Centaline understands the challenges families face in children's education, especially during exam seasons when parents are anxious about their children's academic performance and future. In response, Centaline Club reserved the Exploding Theatre for members to enjoy "Our Journal of Springtime THE MUSICAL," Hong Kong's first long-running musical, providing both an emotional and thought-provoking experience. This special showing featured renowned actress Anne Heung, adding star power to the event. The response was overwhelming, with the theater adding extra seats to accommodate 180 members, resulting in a full house. Several Centaline Club committee members also attended to share this touching evening with the members.
Centaline Club Founding President Praises Stage Excellence and Promotes Quality Local Culture
Before the performance, Addy Wong WH, MH, JP, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer - Asia Pacific of Centaline Property and The Founding Chairman of Centaline Club, delivered a welcome speech. He thanked all Centaline Property and Centaline Club customers, friends, and members for their enthusiastic support of this sponsored event. Mr. Wong mentioned that he had previously seen "Our Journal of Springtime" and was impressed by how the musical portrayed the laughter and tears of Hong Kong students' growth. He was particularly amazed by the seamless stage design and scene transitions, which demonstrated Hong Kong's innovative and agile spirit. This appreciation motivated him to organize this special Centaline Club showing. He also expressed gratitude to Anne Heung for her "comeback" performance for Centaline Club, adding star power to the show.
The Struggle Between Reality and Dreams Touches Every Parent's Heart
"Our Journal of Springtime" uses Hong Kong's education system as the story background, vividly depicting the conflicts between the Principal, a prestige-focused educator, and a group of dream-pursuing Form 6 students. The story resonated deeply with parent members, as it portrayed the struggle between parents wanting to prevent their children from taking wrong paths and children's determination to pursue their dreams. The musical balanced humor and emotion, with moving songs that perfectly captured the confusion and passion of youth. Anne Heung's portrayal of the Principal was commanding, embodying a strict administrator who subjects students to intense training to secure her retirement honors. The young cast was full of energy, expressing through song and dance how young people can shine even under the pressure of the education system. After experiencing the pressures of the education system and tests of family and friendship, the characters ultimately find their self-worth, prompting audience members to reconsider how to help the next generation find their direction during their most vibrant years.
The Cast Shares Their Dream Journey and Hong Kong's Musical Theater Dream
After the performance, Anne Heung led the cast in curtain calls and shared her connection with "Our Journal of Springtime." She praised the multitalented Tom Chan, who served as writer, composer, lyricist, director, and producer. Despite many believing that Hong Kong's industry structure and environment weren't suitable for such productions, and despite pandemic challenges, Chan persisted in his dream and successfully planted the seed of long-running musicals in Hong Kong's theater scene. Anne Heung noted that Tom Chan's experience embodied the musical's message of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams without regrets. To everyone's surprise, producer Tom Chan also appeared to thank the audience. He explained that he was inspired by his overseas theater studies and wanted to bring musical theater culture back to Hong Kong, hoping to cultivate a theater-going habit among locals and create more classic long-running musicals that could attract tourists. The passion of the cast and crew touched every audience member, bringing the event to an enthusiastic conclusion.
This marked Centaline Club's first sponsorship of a local original musical, receiving enthusiastic responses and praise from members. In the future, Centaline Club will continue to discover various cultural and artistic activities to recommend to members, promoting interaction and an appreciation for quality of life.