America so blindly.
In the book «Behind the Painting» and the Thai movie adaptations, as well as the musical in 2008, Noppon falls in love with an older Thai woman, Mom Rajawongse Keerati. Keerati (aka Khun Ying Keerati)‘s royal title «Mom Rajawongse» indicates that she is a great grandchild of the King. Born into royal blood, Khun Ying Keerati is strictly bound by tradition, culture, and filial duty to her family. She has to conceal her true feelings toward Noppon. She never once tells Noppon that she loves him. In «Waterfall,» Katherine is a New York socialite and an artist. She and Noppon become infatuated with one another, and they have many intimate moments. So if you have read/​seen the original, you might not find this adapted story as heart-​wrenching.
If you’re Thai or Thai-​American, and you’re bringing your Thai parents to the play, I must warn you…*SPOILER ALERT* There is an intense love scene. My mom and my friends’ moms were not prepared for that! My friend’s mom blurted, «OH MY GOODNESS!» Haha. Bie is so innocent in their eyes.
If you have a chance to see this play, do not hesitate! It is well worth the time and money. The songs will be stuck in your head for quite some time.
«…One perfect day and in that one moment, life is a work of art…»

Missed Love, as we all know how it feels, how we adjust to it and how we come to terms with life.
This play has spectacular set dressing and the cast is superb.
Would like to thank Pasadena Playhouse for letting Unilocalers in to experience such a lovely & outstanding play of love and history.
Katie B has outdone herself again in providing a few of us to get wowed.
See this play, it’s a must see.

Waterfall, A New Musical, the U.S. Debuted went very well over past weekend. It was perfect on Première Friday the opening night. Bravo to Richard Maltby, Jr. that bring Thai Novel/​Musical to life on U.S. Broadway theatre in such a brilliant way where original love story is still being presented. On Sunday matinée at 2pm was even better, few things had been adjusted to bring more fun to Audiences and less conflict with politics ;-) love it. I am so proud of Bie Sukrit who does a wonderful job as Noppon. Thanks to Emily Padgett on her fantastic voice and support Bie. J. Elaine Marcos who makes stage bright and fun. Not to mention other characters that bring to whole story more magnificent. Music and Lyrics are so lovely. Last but not least, Tak «Boy» Viravan that bring Thai Musical to Broadway is such a beautiful production. So proud of you !!! Highly recommend to see !!!

Traffic was so bad coming from the South Bay but we got there just in time to pickup our tickets at Will Call and grabbed a glass of wine.
Waterfall, a love story of a Thai student who falls in love with the ambassadors wife. Nicely told and fun to watch. Love the music, dancing, and performances from everyone.
Thanks Katie B. & Pasadena Playhouse for a wonderful night.

Thank you Katie B and Unilocal for the two complimentary tickets for Waterfall! It was my first time at the Pasadena Playhouse, and after reading up about this musical, I was very excited for the show!
We took the Gold Line into Pasadena, very easy and smooth and had a nice dinner at Settebello (review to come), and then picked up our tickets at will call with no problem. The courtyard was gorgeous and filled with people enjoying their pre-​show dranks. My BF and I even got to meet and take a picture with the Director, Tak Viravan! They also had a nice little gallery next door showcasing some historical and background information of the show, which was very interesting.
This show blew me away! I really enjoyed the music-​the singing and orchestra were amazing! I also loved the stage production, and it was one beautiful scene after another! The Thai and Japanese cultural costumes and dancing was gorgeous, and I really enjoyed it. It really felt like a journey back in time to Thailand and Japan! The storyline was about a forbidden love between a Thai boy (played by Thai superstar-​Bie Sukrit, who is extremely talented) who falls in love with a Thai diplomat’s wife… I’m a sucker for tragic romances, so I must admit that I did shed a few tears… but good tears, as this show was just overall a beautiful sight to see, and really touched my heart. I’ve watched quite a few musicals since I love them, and I must say this is one of my new favorites! And I really hope that it’s around for a long time, and people come check it out, and enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks again Katie B and Unilocal for this amazing experience, I really appreciate it! :)

It was great, they had great effects and everything. The place is nice. But seats are alright. The story was okay. I dont like the idea of adultery it gives me a weird bad feeling. They should really work on the story. The surprise was in the end they were getting naked. I found that hilarious. Stated earlier it was hard to understand sometimes.

I liked this production of Waterfall. It’s a Thai musical and is a story about love.
The backgrounds were amazing, the most impressive being when an actual waterfall with flowing water was on stage.
The songs of the musical were in my opinion only okay. They had some sound issues (it’s during preview week, so they were still working out the kinks) but the songs were sometimes difficult to understand since the main actor was Thai.
I guess I’m a stick in the mud since I didn’t really like the plot. This story about love involves adultery and I didn’t know how to feel about anyone’s relationship with each other. There’s a lot going on in this play. Other stories boil down to a simple love story. This one is about the history of Thailand, the history of Japan, and a love story all wrapped up in one.

Whenever I see a show at the Pasadena Playhouse, I can trust that it’s going to be a fantastic production. Last night’s preview of Waterfall did not disappoint. The two things that stood out for me were the music and the production values.
It starts off so simple with scrim work and projections, but it builds and builds… adding more layers, and by the end of the first act, well, I was blown away by an amazing set piece. The entire evening felt like flipping through a gorgeous book of watercolors as the narrative seamlessly moves from painting to painting.
The music was equally as rich and lavish. There were many beautiful musical moments between the two leads and I wish I could listen to them again even now.
Two people from different worlds falling in love as the world around them falls apart. This story felt familiar, and even though well told, it didn’t really grab my heart like I think it could have. However, this production left me with a lot to talk about afterwards over coffee with my date, and I’m excited to hear about what my friends will be saying about it when they see it. I predict Waterfall is going to be around for a while.

Where do I begin? There is just so much to say about my experience seeing Waterfall. First off, I can never complain about the venue– I love the Pasadena Playhouse and the remarkable stage productions they bring each season– and Waterfall did not disappoint! Waterfall is a «love» story that takes place during the 30’s/40’s where depression and war plagued the world.
It was my first musical here at the playhouse, and the production was magnificent. I thoroughly enjoyed the orchestra, the singing, the set designs, and especially the costumes. I feel like the set design for Waterfall were among the better ones I’ve seen, and the scene changes were flawless! Bravo to the crew and set design staff for doing a fantastic job in bringing the patron into the scenes.
I also enjoyed the ethnic costumes– especially the Thai ones. I am always mesmerized by the colors, and headpieces! It was a very culturally enriching experience to learn more about a society that seems so foreign from our own. Beside the costumes worn by Thai and Japanese, the musical provides great insight on three societies during the same time period. As a Sociologist, it was fascinating to see this implemented in such an informative way in the form of entertainment. They did a great job at that!
A Musical can be hit-​or-​miss for most people. Incorporating music with a feasible storyline is a great feat, and most of the time end in failure. First off, let me start off by saying that Waterfall was not a failure. It’s a fun, interesting musical for the most part, but all good things must sacrifice something. The only thing that would have made Waterfall a complete success for me, would have been a strongly developed storyline with more plot twists. I feel like the script was a bit a contrived and cliché love story– which is okay because a musical is truly all about the music (which was FANTASTIC). What sets this musical aside from others just like it is that incorporates 3 different cultures. The inter-​racial relationships is quite refreshing for this period piece.
Overall, I recommend anyone who is into musicals, period pieces and love stories to give Waterfall a shot! I really had a great experience!

By protocol we should review the event, but I’m making an exception with this review since I’m a guest to the city, and a fellow Unilocaler from a different demographic.
That said, I thank Katie B and Unilocal for permitting me to attend the preview of Waterfall, the Musical.
That said, Pasadena Playhouse– you are an iconic gorgeous piece of architecture located in central Pasadena, a beautiful venue for certain
Story is written for the 1930 – 40 era in Asia, the changing of guards, politics and of course– forlorn loves a great story with some comedy and humorous lines
Now– to the stars, cast and characters, stage design team, production department, writers etc, Fantastic jobs!
A combination of stories, the king & I, Ms Saigon, Madam butterfly… Combination of musicals; the sound of music, opera madam butterfly…
Definitely a musical not to be missed–
Final notes– if you are a softee bring Kleenex or tissue. If you are the driver, be prepared to pay $ 7 – 10 in the surrounding lots forget street parking unless you are there extremely early of your engagement. If you go for evening shows, eat before you go as restaurants in the surrounding area close around 10−11pm
(My final notes relate to the specific musical Waterfall)

Bravo to Katie B. & Pasadena Playhouse for an amazing night at the theater (and for complementary tickets). Opening night was tonight and the playhouse was packed. From the moment this musical began to the very end, it had captured my attention and my heart as the story continued to unfold.
Waterfall, A New Musical takes place in Bangkok and Tokyo between 1933 – 1939. It tells a story of a young Thai student, Nappon, who falls in love with a Thai diplomat’s American wife, Katherine. In some ways, this musical reminded me of The King and I. With it’s love story that takes place around a significant historical era, with some consequences and challenges that unfortunately get in the way. And an ending (won’t give that away) that evokes an emotion (if you are a crier, then be sure to bring some tissue).
The set design is truly amazing and really does transform the stage into another country, another world, another period of time. The elaborate costumes and talented performers who sing and dance in every act, down to the last detail really makes this musical something amazing that makes it hard to put into words. But just know this, this musical is incredibly worth seeing.
Total run time for this play: 2 hours, 45 minutes (which includes a 15 minute intermission).