PGL - From Matrix to Theatrics
Yep, I did it. I managed to secure a ticket to watch the widely-raved-about, impossible-to-get-tickets Puteri Gunung Ledang - The Musical @ Istana Budaya. And let me tell you, this was no easy feat! I tried (well, me and my friend did) to get tickets for WEEKS, we called, we tried online - nothing worked.. and in the end, they were all SOLD OUT! 
No words can describe how disappointed i was.. Until out of the blue, somebody offered me ONE ticket for an additional show (it was supposed to end on the 26th, but due to the high demand, they did another stint on the 27th). Just ONE. And it costs a 100 smackaroos. I didn’t think, i just grabbed it. To hell with the price. This is a once in a lifetime thing!
First off, this was my very first time going to Istana Budaya. Yes yes, i know its kinda pathetic but who cares? By the time i reached IB around 7pm, I was awestruck - The place was simply majestic. It had grand furnishings, beautiful lightings, and the people there were impeccably dressed and exude poshness and style. I definitely feel underdressed and insignificant that night, coming straight from the office and all. I even rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous - the likes of Afdlin Shauki, Azian Irdawaty, Benjy, Zalia etc.
When the time came to take our seats in the great hall, I could hardly hide my excitement.. I mean, I’m gonna get to see an original Malaysian musical! I got a pretty good seat on the 2nd level, quite near to the VIP box… So u can imagine the view I had (no wonder it was 100 bucks 
). The hall itself was a work of art. Although distinctly modern with a digital screen to display subtitles (That’s right, I kid you not - PGL had subtitles!) and superb sound systems, it was nonetheless rich with Malaysian carvings and decor.
As the show started, i was mesmerized by the sheer enormity of the show. The performance was belted out in gusto, the characters were engaging, the script - beautifully written, the dance - energetic, the set - breathtaking, the music - spellbinding. Even the subtitles were spot on. 
The drums and percussions that accompanied the whole show was powerful and energetic, setting the mood for each scene perfectly. You’ll feel like joining the performers and dancing in your seat!
Here are the main characters:
Gusti Puteri - Tiara Jacquelina
Hang Tuah - Stephen Rahman-Hughes
Gusti Adipati - AC Mizal
Sultan Mahmud - Adlin Aman Ramli
I’m singing praises for AC Mizal’s performance… 
Even though he is no hero, but his performance as Gusti Adipati overshadows even Tiara’s embodiment of Gusti Puteri. I literally reeled back in fear from his very convincing wrath and powerful presence when he found out Gusti Puteri had run away to Gunung Ledang.
But don’t get me wrong, all the characters were delivered flawlessly. Even Hang Tuah, who was played by an eurasian (a babelicious Briton who’s half Malay and doesn’t really speak perfect Malay) named Stephen Rahman-Hughes 
(also known for his stint in the infamous Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams), sang and delivered his lines in perfect Bahasa Malaysia. Not to forget a set of pipes that’ll knock your socks off!
All in all, there’s nothing that i didn’t enjoy throughout the show… I loved every minute of it! I almost wished it wouldn’t end… The honor and dignity in being a part of this true Malayan masterpiece makes me feel proud to be a Malaysian! By the time i got home that night, I fell asleep blissfully happy and sated after enjoying such a memorable experience immensely. One can only hope to experience such perfection in the future… 
*Pictures courtesy of Kakiseni.com & Pglthemusical.com.my
