Better late than never
Twenty-eight years ago, Fresno's own Marcel Nunis -- Rogue Festival founder and local arts-scene fixture -- wrote the book for a musical titled "Frogway." Back in 1980, Malaysia's Sunday Star newspaper described it as "the very first made-in-Malaysia musical, produced and directed by unknowns in theatre. It was a hit!" The show "re-premiered" last year in Malaysia, and Nunis learned recently that the new production had been nominated for five Boh Cameronian Arts awards. (Think the Malaysian version of Broadway's Tony Awards, Marcel explains.) A description of the musical's plot:
Eddy, a singing frog, is rejected by his pond community because frogs aren't supposed to sing! He leaves the pond, and the love of his life, to seek his fame and fortune downriver at the Swamp. Here Eddy's singing talent propels him to stardom with the help of two cunning agents, a Snake and a Stork. He reaches the top of the entertainment world when he gets to perform on 'Frogway'. But fame, fortune and riotous living take their toll on our star. Blinded by pride and rejection, he turns to the dark side and dumps his best friend Freddy the Toad. To his horror, Eddy stumbles upon a dastardly plot by his agents to rob him of his fortune before killing and EATING him.
On Monday, Nunis learned that the show received one award for Best Group Performance (Voice). Congrats, Marcel. Not even Audra McDonald can say she's won a Boh Cameronian award. Now for the burning question: Does Livingstone's serve frogs' legs?
Comments:
Donald, Thanks for the splashy post! I'll be sure to send the link to the producers back in Malaysia.
It was a "re-premier" simply because Mike (the composer) and did a pretty fair amount of re-writes over the internet last year. It was great to revisit... and even more fun to work with him again.
Once again... kudos to the cast and company for a successful run and winning the award.
Posted by: marcel at May 13, 2008 12:33 PM
On the frog's legs... don't think Livingstone's does... but the Landmark may.
Posted by: marcel at May 13, 2008 12:43 PM
So... when will Frogway be splashing in Fresno??? I know I'm anxious to see/be a part of a production!!! :)
Not that I'm being selfish or anything... :)
Posted by: Renee N at May 13, 2008 1:03 PM
Malaysia's 'brain drain' was our gain! (woops, wrong thread).
But seriously folks, we are all proud to have Marcel "Godfather of the Rogue Festival" Nunis
working and creating here in the Valley.
Posted by: blake at May 13, 2008 1:04 PM
The Brain Gain?
I love it, Blake. I love it.
We always talk about the people who move from Fresno, but what about the folks who move here?
*raises hand*
Posted by: Mike Oz at May 13, 2008 2:15 PM
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