'Reya' comes to the stage singing

Novelist Taitao Sucharitkul, who penned the popular work "Dok Som Si Thong", and her renowned conductor son Somtow have announced plans to join with Nation Broadcasting TV to produce a musical based on the novel.

Titled "Reya The Musical", the performance will be in opera style. Taitao says that she's named the show after the leading character Reya because it is more concise than the novel title, which is also the name of the hit soap opera aired on Channel 3 last year.

The project started when Taitao talked to her son and they agreed that the story could be turned into a musical. Somtow will handle the music production. "A few songs from the musical will be released prior to the performance date so that people are familiar with the tunes and may even want to sing along."

The production team has yet to reveal the cast but rumour has it that Araya "Chompoo" Hargate who played Reya and won awards for her role in the soap opera may be picked for the role.

Interested persons can also participate in the project, as the producers of "Reya The Muscial" will soon be auditioning for a number of supporting cast members. Applications are open until the end of February by emailing ReyaTheMusical@hotmail.com. The auditions will take place on March 6, 7 and 8 at the Old England Students Association on Phetchaburi Road. Skills required include singing, acting and stage movement. Taitao and Somtow will be there to screen the applicants.

The musical will be staged later this year.