[ 28-02-2006 ]
It was the “wedding” everyone had been waiting for. Over 13,000 guests turned up at Putra Indoor Stadium Bukit Jalil last Saturday, many of whom had arrived an hour earlier than the scheduled time of 8pm. But as expected, like most Chinese weddings, proceedings started about an hour late, due to the bride’s make-up artist, whose flight from Hong Kong had been delayed. Then two dancers bearing flags emblazoned with the bride and bridegroom’s surnames announced their arrival. The newly weds opted for a pair of matching silvery white pant-skirts with the bride topping it off with a funky red-white feather headgear. They delivered two duets – the medley of Long Zheng Fu Dou (Fierce Battle) and Mong Zhong Yan (Dream Person) and Yu Jian (To Meet). It was a power-packed opening to the Leo Ku and Miriam Yeung Chinese New Year Concert in Malaysia 2006, which got the crowd suitably worked up. “We’re getting married today,” announced “bridegroom” Leo Ku to a fervent crowd with blushing “bride” Miriam Yeung standing by his side. “It’s so rare that so many people attend a wedding dinner. I think we should get married every year,” Ku quipped. “Choi, dai kat lai see!” (which means “that’s bad luck” in Cantonese) retorted Yeung with a laugh. If you don’t already know, this was no regular wedding but a musical marriage between Hong Kong Cantopop stars Ku and Yeung. It was the very first time both were undertaking this untested venture but fans obviously believed in it from the start. Within a week of tickets going on sale, all RM80 and RM140 tickets were sold out. After an enthusiastic start, Ku made way for Yeung’s solo set. She sang five slow numbers including Zi Mui (Sisters), Yong (Courage) and Sou Nei (Count You). Ku took to the stage next with his lively Broadway set, delivering favourites like Lo Ma Ka Kei (Roman Holiday), Bo Si Mao (Persian Cat) and Tin Choi Yu Bak Chi (Genius and Fool). Both Yeung and Ku did well in keeping audiences entertained despite their varying musical styles. Ku’s fans would have discerned that his segments (even the costumes) were similar to his Genting concert last year. But no one complained. The songs were good and thanks to the four-way stage positioned at the centre of the stadium it offered fans a more up-close and personal experience. The night’s guest artiste was Hong Kong’s latest singing sensation Justin Lo, who received equal share of the limelight as the main stars. Just like how they cheered Ku and Yeung, fans accorded him a similar welcome. Lo sang Hou Yan (Good Person) and Mang Ngang (Tough Life) from his self-titled debut album before joining Ku on several a cappella medleys. It was just like old ti mes when Lo used to sing back-up for Ku. It was definitely one of the highlights of the night. During the encore, Ku and Yeung also got Lo to join them on stage, bringing the night to a close with the brilliant Oi Yu Seng (Love and Honesty). However, I do have a gripe. It was the lack of musical collaboration between Ku and Yeung. Throughout the three-hour show, their duets only numbered a measly four songs. Their banter was also far too few, especially considering that Yeung’s effervescent personality comes from her witty repartee. The audience sadly didn’t see much of that. |  
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